Istanbul is a mini version of Turkiye with all its cultures inside and the diversity of people. You can find every culture and tradition in Istanbul, so for the ones who experience Turkiye’s cultural foods, there is nowhere better than Istanbul. Because Turkiye has many border countries, the culture, especially food, is quite diverse. Eagan, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Northern cultures affect traditional foods in Turkiye.
There are many traditional restaurants in Istanbul; the best part about them is they are pretty cheap! You can enjoy these delicious meals while being fascinated by Turkish foods’ diverse ingredients. One different thing about Turkish traditional food restaurants is they are usually not consumed with alcohol, so it is hard to find alcohol to drink traditional Turkish meals.
So, here are the best traditional food restaurants in Istanbul!
Kasap Osman
Kasap Osman is the perfect place to try İskender Kebap (a very popular food in the restaurant) and Doner in Istanbul. The place is not luxurious but will provide a cozy and friendly ambiance. You can see the waiters are always around your table to serve and take orders fastly. Also, the portions of meals are quite big, and prices are really budget-friendly. One of the other good impressions about Kasap Osman is that their menu is very clear to understand and order. They considered the visitors who are unfamiliar with Turkish cuisine and designed their menu according to that.
Also, if you want to experience and learn about Turkish cuisine and culture, Kasap Osman is definitely worth seeing. The district that Kasap Osman is located in also will complete your local experience in Istanbul.
Meshur Filibe Koftecisi
Its foundation dates back to the opening of a meatball shop in 1893 by Mehmet Saltuk, who immigrated to Istanbul from the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv (Filibe in Turkish). It is the oldest meatball restaurant and the 17th oldest restaurant in Turkey. When you go to eat, you can see the 70-year-old regulars of this cozy restaurant.
You will taste the most delicious meat in Meshur Filibe Koftecisi. The deliciousness of the meat can be understood from all the tables of the restaurant because they are always full and it is really hard to find a place for yourself. The prices are also very budget-friendly. Additionally, do not forget to taste their Sutlac and Piyaz.
Bankalar Lokantasi
Bankalar Lokantasi is one of the best restaurants where you can find good-humored waiters, delicious meals, and a perfect ambiance. The prices are not too cheap but average according to the district. You can find the best examples of pot dishes of Turkish and Ottoman cuisine at Bankalar Restaurant, whose roots date back to 1947. It is possible to find dishes such as grills as well as pot dishes.
Nato Lokantasi
One of the greatest artisan restaurants, Nato Lokantasi, has been open since 1952. Tradespeople typically eat exquisite homemade meals at artisan eateries during their lunch hour. It is crucial to observe regional cuisine.
Balat Sahil Restaurant
They have unique herbs and different appetizers. The place serves traditional Greek and Armenian appetizers. It is a very suitable place, especially for those who want to set up a locksmith (the name of the table with appetizers and Turkish traditional alcohol raki) table and have a friendly conversation. Waiters are very experienced so you can have a quiet and relaxing dinner here.
Erzincanli Ali Baba
It is located next to the Süleymaniye Mosque. There are a few kuru fasulye (bean meal) restaurants, but this is the best place. It is a very satisfying place where you can eat rice and cacık, an indispensable taste. The service is fast and friendly, the taste is good, and it is worth going to. You should not return without trying the flavor of kuru fasulye and pumpkin dessert with tahini.
Lokanta Kru
Lokanta Kru has a small but cute ambiance. There is no menu; you choose dishes from the open buffet. You can find all the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine in this open buffet. It’s good to have alcohol (it’s a rare thing in Turkish restaurants). They have a quality and hygienic kitchen. The staff is friendly at Lokanta Kru, which is a family-run and well-established restaurant.
Tarihi Oktay Kurabiye Firini
It is the oldest establishment of Beşiktaş, which has been in existence since 1934. There is a seating area for 10-15 people. Cookie varieties should definitely be tried by those who love macaroons. Cookies are always fresh and delicious. They also have the best tea you can drink in Beşiktaş. Employees are very respectful and smiling.
Yanyali Fehmi Lokantasi
Fehmi Bey, the shop’s founder, came to Turkey after the Balkan Wars and decided to open a delicious restaurant. It is a historical place in Kadıköy where you can find reliable and quality flavors. The dishes are so fresh and delicious that you want to taste them all. There are many varieties, whether vegetable or meat dishes and all of them are magnificent. Employees are friendly. Everything you will eat is carefully prepared with quality ingredients.