An Insider’s Guide To The Istanbul Food & Drink Scene
Benji Aydin and Lamia Al-Otaishan Aydin, the husband-and-wife creative team behind Turkish fashion label Les Benjamins, are at the heart of Istanbul’s creative scene. Alongside their passion for designing clothes, “The city has a mystical feeling of East meeting West; it is the only city located in both Asia and Europe, separated only by bridges. Istanbul has so much history, culture and depth for you to discover,” they say. they also work to create a space for community and inspiration for rising talents in Turkey and beyond. This cultural melting pot results in an incredible Istanbul food scene, plus places to drink and dance into the early hours.
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“We also recommend visiting vinyl stores in Beyoğlu and Kadıköy,” says the design duo, “as well as camera shops in Sirkeci, where you can find film and vintage cameras. Istanbul truly never sleeps.”
Here, the Les Benjamins duo share their definitive list of Istanbul food spots, whether you’re looking for fancy fine dining or a quick bite on the go.
The Locals’ Favourite Istanbul Food Spots…
- Araka – You’ll easily forget you’re in the middle of the city’s hustle and bustle at this Michelin-star city oasis.
- Aman da Bravo – Feeling more Côte d’Azur than cityscape, this restaurant has been named ‘Turkey’s answer to modern bistronomy’.
- Saloncuma – In the heart of Istanbul’s vibrant Çukurcuma district, Saloncuma describes itself as an American-style cocktail bar and restaurant.
- Yeni Lokanta – Offers a vibrant Mediterranean ambience and inventive Turkish flavours, with a focus on local produce and wines.
- Itsumi – If you’re up for venturing outside the city centre, you’ll find this simple yet authentic Japanese restaurant, with dishes expertly made with the freshest ingredients.
- Bi Nevi Deli – For anyone with strict dietary requirements, Bi Nevi Deli is a must-visit, serving up top-notch gluten-free, raw, vegetarian, paleo and plant-based cooking.
The Best Casual Comfort Food…
- Zula Burger – Hearty comfort food courtesy of a mouthwatering burger and hotdog menu.
- Coni & Co – A much-loved fried chicken spot, where you can eat in or take away.
- YMRT Garden – This eatery prides itself on its farm to table ethos, with all produce sourced from its own farm.
The Fine Dining Restaurants To Try…
- Arkestra – An elegant dining experience housed in a 1960s villa, offering European cuisine with global influences.
- Fatih Tutak – Offers a Turkish fusion of flavours from around Europe, made with locally and sustainably sourced ingredients.
- Neolokal – For a dining experience that’s both classic and contemporary, Neolokal is the place to be, combining modern methods with lesser-known traditional dishes.
For Traditional Turkish Cuisine…
- Zübeyir Ocakbașı – Known for being one of Istanbul’s best grills, here you’ll find classics such as gavurdağı (a tomato & walnut salad) and çöpşiş (a type of shish kebab made with lamb served on wooden skewers).
- Bayramoğlu Döner Kavacik – Searching for the best doner kebab in town? This is a popular destination with locals and tourists alike.
- Şahin Usta Döner – For a taste of true local flavour, this must-visit spot pairs tırnaklı pide (a thick flatbread) with traditional doner filling.
- Sehzade Cağ Kebab – Meat eaters will enjoy the traditional cağ kebab it’s famous for but you’ll also find vegetarian-friendly options, such as red lentil soup and ezme salad.
The Bars To Head To After Dinner…
- Arkestra Listening Room – Extend the night by grabbing a cocktail while listening to a hand-selected vinyl collection from the Arkestra archives.
- Tavern – Offers an array of cocktails, events, music and ‘sexy lil bites’ if you’re feeling peckish after a cocktail or two.
- 316 Wine Bar – Ideal for an evening sipping local wine and snacking on small plates while soaking up the intimate atmosphere in this cosy venue.
Pia Brynteson is Digital Editor at Service95
