The best hotspots in Alanya: from hotels to restaurants
April 13, 2023
- Turkey
Naomi van Hagen
Content
Istanbul, it is a culinary melting pot between two worlds. During my city trip to the bustling metropolis on the Bosphorus, I experienced like no other how past and present, East and West, and history and modern culture come together. But what makes Istanbul truly unforgettable is its cuisine. From delicious baklava and typical mezze to vegan dishes, every bite tells a story. Its rich culinary traditions are a legacy of Ottoman and Anatolian cultures, and Istanbul serves as the ultimate "tasting room" of Türkiye. Are you curious about where to eat in Istanbul, and, just as importantly, what to really order? These are my culinary tips for Istanbul after 24 hours in the city!
Culinary Istanbul: discover the flavors of this unique city
Istanbul is a city where flavors converge like nowhere else. You can clearly see here the mix between traditional and modern cuisines, influenced by the rich history and diverse cultures that have shaped the city. From colorful bazaars with scents of spices and freshly baked simit to trendy restaurants in neighborhoods such as Karaköy and Balat, you will find an inexhaustible variety of culinary experiences in Istanbul. In the old neighborhoods, you will taste the authentic flavors of the past, while trendy neighborhoods such as Galataport and Feriköy embrace the more modern and innovative side of Turkish cuisine.
With only 24 hours in this city, I got to experience the flavors of the destination Istanbul intense experience, and in this article I share my personal tips and the best places to eat in Istanbul. Will you join me on a culinary journey of discovery?
Eating in Istanbul: the iconic flavors of the city
Istanbul is a city that stimulates all your senses. Curious about the iconic flavors you absolutely must try? These are my favorites!
1. Baklava and Turkish Delight
No visit to Istanbul is complete without these sweet treats. Baklava, made of wafer-thin layers of filo dough, pistachios and honey, literally melts in your mouth. Turkish Delight is a soft sweet treat with different flavors, such as rose, pomegranate and pistachio.
Tip 1: Try this delicacy at Karaköy Güllüoğlu, the place for authentic baklava.
Tip 2: Want to experience up close the tradition behind Turkish sweets? Then go to Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir 1777, the oldest confectionery company in Turkey. Here you can not only taste the best Turkish Delight, but also participate in a unique akide candy workshop (for only 450 TRY, about €12). During the workshop, you will make your own candy, be served a cup of Turkish tea and take home a delicious treat bag of Turkish Delight and confectionery.
2. Mezze
If there's one thing I love, it's shared dining. And I can tell you with certainty: you're in the right city for that. You see, you can find an incredible number of good restaurants in Istanbul that have mezze on their menus, the Turkish version of tapas. Small, tasty dishes that are ideal for sharing. Think hummus, baba ganoush, dolma (stuffed vine leaves) and cacık (Turkish tzatziki).
The very best place in Istanbul to eat mezze, if you ask me, is Muutto Anatolian Tapas Bar in Galataport. The menu at Muutto is inspired by traditional Anatolian cuisine, but with a modern twist. You almost don't want to share the dishes you can order here, it's that good!
3. Street food in Istanbul
One of the best ways to explore Istanbul is through its street food. All over the city you will find stalls and small food shops serving local delicacies. Start your morning with a freshly baked simit, a sesame ring bun that tastes best with a cup of Turkish tea. Also try börek, a savory puff pastry dish filled with cheese, spinach or meat, often found at small bakeries.
For a true street food experience, be sure to visit İstiklâl Caddesi, where the smell of freshly roasted chestnuts and grilled corn cobs await you. In the mood for something heartier? Try lahmacun, the Turkish version of pizza, at Mahir Lokantası. This thin dough is topped with seasoned minced meat, tomato and onion, and rolled with fresh parsley and lemon. A quick, tasty bite not to be missed! By the way, you can also find a variety of other traditional dishes here.
Culinary discoveries by district
Istanbul is so big and diverse that you could easily wander around here for weeks. But after 2 full days, a few places stole my heart. These are Istanbul's best neighborhoods for gastronomy and culture:
1. Sultanahmet and Eminönü
Sultanahmet and Eminönü are the beating heart of historic Istanbul and, in terms of gastronomy, the place to be when it comes to traditional Turkish flavors. These neighborhoods house iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, as well as one of the city's most aromatic spots: the Spice Bazaar.
At the Spice Bazaar, scents of herbs, teas and spices meet you. Here you will find everything from fragrant saffron and freshly ground sumac to local delicacies such as dried fruits, nuts and Turkish Delight. Take time to stroll past the colorful stalls and be tempted to sample various delicacies.
Just off the bazaar is the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, a hidden gem with impressive colored Iznik tiles. This quiet sanctuary is a nice place to escape the hustle and bustle of the bazaar for a while.
2. Balat
Balat is one of Istanbul's oldest and most colorful neighborhoods. Think narrow, cobblestone streets, historic buildings and a mix of cultures. This neighborhood was once home to Greeks, Armenians and Jews, and their influences are still visible in the churches, synagogues and mosques.
Today, Balat is the place to stroll past colorful houses and plop down in one of the cozy cafes for a tasty cup of coffee. This neighborhood truly feels like a trip through time, but with a modern twist.
I visited the cozy breakfast shop in Balat Velvet Cafe, where you are served a delicious (and very extensive) traditional Turkish breakfast. Think different types of bread with cheese, homemade honey, jam and peanut butter, tahini, olives and butter with tangerine. Turkish specialties are also served, such as a spicy sausage with puff pastry. Take your time and start your day quietly with this tasty breakfast, and then take in the interesting daily life in the streets of Balat.
3. Karaköy
As I strolled through the atmospheric streets of Karaköy, I immediately felt the vibrant atmosphere. This hip neighborhood is bursting with creative spots and addresses, with a mix of trendy restaurants, boutique stores and street art around every corner. Karaköy is a place where history and modern culture playfully come together.
Two addresses to remember here are Karaköy Güllüoğlu (the place I mentioned earlier for delicious baklava) and Galata Simitçisi. At Galata Simitçisi you score the tastiest simit.
Tip: Come late afternoon, when Karaköy really comes alive. Start with a tasty snack, like a simit, stroll through the colorful streets and spot the iconic umbrellas and street art. Then it's time to choose from one of Karaköy's many fine restaurants for a delicious dinner!
4. Feriköy
Feriköy is a neighborhood that is often not directly mentioned in the list of nicest neighborhoods in Istanbul, but if you ask me, it is definitely worth mentioning. Combining tradition with a modern touch, this distinctive neighborhood offers an authentic glimpse into local life. For example, stroll along the Kurtuluş Caddesi, Feriköy's most famous street, where you will be immersed in a world of art, culture and culinary traditions.
A highlight is the Organic Bazaar, a bustling market that passionately sells fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs and homemade treats. Visit the Organic Bazaar on Saturdays, when it is at its liveliest. Come with an empty stomach and be surprised by the smells, colors and tastes of the market.
And then another must-visit: Bomontiada, housed in a former brewery. Today it is a hip cultural hub with restaurants, bars and creative spaces. One of the highlights is the Ara Güler Museum, dedicated to the iconic Turkish journalist and photographer. But if you go to a former brewery, of course a beer should not be missed. At The Populist, you'll drink craft brewed beers and the original Bomonti beer, a tribute to the brewery's history.
4. Galataport
Galataport is one of Istanbul's newest hotspots. This redeveloped port on the Bosphorus is a bustling area with stylish stores, hip restaurants and art galleries. That you can eat insanely delicious food there is proven by restaurant Muutto, which I mentioned earlier as a mezze hotspot tip in Istanbul.
Galataport is also a wonderful place to stroll along the waterfront and enjoy stunning views of the Bosphorus. You can walk to Galata Tower, one of Istanbul's main attractions, and Taksim Square in 15 minutes from Galataport.
Galataport as a base for a culinary city break Istanbul
Galataport is also an ideal base for a stay in Istanbul. The Maestro Hotel is highly recommended thanks to its stylish rooms and central location.
The Maestro Hotel Istanbul
This is a gem in Istanbul, believe me. Everything has been thought of in this hotel and you will be completely pampered. And that bathroom, we all want that at home, don't we? The hotel is not only a picture to see, but also very conveniently located in Istanbul. You can walk straight from the Maestro Hotel to the promenade, but also to the Galata Tower and Taksim Square.
Fine dining in Istanbul
Do you love fine dining? Then you must put Istanbul on your list to visit soon. Istanbul has rapidly developed into one of the world's leading gastronomic destinations.
Since 2022, the city has officially been on the culinary map with an entry in the prestigious MICHELIN guide. No fewer than 77 restaurants have since been selected. This shows how diverse and sophisticated Istanbul's culinary scene is.
The MICHELIN Guide 2025 again includes exciting new additions. For example, Casa Lavanda, a soothing culinary oasis just outside the city, received both a MICHELIN star and a Green Star for sustainability thanks to their own vegetable gardens and local collaborations. Four new Bib Gourmand restaurants also shine in the guide, including authentic Tatbak, famous for its pide and kebabs, and Araf İstanbul, known for sophisticated charcoal dishes. Sustainability takes center stage at The BARN and Telezzüz, both of which received a Green Star for their ecological approach. Six new restaurants were also recommended, including Lokanta by Divan and Çok Çok Pera, which serve modern Turkish and Thai cuisine, respectively.
For a sophisticated fine-dining experience is Arkestra highly recommended. This MICHELIN-starred restaurant offers a modern interpretation of Turkish cuisine. You will be amazed by the extraordinary flavor combinations! Prefer an intimate culinary experience? Then visit Ruby Restaurant, an insane restaurant where you can enjoy a combination of refined dishes and a prime location, namely right on the water of the Bosphorus.
Tip: Complete your fine-dining experience by making reservations in advance, especially at the popular top restaurants, to ensure an unforgettable culinary evening in Istanbul.
On a culinary city break to Istanbul
Would you like to take a special city trip to Istanbul, with a culinary twist? We are happy to put together a tailor-made trip for you. We take care of your flight, a nice accommodation and the best culinary tours and restaurant reservations in Istanbul. Leave the work to us and have an unforgettable trip to the Turkish city!
Naomi van Hagen
Curious, creative and passionate about travel, I’m always on the lookout for unique destinations where culture, gastronomy and adventure come together. As a travel blogger, I share personal stories and insider tips from countries like Brazil, Greece, Indonesia, Thailand and Peru, from hidden gems and rich traditions to unforgettable culinary experiences. My blogs are based on real travel experiences and in-depth local knowledge. Ready to plan your own adventure? As a personal travel consultant, I’ll help you create a tailor-made trip that perfectly suits your travel dreams.
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