The Best Restaurants On Istiklal Street, Istanbul

This local favorite has garnered acclaim throughout Istanbul for its incredible food. Upon entering the restaurant, a jaw-dropping view of the Bosphorus is within sight, and you’ll also be greeted with the aromatic scent of perfectly cooked Turkish cuisine. At night the restaurant is intimately lit, creating an inviting atmosphere and complementing the view.

Mekan is a restaurant that you’ll want to visit time and time again. Every dish is fresh and comes in generous portions – from hot and cold starters to the filling main courses. The restaurant consistently delivers in terms of flavor, with the meze starters being especially popular, as well as the lamb dishes which are succulent and cooked to perfection.

At this restaurant, choose from an array of traditional dishes at the counter – and if you can’t make up your mind, the staff will happily recommend something based on your preferences. If you want a friendly atmosphere and a meal cooked by experts, look no further than Lades Restaurant. A particular favorite at the restaurant is a dish called menemen, which is a breakfast dish consisting of eggs, onion, tomato and green pepper. Istanbul mezes | © JohnPickenPhoto/Flickr

The Turkish dessert of muhallebi is the Turkish equivalent of rice pudding, consisting of milk and rice flour and traditionally seasoned with rose or orange flower water. This restaurant specializes not only in this sweet treat but in many other traditional desserts and delicacies – you’ll be spoiled for choice. If you want the opportunity to really get to know this versatile cuisine, look no further than this establishment.

This is a restaurant that is a mix of fast food haunt and fine dining establishment, with the efficient service and speed of the former and the great quality and taste of the latter. The köfte (or meatballs) are served either as small meat patties or on a skewer and are well seasoned and mildly spicy. The restaurant also offers a salad bar as well as other meats for you to enjoy. The boneless chicken dishes are an especially popular alternative. There are also vegetarian options available for diners to sample and enjoy.

This restaurant that provides more than a meal; it provides and fun and memorable experience. It provides many modern amenities such as air conditioning and WiFi for the comfort of its visitors. Additionally the restaurant also has live music on some occasions, allowing customers the opportunity to enjoy traditional Turkish entertainment.