Best Iranian Restaurants in Istanbul
Ready to fancy an Iranian restaurant in Istanbul? Persian food is one of the best choices to consider in planning your trip.
The use of lime and saffron, a combined preparation of meats and fruits, rice cooked in an unusual manner, and Iranian hospitality are what give Persian cuisine its unique character. Iranian cuisine is characterized by subtle seasoning, delicate texture and taste, and generally not being too spicy.
You can experience the feasts described in Iranian tales, with the colorful and delicious dishes from this cultural richness.
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Characteristics of Iranian Food
Persian food is mild. In most main dishes, Iranians use lots of dried fruits such as plums, barberries, and aromatic herbs and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron.
Persian food is relatively healthy based on the ingredients being used in it and also because of using only a small amount of meat that’s usually lamb.
Although it is colorful with fruits such as plum, pomegranate, quince, and walnuts, as well as vegetables such as spinach, dill, coriander, spring onions, and garlic, if this cuisine had a color, it would definitely be yellow. With its pilafs made with golden saffron and the butter that melts with its heat, every flavor in Iranian cuisine will definitely come to your plates with this yellow-hot look.
This cuisine consists of a combination of nutritious components such as meat, rice, vegetables, beans, and spices that blend together to create a delectable and nourishing dish.
Experience Iranian cuisine in Istanbul
Spices, which are the most important ingredients of eastern cuisines, are of course also very important for Iranian food. Saffron is the main ingredient in almost every dish, especially in desserts and teas. However, in addition to saffron, dried lime and other sour flavorings, characteristic flavors such as cinnamon, turmeric and parsley are often used in Persian cuisine.
You may have heard of Iranian delicious pilafs made with basmati rice. If you are going to try Iranian cuisine for the first time, we are sure that wherever you eat, you won’t say no to a bowl of rice.
Interested in tasting Fesenjan (Pomegranate Walnut Stew), Tahdig (Crunchy Fried Rice) or Baghali Polo (Rice With Dill And Fava Beans), you can check daily trip plans including an Iranian restaurant prepared by the Istanbulites. These plans can help you explore Iranian food recipes from a fresh, vegetable-focused perspective demystifying Persian ingredients like rose petals, dried limes, tamarind, and sumac.
The Best Iranian Restaurants in Istanbul
Istanbul has been home to cultures from all the nations that have passed through it, including those from the Middle East.
You can find a variety of the best restaurants in Istanbul for true Middle Eastern taste that combine authentic local experiences such as the alluring cuisine of Iran. Istanbul is a multicultural city with a variety of different food tastes from all over the world hosting great restaurants in Istanbul serving international cuisine with traditional Turkish establishments.
Due to the large Iranian community living in Istanbul, there are many alternatives to pick from. If you are planning to visit Istanbul and want to enjoy an authentic Iranian food experience, first try reading Salam(sælɒːm) which means hi in Persian and then jump in any one of the restaurants from a variety. Selected a few by our local guides are listed below.
- Reyhun Iran Restaurant
- Asuman Restaurant
- Sudi Restaurant
Reyhun Iran Restaurant
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“The ingredients specially brought from Iran turn into delicious delicacies in the hands of Iranian chefs.”
Reyhun is an Iranian restaurant on the Beyoglu right as you go down, next to the Galatasaray High School, for those who like to discover an Iranian restaurant and want to get to know different tastes and cultures. The place reflects Iranian culture not only with its food but also with its decoration. While you are having your meal to the accompaniment of Iranian music, you can experience going to Iran for a while.
We recommend you try their Ghormeh Sabzi, a stew made from greens, herbs and Ghormeh Rigan, a dish cooked with shredded lamb and herbs served with rice. They have some really tasty vegetarian options as well. Their service is really good and the staff is courteous. The prices are very reasonable.
If you are going to experience Persian cuisine for the first time, Reyhun is one of the best restaurants to start with. You can meet flavors that will make you a fan of Persian cuisine!
More Information
Open Hours: 12:00 – 23:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 245 15 00
Website: www.iranyemekleri.com
Asuman Restaurant
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A small restaurant close to Aksaray tram station that has delicious Iranian kebabs you can go to with your family. The prices are reasonable as well. Meals at Asuman are prepared daily and in small quantities, if you arrive late, you risk missing the opportunity to taste some unique flavors.
We especially recommend you to try the “Tabriz Kofte”. Apart from kebabs, meatless vegetarian options are also very tasty and satisfying. If you go, you should also try Iranian soup.
Everyone working including the owners is Iranian Azeri and their service is excellent while the staff is courteous. After the meal, you can enjoy a traditional Iranian tea served with lemon and saffron sugar. Be sure to try a different dessert made with chickpea flour, called “Nohuti”, which is a flower-shaped dessert made with chickpea flour.
More Information
Open Hours: 12:00 – 20:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 511 27 37
Website: www.asumanrestaurant.com
Sudi Restaurant
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Sudi is an option on the Anatolian side to experience Iranian cuisine. Mrs Sudabe generally hosts her guests with the most delicious recipes handed down by her elders and handcrafted dishes prepared with the care of a mother, remaining faithful to the centuries-old.
Sudi is a very cute Iranian restaurant in Atasehir, a place that will make you love Iranian cuisine with its large portions and friendly service. The menu of different tastes on different days with daily special Iranian dishes may surprise you.
We can recommend magnificent Burani, made with Roasted Eggplant, Yogurt, Coriander, and Garlic, alongside the kebab restaurants Istanbul. Be sure to try Persian halva made with saffron and rose water on your meals.
More Information
Open Hours: 11:15 – 22:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0216) 266 60 36
Website: www.sudirestoran.com
Excited about visiting Istanbul?
These are some of the best Iranian restaurants in Istanbul that serve authentic food at affordable prices. Go explore, and make sure to try these places next time you are in the city!
If you are looking for an Iranian restaurant in Istanbul, the options are not limited by this list.
You may already have heard of kabab koobideh which is by far the most popular Persian dish, but to enjoy many different types of kebabs of Persian cuisine you have a chance to explore them before arriving in Istanbul. Do you know how?
Our intelligent recommendation algorithm will match your preferences to locally designed full-day, digitally curated trip plans including an Iranian restaurant. You can easily find your Istanbul path by simply clicking here.
