Istanbul, where East meets West, offers a culinary scene as diverse and rich as its history. With its location straddling two continents, the city brings together flavors, ingredients, and techniques from across the globe. Turkish cuisine, often misunderstood in the West as merely street food, is a treasure trove of complex and flavorful dishes that require skill and precision to prepare. Chef Fatih Tutak, a two-Michelin-star chef of Turk in Istanbul, knows this better than most. Known for elevating traditional Turkish flavors, Tutak champions the rich diversity and culinary craftsmanship of his hometown.
In this guide, Tutak shares his favorite dining spots in Istanbul—ranging from humble local eateries to high-end restaurants where he regularly indulges in the food he loves.
1. Best for Turkish Barbecue: Ahmet Ustam Ocakbaşı
Istanbul is known for its “ocakbaşı” restaurants, grill houses where meats are expertly cooked over hot coals. These places are a quintessential part of Turkish dining culture, and Ahmet Ustam Ocakbaşı is one of the best.
“I go here on my days off,” says Chef Tutak. “They have an artisanal way of making kebabs; hand-chopped with various cuts of meat. They do the best minced kebab and shish kebab.” What makes this place stand out, according to Tutak, is the experience. Diners sit around the grill, where chef Ahmet himself prepares the food right in front of you, similar to Japan’s robatayaki style.
Tutak’s recommendation? Adana Kebab—a spiced minced meat dish originating from southern Turkey. It’s widely considered one of the finest kebabs in Istanbul. Pair it with rakı, Turkey’s iconic anise-flavored spirit, to complete the experience.
Address: Ahmet Ustam Ocakbaşı, Istanbul
2. Best for Pide: Karadeniz Pide Kebap Salonu
Pide, often dubbed “Turkish pizza,” is a beloved dish across the country, especially in Trabzon, on the Black Sea coast. Karadeniz Pide Kebap Salonu, located in the Vefa neighborhood, offers the best pide in Istanbul, according to Chef Tutak.
“The restaurant is famous for its authentic wood-fired pide,” says Tutak. “They’ve been perfecting their recipe for three generations. Their dough is perfectly fermented, and they use the best fillings—cheese, minced meat, chopped beef, and more.” One of the standout versions at Karadeniz Pide is the pide topped with minced beef, which Tutak himself prefers.
If you’re craving a slice of Istanbul’s Black Sea region, this is the place to go.
Address: Hacı Kadın, Muhabir Sk. No:6, 34134 Fatih/İstanbul
3. Best for Micro-Seasonal Menus: Nazende
Located off Istanbul’s upscale Bağdat Caddesi, Nazende is the creation of Uluç Sakary, a former businessman turned chef. Chef Tutak hails it as his favorite restaurant in Turkey. The beauty of Nazende lies in its micro-seasonal menus, where the chef sources ingredients from local markets daily, ensuring that every dish is a fresh reflection of the season.
Tutak praises the restaurant’s variety of meat dishes, including offal (like lamb liver and sweetbreads), seafood, and their signature woodfire oven-baked suckling goat (available during goat season in spring). The restaurant is also renowned for its baby calamari and rice pilaf enriched with nuts and raisins.
For those visiting during the spring, a must-try is the suckling goat, a traditional Turkish dish beloved for its tenderness and rich flavor.
Address: Caddebostan Plajyolu Sok. Sembol apt. No:13/A, Istanbul
4. Best for Local Fare: Köroğlu Et Lokantası
Lokantas, or “tradesmen restaurants,” are casual eateries where locals flock for affordable, homemade-style meals. Köroğlu Et Lokantası, located in Fatih, is Tutak’s favorite place for a traditional Turkish lunch.
“They have a wide selection of ready-made dishes,” Tutak explains. “You pick what you want from the display, and they serve it to you with freshly made rice and bread.” The restaurant is known for its hearty braised beans with butter and beef, a quintessential dish from Ispir in northeastern Turkey. Their eggplant dishes and signature confit beef (slow-cooked for six hours) are also highly recommended.
Köroğlu is a great spot for a quick yet flavorful local lunch. The simplicity of the dishes, combined with fresh ingredients, captures the essence of Turkish home cooking.
Address: Akşemsettin Caddesi No:4 Fatih/İstanbul
5. Best for Döner Kebabs: Dönerci Engin
Döner kebabs are one of Turkey’s most famous exports, and Dönerci Engin is where you’ll find some of the best in Istanbul. Located near the Galata Tower, this small joint is revered for its exceptional quality.
“[The chef] is from my mother’s hometown of Erzurum,” says Tutak. “He marinates the meat with a special blend of tomatoes, purple basil, onion, and black pepper.” The result is a döner kebab that is thin, juicy, and beautifully caramelized.
Engin’s döner is served in a variety of ways, but Tutak prefers it with white rice and a side of sliced onion. For bread lovers, the gobit pita—a wood-fired balloon pita—is a must-try accompaniment.
Address: Bereketzade, Okçu Musa Cd. No:3, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Istanbul offers a world of culinary delights, from street food staples like kebabs and pide to refined, seasonal menus in elegant restaurants. Chef Fatih Tutak’s picks reflect the city’s deep respect for tradition while embracing innovation. Whether you’re in the mood for a humble bowl of braised beans or a luxurious meal of suckling goat, these dining spots will take you on an unforgettable culinary journey through Istanbul’s rich history and vibrant present.
