Must Visit Restaurants in Turkey
Turkey’s food scene blends centuries-old traditions, bold flavors, and modern innovation. Whether you’re craving sumptuous Ottoman dishes, fresh seafood by the coast, or sizzling meats straight from the grill, there’s a perfect place waiting for you.
Here’s an extended list of the best restaurants in Turkey—each one offering a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
Mikla – Where Modern Meets Tradition
Perched atop the Marmara Pera Hotel in Istanbul, Mikla is more than just a restaurant—it’s a culinary experience. Helmed by the visionary chef Mehmet Gürs, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a contemporary twist on Turkish flavors, using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Stunning rooftop views of Istanbul’s skyline
- A creative tasting menu featuring Anatolian ingredients
- Signature dishes: Lamb with smoked eggplant, Manti ravioli with modern flavors
If you want a dinner that blends tradition and innovation, Mikla is the place to be.
Neolokal – Preserving Turkish Heritage
Neolokal is where heritage meets innovation. Chef Maksut Aşkar is passionate about reviving forgotten Turkish recipes and presenting them in a contemporary way. Located in Salt Galata, Istanbul, this restaurant is a love letter to Turkish cuisine.
Why You’ll Love It:
- A seasonal menu using organic, local produce
- A modern take on traditional Anatolian flavors
- Signature dish: Duck with pomegranate molasses and hummus
Dining at Neolokal is like stepping into a time machine of flavors, where each bite tells a story of the past and future.
Nusr-Et Steakhouse
If you know Salt Bae, then you know Nusr-Et Steakhouse. This world-famous restaurant has become a global sensation, offering some of the best steaks in Turkey. Located in Istanbul, Bodrum, and Ankara, it’s a must-visit for meat lovers.
Why You’ll Love It:
- High-quality, perfectly cooked steaks
- Live tableside meat cutting & signature salt sprinkling
- Celebrity-approved dining experience
Want to feel like a VIP while indulging in buttery, juicy steaks? Nusr-Et is the place to go.
7 Mehmet – A Taste of Antalya
For authentic Turkish cuisine with a touch of refinement, 7 Mehmet in Antalya is a dream come true. Dating back to the 1940s, this family-run restaurant is famous for its slow-cooked dishes and traditional flavors.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Authentic Mediterranean and Turkish dishes
- Locally sourced ingredients, fresh seafood, and grilled meats
- Signature dish: Lamb shank with sumac and bulgur pilaf
7 Mehmet is a place where time slows down, and every bite feels like home.
Asmalı Cavit – The Best Meyhane in Town
Want to experience Istanbul’s lively meyhane culture? Asmalı Cavit, located in Beyoğlu, is the ultimate place to eat, drink, and feel the soul of the city.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Traditional Turkish meze and rakı (anise-flavored liquor)
- A cozy, nostalgic ambiance
- Signature dish: Grilled liver with onions and parsley
If you want a night filled with good food, warm conversations, and endless meze plates, Asmalı Cavit is the perfect spot.
Bodrum Balıkçısı – A Seafood Paradise
Turkey’s coastal regions are famous for fresh seafood, and Bodrum Balıkçısı is one of the best places to enjoy it. Set along the Aegean Sea, this restaurant serves the freshest catch of the day, grilled or prepared with traditional Turkish flavors.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Sea-to-table freshness
- A beautiful seaside location
- Signature dish: Grilled sea bass with olive oil and lemon
For a romantic, seafood-filled night, Bodrum Balıkçısı is a dream come true.
Alancha – Where Art Meets Cuisine
Located in Istanbul, Alancha takes Turkish cuisine to an artistic level. Every dish is carefully crafted, turning dinner into a multi-sensory experience.
Why You’ll Love It:
- A modern, Michelin-level tasting menu
- Creative plating that looks like art
- Signature dish: Aegean octopus with smoked eggplant
Alancha is not just a restaurant—it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the meal is over.
Karaköy Lokantası – Timeless Turkish Hospitality
For those who love classic Turkish flavors, Karaköy Lokantası is a hidden treasure in Istanbul. Known for its elegant blue tiles, warm ambiance, and unforgettable food, it’s a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Authentic Turkish dishes cooked to perfection
- A warm, welcoming atmosphere
- Signature dish: Hünkar Beğendi (slow-cooked lamb over creamy eggplant purée)
At Karaköy Lokantası, you don’t just eat—you fall in love with Turkish cuisine all over again.
Çiya Sofrası – A Journey Through Anatolia
Çiya Sofrası, located in Kadıköy, Istanbul, is a treasure trove of Anatolian flavors. Chef Musa Dağdeviren has spent decades reviving lost regional dishes, offering a culinary trip through Turkey’s diverse food culture.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Rare, forgotten recipes from different regions of Turkey
- A daily-changing menu filled with home-cooked flavors
- Signature dish: Stuffed quince with lamb and pine nuts
Dining at Çiya Sofrası is like exploring Turkey’s rich heritage on a plate.
Tuğra Restaurant – A Royal Ottoman Experience
If you’ve ever dreamed of dining like a Sultan, Tuğra Restaurant inside the Çırağan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul is the place to be. With its stunning Bosphorus views and regal ambiance, it takes you back to the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Authentic Ottoman dishes crafted with historical recipes
- Palace-like setting with candlelit elegance
- Signature dish: Hünkar Beğendi (Sultan’s Delight – slow-cooked lamb over creamy eggplant purée)
Dining at Tuğra is like stepping into a fairy tale of flavors and history.
Kısmet Lokantası – A Hidden Local Gem
Nestled in Edirne, Kısmet Lokantası is a no-frills eatery where the focus is purely on flavor and tradition. Known for its home-style Turkish cooking, this restaurant is a favorite among locals.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Generous portions of classic Turkish comfort food
- A warm, family-friendly atmosphere
- Signature dish: Tava Ciğer (Edirne-style crispy fried liver)
If you love simple, hearty food with soul, Kısmet Lokantası will feel like home.
Orfoz – A Seafood Lover’s Paradise
Located in the heart of Bodrum, Orfoz is a must-visit for anyone who loves seafood and shellfish. The intimate, cozy setting and expertly prepared dishes make it one of Turkey’s best fine-dining seafood restaurants.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Fresh, seasonal seafood delicacies
- Carefully curated soft drinks pairings
- Signature dish: Grilled octopus with Aegean herbs
Dining at Orfoz is like savoring the ocean on a plate.
Zübeyir Ocakbaşı – The Ultimate Grill Experience
If you’re looking for the best kebabs in Istanbul, Zübeyir Ocakbaşı is the place to go. This authentic ocakbaşı (grill house) serves perfectly charred, smoky meats cooked right in front of you.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Traditional open-fire grilling for an unforgettable taste
- A rustic, lively atmosphere where you feel like part of the family
- Signature dish: Adana kebab served with fresh lavash and spicy ezme
If you love meat cooked to perfection, this is a must-visit.
Borsa Restaurant – Timeless Elegance in Turkish Cuisine
With a history dating back to 1927, Borsa Restaurant in Istanbul has perfected the art of Turkish fine dining. It’s where tradition meets luxury, and every dish is prepared with the utmost care.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Refined versions of classic Turkish dishes
- Elegant, upscale ambiance
- Signature dish: Kuzu tandır (slow-roasted lamb with pilaf)
Borsa is a place where every meal feels like a special occasion.
Hünkar – Istanbul’s Legendary Home-Style Eatery
If you want to taste home-cooked Turkish food at its finest, Hünkar in Nişantaşı, Istanbul is a must-visit. This family-run lokanta has been serving timeless Turkish classics since 1950.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Authentic, slow-cooked dishes straight from Turkish kitchens
- Cozy, welcoming atmosphere
- Signature dish: Kuzu incik (braised lamb shank with rich tomato sauce)
Hünkar is comfort food at its absolute best.
Antakya Sultan Sofrası – The Soul of Hatay Cuisine
Located in Antakya (Hatay), a city famous for its rich culinary heritage, Antakya Sultan Sofrası is a hidden treasure. The flavors here are deeply rooted in Arabic, Turkish, and Mediterranean influences.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Traditional dishes rarely found elsewhere in Turkey
- Generous, flavorful portions
- Signature dish: Tepsi kebabı (spiced ground meat baked in a tray)
A meal at Antakya Sultan Sofrası is a cultural and culinary experience in one.
Kanaat Lokantası – A Taste of Ottoman Simplicity
A beloved institution in Üsküdar, Istanbul, Kanaat Lokantası has been serving simple yet delicious Ottoman-style food since 1933.
Why You’ll Love It:
- No-frills, cafeteria-style setting with top-quality food
- A variety of stews, grilled meats, and traditional desserts
- Signature dish: Kazandibi (caramelized milk pudding)
Kanaat Lokantası is proof that simplicity can be extraordinary.
Sakarya Tatlıcısı – A Dessert Lover’s Heaven
No food journey in Turkey is complete without desserts, and Sakarya Tatlıcısı in Bursa is a legend when it comes to Turkish sweets.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Freshly made traditional desserts with high-quality ingredients
- Warm, nostalgic atmosphere
- Signature dish: Kemalpaşa tatlısı (syrup-soaked cheese pastry)
If you have a sweet tooth, this place is pure bliss.
Nar Lokanta – Modern Anatolian Elegance
Located in Istanbul, Nar Lokanta takes the rich flavors of Anatolia and presents them in a modern, sophisticated way. The menu is a blend of heritage and contemporary gastronomy, making it a top choice for food lovers.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Fusion of traditional and contemporary Anatolian flavors
- A chic, stylish setting perfect for a special dinner
- Signature dish: Kuzu güveç (slow-cooked lamb stew with seasonal vegetables)
Nar Lokanta is where the past meets the present in the most delicious way possible.
FAQ About Must Visit Restaurants in Turkey
1. What makes Turkish cuisine unique?
Turkish cuisine is a blend of various regional flavors, influenced by centuries of history and cultural exchanges. From savory kebabs to sweet baklava, each dish tells a story of the country’s rich traditions, local ingredients, and diverse cooking techniques.
2. What are some must-try dishes in Turkey?
Some of the must-try dishes include kebabs, mezes, lahmacun, and dolma. For dessert, don’t miss out on baklava and künefe, both showcasing the sweet side of Turkish culinary excellence.
3. Which cities in Turkey have the best restaurant scenes?
Istanbul, Bodrum, and Antalya are known for their vibrant restaurant scenes. Istanbul, especially, offers a mix of traditional and modern dining experiences, while Bodrum is famous for its fresh seafood.
4. Are there any vegetarian or vegan-friendly restaurants in Turkey?
Yes! Many restaurants in Turkey offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. Dishes like hummus, vegetable mezes, and çılbır (poached eggs with yogurt) are popular options. In major cities, you’ll find plenty of plant-based dining options.
5. What is the dining etiquette in Turkey?
Dining etiquette in Turkey is relatively relaxed, but it’s polite to say “afiyet olsun” (bon appétit) before starting your meal. It’s also customary to share dishes, especially during family-style meals.
6. What is the best time to visit restaurants in Turkey?
The best time to visit Turkey for dining is during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and many restaurants offer outdoor seating with stunning views, especially along the coast.
7. Are there any famous restaurants in Turkey?
Yes, some of the most renowned restaurants include Mikla, Neolokal, and Nusr-Et Steakhouse in Istanbul. These restaurants are famous for their innovative takes on Turkish cuisine and exceptional dining experiences.
