Looking for the best restaurants in Karakoy? Discover the best places to eat, drink and rest in Karakoy neighborhood of Beyoglu district in Istanbul, from authentic Turkish to International and Mediterranean cuisine, cheap eats to steak, fish, kebab restaurants, breakfast, brunch to snacks with local advice, plus the best vegetarian and vegan options.
Located between the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus, Karakoy is one of the oldest and most artistically rich neighborhoods in Istanbul, and has recently gone through a huge change. It has changed from a port and trade hub to one of the most popular places to eat in the city.
As locals, we’ve had the pleasure of tasting dozens of restaurants throughout the years that we’ve been living in the city. And now, we’ll explore the maze of food and flavor that Karakoy region offers, so you’ll know exactly where to go for the most authentic and delicious food in the city.
Dining Scene of Karakoy
Karaköy’s food scene is unique because it has a great mix of old and new dishes. Here, old businesses are still open and offering food made with recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. In the same area, hip restaurants have opened up that serve new takes on old favorites or completely original food ideas.
Karaköy has a wide range of delicious foods, from tempting street vendors selling fish sandwiches (balık ekmek) near the ferry port to stylish rooftop bars with views of the Bosphorus that serve craft cocktails. It’s also known for its growing café culture, with lots of coffee shops, bakeries, and lunch spots serving everything from tasty Turkish pastries to third-wave coffee.
The Karakoy Dining Experience
There are a lot of different ways to eat in Karakoy, just like the food. Athens has a wide range of places to eat and drink, from traditional seafood lokantas with views of the busy Galata Bridge to hipster cafés in narrow alleys lined with street art and stylish restaurants in old warehouses. There’s a place for every mood and event.
One thing that makes Karakoy’s food scene stand out is that it can combine modern and traditional dishes. A number of businesses have moved into beautifully restored historic buildings that keep the buildings’ original charm while adding modern design elements. It’s not unusual to find a cool new café or a fancy restaurant inside a historical Han (inn) or Ottoman-era building that has been rebuilt.
As you walk through Karaköy’s busy streets, you’ll find that each restaurant, café, and food stand has a story to tell. They all offer a taste of Istanbul’s culinary history while also looking to the future. This seamless mix of history and technology, of things from around the corner and around the world, is what makes eating in Karaköy so special.
Best Restaurants, Places Eat & Drink in Karakoy
Here’s our pick of the best cafes & restaurants in Karakoy, Beyoglu, Istanbul.
Neolokal
€€€€ · Turkish, Modern Cuisine
Nestled in the heart of Karaköy, within the culturally rich Salt Galata, Neolokal is where Chef Maksut Aşkar and his enthusiastic team honour and reinvent their culinary heritage, crafting an engaging gastronomic narrative that connects past and future. The Neolokal team aims to serve its visitors genuine food inspired by mother earth and modelled and designed from traditions. One of the 1 Michelin starred restaurants in Istanbul, Karakoy.
Consider the inventive ‘cupcake’, a finely spiced delight made of bulgur, paired with a scrumptious chicken preparation. This is enveloped in a rich cream velouté and a full-bodied chicken demi-glace, and crowned with a crispy potato chip for an added layer of texture. Each plate is a demonstration of culinary craftsmanship that masterfully balances tradition and novelty.
But the allure of Neolokal is not confined to its food alone. Housed in the historic Salt Galata building, the restaurant boasts large windows and a fabulous terrace that offers panoramic views of Istanbul’s cityscape, from the intricate rooftops to the majestic mosques. The views serve as a striking backdrop that enhances the entire dining experience, making each visit a memorable encounter with the evolving story of Turkish cuisine.
Address: SALT Galata, Bankalar Avenue, Karakoy, Istanbul
Web: neolokal.com
Karaköy Lokantası
€ · Turkish
Ensconced in the heart of Istanbul’s energetic Karaköy district, Karaköy Lokantası is a vibrant epicurean destination that effortlessly combines traditional Turkish cuisine with an ambiance that’s both charming and stylish. With its selection of 80 mezze, traditional dishes, and sharing platters, the restaurant offers a delightful dilemma to diners. One of the finest restaurants in Karakoy.
At Karaköy Lokantası, the menu is a compelling homage to traditional Turkish fare, but what truly stands out is the spectacular variety of mezze – over 80 different types, to be precise. From delicately light hummus and tzatziki to crispy dumplings lavished with a creamy yoghurt sauce, each plate is a masterstroke of balance and flavor. Don’t miss out on the lamb börek, a traditional pastry dish that encapsulates the essence of Turkish comfort food. Beyond mezze, the menu extends to a host of sharing platters and traditional dishes, making this culinary experience one to be shared and savoured with friends and family.
Address: Kemankeş Mahallesi, Kemankeş Caddesi No:57, Karaköy/Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Web: karakoylokantasi.com
Tershane Restaurant
€€ · Turkish
Situated on the eighth floor of the Hotel Momento, Tershane Restaurant is a premier destination for those wishing to immerse themselves in a contemporary interpretation of Istanbul’s vibrant culinary scene. At the heart of Tershane’s gastronomic philosophy is the timeless allure of Turkish cuisine – mezze, kebabs, and succulent grilled lamb are the stars of the show here. Each dish is crafted with respect for tradition, with bold, generous flavors playing out in a symphony of spicy, creamy, and robust notes that epitomize the essence of Turkish food.
The open kitchen allows guests to witness the meticulous preparation of these culinary delights, turning each meal into a gastronomic spectacle. At Tershane Restaurant, you’re not just enjoying a meal, you’re embarking on a journey through modern Istanbul’s culinary landscape. Here, the rich flavors of the food are only matched by the intoxicating allure of the cityscape stretching out beneath you. This is more than a dining experience, it’s a Turkish feast for the senses.
Address: Azapkapı, Tersane Caddesi No:24, Beyoğlu, Hotel Momento 8th Floor (8. kat), Istanbul
Web: tershanerestaurant.com
Mürver Restaurant
€€€ · Grills, Turkish
Situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Karaköy, Mürver sets the bar high with its incredible views of the Bosphorus, a menu focused on dishes prepared in a wood-fired oven, and an impressive selection of wines. The heart of this culinary adventure is the open kitchen, where fire and smoke imbue the dishes with a delicious, primal depth that captivates the senses. Standout creations like the butter-soft grilled octopus are prime examples of Mürver’s culinary philosophy.
Mürver is not just about delectable dishes. This trendy rooftop restaurant houses a fabulous cocktail bar, where you can indulge in crafted libations as you bask in the radiant vibe of Istanbul’s nightlife. The sublime terrace unfurls the city’s charms before your eyes, making every visit to Mürver more than just a meal – it’s a panoramic feast for all senses. This is Istanbul dining at its finest, a perfect blend of taste, ambiance, and vista that keeps you coming back for more.
Address: Kemankeş Caddesi No:57-59, Karaköy, Istanbul
Web: murverrestaurant.com
Due to availability check at restaurants, reservations for the same day can only be made till 16:00 o’clock.
Book Your Table at Murver with discount
Octo Restaurant
€€€ · Mediterranean Cuisine
Poised on the ninth floor of the JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus hotel, Octo Restaurant presents a captivating panorama of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus that’s as unforgettable as its cuisine. The chef’s enticing creations are inspired by his Portuguese roots, skillfully interwoven with local flavours to craft dishes that are both distinctive and on-trend.
Unpretentious yet sophisticated, Octo delivers a culinary narrative that’s as vibrant as Istanbul itself. Once you’ve savoured the last bite, elevate your evening further by heading to the cocktail bar on the 10th floor. As you sip on expertly mixed drinks, the DJ’s beats resonate across the pool, adding a perfect note of rhythm to your unforgettable night.
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa Mahallesi, Kemankeş Caddesi Veli Alemdar Han No:49, Beyoğlu
