Istanbul

@katieparla
 on 2022.01.17
8 Places
@katieparla
Istanbul is deliciously overwhelming and I visit every chance I get, seeking out the best meat, offal, markets and pickles the city has to offer. Here are some highlights.
katieparla.com/katie-parla-city-guides/my-istanbul/

Balat Sahil Restaurant

Seafood restaurant · Avcibey

Go for the exceptional mezes and liver washed down with a bottle of triple distilled Beylerbeyi rakı. The fish and vegetal starters are life changing.

Şehzade Cağ Kebap

Kebab shop · Hocapasa

This grilled meat palace is at the entrance of Hocapaşa Sokak. Go for the cağ kebabı, skewered meat cut from a horizontal spit.

Kokorecci Asim Usta

Offal barbecue restaurant · Bornova

The amazing döner shop across the street from Pando. Eat a late breakfast then go directly to Asım Usta for a pide full of sliced meat.

Tarihi Karaköy Balık Lokantası Grifin

Temporarily Closed

Tucked away on a back street amongst vendors selling hardware and scuba gear, Tarihi Karaköy Balikcisi may very well be the best fish restaurant in town. Go at lunch when (and only when) Maharrem Usta is working the charcoal and get the grilled sole.

Adana Ocakbasi

Grill · Bozkurt

Simply the best place in Istanbul for grilled sweetbreads and Adana kebab.

Meşhur Karadeniz Pidecisi Fatih

Sfiha restaurant · Zeyrek

Probably the best pide in town.

Asmalı Cavit

Restaurant · Asmali Mescit

A meyhane in Beyoğlu and one of the best places in the neighborhood for a traditional meal of mezes and rakı.

Neolokal

Fine dining restaurant · Arap Cami

A dependable spot for upscale contemporary Anatolian.

@katieparla
Katie Parla
Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.