Istanbul is a city that never sleeps. If you’re looking for the perfect place to have dinner, Istanbul offers many options. Beyoglu district and Taksim Square have some of the best restaurants in Istanbul, and it’s worth exploring! In this blog post, I’ll share my top 18 best restaurants in Taksim and Beyoglu.
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1. Meze by Lemon Tree
At Meze by Lemon Tree restaurant, you can enjoy traditional Turkish dishes and mezes with a modern twist. With its vibrant interior and friendly staff members, this Turkish tavern is the perfect place to try something new!
Your taste buds will be delighted with the innovative dishes served up at this cozy restaurant, located just across from the Pera Hotel. From Turkish cuisine to international culinary creations that are inspired by it, these chefs have certainly created a unique experience for any foodie out there!
2. Hayvore
If you’re into local food and want to experience the rich culture of Turkish cuisine, Hayvore is an excellent restaurant for you close to Taksim Square.
Hayvore is the perfect place to enjoy authentic Black Sea cuisine with its staff and dishes from this region. The entire crew of Hayvore is made up entirely of employees who hail from the Black Sea, so what you’re getting here is a different menu than the restaurants on this list!
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3. Otantik Anadolu Yemekleri
The dishes on the menu here are inspired by traditional Turkish recipes with a modern twist to them that will keep you coming back for more!
The menu at this restaurant is as diverse and vibrant as the Turkish culture itself. You can order local Anatolian food, maybe a soup, or you could have pastries such as mantı and gözleme; also on offer are grills and kebabs with veggies doused in olive oil for additional flavor!
Vegetarians can find relief in dishes prepared with green beans, eggplant, and artichoke.
Otantik Anadolu Yemekleri is only 10 minutes walking distance from Taksim square.
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4. Tomtom Kebab
This is one of the best kebab joints in Taksim! They have a wide variety of dishes to choose from and are open for lunch, dinner, or even warm late-night soup.
Tomtom kebab is famous for its fresh cold appetizers and Adana & Urfa kebabs. The coziness of the restaurant makes you feel like it’s your second home, where everything tastes delicious!
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5. Fıccın
Fıccın, which starts with breakfast in the morning and continues on through until dinner time; is a favorite amongst employees working in Beyoğlu. Ficcin Restaurant turns into an evening tavern if you enjoy Circassian food especially ravioli or chicken from that region of Turkey. If you are curious about this food culture, we recommend trying these traditional dishes at least once!
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6. Nicole
Nicole Restaurant is found atop Tomtom Suites overlooking a view of the old Istanbul that extends to Princess Islands. In this restaurant whose namesake is Agnes Marthe Nicole the manager of Franciscan nuns who healed patients in its historical building; 2 set menus are offered: Nicole menu and Celebration menu.
Aylin Yazıcıoğlu, the chef of Nicole Restaurant, combines her years in France and Spain to produce local dishes that are both unique yet comforting. Make a booking here: https://nicole.com.tr/
Note: Reservation is necessary
7. Pera Antakya
Pera Antakya located in the heart of Beyoğlu, is one of our favorite restaurants for Turkish & Syrian food. The flavors are rich and complex, yet not too overpowering as some other Middle Eastern dishes can be.
The Mezze Plate at Pera Antakya is an appetizer plate that includes 8 dips such as hummus with pita bread; tabbouleh salad made from bulgur wheat with mint leaves and vegetables; eggplant caviar served with olive oil sauce; moutabel (spicy garlic spread) topped with fried onions and pine nuts on whole-wheat toast points; babagannuş dip mixed with sour cream, fresh herbs, red pepper paste, and citrus-colored onion rings.
Their kebabs and oven-cooked dishes such as Tepsi Kebabi are also worth trying.
Note: Reservation is recommended
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8. Zübeyir Ocakbaşı
The restaurant has a pleasant, authentic atmosphere with an open grill that you can sit around and chat with friends while watching the chef prepare your food. The lamb chops at Zübeyir Ocakbaşı are so succulent and melt-in-your-mouth, you’ll find it hard to order anything else.
This restaurant is the perfect place for all of your meat cravings. Apart from lamb chops, I highly recommend you order their, shish kebabs and chicken shish because they are absolutely delicious! It is also very close to the iconic Taksim Square, it shouldn’t take more than a 5 mins walk.
Note: Reservation is recommended
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9. Sabırtaşı Restaurant
If you would like to taste the best içli köfte and other delicious traditional Turkish food with homemade style, I definitely suggest going Sabirtasi restaurant. They also serve Kahramanmaras style manti and baklava.
Owners are so polite and friendly, they will make it feel as if you are in a friend’s kitchen. If you pass by Istiklal street then go try out this really yummy place for some grub!
10. Hacı Abdullah Lokantası
Haci Abdullah Lokantasi is the best place to taste a wide variety of delicious Turkish food near Taksim Square. They serve everything from kebabs, salads, vegetable dishes, mezes, and desserts.
You should try their signature plate “Ozel Haci Abdullah Tabagi” or “Hunkar Begendi” which is a very traditional Ottoman dish made with succulent lamb pieces and eggplant sauce.
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11. Asmalı Cavit
Asmalı Cavit is located in İstanbul’s famous district of Asmalı Mescit, within it lies one of Turkey’s most iconic taverns which offers visitors not only great food but amazing drinks too – from its extensive drink list consisting of beers, wines, and spirits alike. The restaurant serves traditional Turkish cuisine including classic dishes like köfte (meatballs), kebap, and fried mussels.
The menu also includes tasty dishes like grilled swiss chard, marinated whiting, brain salad, and fried beef liver.
Note: Reservation is recommended
12. Cezayir Restaurant
There are so many reasons to love Cezayir. They have some of the best meat dishes in Istanbul, but their menu is also positively herbivore-friendly. If you’re looking for a place that has it all or if your friends want something different than what they’ve been getting lately, give this restaurant a try!
Their delicious meat dishes will appeal to those who don’t like veggies as much and vice versa – vegetarian and vegans can enjoy great vegetarian food while carnivores feast on amazing meats without sacrificing taste or variety.
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13. Pano Şarapevi
One of the oldest and most famous Winehouses in Taksim (since 1898), Pano Şarapevi offers its customers a unique experience. With its historic ambiance as well as an extensive menu including cheese plates, cold appetizers, hot appetizers, salads, red meat, various seafood and fish, chicken, pasta, and drinks – this place has something for everyone!
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14. Müşterek Meyhane
Müşterek Meyhane is a Turkish tavern in Taksim that opened its doors for business back in March 2014. With 5an inviting atmosphere and friendly servers, you’ll feel at home here as soon as you walk through the door!
They offer great main course and mezes that are always fresh thanks to daily service! This warm and friendly restaurant provides a secret getaway from the hustle of everyday life. The atmosphere is relaxed, with an airy lounge to enjoy your meal or raki or other alcoholic drinks in while listening to old Turkish music in the background.
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15. Limonlu Bahçe
Tired of the madness on Istiklal street? Check out this secret paradise! They claim to be the first “chill out zone” in Istanbul. The restaurant is not easy to find, but it’s worth the search.
This place has it all. Delicious dishes, drinks, and atmosphere. Super friendly staff and the decoration is amazing- it feels like you just stepped into a carefully orchestrated home garden that’s been well planted for years! Highly recommended.
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16. Eleos
Eleos is the hidden gem of Istiklal, delivering a taste for Grecian tradition. It’s on the second floor and offers complimentary ouzo–the traditional alcoholic beverage that leaves visitors with a warm feeling from head to toe.
This is a seafood lover restaurant and one of the best fish restaurants in Taksim where you can find some of the best mezes and starters. Not only are their prices reasonable but they also have delicious appetizers to whet your appetite before ordering any dishes; all while enjoying the rustic atmosphere within an old historic building with tasteful decor.
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17. Nizam Pide
Locals come here mainly for pides but you can also have Turkish local dishes ( beans and rice, vegetable meat dishes, soups etc) with an equally satisfying selection of desserts.
This family-owned restaurant offers a quaint atmosphere with quick service and reasonable prices close to Taksim Square. The outdoor patio is perfect for those who want to enjoy the great weather, as well!
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18. Aheste
Aheste gives you a modern and fresh dining experience with high-quality food, friendly staff, and reasonable prices.
Aheste restaurant is a perfect spot for those looking to indulge in an elegant night with friends. The food here will awaken your taste buds, and the decor just adds to this experience of eating out. Service at Aheste leaves much desired – you’ll be met by helpful waiters that speak English as well as French!
Final words:
Our list of the best restaurants in Taksim, Istanbul includes some old favorites and a few new spots. You should be able to find something that suits your tastes from this list – whether you’re looking for an authentic Turkish meal or just want some fast food after a long day of walking around town. We hope we’ve helped make it easier to enjoy your stay in Istanbul!
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