Best Restaurants in Besiktas: A Guide to the Top Dining Destinations
Beşiktaş is a beautiful, historic, unique and bustling district in Istanbul, Turkey, known for its vibrant nightlife and its almost countless restaurants and cafes. From cozy Swiss chalets and delights to health-conscious cafes, the district is home to a wide variety of eateries that cater to all tastes and preferences that exist! In this article, we will try to offer you a selection from some of the best restaurants in Beşiktaş according to our perspective, as well as Michelin-recommended restaurants for those seeking a more upscale and refined dining experience.
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1. Best Restaurants in Besiktas
Summit Bar & Terrace
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Summit Bar & Terrace – Located on the rooftop of the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel, Summit Bar & Terrace offers stunning views of the Bosphorus and the city. The menu features a variety of international dishes, including sushi, tapas, and gourmet burgers, as well as a range of cocktails, wines, and spirits.
Chalet – Swissotel The Bosphorus, Istanbul
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Chalet – A cozy Swiss restaurant tucked away in a quiet corner of Beşiktaş, Chalet offers a taste of Alpine cuisine in the heart of Istanbul. The menu features classic Swiss dishes like raclette, fondue, and veal sausage, as well as a selection of European wines and beers.
Banyan Restaurant
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Banyan – This trendy restaurant and lounge is located in the heart of Beşiktaş and offers a diverse menu of Asian fusion cuisine, including sushi, dim sum, and Thai curries. Banyan also has an extensive cocktail menu and hosts regular DJ nights and events.
Scarlet
Scarlet – A chic and stylish restaurant and lounge, Scarlet offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, as well as an extensive wine list and innovative cocktails. The sleek, modern decor and sophisticated ambiance make it a popular spot for special occasions and romantic dinners.
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Şans Restaurant
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Şans Restaurant – A long-standing institution in Beşiktaş, Şans Restaurant has been serving up traditional Turkish cuisine for over 30 years. The menu features a variety of grilled meats, kebabs, and meze dishes, as well as homemade desserts like baklava and künefe.
IST TOO
Photo Credit: @isttoo
Ist Too – Located in the Shangri-La Bosphorus Hotel, IST TOO offers an international buffet with a wide range of dishes from around the world, including Turkish, Chinese, Indian, and Italian cuisine. The restaurant also features an outdoor terrace with beautiful views of the Bosphorus.
Akıntı Burnu
Akıntıburnu – Located on the Bosphorus, Akıntıburnu offers a seafood-focused menu with a variety of fresh fish and shellfish, as well as Turkish meze dishes and grilled meats. The restaurant also has a beautiful outdoor terrace with stunning views of the water.
Vogue Restaurant & Bar
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A trendy and stylish spot located in the heart of Beşiktaş, Vogue Restaurant & Bar offers a range of international cuisine, including sushi, pasta, and grilled meats. The restaurant also has a lively bar scene and hosts regular DJ nights and events.
2. Michelin Guide restaurants in Beşiktaş:
Tugra
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Tugra is an upscale restaurant located in the Çırağan Palace Kempinski, a luxurious hotel on the banks of the Bosphorus. The restaurant specializes in Ottoman cuisine with a modern twist, offering a range of dishes made with locally sourced and high-quality ingredients. The menu features traditional Ottoman dishes such as lamb shank stew, lamb dumplings, and baked stuffed eggplant, as well as a variety of grilled meats and seafood. The atmosphere is elegant and luxurious, with opulent decor and stunning views of the Bosphorus.
Feriye
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Feriye is located in a historic mansion near the Bosphorus and offers contemporary Turkish cuisine with a focus on fresh and seasonal ingredients. The menu features a variety of dishes inspired by traditional Turkish cuisine, such as lamb shank with eggplant puree, sea bass with fennel, and beef fillet with truffle sauce. The restaurant is decorated with antique furnishings and art, creating a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere, one of the best restaurants in Besiktas to many locals.
Alaf
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Alaf is a modern Turkish restaurant located in the trendy Akaretler neighborhood. The menu features a variety of innovative dishes inspired by traditional Turkish cuisine, such as lamb chops with pomegranate molasses, grilled octopus with black garlic, and stuffed zucchini blossoms. The restaurant’s decor is contemporary and inviting, with a mix of industrial and natural elements.
Inari Omakase Kuruçeşme
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Inari Omakase Kuruçeşme is a high-end Japanese restaurant that offers an omakase-style dining experience. The restaurant’s skilled sushi chefs create a variety of fresh and high-quality sushi and sashimi dishes, using the best ingredients available. The atmosphere is sleek and modern, with minimalist decor and a focus on the dining experience. One of the best places to eat in Besiktas.
Ulus 29
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Ulus 29 is located in the upscale Ulus neighborhood and offers stunning views of the Bosphorus. The restaurant serves contemporary Turkish cuisine with a focus on fresh and seasonal ingredients. The menu features a variety of dishes inspired by regional Turkish cuisine, such as lamb shank with chickpeas, beef fillet with porcini mushrooms, and sea bass with fennel. The atmosphere is upscale and sophisticated, with a chic and modern decor.
Aman da Bravo
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Aman da Bravo is a Mediterranean restaurant located in a historic building near the Bosphorus. The menu features a range of dishes made with fresh and high-quality ingredients, such as grilled sea bass with vegetables, slow-cooked beef ribs, and lamb chops with green beans. The atmosphere is elegant and inviting, with a mix of traditional and contemporary decor.
Each of these Michelin-recommended restaurants offers a unique dining experience, with a focus on high-quality ingredients, innovative dishes, and sophisticated atmospheres
3. Bonus: Street Food in Besiktas
- Kartal Közde Döner: Located in the heart of Beşiktaş, Kartal Közde Döner is a popular street food restaurant that has become a local favorite for Turkish-style döner kebab. The restaurant uses high-quality meat that is marinated in a secret blend of herbs and spices before being slow-roasted on a rotating spit. The meat is then sliced thin and served in a wrap or on a plate with a range of toppings and sauces, including fresh vegetables, hummus, and yogurt. The highlight of the dish is the smoky flavor that comes from the charcoal grill used to cook the meat. Kartal Közde Döner offers both indoor and outdoor seating and is a perfect spot for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Çiftlik Döner: Another popular street food restaurant in Beşiktaş is Çiftlik Döner, which specializes in Turkish-style döner kebab made with high-quality meat that is marinated for hours before being slow-roasted on a rotating spit. The meat is then sliced thin and served in a wrap or on a plate with a range of toppings and sauces, including fresh vegetables, hummus, and yogurt. The restaurant also offers a range of other meat options, including chicken and beef, as well as vegetarian options such as falafel. The atmosphere at Çiftlik Döner is casual and welcoming, with both indoor and outdoor seating available.
- Balıkça: For seafood lovers, Balıkça is a must-visit street food spot in Beşiktaş. The restaurant specializes in fresh, locally sourced fish sandwiches that are made with a variety of fish, including sea bass and mackerel. The sandwiches are served on fresh bread with a range of toppings and sauces, including lettuce, tomato, onion, and lemon juice. In addition to fish sandwiches, Balıkça also offers a range of other seafood dishes, such as fried calamari and shrimp. The atmosphere is casual and lively, with outdoor seating available and a view of the Bosphorus. One of the best places to eat “Balık Ekmek ” in Besiktaş for sure.
- Beşiktaş Midyecisi: Beşiktaş Midyecisi is a popular street food spot that specializes in mussels. The restaurant offers both fried and stuffed mussels, which are filled with a delicious mixture of rice, herbs, and spices. The mussels are served with a range of toppings and sauces, including lemon juice, garlic, and chili. The atmosphere at Beşiktaş Midyecisi is lively and casual, with outdoor seating available. The restaurant is a great spot for Street food in Besiktas to enjoy a quick and satisfying snack while exploring the streets of Istanbul.
- Mission Street Food: Located in the heart of Beşiktaş, Mission Street Food is a unique street food spot that offers a fusion of international flavors. The restaurant serves a range of dishes, including tacos, burritos, and rice bowls, that are inspired by the flavors of Mexico, Asia, and Europe. The ingredients used in the dishes are fresh and locally sourced, and the flavors are bold and satisfying. The atmosphere at Mission Street Food is casual and welcoming, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. This street food spot is a perfect choice for those looking for a diverse and flavorful meal.
Overall, these street food restaurants in Beşiktaş offer delicious and affordable options for those looking for a quick and satisfying meal. Each restaurant has its own unique specialties and atmosphere, making them all worth a visit.
Whether you are looking for a cozy, cute spot to enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine and cheese or a trendy bar with a young and lively atmosphere, Beşiktaş always has something to offer. The district’s large selection of restaurants and cafes provide a small glimpse into Istanbul’s diverse culinary scene, and the Michelin-recommended restaurants offer a bite of some of the best cuisine the city has to offer so far. From street food to fine dining, Beşiktaş has it all, making it a must-visit destination for foodies and travelers all around the world with different cultures, expectations and budgets.
4. FAQ
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