Istanbul's food is the inheritance of an imperial cuisine that fed a capital where Asia, Europe, and the Middle East met. 20 bookable food tours below — plus the neighbourhoods and dishes the city is built around.
Top picks
What we’d book first
Editorial picks · live inventory
Disclosure When you click Book on Viator or Book on GetYourGuide, we may earn a commission if you complete a booking. Picks are editorial, not by commission rate. Prices and availability are pulled live from the partner.
The guide
Istanbul's food is the inheritance of an imperial cuisine that fed a capital where Asia, Europe, and the Middle East met. The result is more varied than 'Turkish food' as a category suggests. Aegean meze, Black Sea cornbread and anchovies, the kebab traditions of the southeast, the seafood culture of the Bosphorus: all live in one city. Most of the best eating still happens at lokantas, the neighborhood places that serve a fixed daily menu of stews and vegetables, and at fish restaurants on the water. Breakfast is its own institution: a two-hour ritual with eggs, cheeses, olives, jams, and very strong tea, eaten slowly on weekends.
Where to focus
Four neighbourhoods to anchor a few days of eating
Karaköy
Across the Golden Horn, old port neighborhood with the best meyhanes (raki-and-meze houses) and modern bakeries. Walk to Galata after dinner.
Kadıköy
Asian side, the most local part of the city. The Tuesday market is the largest in town; the fish market on the corner is the rest-of-the-week version.
Beyoğlu / Galata
Pedestrian streets full of small restaurants, kebab places, ice cream stalls. Touristy but the residential side streets still have honest food.
Sultanahmet
Tourist heartland, generally avoided for serious food, but a few old köfteci places are exceptions. For the legendary Çiya Sofrası, take the ferry to Kadıköy instead.
What to eat
The dishes the city is known for
- 01
Köfte
· Grilled meatballs, regionally varied. The version from Tekirdağ is the reference. - 02
Mantı
· Tiny meat dumplings under yogurt and chili butter. Specifically Kayseri-style; the Istanbul versions can be too large. - 03
Lahmacun
· Flatbread topped with minced lamb, eaten rolled up. The southeast Anatolian export the city adopted. - 04
Balık ekmek
· Grilled fish sandwich, traditionally eaten standing by the Galata Bridge. - 05
Meze
· Cold starters served with raki. A meal of meze and raki at a meyhane is the defining social meal. - 06
Künefe
· Cheese pastry in syrup, served hot, southeast Anatolian. The dessert worth ordering even when you're full.
Practical notes
Meal timing, tipping, payment
Lunch 12:00–15:00, dinner 19:00–23:00; meyhane meals start late and run long. Tipping 5–10% in restaurants; rounding up at lokantas. Bring cash for markets. Çay (tea) is offered constantly and never refused.
All 20 food tours
Updated 2026-07-01The full list · sponsored partner links
- 01
Eating Like a Local: Learn About Diverse Culinary Culture of Turkey
On this 4-hour walking tour with an expert tour guide, you will delve deep into the culinary culture and rich history of Istanbul. You will taste local delicacies and hear fascinating stories behind each culinary gem. As
4.3h - 02
Istanbul Food Escape : Ferry to the Flavors of the Asian Side
This is not a fast-paced checklist tour. It's an immersive experience into local life, where you'll enjoy traditional flavors, learn about Istanbul's layered history, and feel the everyday rhythm of the city. Along the w
5h - 03
Ortakoy,Chocolate factory &Viaport Venezia;Solo;Couple;Group
A place where everything is made of chocolate.One of kind sightseeing at Ortakoy village in middle of sea.Shopping vibes.Get your instagram ready for unique pictures.Pick up & Drop off; Private tour guide & car.
8h - 04
- Full Day Green Bursa + Cable Car + Lunch
Green Bursa, Green Mosque, and Uludag MountainHaving a hot lunch at the top of the Uludag MountainAdventure of a cable car ride in UludagHistorical Plane Tree for more than 700 years. Pick up & Drop off; tour guide.
8h - 05
Pelit Chocolate Museum & Snow Park Private tour;Solo ;Group
Get a bird view of some of the city's most famous structures, Make your way toward the city's historic core. Once in a lifetime experience. Free delicious Turkish lunch, Pick up & Drop off from your place.
8h - 06
Unique sites in Bursa ~ guided tour ~ with lunch.
Exploring the 600 year old tree that lies beneath Bursa. Excitement of walking through Kamal Pasha waterfall & lake. Free hot turkish lunch. Expert commentary from your knowledgeable guide. Pick up & Drop off
8h - 07
Afternoon Bosphorus Boat and Bus Tour with cable car from Pierre Loti Coffee
Bosphorus & Istanbul Roots Tour Discover the two captivating sides of Istanbul—by water and by land—on this immersive tour that blends history, culture, and stunning scenery. ✨ Tour Highlights: Bosphorus Cruise – Boa
3h - 08
Dinner Cruise by Night on Bosphorus with a Traditional Show
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise – A Night to Remember The most magical way to experience the Bosphorus is under the stars, on a dinner cruise gliding between two continents. This legendary waterway connects the Black Sea and t
3h - 09
Full Day Cruise Tour in Bosphorus and Two Continents
A Journey Between Two Continents Live and breathe the vibrant spirit of Istanbul as you take in its sights, sounds, and aromas on this comprehensive journey. Straddling Europe and Asia, this dazzling city of more than
8h - 10
Half-Day Morning Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Bazaar Tasting Tour
Discover two fascinating sides of Istanbul on this half-day experience combining a scenic Bosphorus cruise with a visit to the vibrant Spice Bazaar. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, unique geography, and colo
3h - 11
ALL INCLUSIVE Private Istanbul tour with LUNCH - 8 to 9 hours
This All-Inclusive Private tour will take you to the highlights of Istanbul. It is very suitable for the cruisers and for the hoteliers who have limited time in Istanbul. • Private Tour for your family and friends • You
8h - 12
Istanbul Best Food Walking Tour with a Guide
Embark on a tantalizing food tour through the vibrant neighborhoods of Istanbul, including bustling markets filled with the irresistible aromas of local cuisine. Led by knowledgeable local guides, this immersive experien
3h - 13
Istanbul Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide
Embark on a gastronomic odyssey through Istanbul's lively streets, guided by a knowledgeable local eager to unveil the city's culinary treasures. From sweet Turkish delights to savory dürüm, savor handpicked tastings whi
3h - 14
1001 Nights Dinner Show
Your dinner will be at a first class restaurant with limited local drinks. While dining, you will be entertained with a spectacular floor show of famous belly dancers and typical Anatolian Folk Dances, Turkish singers an
4h - 15
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
This unforgettable dinner cruise on the Bosphorus includes a rich variety of specialties from Turkish and international cuisine on board a Bosphorus yacht. While dining, you will be able to observe one of the best silhou
4h - 16
Breakfast Cruise In Bosphorus With Private Yacht
Have a wonderful 2 hour bosphorus yacht tour and have Turkish Traditional Breakfast and Turkish Coffee while gazing at historical places like Dolmabahçe palace, Bosphorus Bridge, Beyleybeyi Palace and other palaces etc.
2h - 17
Custom Istanbul Tours-Your Vision, Our Expertise for Cruise Guest
✨ Custom Istanbul Private Tours: Your Vision, Our Expertise Experience the magic of Istanbul exactly how you imagined it, with your own private expert guide. ✨ Your Journey, Your Way No fixed group schedule. Design a da
5h - 18
Istanbul Private Street Food Tour with Local Expert
Discover the authentic flavors of Turkish cuisine on this private gourmet tour. Indulge yourself with 10 hand-picked Turkish delights and listen to your local guide, who will spice up your promenade with some bits of his
3h - 19
7-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour in Turkey
Raise a glass to discovery on this 7-Day Private Wine Tasting & Cultural Tour of Turkey, where boutique vineyards and ancient landmarks come together in one curated journey. Taste premium wines at Barbare, Turasan, Gode
168h - 20
Flavors of Istanbul – Private Local Food & Market Experience
Taste Istanbul’s authentic flavors on a private half-day food tour. Visit local markets and traditional eateries with a licensed guide. This guided tour explores intricate alleyways and hidden corners, offering an auth
4h