Where to eat and drink in Istanbul

Where to find the best traditional restaurants in Istanbul?

Another experience to do at least once is to go to one of the traditional Turkish taverns, called meyhane, order various appetizers, called meze, and have a nice glass of rakı. In Istanbul there are many, some older and others more modern. Remember that on weekends you must always book in almost all restaurants in Istanbul.

It is difficult to advice the areas of the city where to find the best taverns. It also depends on your tastes. There are excellent tavernas in Taksim and Istiklal caddesi, in Cihangir area, in Kadiköy, but also in non-touristic districts such as Mecidiyeköy… and in the areas further away from a center. Even on the island of Burgazada there are sea taverns where the meze is simply delicious! Surely we do not recommend the Sultanahmet area, here the exceptions are very few. Although in recent years, even the most touristy restaurants are realizing that it is better to introduce real Turkish cuisine than to think only of economic gain.

About prices, there are restaurants where you can spend around 5-10 euros or some places where you spend 70-80 euros each. As in all large cities, it depends on the neighborhood and type. The most expensive neighborhoods are certainly those with more tourist attractions and those on the Bosphorus, such as Bebek (where there is also the well-known and expensive Nusr-Et restaurant) but even in these you can find a typical and cheap restaurant like Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi serving the best Köfte in the world at fair prices and opposite the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

During the summer season, the best place to have a drink in Istanbul is on the banks of the Bosphorus. In the warmer months, the neighborhoods on the Bosphorus are ravaged by the population and the big clubs of Istanbul open their rooftop terraces with exceptional views of the Bosphorus and the Asian coast. On the Bosphorus, one of the most beautiful districts is certainly Ortaköy. Here it is a privilege to enjoy a drink and dance while looking at the Istanbul skyline, its historic and shining buildings and the Sea of ​​Marmara. In the center of Ortaköy you will also find cheaper bars and clubs. You can also sit on the shore and grab a beer from a market, watch the sea and the boats.

In Karaköy, on the left bank of the Galata Bridge, the atmosphere is very hipster, almost every day there is a new bar, restaurant or new club. Most of the bars serve delicious and sophisticated food, great alcoholic drinks and then turn into a dance floor with good music.
On the Asian side, in Kadiköy you will find streets full of old wooden buildings that now house trendy bars, restaurants and cafes. It is a cleaner, more welcoming and quieter area of ​​Taksim, although most of the bars close after 1.00. Bagdat Street is the most famous street in the Kadiköy area. Besides being the center of shopping, there are bars and clubs which are a little more expensive than average. It is a 9-mile long road, parallel to the Sea of ​​Marmara, which is very popular with young people who come here for shopping, having a coffee or a cocktail.
Back in Europe, don’t miss a drink in Beşiktaş. Here you can savor the authentic atmosphere of a Turkish neighborhood that has not yet felt the touch of gentrification. Around the fish market there are taverns serving seafood and raki. Other places are mostly visited by young people. Prices are average, not expensive. Except for the nightclubs located on Akaretler Street. Here you can find luxurious bars, lounges and clubs!