KEY2 Pick
Anatolian • $$
Ciya Sofrasi
A Kadikoy institution reviving regional Anatolian dishes rarely found elsewhere in the city.
Best for: Local Favourite
Best restaurants in Istanbul
Counters, dining rooms and neighbourhood favourites, chosen for the way they actually eat — not for how loudly they market.
KEY2 Pick
Seafood • $$$
Balikci Sabahattin
A Sultanahmet backstreet fish restaurant in a restored wooden house, running for decades.
Best for: Date Night
Turkish • $$$
Karakoy Lokantasi
A tiled, brasserie-style lokanta on the Karakoy waterfront serving meze and grilled fish.
Best for: Casual Dinner
Steakhouse • $$$$
Nusr-Et Steakhouse
The Etiler flagship of the Salt Bae steakhouse chain, theatrical tableside carving included.
Best for: Special Occasion
Mediterranean • $$$$
Sunset Grill & Bar
A hillside Ulus dining room with a sweeping Bosphorus view, popular for sunset dinners.
Best for: Date Night
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