Istanbul is surely one of the best mega cities in the world. Being the bridge between Asia and Europe, Istanbul had hosted many cultures. Having such a rich history, Istanbul stands out as one of the remarkable cosmopolitans. If Istanbul is such a phenomenal city, then Taksim is the heart of such exceptional urban. Not only because Taksim is glamorous with its enriched history and benevolent architecture, but also you can find best cafes and restaurants that serve vast range of options. Be it traditional Turkish cuisine, fusion dishes, street foods or sweeties, you can surely find in Taksim area. But if you like to know where are the best, consider our recommendations below.
Best Restaurants in Taksim
Evidently the most crowded boulevard in the Turkey, you will see a lot walking down Istiklal Street. But it is hard to pick the best restaurants among all. Let us take you to the most tasteful foodies through both most popular Taksim restaurants and niche ones.
Endam Istanbul
Photo Credit: @Endam
Endam Istanbul, before known as Leb-i Derya, is the first top-class restaurant in our list. The panoramic view of Istanbul that you’ll see from terrace is hard to find elsewhere. The menu contains many delicious dishes. Especially starters and main courses are so delightful. As a starter, our top picks are the Turkish vegetables cooked with olive oil and dolma filling with sour cherry wrapped in grape leaves in olive oil.
You may also try the boiled shrimps with lemon and olive oil dressing. As main course, you should order Grilled Chef’s special meat balls or filled steak with grilled eggplant puree if you are fond of red meat. If you are more of a sea-dish lover, then grilled calamari suit your taste.
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Location: View on Google Maps
Fıccın Restaurant
Photo Credit: @ficcin
If you are curious about the Anatolian and Circassian cuisine, then you are in the right place. Juts near the Pera Museum, Fıccın restaurant is located in such a warm street. To pick out the best from such rich menu is not easy. But we suggest you order a mezze platter that contains 5 mezzes of the day for a fair price. As side dish, you should also taste circassian chicken paste with walnut or grated zucchini topped with walnut.
As main course, our top pick is definitely roast beef casserole topped with cheese. Another good news is that they serve the infamous Georgian wine known as Rkatsteli. You can look up the menu in detail here.
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Phone: +90 212 293 37 86
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Location: View on Google Maps
Mikla Restaurant
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Located in the Asmalı Mescit, near the Soho House Hotel, Mikla Restaurant offers you a classy and tasty foodie experience. Juxtaposing the Anatolian cuisine and modern interior and service, Mikla is one of the must-go restaurants in Taksim. Mikla offers a fixed a la carte menu that you either choose three dishes or seven course tastings. They present you with the meticulously prepared and cooked courses such as lamb heart sauced with pomegranate vinegar, beef rib steak and grilled sea bass. But let us warn you about pricing.
The menu we mentioned costs 2400 Turkish liras. Though the prices are relatively higher, if you want to make a chic gesture to your loved ones, Mikla is the perfect choice.
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Phone: +90 212 293 56 56
Website: miklarestaurant.com
Location: View on Google Maps
360 Istanbul
If you are the kind of person who adores rooftop like me, then 360 Istanbul is the right choice for you. 360 Istanbul -the rooftop of the historical Mısır Apartment– combines delicious foodie with amazing ambience and outstanding view. They propose three separate menus – respectively for dinner, sushi and desert. We suggest you to try 360 truffle burger beef fillet esalopes. But do not get your stomach full. Make room in your belly for great cocktails that also had interesting stories you can see here.
Follow its socials as well since they organize chill DJ events as well. Lastly make sure you have the reservation by visiting their website provided below.
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Phone: +90 212 251 10 43
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Instagram: 360istanbul
Location: View on Google Maps
Asmalı Cavit
Located in Asmalı Mescit Street, Asmalı Cavit is one of the best taverns that you enjoy your foodies alongside with the alcoholic beverages. You might have heard the expression “demlenmek” in Turkish. It is simply to have the evening with family and friends, slowly enjoying the mezzes and dishes while the traditional music plays at the background.
If you are willing to have such experience, then Asmalı Cavit -a family-run restaurant- is the right tavern. While you are tasting small meatballs dipped in their special sauce alongside with various tasty dishes and drink, you will feel the warm of Turkish culture.
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Phone: +90 212 292 49 50
Location: View on Google Maps
Havyore
Photo Credit: @Havyore
Havyore is listed among the best local and traditional restaurants in Istanbul. Their menu is based on the Black Sea cuisine but offers other traditional foodies as well. Located across the Çiçek Pasajı, Havyore offers so much tasty dishes. If you are early bird and have a unique breakfast, then you should add to your mixed breakfast Havyore’s kuymak that is prepared with traditional corn and special cheese.
At lunch or dinner, you should try pilaf vith anchovies that is quite popular in Black Sea region in Turkey. As a dessert, we recommend laz pastry or baked rice pudding in stew.
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Phone: +90 212 245 75 01
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Location: View on Google Maps
Pano Wine House
Across the Rixos Pera Istanbul, you will see Pano Wine House. If you look for a romantic and classy foodie experience, Pano Wine House stands out as the best option around Taksim. Founded in 1898, Pano Wine House will amaze you with its remarkably historic and aesthetically pleasing interior design. There is no need to mention its enriched wine menu. But we should note its starters and main courses. You will love bacon provensal, carpaccio di pano and Pano’s cheese plate.
As main dishes, you should consider spaghetti Frutti di mare or ravioli ai cinque formaggi. If you want to add your evening a little sweetie, then chocolate lava cake seems the right choice. Make sure you call the number below for reservation.
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Phone: +90 212 292 66 64
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Location: View on Google Maps
Cezayir Istanbul
Photo Credit: @cezayir
For those who like to enjoy their food in a chill and green atmosphere, Cezayir Istanbul with its splendid botanical garden is the best place in Taksim. In such amazing ambience, you may offer elaborately prepared snacks platter alongside your favorite drinks. As starters, try savoury pastry pockets with curd cheese and humus with tenderloin roasted.
Our top pick main dish is of course cezayir kebab -pita crisps and aubergine puree topped with grillied veal tenderloin slices with thickened yoghurt. They also have vegan meatballs served with season vegetables. But keep in mind that Cezayir Istanbul is open between 17:00-01:00 and call the number below for reservation.
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Phone: +90 212 245 99 80
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Location: View on Google Maps
Nicole Restaurant
Photo Credit: @Nicole
Located on the top floor of the antique Soeurs Garde-Malades Apartment -also known as Tomtom Suites- built in 1901 and restored in early 2000’s, Nicole Restaurant is one of the best chic places for those who want a memorable culinary experience. They generally serve two menus that you can see on their website. Not only you will like the taste of dishes, but also will love the presentation. Prices are a bit higher in compared to other restaurants we listed. But if you want to have a fine-dining experience, Nicole seems the right venue. Make sure you reserve via here.
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Phone: +90 212 292 44 67
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Location: View on Google Maps
Eleos Restaurant
Near the Sweden Consulate, Eleos Restaurant at the Hıdivyal Palace is one of the best chilly taverns in the city. It gets many awards from touristic and culinary magazines. As they promote, Beyoğlu’s white tavern offers you the best Greek culinary with a spectacular view. Grilled sea dishes that are prepared with Greek special recipes, rich mezze plates inspired from Armenian cuisine, fresh veggies of Aegean coast and berries, finest raki and relaxing atmosphere in the heart of Istanbul.
What else can anyone want? Make sure you do reservations before your arrival to have a seat at rather small but fantastic terrace!
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Phone: +90 212 244 90 90
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Location: View on Google Maps
Bonus: 5 Street Food to Try in Taksim
Kızılkayalar Taksim
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The first tasty street food in Taksim is of course steamed hamburger. At the end of İstiklal Street near the Taksim Square, you will probably see a queue at any time. Guess what people are waiting for? Kızılkayalar’s infamous steamed hamburger. It is so delicious that you may eat three in a row.
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Phone: +90 212 243 63 53
Location: View on Google Maps
Dürümzade
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: 400;”>Near the Tarlabaşı, Dürümzade is another must-try street foodie in Taksim. Though dürüm is kind of wrap, the Turkish culinary elevates it into another level. If you have not tried adana or urfa dürüm yet, taste it at Dürümzade.
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Phone: +90 212 249 01 47
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Köfteci Hüseyin 1958
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: 400;”>Near the infamous venue Dorock XL, Köfteci Hüseyin 1958 offers the most popular street foodie in Turkey -köfte ekmek or meatball hero. The combo of meatballs, onion and tomato in a freshly-baked bread with ayran is so tasty. Köfteci Hüseyin also cooks it elaborately and elevetates this foodie into another level.
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Phone: +90 212 243 76 37
Location: View on Google Maps
Osmanlı Kokoreç
Kokoreç -charcoal grilled seasoned mutton intestines- is another popular street taste in Turkey. But you have to be careful where to eat kokoreç. Otherwise your stomach may get worsened. Osmanlı Kokoreç is one of the most trustworthy places in Taksim where you can enjoy this spicy street foodie.
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Phone: +90 212 243 33 10
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Midyeci Memet
Across the well-known Nevizade Restaurant in Taksim, you can find the best stuffed mussels at Midyeci Memet. Freshly prepared mussels are more than snack. It is so tasty that you will be surprised you can eat ten in a row.
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Phone: +90 212 249 30 03
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