A Food Lover’s Guide to Istanbul: Local Favorites for a True Culinary Experience

Istanbul’s food scene is a world of its own—vibrant, affordable, and unforgettable. This isn’t a guide to the touristy spots you’ll find in every travel blog. Instead, these are local favorites—the places where Istanbul’s magic really shines, spots that the locals love and that offer an authentic taste of the city.

From buttery rice carts to hidden brunch cafes, every stop feels like you’re discovering something special and uniquely Istanbul. Here are my personal favorite dishes and the cozy, unassuming places I always visit when I’m in town.

1. Dürüm at Suat Usta Mersin Tantuni

If you’re looking for something quick, simple, and satisfying, dürüm is the answer. This wrap is filled with tender, perfectly seasoned beef or chicken, wrapped in soft flatbread and served with spicy peppers and lemon. Trust me, the squeeze of lemon with every bite makes it next level.

At Suat Usta Mersin Tantuni, the vibe is always relaxed and welcoming. It’s the kind of place where you can sit down for lunch, grab a nighttime snack, or pop in for something quick and delicious. Plus, it’s so affordable you’ll want to order two.

• What to Order: Beef or chicken dürüm + ayran.

• Why It’s Special: Cheap, delicious, and always hits the spot.

Address: Katip Mustafa Çelebi, Tel Sk. No:1, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

2. Manti at Cihangir Mantıcisı

Manti, or Turkish dumplings, is a dish I never skip. These tiny handmade dumplings are filled with spiced minced meat, topped with creamy garlic yogurt, and finished with melted butter infused with paprika and mint. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor.

What makes this place even better is its location in Cihangir, one of Istanbul’s most upbeat and lively neighborhoods. After enjoying a plate of manti, you can stroll through the area—pop into antique shops, grab a coffee at a quirky cafe, or just enjoy people-watching. I’ve even seen locals playing dice on the sidewalks, and there are always friendly dogs and cats roaming around. It’s a neighborhood where life feels warm and connected.

• What to Order: Classic manti.

• Why It’s Special: Homemade dumplings in a vibrant, charming area.

Address: Cihangir, Ağa Hamamı Sk. No:4 D:A, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

3. Pilav at Meşhur Unkapanı Pilav Cart

On my last trip, pilav became my nightly ritual—and for good reason. This street food favorite is a simple mix of buttery rice cooked in chicken stock, chickpeas, and moist shredded chicken. Add a surprising squirt of ketchup (locals swear by it), and pair it with a fresh ayran. It’s the perfect comfort food.

You’ll find the famous Meşhur Unkapanı Pilav Cart in the Old City, where it’s been parked in the same spot for 15 years. Every night, crowds gather to enjoy this classic under the city lights. It’s cozy, satisfying, and the perfect way to end your day in Istanbul.

• What to Order: Pilav with chickpeas, chicken, and ayran.

• Why It’s Special: Affordable, nostalgic street food that feels like home.

Address: Atatürk Bulvarı, Unkapanı (Near the “İMÇ Çarşışı 1. Blok” sign on the eastern side of the street, on the way to the aqueduct. Look for the crowd.)

4. Baklava at Hafız Mustafa 1864

I stumbled upon Hafız Mustafa 1864 completely by chance, and it turned out to be one of the best food finds of my trip. This historic dessert shop has been serving up baklava for over 150 years. I ordered their assorted platter, which included ten different types of baklava, and every piece was better than the last—flaky, buttery, and perfectly sweet.

I paired it with a cup of Turkish tea, which made the experience even better. The shop itself is beautiful, and the history here makes it feel extra special.

• What to Order: Assorted baklava platter + Turkish tea.

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Why It’s Special: A historic spot with desserts that are as delicious as they are beautiful.

Address: Binbirdirek, Divan Yolu Cd. No:14, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

5. Brunch at Kara Kedi Coffee Eatery

If you’re in Istanbul and looking for a hipster, low-key brunch spot, Kara Kedi Coffee Eatery is a hidden gem you don’t want to miss. I stumbled upon this place while walking, and it instantly became a favorite.

Their almond croissant is hands down one of the best I’ve ever had—huge, beautifully decorated, and filled with this dreamy custard that’s just so rich and indulgent. They also offer a variety of croissant flavors, like cookie butter, and every single one is massive and crafted to perfection.

The vibe here is like stepping into a garden, with plants hanging from the ceiling and a cozy, aesthetic atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for brunch or to just chill—whether you want to work on your laptop, read a book, or simply relax.

• What to Order: Almond croissant (trust me), avocado toast with poached egg, and one of their many tea options.

• Why It’s Special: A gorgeous, welcoming space with amazing food and a garden-like vibe. Everyone speaks English, which makes it even more approachable for travelers.

Address: Halaskargazi, Lotus Walk AVM, Halaskargazi Cd. No:38-66, 34371 Şişli/İstanbul, Türkiye