Where can I find the best Turkish food in Istanbul?

Fatih and Beyoğlu are the top districts, offering the most traditional and highest-rated Turkish restaurants.

Is Fatih a good area to eat in Istanbul?

Yes. Fatih has the highest-rated traditional Turkish restaurants, with an average of 4.61 stars across thousands of reviews.

Woman with pink hair enjoying traditional Turkish food on an Istanbul rooftop at sunset, with mosques in the background

Where to Eat in Istanbul in 2025: A Local’s Guide to Traditional Turkish Food & The Best Districts to Visit

There’s something magical about Istanbul. It’s a city where the ancient and modern collide in perfect rhythm—minarets pierce the sky above neon-lit rooftop bars, and centuries-old recipes are plated with modern finesse. But if you want to truly taste Istanbul, you need to know where the locals go.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top five neighbourhoods for traditional Turkish cuisine, backed by newly released data from Istanbul Tickets and Tours. Over 6,369 restaurants were analysed, and we’re breaking down the results with an insider’s flair, real-life dining tips, and some jaw-dropping foodie gems.

Whether you’re visiting Istanbul for the first time or returning to uncover its edible soul, this is your 2025 roadmap to authentic Turkish food experiences.

🥇 1. Beyoğlu

– Istanbul’s Electric Heartbeat of Food, Culture & Colour

143.65 Turkish restaurants per 100,000 residents
Avg rating: 4.27/5

Beyoğlu is where Istanbul shows off—a dazzling, cosmopolitan neighbourhood layered with history, art, and irresistible food aromas wafting through its narrow lanes.

Why Go:

Home to İstiklal Avenue, a vibrant pedestrian street buzzing with energy, music, and meze.
Rooftop dining at Roof Mezze 360, a five-star restaurant with 3,309 glowing reviews and views across the Bosphorus that could bring a tear to your eye.
It’s the kind of place where you grab a grilled dürüm, pop into a gallery, then stumble into a jazz bar by midnight.

Insider tip: Beyoğlu’s meyhane culture is legendary. Don’t miss the traditional meze spreads paired with rakı—aniseed liqueur beloved by locals.

🥈 2. Fatih

– The Soul of Old Istanbul (And Home to Its Best-Rated Restaurants)

134.82 Turkish restaurants per 100,000 residents
Avg rating: 4.61/5 (the highest in the city)

If Beyoğlu is Istanbul’s stage, Fatih is its memory. This ancient district, woven with Ottoman grandeur, is also where the best-rated Turkish food can be found. And we’re not talking tourist-friendly menus—this is the real thing.

What Makes It Special:

Gulhane Sark Sofrası (5 stars, 4,686 reviews) sits near Topkapi Palace and serves recipes passed down through generations.
Antakya Restaurant, Deraliye, and Bitlisli Sirkeci also top TripAdvisor’s elite list.
This district is steeped in Islamic, Roman, and Byzantine history—every bite feels sacred.

Eat here if: You want to dine where empires once ruled, where the flavours have depth, soul, and centuries of refinement.

🥉 3. Beşiktaş

– Bosphorus Breezes & Market-Fresh Bites

58.57 restaurants per 100,000 residents
Avg rating: 3.96

Beşiktaş is the perfect blend of youthful edge and historic charm. The district’s fish market is a sensory overload—think glistening catch-of-the-day selections, shouting vendors, and spices so fresh they’ll reset your palate.

What to Do:

Grab a seat by the Dolmabahçe Palace and dine as ferries bob along the Bosphorus.
Explore hidden local gems like street kumpir stalls (stuffed baked potatoes), mussels with lemon, and boza (a fermented wheat drink).

It’s not the highest-rated area—but it’s undeniably one of the most beloved by young locals and culinary explorers alike.

🌿 4. Şile

– The Seaside Secret with Traditional Flavour

26.78 Turkish restaurants per 100,000 residents
Avg rating: 3.74

Located northeast of the city centre, Şile is where you go to breathe. This peaceful coastal town has become a hidden favourite among in-the-know travellers looking for traditional Turkish cuisine with a side of sea breeze.

What to Expect:

Traditional seafood taverns with views of the historic Şile Lighthouse.
Family-run eateries that serve grilled octopus, freshly caught seabass, and Turkish breakfasts on sun-drenched patios.
A more relaxed, romantic escape than the city bustle—ideal for slow dining and sunset watching.

🌟 5. Kadıköy

– Asian-Side Cool With Culinary Depth

22.87 restaurants per 100,000 residents
Avg rating: 3.90

Kadıköy is where Istanbul gets hip. Situated on the Asian side, it’s packed with bustling street markets, vinyl shops, espresso bars, and funky galleries. The food here is as bold and expressive as the Moda locals.

Highlights:

The Kadıköy Market for Turkish delight, dried fruits, and olive oils.
Traditional Turkish dishes reinvented with modern flair.
A dynamic vegan and vegetarian scene growing in popularity.

Kadıköy is for adventurers, creatives, and anyone who wants to discover Istanbul’s future through its food.

🏆 Top-Rated Turkish Restaurants in Istanbul (2025 Edition)

According to TripAdvisor reviews, these are Istanbul’s finest:

Restaurant	District	Rating	Reviews
Gulhane Sark Sofrası	Fatih	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	4,686
Antakya Restaurant	Fatih	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	3,859
Roof Mezze 360	Beyoğlu	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	3,309
Deraliye Restaurant	Fatih	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	3,164
Bitlisli Sirkeci	Fatih	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	3,074

These are worth building your itinerary around—each is a destination in its own right.

Local Advice From Travel Experts

“If you want to experience the true traditional flavours Istanbul has to offer, avoid the tourist traps. Always check reviews and book ahead—especially if you have dietary requirements.”

— Magdalena Petrusic, Travel Expert at Istanbul Tickets and Tours

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to eat traditional Turkish food in Istanbul?

Fatih and Beyoğlu lead the way. Fatih boasts the best average ratings, while Beyoğlu has the most restaurants per capita.

What’s the best district for a first-timer?

Beyoğlu. It offers variety, nightlife, rooftop dining, and easy access to landmarks.

Is Istanbul good for vegetarians?

Yes. While Turkish cuisine is meat-heavy, most restaurants offer vegetarian meze and eggplant-based dishes. Kadıköy has more modern, plant-based options.

When’s the best time to dine out?

Evenings for hot meals and ambience, but don’t sleep on Turkish breakfast—especially by the Bosphorus.

Should I book restaurants in advance?

Absolutely. Especially in Fatih and Beyoğlu where the top-rated places book up fast.

Final Thoughts: Eat With All Your Senses

Istanbul isn’t just a destination—it’s a feast for the soul. Let your fork be your guide as you explore centuries of tradition through every bite. Whether you’re wandering the Grand Bazaar or sipping Turkish tea on a terrace, the real Istanbul lives on the plate.

Now tell me—what are you ordering first?

Where to Eat in Istanbul: The Top Districts for Authentic Turkish Cuisine in 2025