Istanbul is a paradise for food lovers, and for visitors from the Gulf, virtually every restaurant in Turkey serves halal meat. This guide covers the best halal restaurants and food experiences.
A note on "halal": most Turkish restaurants serve halal meat and no pork, but many — including most on this list — also serve alcohol. We label each one clearly. If an alcohol-free venue matters to you, tell us and we'll recommend accordingly.
Where to eat — our picks
These are places we take our own guests.
Alcohol-free
Namlı Gurme, Karaköy — A classic Karaköy deli for Turkish breakfast, cheeses, cured meats and meze, close to the Galataport cruise terminal.
Karadeniz Aile Pide ve Kebap Salonu, Sultanahmet — A family-run, Black Sea–style pide and kebab house on Hacı Tahsin Bey Street, just off Divanyolu, serving since 1985. Simple, quick and good value. Several places nearby use similar names — this is the original, on the corner.
Arya Lounge, Süleymaniye — Near Süleymaniye Mosque, with one of the finest Golden Horn views in the Old City. Turkish breakfast, Anatolian grills, mocktails, Turkish coffee and shisha. No alcohol on the menu.
Halal food, alcohol also served
Galeyan, Sultanahmet — Next to Hagia Sophia. Anatolian cooking, with dishes like Ali Nazik and tandoor lamb, and a generous Turkish breakfast.
Deraliye, Sultanahmet — Ottoman palace cuisine, a few minutes from Hagia Sophia.
Khorasani, Sultanahmet — Kebabs and grills in the heart of the Old City.
Shyra, Sultanahmet (Binbirdirek) — Anatolian and Ottoman dishes; also runs cooking classes.
Adonin, Sultanahmet — On Ticarethane Street, a few steps from Hagia Sophia; traditional Turkish cooking with a modern touch.
Seven Hills, Sultanahmet — A rooftop terrace with views of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Bosphorus; seafood and Mediterranean dishes.
Yaka Balık, Eminönü — Under the Galata Bridge, facing the Bosphorus; fresh fish and meze, with live fasıl music in the evenings.
Yıldızlar, Eminönü — Under the Galata Bridge since 1980, with Bosphorus views and the New Mosque beside you; fresh fish and cold meze.
Street Food
Balık Ekmek at Eminönü, Kumpir in Ortaköy, Simit with Turkish tea, and Dondurma Turkish ice cream.
Turkish Breakfast
Turkish breakfast is an event — beyaz peynir, olives, honey with kaymak, menemen, and endless bread. Van Kahvaltı Evi in Cihangir is one of the most famous breakfast spots.
Viaturkey Food Tour
The best way to experience Istanbul's food scene is with a local guide. Viaturkey's Food & Culture Tour takes you through hidden gems. Contact us on WhatsApp to book.