Best Restaurants in Istanbul: Six Addresses Worth Knowing

In any new city, the first questions are what to eat and where to eat it. This guide brings together six Istanbul restaurants, from terrace dining with Bosphorus views to a seafood table on the Islands.

Spago Restaurant & Bar, Nişantaşı

Spago serves its guests under the leadership of chef Wolfgang Puck. It is a terrace restaurant, and its setting draws on views of Maçka Park and the Bosphorus.

Address: The St. Regis Istanbul, Mim Kemal Öke Cad. No: 35, Nişantaşı

Nicole Restaurant, Beyoğlu

Nicole is a boutique restaurant in the Tomtom neighbourhood of Beyoğlu. It is known for seasonal menus built on local, fresh ingredients, a wine cellar focused on château-style wines and an experienced service team.

The restaurant looks over the garden of the Italian Consulate, and its terrace offers a view of old Istanbul reaching as far as the Islands. It takes its name from Agnes Marthe Nicole, the manager of the historic building where Franciscan nuns once cared for the sick.

Address: Tomtom Mah. Tomtom Kaptan Sok. No: 18, Beyoğlu, Istanbul

Queb Lounge 360, Sultanahmet

Located on the historic peninsula, Queb Lounge 360 is a terrace restaurant and café with panoramic views. Its position close to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia makes it a natural stop when exploring the old city, and its modern, carefully designed interior keeps the atmosphere relaxed.

Address: Cankurtaran Mah., Akbıyık Cad. No: 29, The Byzantium Hotel terrace floor, Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Teos Beach Restaurant, Kınalıada

On Kınalıada, Teos Beach combines a calm, clear sea with a Greek-style seafood restaurant and events. It typically operates as a beach and restaurant during the day, with entertainment programmes in the evening.

Address: Kınalıada Çarşı Cad. No: 63, Adalar, Istanbul

Emporio Ristorante, Beşiktaş

Emporio is one of Istanbul's well-known Italian restaurants and pizzerias, offering original recipes, quality ingredients and flavours gathered from across Italy. It has two venues in Akaretler: Emporio Ristorante and Emporio Pizza Pasta, serving both traditional and modern Italian cuisine.

• Emporio Ristorante — Vişnezade Mah. Şair Nedim Cad. No: 3, Beşiktaş, Istanbul
• Emporio Pizza Pasta — Süleyman Seba Cad., Refik Osman Top Sk. No: 11, Beşiktaş, Istanbul

Taylan Şef Steakhouse, Caddebostan

On the Asian side, Taylan Şef Steakhouse welcomes guests with a boutique concept, a warm atmosphere and attentive service.

Address: Caddebostan, Bağdat Caddesi exit, Kadıköy, Istanbul

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