A pleasant weekend getaway or the end of a fun day—our route leads to Istanbul’s best street food spots. Here, you’ll never feel guilty about what you’re eating.
Zula
Zula, one of Istanbul’s top street food spots, has earned its reputation with a unique take on hamburgers and street flavors. What began as a small, charming venue in the backstreets of Harbiye has since expanded to branches across Istanbul and even to London. Founded by chefs Cihan Kıpçak and Üryan Doğmuş, Zula offers an exceptional experience by reimagining classic street food with the finest ingredients.
Burger lovers are especially captivated by the menu. The Basic Burger, with cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, pickle relish, and truffle mayonnaise, stands out as a simple yet memorable option. For those seeking a richer taste, the Edizione Burger offers an indulgent blend of bacon, cheddar, and truffle mayonnaise. In addition to burgers, the Frankfurter Hotdog and tacos are standout items on the menu. Zula elevates the dining experience further by pairing each dish with specially crafted mayonnaise and ketchup sauces. Flavor enthusiasts can visit Zula’s branches in Harbiye, Zorlu Center, Kanyon, Emaar Square Mall, Vadistanbul, and Akasya Shopping Mall in Istanbul.
IG: zulaistanbul
Address: İnönü Mah. Harbiye Çayırı Sk. No: 101 Şişli
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The Grungy
If you’re looking for a place that serves burger passion in its purest form, you’ve come to the right spot: The Grungy. The venue sets itself apart by adding unique touches to the classic hamburger concept, with its biggest claim being the unforgettable experience it provides to burger lovers through freshly baked bread and high-quality meats every day.
The Cheeseburger offers the perfect choice for those who can’t resist the classics, with its simple yet flawless taste. Meanwhile, the Smoked Ribeye Cheeseburger takes burger pleasure to the next level with extra layers of flavor. The Goat Cheese Burger, paired with red onion marmalade, provides a unique twist for those seeking something different. The Brie and Honey Burger, where sweet and savory meet, stands out as one of The Grungy’s signature creations.
For spice lovers, the Jalapeño Burger and Chipotle Cheeseburger are the ideal picks. The fries served with the burgers are anything but ordinary; each order comes with different potato options, including plain, salt and vinegar, cajun, truffle, and parmesan. The Grungy welcomes burger enthusiasts at four locations across Istanbul: Teşvikiye, Suadiye, Etiler, and Zorlu PSM, making it easily accessible on both the European and Anatolian sides.
IG: thegrungysociety
Address: Ülkü Sk. No:1 Suadiye
Cross Fingers
Cross Fingers, one of the city’s most ambitious street food spots, brings a breath of fresh air to street food with its diverse menu and distinctive flavors. From burgers to tacos, hot dogs to snacks, this place has quickly become a must-visit for flavor lovers. Cross Fingers operates in three different Istanbul locations: Etiler, Bomonti, and Cihangir, with each branch offering a unique concept and special experience for its guests. The Gastro Burger Bar in Etiler, Burger Bistro in Bomonti, and Burger Point in Cihangir are popular spots for food enthusiasts.
Cross Fingers stands out with its classic and original burger offerings, including the White Rabbit Burger, featuring truffle mayonnaise, mushroom relish, and white cheddar cheese. For barbecue fans, the Smoke House Burger offers a hearty option with smoked meat and onion rings, while the Cross Smash Burger delivers a burst of flavor with a 160-gram patty and peri peri sauce. The menu also features a nod to Mexican cuisine, with tacos and crispy chicken dishes available.
IG: crossfingers__
Address: Tepecik Yolu Sk. Alkent Sitesi No:13/18 Etiler
Afil Bomonti
Located in the lively Bomonti district, Afil Bomonti brings traditional flavors with modern twists through its street food and meze bar concept. Combining appetizer culture with street food, the venue offers creative interpretations of classic appetizers such as Girit Ezme, Babaganoush, Hummus, Atom, and Olive Piyaz.
For the main course, local delicacies like meatballs, liver varieties, and kokoreç are served with unique accompaniments. The burger menu at Afil Bomonti is also a highlight, with the Afil Burger featuring goat cheese cream, specially spiced burger patties, and fig sauce, designed to deliver an explosion of flavor.
IG: afilbomonti/
Address: Feriköy Fırın Sk. No: 35/8 Bomonti
Basta Street Food Bar
If you find yourself in Kadıköy and crave a culinary treat, Basta Street Food Bar is the place to go. Founded by Derin Arıbaş and Kaan Sakarya, who completed their culinary studies in France and worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, Basta stands out with its wraps and other street food favorites.
One of the menu’s crown jewels is the hummus, which has become a beloved classic. For something truly special, the lamb burger, served with homemade brioche bread, is a popular choice among guests.
IG: basta_food
Address: Sakız Sk. No: 1 Kadıköy
Muutto Street Food
Muutto brings an innovative twist to Istanbul’s gastronomy scene by merging street flavors with fine dining, creating a truly unique concept. Led by Chef Umut Karakuş, this special spot updates its menu each month, drawing inspiration from different culinary cultures under the motto “Migration.” Muutto, with the slogan “We will fit the world in a burrito,” takes traditional street food to new heights with creative presentations.
The menu features refined versions of street favorites like Beef Liver Wrap, Falafel Wrap, and Kokoreç Wrap. However, one of the most talked-about signature dishes is the Rib Wrap. Soft beef ribs, prepared using traditional techniques and served in a wrap with special spices, turn this dish into a legend. When visiting Muutto, be sure to try both the classic flavors and the unique appetizers. For a distinctive accompaniment, the Spicy Ayran redefines the classic ayran experience. Additionally, the Hash Brown Burger, perfect for vegetarians, is a popular menu item. Muutto operates in Moda and Fişekhane branches on both sides of the city.
Address: Meclis-i Mebusan Cad. Galataport
Dirty Hands
Situated in Akatlar, one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, Dirty Hands lives up to its name by offering guests the chance to ‘dirty’ their hands with delicious flavors. This spot blends street food with modern touches, offering a wide range of options, including bao, tacos, nachos, hot dogs, fries, wings, and burgers.
Among the original offerings, the Beef Cheek Bao stands out with its soft bread, red cabbage, and tender meat that melts in your mouth. The Cheeseburger and Soft Tacos with Kokoreç are among the most popular choices on the menu.
IG: dirtyhandstr
Address: Zeytinoğlu Cad. No: 7 Beşiktaş
Snob Street Food
Snob Street Food, with locations in Caddebostan, Moda, and Özyeğin University, is an ambitious venue that combines street food with fine dining. By reinterpreting traditional flavors with modern twists, Snob aims to make a mark in both taste and presentation. The menu offers a unique experience, enriching popular street food staples such as wraps, burgers, and hot dogs with creative ingredients.
The offerings include exciting dishes to please all palates, such as wraps served with traditional appetizers like hummus and muhammara. Other popular choices include the Snob Dogg, prepared with cheddar and relish, Mac & Cheese balls, Cheddar Satır Sucuk Dürüm, and the Zinger Rock Burger, which features crispy chicken, homemade coleslaw, and brioche bread.
IG: snobstreetfood
Address: Bağdat Caddesi No: 292 Caddebostan
