Istanbul isn’t just a feast for the eyes, it also offers a wide variety of food to fill your bellies. Straddling both Europe and Asia, the largest city in Turkey blends centuries-old Ottoman culinary traditions with modern cooking techniques. Whether you’re enjoying sizzling kebabs by the Bosphorus or savouring an artfully plated dish as the sun sets over the Blue Mosque, Istanbul’s food scene offers something for every appetite and every budget. Here's a guide to the best eats in the city, from street vendors to Michelin-starred restaurants.
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High-end dining in Istanbul: Sky-high flavours with a view
1. Mikla: Michelin One-Star Anatolian fine dining
Perched atop the Marmara Pera Hotel, Mikla offers more than just dinner, it’s an experience designed to impress. The best time to arrive at this Michelin One Star restaurant is just before sunset, when you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink (it has a great wine list!) while taking in panoramic views of Istanbul's skyline, including the iconic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.
The menu is a refined blend of Nordic technique and locally sourced Turkish ingredients, with options for a three-course meal or a full tasting menu. Start with its selection of complimentary appetisers like sourdough with local olive oil, crispy lavash with beef, and salted cured fish on cheese crackers.
From perfectly charred calamari to delicately assembled desserts, Mikla’s dishes are some of the best food you’ll enjoy in Istanbul.
For starters, the charred calamari is a standout, while mains like the dry-aged beef for two are flavourful and expertly cooked, served with pistachio and olive cream. Desserts shine with local flair – think nutty pistachio with apricot and basil, or bitter chocolate ganache with plum and poppyseed. The combination of expertly executed dishes, attentive service, and those sweeping views make Mikla an unforgettable highlight of Istanbul’s culinary landscape.
(Hey, interested to add more Michelin Star restaurants to your culinary bucket list? Check out some of the best Michelin-starred & Michelin Guide restaurants in Taipei or start at home with Singapore’s affordable One Michelin Star restaurants worth the hype.)
- Price: Approx. SGD $200/pax (excluding wine)
- Location: Meşrutiyet Cd. No:15, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
2. Mürver Restaurant: Smoked seafood with great views
One of the best restaurants in Istanbul with a view, Mürver is great for laidback meals that engage all your senses.
Mürver Restaurant, listed in the Michelin Guide, is another of Istanbul’s best restaurants with a view where you can drink and feast on seafood. With a lively ambience and fantastic cocktails, it’s a place that attracts both locals and travellers. Begin with its house sourdough served with a cheese blend from İzmir (a city on Turkey’s Aegean coast) – strong, creamy, and memorable.
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Taste the sea in every bite with Mürver’s delicately grilled, perfectly charred main courses.
For mains, the octopus in ash, roasted monkfish, and grilled prawns all reflect the restaurant’s love for flame-kissed cooking, served with grilled vegetables. My favourite were the grilled prawns – fresh and tender, with just a touch of char adding a touch of sophistication to the taste.
Sweeten your meal with a selection from their cocktail menu!
Its cocktail menu is equally impressive, and the terrace views over the Bosphorus make it a perfect place to wind down after a day of exploring. The setting is modern yet warm, with city views creating a magnetic atmosphere. Go early for the best seats and soak up the vibe!
- Price: Approx. SGD $120/pax, including 1 cocktail
- Location: Kemeraltı Cd. No:11, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Mid-range foodie spots in Istanbul: Heartfelt dishes with a local flare
3. Balıkçı Sabahattin: A hidden spot for seafood lovers
The best foodie advice is the same anywhere in the world: for the best food, eat where the locals eat. And Balıkçı Sabahattin is a long-time local favourite that can’t be missed!
Located in a quieter part of Sultanahmet (the historic heart of Istanbul), Balıkçı Sabahattin is a long-time favourite among locals for its unpretentious seafood and old-world charm. Even when I headed here for a late dinner at 9:30pm, the restaurant was buzzing with a loyal crowd.
Grilled octopus can be hard to get right: and Balıkçı Sabahattin succeeds.
The grilled octopus here is a revelation: tender, chewy, and packed with flavour from olive oil and chilli flakes. It has a rough consistency; unlike those more tender ones we typically have in Asia. I enjoyed every bite of it.
If you’re looking for local flavours and homegrown flair, Balıkçı Sabahattin’s the place to be.
The monkfish is served on a sizzling hot plate with sweet peppers and tomatoes. The snapper, though on the smaller side, is expertly grilled with crisp edges and soft, flaky meat.
The rustic setting and local clientele give it a homely, authentic feel that makes it stand out in a district otherwise brimming with tourist traps.
- Price: Approx. SGD $50/pax
- Location: Seyit Hasan Kuyu Sk. No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
4. Hafız Mustafa 1864 (Sirkeci): A feast for the sweet-tooths
Sweet-tooths, this is a must-visit for sure!
Step into Hafız Mustafa 1864 and you're stepping into one of Istanbul’s most legendary sweet shops. Open 24/7 and occupying three lively floors, this place is a beacon for dessert lovers. At street level, you'll find an extensive takeaway counter, while the upper floors offer café seating.
From classic Turkish Delight to crunchy, nutty baklava to rich, silky milk puddings, Hafız Mustafa 1864 showcases the best of Istanbul’s classic desserts scene.
Try the “Dubai Gecesi” – a new addition to their menu, featuring silky milk pudding beneath layers of crispy kadayıf and pistachio chocolate. It's rich and comforting, reminiscent of Chinese-style steamed milk desserts.
For a more traditional hit, the pistachio baklava with a side of clotted cream delivers a crunchy, nutty sweetness that’s wonderfully excessive. You’ll likely find yourself in the company of sweet-toothed locals and curious travellers alike, all drawn in by the glittering displays and intoxicating scent of syrup and pastry. Pair everything with a strong Turkish tea – you’ll need it to balance the sugar.
- Price: Approx. SGD $15/pax
- Location: Hoca Paşa, Muradiye Cd. No:51, 34080 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
5. Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi: A timeless kebab joint
Kebabs are everywhere in Istanbul, but Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi is one of the best restaurants (for kebabs and more!) in Istanbul’s Old Town.
Steps from the Blue Mosque, Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi has been serving grilled kebabs since 1920. Expect a no-frills dining experience with simple, hearty plates.
Take a break from sightseeing with tender, juicy lamb shish kebabs, kofte, and more. Your stomach and tastebuds will surely thank you.
The grilled lamb shish kebabs are juicy and flavourful, while the köfte (meatballs) are dense and aromatic, served with buttery rice, fries, and a side of cooling ayran (salty yoghurt drink). Fast service, local patrons, and consistent quality make this restaurant one of the best to stop at while sightseeing in Istanbul’s old town.
- Price: Approx. SGD $25/pax
- Location: Alemdar, Divan Yolu Cd. No:12, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
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6. Şehzade Cağ Kebap: Skewers of satisfaction
From Istanbul to around the world, the kebab is almost synonymous with Turkish food. Yet Şehzade Cağ Kebap still manages to elevate this humble dish.
Cağ kebap is a must-try in Istanbul, and Şehzade does it right. The word ‘Cağ’, pronounced like “jag”, means skewer. This is why the meat is sliced off the spit and served on skewers, with flatbread, paprika, and chili flakes for a DIY wrap experience.
Tender, juicy, perfectly spiced—you’ve never had lamb meat like this before. And no gamey taste either!
Located centrally, the place is always packed, a testament to its flavourful, juicy kebabs that manage to avoid the gamey taste often associated with lamb. It’s fast, hearty, and wildly satisfying.
- Price: Approx. SGD $10/pax
- Location: Hoca Paşa, Hoca Paşa Sk. No:3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
7. Balık Dürümcü Mehmet Usta: The fish wrap master of Karaköy
Turkish food isn’t just red meat: refresh your palate with a fish wrap from Balık Dürümcü Mehmet Usta, one of the best in town.
This street-side spot churns out some of the best fish wraps in town, and I dare say my favourite, and most value-for-money meal during my visit.
Savoury grilled fish fillets at street food prices? You bet!
The chef grills marinated fish fillets over charcoal, wraps them in a wrap with pomegranate sauce, lettuce, carrot, and spices, then grills the whole wrap again.
One bite and all the waiting in queue instantly feels worth it.
The result is a smoky, savoury parcel that’s deeply satisfying and distinctly Istanbul. Half a fish goes into each wrap! Expect a queue – and expect it to be worth it.
- Price: Approx. SGD $7 per wrap
- Location: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Rıhtım Cd. No:1, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
8. Beyzade Künefe: For the love of cheese and pistachio
Kunafa, served up the Turkish way: stretchy cheese and sweet sugar syrup coated in a crunchy golden crust.
For a perfect kunafa fix, head to Beyzade Künefe. This desserts café specialises in just a few items, but the kunafa is a showstopper. A crispy, golden crust gives way to stretchy, slightly salty cheese, soaked in light syrup and topped with pistachios. It’s made to order, served hot, and best enjoyed fresh from the pan.
Despite its rich flavour, it’s surprisingly balanced, and you’ll likely find yourself scraping up every last syrupy crumb. Remember to order tea to balance out the sweetness. You’ll be served complimentary snacks like roasted chickpeas, sunflower seeds and fruits while you wait.
- Price: Approx. SGD $10/pax (each kunafa can be shared by 2 pax)
- Location: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Mumhane Cd. No:51, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
A city that serves more than just meals
From the smoky grills to the candlelit tables of rooftop restaurants, Istanbul doesn’t just feed – it enchants. The city’s culinary offerings mirror its character: rich, layered, and full of surprises. So come with an open mind and an empty stomach, Istanbul’s kitchens are ready to welcome you! With direct flights between Singapore Changi Airport and Istanbul daily, your Mediterranean gastronomic adventure is just a flight away.
If you don’t want to stop your Turkey travels in Istanbul, Manavgat and Antalya along the Mediterranean Coast are brimming with seaside sights, restful Hammams, and quaint coastal villages to experience. Got any more ideas? Share your Turkey travel tips with fellow travellers in the comments below!
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Best time to visit
Istanbul is great for visiting year-round thanks to its Mediterranean climate, but the best time to visit the city will depend on your preference for weather, crowd levels, and seasonal events.
June to August are the summer months: hot, humid, and the peak of the tourist season. While extended daylight hours mean more time for sightseeing, be prepared to battle against the throngs of the crowds and potentially higher prices.
The shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) usually bring milder weather, clearer skies, and greenery and foliage in bloom—ideal for those who’d like to dodge the crowds.
If you’d like a much quieter Istanbul experience, go in winter between November to March. You might catch a snowfall or two (maybe!) and most major attractions tend to be less crowded. It’s also perfect for enjoying hot coffees in cafe and a dip in the hammams, but do take note of earlier closing hours.
Currency
The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY, TL, or ₺). You can buy currencies at real-time exchange rates and collect your currencies at Changi Airport using Changi Recommends FX.
Transportation
Istanbul is a vast city, but a comprehensive and efficient public transportation system makes navigating its many wonders a breeze.
The Tram (especially the T1 line) is often the most convenient way to reach major tourist attractions like Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia), Grand Bazaar, and Spice Bazaar. Istanbul's metro system also connects key districts, major transportation hubs, and residential areas, and for areas not covered by the tram or metro, there’s an extensive bus network. These public transport options can be boarded using an Istanbulkart public transport card, which you can purchase upon arrival.
Ferries are an iconic Istanbul experience and a wonderful way to cross the Bosphorus (connecting Europe and Asia) and explore different neighborhoods like Kadıköy on the Asian side. They're also practical for reaching attractions like Princes' Islands. And if you’d like extra convenience, hail one of the readily available taxis (make sure the meter is used to avoid taxi scams) use a ride-hailing app like Uber or BiTaski (requires a Turkish phone number).
Book Now
You can get from Singapore to Istanbul via direct flights on Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Aegean Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and Air New Zealand. Book your tickets to Istanbul now!
