The restaurant scene in Istanbul is thriving big time. Therefore, you should not get a hard time trying to find a favorite. The recent influx of celebrity chefs is what has contributed to the popularity of Istanbul restaurants not only in Turkey but across the world. In addition to this, Istanbul has also witnessed the arrival of a number of restaurant brands such as Zuma and Cipriani. This together with the prosperity of homegrown restaurants is what has put Istanbul on the world map in terms of top restaurants. Here is a selection of the best restaurants in Istanbul.
Mikla
The restaurant opened in 2005 and ever since it has been at the center of the city’s contemporary food scene. Run by Chef-patron Mehmet Gurs of both Turkish and Scandinavian background, you can expect to enjoy meals that reflect his origin. Some of the delicacies here include but not limited to: Aegean Octopus, Salted and dried beef with humus and pistachio. While dining, you get to view the city’s beauty including the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace from the Restaurant’s terrace.
Cokcok
This Thai restaurant is locate in Beyoglu and it offers some to the best Thai delicacies in the city. The kitchen is run by chef Nuch who is never afraid to spice up the dishes. Therefore, if you love spicy dishes, this is the place you need to be. Some of the favorites here include: curried duck and stir fried beef. The restaurant’s décor will get you to fall in love with the establishment with its all light wood and glass reflects a contemporary but stylish look.
La Mouette
Dining at the restaurant gives you a stunning view over the old city which is always an incentive to the visitors. The restaurant is run by two very talented chefs who specialize in making magical meals from locally sourced ingredients. Panna Cotta is one of their deserts which always gets the visitors who always come to dine.
Lokanta Maya
The restaurant features a brief menu of contemporary Turkish cooking and seasonal spices which have been prepared by Chef Didem Şenol. The Chef is very popular both locally and internationally making her one of the favorites in Istanbul. Courtesy of her expertise, she has made both the mucver and zucchini fritters very popular to an extent that she had to write the recipe of the same I the dining room’s mirror for customers to read and stop asking her for it.
Rumelihisari Iskele
Besides offering you with awesome Istanbul food, this restaurant is also popular for its inspiring atmosphere which visitors who come here to dine enjoy. The restaurant is very popular among Istanbul traditionalists who normally frequent this restaurant to enjoy a bit of their favorite fish delicacies. They feel that what is offered here is timeless and that city’s culinary traditions are safe within the walls of the Rumelihisari Iskele. Meals are prepared in accordance to the Istanbul rituals hence the reason as to why it’s a favorite among traditionalists.