🥐 Start Your Day Right: A Sweet Morning in Beyoğlu

In Istanbul, the day begins with breakfast — and the choices are endless.

For those who want the classic Turkish breakfast spread, Beyoğlu’s cozy cafés and traditional eateries serve tables full of olives, cheeses, jams, honey with clotted cream, and freshly baked bread. A true feast to linger over.

But if you’re in the mood for something a little more modern:
Around Galata, you’ll find artisan bakeries offering buttery croissants and specialty coffee shops brewing rich, third-wave coffee. A flat white and a flaky pastry make for a stylish, satisfying start.

🍳 Recommended by Vedat Milor: Lades Menemen
If you’re craving the best menemen (a Turkish-style scrambled eggs dish with tomatoes and peppers), head to Lades Menemen. This humble spot has been a Beyoğlu favorite since 1969 — a must-visit for food lovers following local legends.

🥨 A Simit on the Go
And of course, no Istanbul morning is complete without a fresh simit — a crispy, sesame-coated bread ring. Grab one from a street vendor, pair it with a hot tea, and enjoy it as you stroll through the lively streets of Beyoğlu.

🧆 Taste the True Istanbul with Street Food

If you want to truly experience Istanbul, you must start by exploring its street food.
This city is like a giant open-air kitchen, where every corner and every street offers a new culinary surprise. Affordable, quick, and incredibly delicious — Istanbul’s street food culture is one of the most authentic ways to connect with the daily life of its people.

🐟 Balık Ekmek (Fish Sandwich) is freshly grilled near Galata Bridge and served with a squeeze of lemon.
🔥 Kokoreç, a spicy and crispy delicacy, can be found even late at night.
🦪 Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels) are little bite-sized flavor bombs, best enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon.
🍔 Islak Hamburger (Wet Burger), available even in the early hours in Taksim, is a soft and savory street classic with a rich, spicy sauce.

If you’re looking for a twist on traditional street food, don’t miss Basta Street Food. This restaurant combines Istanbul’s classic street food with modern presentations and prepares each dish with care and creativity. It’s a place where you can enjoy both traditional and innovative flavors, offering a true street food experience.

Karaköy and Kadıköy are also known for their vibrant street food scenes, offering a flavor festival around every corner. All you need is an open mind and an appetite — everything else is already waiting on the streets!

🍽️ For the Curious Palate: Fine Dining with Turkish Roots

Looking for something refined? Istanbul’s new wave of Michelin-starred and chef-driven restaurants reimagine Turkish flavors with creativity and sophistication. These places don’t just serve food — they tell stories through ingredients, heritage, and bold ideas.

✨ Turk Fatih Tutak – The first restaurant in Istanbul to be awarded two Michelin stars. Chef Fatih Tutak’s innovative tasting menu is rooted in childhood memories and Turkish culinary traditions, reinterpreted with modern flair.

🌿 Neolokal – Set in the Salt Galata building, Neolokal offers a sustainable and heartfelt approach to Anatolian cuisine. Chef Maksut Aşkar focuses on local ingredients, traditional recipes, and thoughtful reinterpretations.

🌇 Mikla – Perched atop The Marmara Pera Hotel, Mikla pairs bold, minimalist Nordic-Turkish flavors with a panoramic Bosphorus view. A true culinary icon with a soul.

🍷 Nicole – Housed in a historic Franciscan building, Nicole delivers a seasonal, elegant tasting experience with a French-Turkish identity. One of Istanbul’s most refined and romantic spots for a fine evening out.

🍨 Don’t Forget the Sweet Ending

In Istanbul, the most delightful part of the evening is always the sweet ending.
Whether it’s enjoying a classic boza in one of Beyoğlu’s historic pastry shops or savoring baklava at a famous local spot, Istanbul’s desserts are as bold and impressive as its main courses.

🍦 For Boza: Vefa Bozacısı
The legendary Vefa Bozacısı is the capital of boza lovers! With over a century of history, this iconic spot serves up a rich, perfectly textured boza. While boza is a traditional winter drink, it’s worth experiencing all year round when in Istanbul.

🍬 For Lokum (Turkish Delight): Hacı Bekir
Another classic Turkish delight is lokum. Hacı Bekir, one of Istanbul’s oldest lokum makers, offers an unmatched experience with its rich variety of Turkish delights. From the classic rose-flavored lokum to pomegranate delight, Hacı Bekir is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.

🍦 For Ice Cream: Girandola Dondurma
Discover Istanbul’s ice cream culture at Girandola Dondurma. Don’t miss the pistachio gelato, which is a favorite here. Their traditional and modern flavors, such as mastic, strawberry, and clotted cream, offer a unique ice cream experience you won’t forget.

🍯 For Baklava: Güllüoğlu Baklava
Güllüoğlu Baklava, located in Karaköy, is famous for its perfectly layered sweet baklava. If you want to try authentic Anatolian baklava, this spot is one of the best in Istanbul. With options like pistachio and walnut baklava, as well as kadayif (shredded pastry), Güllüoğlu is a true haven for baklava lovers.