If you're looking for one of the best restaurants around Galata in Istanbul, we've got you covered with this list. Istanbul's Galata district is at the epicentre of the Istanbul experience. It combines historic sites with rich cuisine and vibrant nightlife. In fact, there are exclusive rooftop bars as well as local kebab joints. In fact, the area offers some of Istanbul's finest and most internationally renowned eateries. But there are also some popular and simple culinary delights.
Here's our guide to the 12 best restaurants in the trendy Galata district.
Leb-i Derya
Leb-i Derya offers you a meal and a delicious drink with an even more fantastic view. Although it's not the highest rooftop dining spot in Galata, the place has arguably the most romantic panorama in the city. It spans Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Asian side from its vantage point nestled on the hill above the Bosphorus. Leb-i Derya's menu features Turkish and non-Turkish dishes, reflecting a culinary mix that echoes the restaurant's view from Europe to Asia. With a large bar area, Leb-i Derya is the perfect place for dinner followed by a drink as the city goes from day to night.
Canim Cigerim
Canim Cigerim is a simple, reasonably priced restaurant. It offers a good alternative to the hotel restaurants in the Galata district. In fact, the name of this restaurant means "my liver, my dear". Unsurprisingly, the speciality at Canim Cigerim is liver, although beef and tavuk (chicken) kebabs are also available. These three meat options make up the menu. A porsiyon (portion) consists of ten skewers of one of the meats. These are quickly brought to the table with flat bread and a bunch of herbs, a tomato and onion salad drizzled with molasses and lemon. If Canim Cigerim does just one thing, it certainly does it well.
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Meze by Lemon Tree
Although Galata and its neighbouring Karaköy district are famous for meyhanes, restaurants that focus on meze and raki, Meze by Lemon Tree remains a star among a sea of indistinguishable competitors. From its chic interior to its intelligent service, Meze by Lemon Tree offers a traditional meyhane experience with a unique degree of refinement. While the main courses include a number of elegant yet simple meat and fish dishes, the real event of the meal is the selection of a number of seasonal meze behind the counter. The tasting menu for two promises to cover all the meze bases, while a bottle of raki to accompany the meze and main course remains a must.
Dürümzade
Although Galata is home to a plethora of upmarket hotels, restaurants and clubs, institutions such as Dürümzade are testament to the neighbourhood's varied (and sometimes polarised) demographic. For those looking for a quick, cheap and delicious meal, however, Dürümzade can only be good news. Dürüm, named after Dürümzade, is a skewer of beef, chicken or lamb wrapped in a savoury flatbread and topped with parsley, onions and tomatoes. This no-frills spot is a hit with locals and foreigners alike, from tourists wandering the backstreets of Istiklal Caddesi to late-night clubbers. That's why it's one of the best restaurants around Galata.
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Mikla
This is one of the best restaurants around Galata. It is located at the top of the Marmara Pera. In fact, Mikla offers without doubt the most spectacular panorama of the city, from the Golden Horn to the Bosphorus and the historic peninsula. Open since 2005, Mikla's head chef, Mehmet Gürs, has announced his manifesto for new Anatolian cuisine. This philosophy is reflected in Mikla's fixed-price menus, which feature organic and ethical ingredients in a range of culturally diverse dishes.
Golge Kahve
As its name suggests in Turkish, Gölge Kahve offers peace in the shadow of bustling Istiklal Caddesi. Best known as a lunch spot, Gölge Kahve offers a range of homemade sweets and treats to accompany an afternoon tea or coffee. In traditional Turkish style, the menu changes daily and offers a daily menu of homemade soups and dishes, from rice-stuffed vegetables and pasta to burgers and vegetarian dishes. Gölge Kahve remains an ideal place for a midday meal or an afternoon with a book and a cup of tea.
Auf Restaurant
Part of the NuPera group, Auf offers a chic European dining experience next to the Pera Museum. Auf's lunch service consists of a tempting buffet of Turkish specialities with an international flavour, presented in front of an open kitchen. The dinner menu features upmarket dishes from lamb shank and beef fillet to mussels, with meat and cheese boards galore. Auf's charcuterie alter ego is Kauf, a supplier of rare cheeses and charcuterie in Turkey. The restaurant's expertly staffed bar remains an equally unmissable feature of this all-in-one establishment.
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Ficcin Restaurant
Ficcin offers a middle ground between upmarket restaurants and skewered grilled meats, specialising in Circassian cuisine at affordable prices. Spread over several windows lining Kallavi Sokak, the venue guarantees a lively culinary experience. Circassian specialities appear alongside Turkish classics, including the larger-than-usual manti stuffed with potatoes, chicken soup and the eponymous ficcin, a layered pastry-shaped dish stuffed with savoury meat. The star speciality, however, is çerkez tavugu, a creamy mixture of walnuts, shredded chicken and garlic.
Galata de Pepo
Pepos is known as one of Istanbul's most romantic restaurants because of its unforgettable atmosphere. The historic building was built under the name of Pepohan in 1891. It still stands today on Window Street. It is one of the historic streets surrounding the Galata Tower. These streets are great fun to explore. The restaurant serves as a casual café, restaurant and bar. Serving traditional Turkish cuisine, Pepo's offers many delicious dishes.
Guney Restaurant
When planning your trip, look out for the Galata Tower. Above all, don't forget to choose where to eat and here is one of the best restaurants around Galata. In fact, this restaurant is right next to the attraction mentioned. Try Turkish cuisine at the Guney restaurant. You can still enjoy tasty spaghetti, prawns and salmon at this place. If you're hungry, come here for a good baklava, brownies and yoghurt. Delicious draught beers, wine and liqueurs are also on offer. This place is known for its excellent coffee, lemonade or tea.
It is easy to find because of its ideal location. The friendly staff reflects the style and character of this restaurant. Good service is something that people note in their reviews. Guney Restaurant offers food at reasonable prices. The fantastic decor and comfortable atmosphere make visitors feel relaxed here. According to customer reviews on Google, this place deserved a 4.5 rating.
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