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Middle Eastern Restaurants in Istanbul

Bringing together the exotic flavours of western Asia and north Africa, Middle Eastern cuisine is very diverse. Common ingredients include chickpeas, olives, olive oil, mint and parsley as well as tahini.

The most popular Middle Eastern restaurants in Istanbul are Lebanese restaurants, and many restaurants, especially meyhanes, feature dishes common to other parts of the Middle East.

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Seafood (91 places) If you’re in Istanbul and seafood is on your mind, you’re in the right place. The city’s connection to both the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara means fresh, flavorful fish is never far away. Istanbul’s fish restaurants range from humble street-side stands near Karaköy to classic meyhane taverns in Kadıköy, where the… Explore
Turkish (87 places) If you want to eat like an Istanbulite, Turkish restaurants here are more than just kebabs and baklava. Sure, those are staples, but the real flavors lie deeper. Head over to Kadıköy’s fish markets and you’ll find meaty hamsi (anchovies) grilled fresh in winter, something you won’t get in tourist-packed Sultanahmet… Explore
Pub (43 places) Pubs in Istanbul aren’t your typical Irish dive bars or English-style taverns. The city has its own rhythm, mixing traditional meyhane spirit with more modern, international touches. You’ll find cozy spots in Kadıköy where locals gather after work, sipping cold bira and chatting late into the night. Or head to… Explore
Breakfast (42 places) Explore
Mediterranean (27 places) Mediterranean cuisine in Istanbul isn’t just about olives and hummus. It’s a whole vibe that goes beyond the usual. You’ll find places serving dishes inspired not just by Turkey but also Greece, Lebanon, and even the North African coast, all with that characteristic sun-soaked, fresh, and herb-driven punch. In… Explore
Italian (16 places) If you’re craving Italian in Istanbul, you’re in luck. The city’s got a few places where the pizza crust sings and the pasta feels homemade, not just thrown together for tourists. Places like Trattoria Da Rosario in Cihangir offer a cozy vibe with great wines and wood-fired pizzas that’ll remind you of Naples. But if… Explore
BBQ & Grill (14) • Coffee Shop (11) • Steakhouse (11) • Japanese (9) •

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