The Must Turkish Restaurant — Restaurant in Fatih

Defining the "most Turkish" restaurant in Istanbul is no easy feat, as the city offers a vast and diverse culinary landscape influenced by centuries of history and cultural exchange. However, I can recommend several highly-rated options that capture the essence of Turkish cuisine and atmosphere, considering different factors:

Traditional Ottoman Cuisine:

Tarihi Bankalar Lokantası: Established in 1947, this historic restaurant served bank employees in its early days. Today, it offers a nostalgic ambiance and authentic Ottoman dishes like hünkâr begendi (eggplant purée with roasted lamb), dolma (stuffed vegetables), and güllaç (rosewater dessert). [Image of Tarihi Bankalar Lokantası, Istanbul] Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine: Experience the grandeur of Ottoman dining at this elegant restaurant housed in a 19th-century mansion. Savor exquisite dishes like tavuk göğsü (chicken breast in milk pudding) and kuzu incik (braised lamb shank), accompanied by live Ottoman music. [Image of Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine, Istanbul] Konyali Restaurant: Immerse yourself in the flavors of Konya, the historical heart of the Ottoman Empire. This family-run restaurant serves regional specialties like etli ekmek (flatbread with meat), tirit (shredded bread soup), and Mevlevi çorbasi (dervish soup). [Image of Konyali Restaurant, Istanbul]

Modern Turkish with a Twist:

Mikla: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers breathtaking views of the Bosphorus alongside innovative Turkish cuisine. Chef Özgür Çakır reinterpretes traditional dishes with seasonal ingredients and playful presentations, like the smoked lamb shoulder with cherry yogurt or the deconstructed baklava. [Image of Mikla Restaurant, Istanbul] Nicole: Chef Mehmet Gürs, a pioneer of modern Turkish cuisine, presents his refined take on local flavors at Nicole. Expect dishes like smoked octopus with yogurt espuma, lamb tartare with pistachio emulsion, and sea bass with artichoke purée. [Image of Nicole Restaurant, Istanbul] Çiya Sofrası: This bustling restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere and contemporary Turkish dishes with an emphasis on regional ingredients. Don't miss their grilled octopus salad, slow-cooked lamb shank, and mezze platter featuring unique dips and seasonal vegetables. [Image of Çiya Sofrası Restaurant, Istanbul]

Factors to Consider:

Ultimately, the "most Turkish" restaurant for you depends on your preferences. Consider these factors:

Atmosphere: Do you prefer traditional charm, modern flair, or a bustling ambiance? Cuisine: Are you seeking classic Ottoman dishes, regional specialties, or contemporary interpretations? Location: Do you want a central location close to tourist attractions, or a hidden gem in a local neighborhood? Price point: Consider your budget and whether you're willing to splurge on a Michelin-starred experience or opt for a more casual setting.

Additional Resources:

For further research, check out these resources:

Tripadvisor: Browse user reviews and ratings for restaurants in Istanbul. Time Out Istanbul: Discover curated lists of the best restaurants for different occasions and budgets. Istanbul Eats: Find detailed restaurant guides and food recommendations from local experts.

No matter your preferences, you're sure to find a fantastic Turkish restaurant in Istanbul that will tantalize your taste buds and immerse you in the city's rich culinary heritage. Enjoy your...

ALMOST KILLED ME Allergic reaction + food poisoning. This restaurant may dazzle you with the colours, décor including lamps, cushioned seating, and large cultural statues outside, and a woman making fresh traditional bread in the window, however their meals are not hygienic or safe. My brother and I carried allergy cards during our trip to Turkey and were very careful with where we ate. Every restaurant either declined us saying they did not feel prepared to safely accommodate our allergies or welcomed us saying they will go the extra mile to prepare us a safe meal. This restaurant did neither. I showed my card that described my allergies to milk, eggs, nuts, and peanuts and provided instructions for staff members to clean their hands, stations, and cooking utensils. The server quickly accepted my allergy card and didn’t double check it or the meal I ordered; I received my meal in about 10 minutes after ordering it, implying that they didn’t take the time or care to clean and prepare it safely. I had eaten similar meals in Istanbul in the previous days, so I assumed it would be safe after taking my precautions… I ended up in hospital that night with an ANAPHYLACTIC REACTION, probably to eggs or nuts. If the waitress and staff did not understand what “allergy” means, then they should have declined serving us instead of being greedy for business. Once that nightmare ended and I was safely back with my family the next day, it turns out the same meal gave me FOOD POISONING. For the next 10 days I would run to the washroom after eating anything, being only able to stomach small bits of instant oatmeal and granola bars that I had brought with me, and a handful of chips. I was starved and miserable for the remainder of my trip. It is interesting that some of the previous Google reviews for this restaurant mention poor hygiene… “I was in a bathroom and saw how [an employee] didn't wash her hand after the toilet and followed in the kitchen!... After the next few days, I got stomach flu, with a fever and all unpleasant things” (2 weeks ago) and “my son ate the chicken adana kebab and suffered from food poisoning. He was sick all night throwing up” (6 months ago); the adana kebab is the same meal I ate. This restaurant is still haunting me: following my 10 days of malnutrition after eating at this restaurant, my toe and fingernails became very brittle and damaged and now some of them are falling out. This restaurant is clearly a tourist trap, being right beside all the big attractions and luring you in with the fancy décor. However, you will find much much better, fancier, tastier, and cheaper restaurants just down the road. For example, “Ziyafet Kuzu Cevirme Istanbul” just around the corner was one of the best restaurants we ate at during our...

Food was delicious! The traditional open-fire terracotta lamb casserole was so tasty. The potato and aubergine dishes were delicious too —bursting with flavour and perfectly cooked.

The service was top-notch, kind, professional and attentive. We were served by a girl (i didn’t catch her name), but she spoke perfect English and had a lovely white red and green bracelet). Her colleagues were helpful, and provided an amazing service too.

The ambiance of the place was delightful, with a cozy traditional atmosphere that made the dining experience even more enjoyable!!

However, I have to mention that the prices were on the higher side. While the quality of the food, service and ambience justified it to some extent, I was a bit taken aback by the final bill and the additional 'restaurant tax fee' added to the bill, on top of the already expensive prices (plus the service charge was not included..).

Overall, despite the cost, it was still a wonderful experience. Just be prepared to shell out a bit more than you might expect. Nevertheless, the delicious food, excellent service, and charming atmosphere make it...