Taco & Tortilla — Restaurant in Beşiktaş

A Fusion of Flavor and Soul: The Unlikely Tacos of Beşiktaş By a Devoted Taco Devotee in Istanbul

In the heart of Beşiktaş, past the tea shops and fish sandwich stalls, sits a small taco shop that just might serve the best tacos and burritos in Istanbul—maybe even in Turkey, or the region at large. The place is unassumingly called Tacos and Tortillas, but what’s happening here is anything but ordinary.

Let’s get this out of the way first: this is not traditional Mexican food. Not by a long shot. But does that matter? Absolutely not. Because what is served is creative, bold, deeply personal—and delicious.

The story behind the chef is half the experience. Persian-born, raised in Canada, and later rooted in California, the chef was an artist before he was a cook. He found himself unexpectedly grounded in Istanbul during COVID, and instead of waiting out the lockdowns, he built something. Literally. He designed and painted the entire restaurant by hand. The space is vibrant, colorful, and soulful—equal parts neighborhood taqueria and artist’s studio. It feels alive, like every corner has a backstory.

The menu centers around tacos and burritos with just two main proteins: beef and chicken. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. These are dishes built on layered flavor and thoughtful detail. The tortillas are fresh, pillowy yet strong, and the fillings are unlike anything else you’ll find in Istanbul. Imagine tender, smoky beef infused with subtle Persian spices, or slow-cooked chicken with sweet heat, topped with crisp pickled onions and bright herbs. There’s nothing over-stuffed or greasy here—just balance and clarity in every bite.

The burritos are tightly rolled and satisfying without being heavy. They hold together perfectly, making them ideal for eating on the go. You’ll taste echoes of California’s taco culture, but also whispers of the chef’s Persian heritage: the spice of sumac, the warmth of turmeric, the brightness of fresh herbs.

While I didn’t try the full menu, what I did try was memorable—and I’ll be back. They also serve a short list of mocktails, each one as colorful and refreshing as the food. Think fresh fruit, herbs, and house-made syrups—complex without being fussy.

The chef-owner is warm, humble, and clearly driven by passion more than profit. Dining here feels less like being in a restaurant and more like stepping into someone’s kitchen. A kitchen filled with stories, care, and color.

Two recommendations for the owner, whose food speaks for itself: Add burrito bowls or salads—the flavors would translate beautifully and these travel well for delivery. Consider delivery expansion—tacos are tricky to transport, but bowls could help bring this food to a wider audience without compromising quality.

It’s surprising this spot doesn’t already have a cult following. It deserves one. It’s rare to find something so rooted in personal experience that also manages to connect so widely. This is food made with love, memory, and style.

Whether you’re a local Turk looking to try something refreshingly different, or a visitor seeking more than the usual kebab crawl, Tacos and Tortillas is worth the detour. It’s not a traditional taco joint—it’s something more original, more heartfelt.

And yes, the owner is open to hosting small gatherings or birthday parties, which frankly feels perfect. It’s the kind of place you want to share with friends.

A true gem in Istanbul—and hopefully, one that gets the attention...

I just had one of the most flavorful meals I’ve ever tried! These tacos were absolutely incredible — packed with fresh ingredients, rich in flavor, and beautifully presented. Each bite was a perfect balance of texture and taste, with crunchy lettuce, creamy avocado, savory meat, and just the right touch of sauce. The touch of sesame seeds and the creative toppings took it to another level!

And the lemonade? Hands down the best I’ve had. It wasn’t your typical lemonade — it had a unique twist with cucumber, chia seeds, and even rose petals. Super refreshing and full of unexpected flavors that worked together perfectly.

This spot is a hidden gem — if you’re a taco lover or just someone who appreciates creative, delicious food, you need to...

The service was 10/10!

But…they served cheesy Doritos which was my first indication that this was going to be the Turkish version of Mexican food.

We got the beef tacos and the chicken burrito.

The tacos tasted good but not Mexican/Central/South American. The hot sauce on the tacos was more of an Asian red hot sauce rather than a Mexican hot sauce. There was also pickled onions on the tacos which in my opinion would have been better if they had been fresh.

The burrito was also good but over all the flavors weren’t Central/South American.

The highlight of both of these dishes was the meat. It was really delicious and flavorful.

In general the food was good but if you’re looking for real tacos this unfortunately...