12 Best Restaurants in Besiktas, Istanbul: Get best Places to Eat
Find the greatest places to eat, drink, and restaurants in Istanbul’s Besiktas neighborhood. Choose from the best vegetarian and vegan alternatives, as well as traditional Turkish, international, and Mediterranean cuisine, affordable dining options, steak, fish, and kebab restaurants, and breakfast, brunch, and snack shops with local guidance.
Table of Contents
In addition to being a famous culinary destination, the lively Besiktas neighborhood is well-known for its famous attractions, including Dolmabahçe Palace and the busy marketplace. Besiktas, which is located on the European side of Istanbul, is home to many quaint districts, including Ortakoy, Bebek, Kurucesme, Arnavutkoy, Etiler, and Ulus. The neighborhood’s varied culinary offerings will satisfy even the most discerning foodie.
Insider Tip: Use the Istanbul Tourist Pass or Istanbul E-Pass to begin your journey across Istanbul. With savings of up to 70%, these permits provide free admission to more than 70 premier sites, excursions, and necessary neighborhood services in the city.
A Culinary Tour through Besiktas
Besiktas neighborhood’s blend of contemporary fusion restaurants, chic coffee shops, and traditional Turkish pubs makes it a culinary journey through Istanbul’s dynamic food culture. The neighborhood creates an alluring feast for the senses by skillfully fusing cutting-edge methods with the tastes of Istanbul’s rich culinary past.
For example, street food enthusiasts congregate in Besiktas Centre. Vendors selling anything from spicy rice-stuffed mussels to delicious kebabs and balık ekmek (fish sandwiches) can be found here. The market is well-known for its breakfast establishments, which provide a variety of Turkish specialties such simit (Turkish bagels) and menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs).
Known for its recognizable mosque on the Bosphorus, Ortakoy is a gourmet haven with a variety of chic cafés, seafood eateries, and the well-known kumpir shops that serve fried potatoes with a variety of fillings. With its waterfront promenade, the posh Bebek district is home to upscale restaurants and pastry shops that sell mouthwatering pastries, including the popular baklava dessert.
Besiktas – An Oasis for Food Lovers
Go a little further into the neighborhood to discover Kurucesme and Arnavutkoy, which are well-known for their chic pubs with stunning views of the Bosphorus and their waterfront fish restaurants. Another interesting area is Etiler, which is well-known for its upscale eateries that serve the city’s affluent clientele, including patisseries, brunch places, and restaurants.
Ulus, on the other hand, has a number of exquisite restaurants where you can savor a fine dinner and take in expansive city views. Ulus’s gastronomic options, which range from chic sushi bars to authentic Turkish barbecues, are just as alluring as the area’s views.
With its fusion of contemporary and traditional, laid-back and elegant, the Besiktas neighborhood aptly captures Istanbul’s vibrant culinary scene. In this area, every neighborhood, street, and corner offers a different gastronomic tale just waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Explore the diverse range of flavors that characterize this alluring area of Istanbul by delving into the cuisine of Besiktas.
Best Restaurants, Places Eat & Drink in Besiktas
Here is our selection of Besiktas, Istanbul’s top eateries and cafés.
Nestled in the picturesque Arnavutkoy neighborhood of Besiktas, Alaf Restaurant is a dynamic gastronomic destination that tempts adventurous palates. Under the artistic direction of Chef Deniz, Alaf’s menu features a vibrant blend of flavors from the rich plains of Anatolia to the nomadic Yörük tradition. Besiktas is among Istanbul’s best restaurants with a Michelin star.
The focal point of Alaf’s kitchen is the wood-fired oven, a representation of culinary heritage where current cooking methods are expertly combined with authenticity. Every dish transforms into a varied culinary adventure, a flavor explosion against the background of a busy rooftop cocktail bar. Alaf is undoubtedly a remarkable ode to style, inventiveness, and the exuberant charm of Istanbul.
Aman da Bravo Restaurant
Contemporary and Modern Food
Entering Aman da Bravo in the posh Bebek neighborhood is like traveling to the chic terraces of the Côte d’Azur. Here, the vibrant energy of the city gives way to a laid-back, elegant ambiance that seems worlds far from Istanbul’s bustling. Fine dining at one of Besiktas’s top restaurants.
At Aman da Bravo, the best of contemporary “bistronomy” is shown, with an emphasis on excellent, locally produced ingredients. Under the expert guidance of their skilled chefs, these components are transformed into meals that are brimming with flavor and elegantly combine simplicity and refinement. Every meal at Aman da Bravo is a stylish culinary experience that exquisitely captures the beat of contemporary Istanbul, enhanced by nuances from throughout the world.
29 Restaurant
With its breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, 29 tempts the senses in addition to the taste buds. The restaurant is well-known for its elegant dining offerings, which include a menu that combines traditional and foreign dishes. At 29, the excitement of fine dining takes on a new shape, as the vibrant energy of classic Turkish food is subtly updated without sacrificing its genuineness. One of the nicest restaurants in Besiktas, excellent.
Every meal that is presented here pays attention to the copious amounts of spices and rich flavors of Turkish cuisine, all expertly complemented by modern accents. More than just a dinner, a visit to 29 Restaurant is an exploration of Istanbul’s culinary creativity in an environment as breathtaking as the cuisine.
AQUA Restaurant
Nestled at the Four Seasons Hotel at the Bosphorus, AQUA is a sophisticated venue that has a stunning waterfront location. Situated directly on the shore, it provides breathtaking views of the busy strait and the well-known Bosphorus Bridge, evoking a romantic atmosphere that appears to blend into the surrounding seas. Besiktas is among Istanbul’s greatest seafood eateries.
AQUA is a seafood lover’s paradise, with a cuisine that includes the freshest sushi, Mediterranean staples, contemporary Asian specialties, and mouthwatering grilling options. Savor delicately spiced, fragrant food that is soaked in creamy, buttery sauces; this is evidence of their dedication to serving substantial portions of high-quality products.
Banyan Restaurant
With its eclectic food, Banyan offers Istanbul a taste of Asia. Its gorgeous rooftop position, which provides expansive city views, makes it a popular destination for foodies from all over the world. Located in the center of Besiktas, the restaurant’s floor to ceiling windows provide panoramic views of the busy Bosphorus and the imposing Ortaköy Mosque. Besiktas is among Istanbul’s greatest Asian eateries.
The resident DJ performs mesmerizing tunes while you take in the atmosphere, bringing a dynamic rhythm to your eating experience. The cuisine, however, is the show stopper. It features fish as the main ingredient in contemporary Asian dishes with a spicy edge. Banyan is a multimodal experience where food meets style rather than just a restaurant.
Feriye Restaurant
Situated near the Bosphorus in the renovated Feriye Palace, the Feriye restaurant offers a culinary adventure together with a look into the past. A well mixed drink goes wonderfully with the view of the lit Ortaköy Mosque and Bosphorus Bridge as night falls, creating a lovely glow.
Feriye’s cuisine is a celebration of delicacy and freshness, a sincere nod to traditional fare with a hint of sophisticated spiciness. Feriye Restaurant offers a unique gastronomic experience with its attentive service and a well calibrated blend of sophisticated and laid-back ambience.
Inari Omakase Restaurant
The Inari Omakase Restaurant, tucked away in the center of Kuruçeşme, provides a gastronomic voyage that takes diners from Japan to California. The restaurant, which specializes in sushi and Japanese food, offers a fantastic Omakase experience.
The best of Japanese food is served at this designer restaurant, which is distinguished by its sleek, modern appearance. From delicious tempura and teppanyaki to beautiful nigiri and sashimi, it has it all. Its distinct appeal is enhanced by the trendy Californian inspirations it conveys. A favorite among foodies, Inari Omakase allows patrons to taste exquisite meals and explore a variety of complex Japanese flavors and textures that sometimes even surprise the pickiest palates.
Park Fora Restaurant
Situated on Kurucesme’s picturesque beachfront, Park Fora is widely regarded as one of Istanbul’s best seafood restaurants. Serving up freshly caught seafood that has been masterfully cooked, it offers an incredible culinary experience paired with a vista to match. With the menu’s flexibility, you may have your fish grilled, meuniere, steamed, or tandoori, depending on your preference.
The restaurant’s ideal position, which offers expansive views of the serene Bosphorus and the boats idly cruising its waters, enhances the eating experience. With a menu that appeals to both the senses of taste and sight, Park Fora expertly blends fine dining with a scenic environment.
Şans Restaurant
Şans Restaurant has been a favorite with businesses since it opened in 1992. Tucked away in a quaint Levent villa, it enthralls customers with its deft wine recommendations, attentive service, and artfully prepared modern food.
Don’t overlook the red wines from Turkey. The chef’s skill is bringing out the rich flavors of traditional Turkish food while deftly blending Mediterranean influences. It is a modest getaway that enchants guests with its cozy atmosphere and delectable food options.
Sunset Grill & Bar
Situated on Ulus Park’s highest point, Sunset Grill & Bar emanates a glamorous, movie-star atmosphere with ease. The elegant and roomy eatery offers guests stunning views of the Bosphorus and the cityscape of Istanbul. The eatery is well-known for its broad menu, which features mouthwatering sushi, modern Mediterranean fare, and grilled delicacies.
Dining there is a fantastic experience, made even better by the breathtaking vistas and an outstanding wine selection. The city’s fashionable set has made it a sought-after place to eat, and they love the restaurant’s take on traditional French fare, Asian-inspired dishes, sushi, and an amazing wine list that is a connoisseur’s dream come true. A night at Sunset Grill & Bar guarantees more than simply a delicious dinner—it’s more like an epic movie experience.
Tuğra Restaurant
Located in the luxurious Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Tuğra provides a magnificent dining experience overlooking the Bosphorus. The meal is ideal for a memorable occasion since it offers elegantly prepared authentic Ottoman cuisine
An epicurean experience awaits you as you gaze at the glistening Bosphorus and the marble pillars. Here, the concepts of haute cuisine are combined with the long-standing culinary traditions of the Ottoman Empire. Every meal at Tuğra is nothing short of regal thanks to Chef Inanir’s inventive invention, skillful mixing of textures, and infusion of traditional flavors.
Backyard Restaurant & Bar – in Bebek, Besiktas
Backyard is located in the wonderful grounds of the old French Orphanage, halfway between the Besiktas district’s Etiler and Arnavutkoy districts. With a view of Bebek Bay, this is a charming spot to savor delicious meals and refreshing beverages and cocktails.
For breakfast and brunch, they provide a range of egg dishes and Turkish platters; for lunch and dinner, they have salads, pastas, and entrées available at the Backyard. Indulge in their Aperitivo hour tapas selection and relax in the garden with a drink of wine or a cocktail. Additionally, you may enjoy your drink in the Backbar as DJs turn the space into a vibrant event.
Best-Selling Istanbul Food Tours & Dining Experiences
These special, customized culinary excursions are highly recommended for those who are visiting Istanbul for the first time as well as those who wish to sample and appreciate its cuisine. You will undoubtedly sample and love Turkish cuisine, learn about traditional Turkish cooking, and explore the city’s culinary offerings like a native. We only recommend tried-and-true methods that have received great reviews from past visitors. Feel free to reserve a spot on any of the popular Istanbul food and wine excursions listed below.
Leave a Comment