New study reveals the top Istanbul neighbourhoods for traditional dishes to try this Christmas

Turkey

Beyoğlu is named the best neighbourhood in Istanbul to explore traditional dishes, with 143.65 Turkish restaurants per 100,000 residents.

Fatih boasts the highest average restaurant rating at 4.61 out of 5.

The study analysed 6,369 Turkish restaurants across Istanbul's districts.

A new study has revealed Istanbul's top neighbourhoods to experience authentic Turkish cuisine this Christmas, with the Beyoğlu and Fatih districts emerging as the premier destinations for traditional dining.

The research, conducted by travel experts Istanbul Tickets and Tours, analysed 6,369 restaurants listed as 'Turkish' on TripAdvisor, evaluating the number of Turkish restaurants per 100,000 residents and their average ratings to identify the best districts for traditional cuisine.

The best neighbourhood for traditional Istanbul cuisine is Beyoğlu, boasting 143.65 Turkish restaurants per 100,000 residents and an average restaurant rating of 4.27 out of five, according to visitors.

Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, the district is home to the iconic Istiklal Avenue and Taksim Square. Visitors may want to experience eateries like Roof Mezze 360, which holds a perfect five-star rating across 3,309 reviews.

The second-best district to find traditional food in Istanbul was revealed to be Fatih, with 134.82 Turkish restaurants per 100,000 residents. Fatih also stands out among the rankings for having the highest average restaurant rating, with an impressive 4.61 out of five.

Hailed as the historic heart of Istanbul, Fatih encompasses the Old City and its landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. Tourists can dine in many iconic eateries, including the Gulhane Sark Sofrası, a favourite among locals and tourists alike, achieving a flawless five-star rating from 4,686 reviews.

Beşiktaş secures third place with 58.57 Turkish restaurants per 100,000 residents. This district is a blend of modern vibrancy and traditional charm, featuring attractions like the Dolmabahçe Palace and the bustling Beşiktaş Fish Market.

Beşiktaş is a hub for food enthusiasts seeking diverse culinary delights along the picturesque Bosphorus shoreline.

The tranquil district of Şile takes fourth place, offering 26.78 Turkish restaurants per 100,000 residents. Known for its sandy beaches and the historic Şile Lighthouse, this seaside town provides a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle.

This district combines coastal beauty with delightful local seafood and traditional dishes to create a unique culinary experience.

Kadıköy, a lively district on Istanbul's Asian side, ranks fifth with 22.87 Turkish restaurants per 100,000 residents. Famed for its bustling markets, such as the Kadıköy Market, and cultural hotspots like the Moda neighbourhood, Kadıköy offers a rich gastronomic scene that reflects Istanbul's diverse heritage.

Rank	District	Turkish restaurants per 100,000 residents	Average rating (out of five)
1	Beyoğlu	143.65	4.27
2	Fatih	134.82	4.61
3	Beşiktaş	58.57	3.96
4	Şile	26.78	3.74
5	Kadıköy	22.87	3.90
6	Şişli	18.51	4.13
7	Sarıyer	15.11	3.75
8	Bakırköy	12.70	4.07
9	Adalar	12.25	3.90
10	Üsküdar	8.31	3.82

Top-Rated Turkish Restaurants in Istanbul

The study also highlighted the top-rated Turkish restaurants based on TripAdvisor reviews:

· Gulhane Sark Sofrası – Fatih (5 stars, 4,686 reviews)

· Antakya Restaurant – Fatih (5 stars, 3,859 reviews)

· Roof Mezze 360 – Beyoğlu (5 stars, 3,309 reviews)

· Deraliye Restaurant – Fatih (5 stars, 3,164 reviews)

· Bitlisli Sirkeci – Fatih (5 stars, 3,074 reviews)

This highlights the eateries that tourists should consider visiting to experience high-quality local cuisine.

Magdalena Petrusic, travel expert from Istanbul Tickets and Tours, commented on the findings:

“Istanbul has a wide variety of cuisines and restaurants to choose from, but if you want to experience the true traditional flavours it has to offer, it is important to avoid the tourist traps.

“Always research the restaurants in the area you will be visiting and consult the menus and reviews online so you know what to expect. Booking ahead can be crucial, especially if you have dietary requirements or allergies, so ensure you make reservations as soon as possible.”