A Guide to the Best Turkish Restaurants

01.05.2023 - 15:39

Turkish cuisine is a delightful combination of flavors, spices, and textures, influenced by centuries of history and cultural exchange. It is a cuisine that is both hearty and flavorful, with dishes that are both comforting and exciting. If you're a fan of Turkish cuisine or looking to try something new, you're in luck, because there are many outstanding Turkish restaurants around the world that offer a taste of this delicious cuisine. In this guide, we'll take a look at 13 of the best Turkish restaurants and what makes each of them unique.

1. Antakya Restaurant, Istanbul:

Located in the heart of Istanbul, Antakya Restaurant offers traditional cuisine from the Antakya region of Turkey. This restaurant is known for its delicious kebabs, stuffed vegetables, and other regional specialties, as well as its warm and welcoming atmosphere.

2. Ciya Sofrasi, Istanbul:

Ciya Sofrasi is a family-owned restaurant in Istanbul that offers a taste of traditional Turkish home cooking. The menu changes daily, but you can expect to find a variety of meze, stews, and grilled meats, as well as a range of vegetarian and vegan options.

3. Gaziantep Burc Ocakbasi, Istanbul:

Gaziantep Burc Ocakbasi is a popular Turkish grill restaurant in Istanbul that specializes in kebabs and grilled meats. The restaurant uses only the freshest ingredients and offers a variety of meze and side dishes to complement its flavorful meat dishes.

4. Karaköy Lokantasi, Istanbul:

Karaköy Lokantasi is a chic and trendy restaurant in Istanbul that offers modern interpretations of traditional Turkish cuisine. The menu features a range of meze, seafood dishes, and other specialties, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

5. Asitane Restaurant, Istanbul:

Asitane Restaurant is a high-end Turkish restaurant in Istanbul that specializes in Ottoman cuisine. The menu features rare and exotic ingredients, such as pistachios, saffron, and rose petals, and offers a range of traditional dishes, including lamb stew and stuffed eggplant.

6. Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi, Istanbul:

Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi is a historic Turkish restaurant in Istanbul that has been serving its famous meatballs for over 90 years. The meatballs are made with a special blend of spices and served with a variety of side dishes, including pickles, grilled peppers, and tomato sauce.

7. Beykoz Kundura, Istanbul:

Beykoz Kundura is a trendy restaurant located in a converted shoe factory in Istanbul. The restaurant offers a range of Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, and meze, all served in a unique and stylish setting.

8. Şahin Lokantası, Ankara:

Şahin Lokantası is a traditional Turkish restaurant in Ankara that has been serving authentic cuisine since 1925. The restaurant is known for its delicious meze, stews, and grilled meats, all made with the freshest ingredients and cooked to perfection.

9. Köşebaşı, Istanbul:

Köşebaşı is a chain of Turkish grill restaurants that has several locations in Istanbul and other cities around the world. The restaurant offers a range of grilled meats, kebabs, and meze, all made with high-quality ingredients and served in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

10. Divan Restaurant, Istanbul:

Divan Restaurant is a high-end Turkish restaurant in Istanbul that offers a contemporary twist on traditional cuisine. The menu features a range of inventive dishes, such as stuffed quince and roasted lamb, as well as a variety of meze and desserts.

11. Ulus 29, Istanbul:

Ulus 29 is a sophisticated restaurant located in Istanbul that offers stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait. The menu features a range of Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, and meze, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

12. Güllaç Restaurant, Istanbul:

Güllaç Restaurant is a cozy Turkish restaurant in Istanbul that specializes in traditional desserts. The menu features a range of sweet treats, including baklava, Turkish delight, and Güllaç, a delicate dessert made with layers of phyllo pastry and milk pudding.

13. Meze by Lemon Tree, London:

Meze by Lemon Tree is a popular Turkish restaurant located in London that offers a taste of authentic Turkish cuisine. The menu features a range of meze, grilled meats, and seafood dishes, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.