Set inside one of Istanbul’s many old cisterns, Aheste is a crowd pleaser both for its historical setting and for its excellent Turkish tasting menu. The emphasis is more on letting traditional flavors and spices shine rather than leaning into experimental dishes, and diners can enjoy their meal with wine pairings or one of the inventive cocktails. Due to its setting, the restaurant has a dark, moody vibe that can be great for a romantic dinner or anyone who wants to lean into the history. For a more intimate experience, request a table in the back room. Advance reservations are highly recommended as this spot can book out.

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Serious foodies consider a trip to Istanbul’s Asian side a worthwhile trek, if only to eat at Çiya. This no-frills kebab shop features dishes from the chef’s childhood home in southeastern Turkey. Look for regional specialties that are unlikely to turn up in any of Istanbul’s more chic establishments.

Dine like a sultan at Deraliye, where chef Necati Yilmaz has collected historic recipes from Ottoman palaces to recreate at his restaurant. Some dishes are served in embossed silver bowls amidst rich decor like crystal chandeliers, wooden screens and plush mustard colored seating.

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Fazil Bey has gained a reputation as one of the city’s top stops for Turkish Coffee, with limited seating and excellent coffee.

Inside the Sura Design Hotel, Galeyan aims to bring the best of historic Anatolian cuisine to your table. The menu is dictated by the seasons, but the best-known dish is the lamb tandoori with two rice pilafs—one from a 15th century recipe and one from the 19th century. The space itself is sleek and modern with touches of history like the old wooden doors hung on the walls. Conveniently located in the old city, Galeyan is within walking distance of many popular sights like the Basilica Cistern, Sultanahmet Square and the Hagia Sophia.

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Located on the Bosphorus Strait, Gallada is the brainchild of storied chef Fatih Tutak, who in 2019 moved back home to Turkey and opened the restaurant inside The Peninsula Istanbul. Here, chef Fatih delivers a unique gastronomic experience, taking diners on a journey down the ancient Silk Road, with foods from Turkey, central Asia and China. In 2022, the restaurant was awarded two Michelin Stars in the inaugural edition of the Michelin guide to Istanbul. Dishes include lamb kebabs, char-grilled kafta with tahini, wood-fired monkfish and medjool date cake with masala tea and whipped buffalo cream.

Outside of Istanbul’s city center, Itsumi is helmed by Japanese chef Shunichi Horikoshi, who came to Turkey in 1994. Founded in 2003, Itsumi came to life after Horikoshi fell in love with Turkey and realized the area needed more Japanese fare. Raw dishes like sashimi and sushi take center stage, but diners will also find grilled and fried fish, rice and noodle bowls and salads on the menu.

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There are many locations in Istanbul to get baklava, but one of the most famous—so famous that they ship nationwide—is Karaköy Gulluoglu.

In the Tarabya neighborhood, Kiyi is a fish restaurant with marina views that has been open since 1966. The combination of wood and white used throughout gives the restaurant a refined but approachable feel, while the contemporary paintings and photographs add a touch of cozy. Start with an appetizer such as shrimp butter cheese casserole, octopus salad, fried calamari or roasted peppers, and then choose a seasonal fish such as bonito, hogfish, sea bream, grouper or mackerel—all of which can be grilled, steamed or fried.

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This traditional lunch restaurant in Istanbul serves the city’s best—and most coveted—kofte, or Turkish meatballs.

Mikla is as ambitious and assuming as its name—which in Norse means magnificent (its hotshot chef Mehmet Gürs was born in Finland, grew up in Sweden and is part Turkish). Despite the strong attitude, the award-winning Mikla, in a glass-walled, U-shaped space on the top two floors of the Marmara Pera hotel, delivers in terms of design, cuisine and vista—the view over the Golden Horn is breathtaking. Well-heeled guests enjoy Gürs’ much lauded Mediterranean cuisine before heading to the terrace on the top floor for after-dinner drinks. Those who are interested in the view but can’t commit to an entire meal can also stop by for cocktails on the roof.

Focusing on Turkish and Ottoman foods, Sirali Kebap has locations in Antalya, Dubai, Tashkent, Ankara and Istanbul. Seasonal and local ingredients are used in dishes, and kebabs are the center of attention. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in plenty of light during the day for lunchtime, while gold-wired light fixtures usher in a dim and romantic vibe for dinner.

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Continuing the trend of New Istanbul cuisine, Yeni Lokanta (roughly translated to “new canteen” in Turkish) serves updated takes on Turkish classics and features a small but good wine list of boutique Turkish vineyards. The space is cozy, with traditional tiled floors and a wood-burning oven, and is popular with a hip, foodie crowd.