In the Footsteps of Tradition: Istanbul’s Lokantas
Blending Anatolia’s deep-rooted culinary heritage with the modern spirit of Istanbul, a new generation of distinguished lokantas is reshaping the city’s food culture.
Istanbul’s Lokantas
European Side Lokantas
Abdi Bey Lokantası
One of Karaköy’s beloved dining destinations, Abdi Bey Lokantası is located on the top floor of The Galata Hotel Istanbul, offering guests not only a rich Anatolian menu but also a striking view over the Golden Horn. Open seven days a week, the restaurant embraces a refined aesthetic that sits at the intersection of modern lokanta and meyhane culture.
At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Onur Kutluca, who curates the menu with a respectful yet polished approach to traditional flavors. Standout mezes include green apple atom, milk-based hummus, sour cherry stuffed vine leaves, and orange-infused muhammara. Among the hot starters, Abdi Bey liver, minced zucchini fritters, içli köfte, and crispy seafood bites draw attention. The main courses feature robust kebab selections such as single-skewer Adana, pistachio beyti, and slow-cooked lamb shank. For those looking to enjoy the Golden Horn at sunset, late afternoon is the ideal time to visit.
Address: Arap Cami Mh, Bankalar Cd. No: 21, Beyoğlu
Liman İstanbul
Located at Galataport, Liman İstanbul delivers a comprehensive dining experience, presenting Turkish cuisine with a modern and elegant touch against one of the Bosphorus’ most captivating views. Featured in the Michelin Guide 2026, the restaurant appeals to discerning palates with its refined interpretations of fresh seafood and Anatolian classics.
The menu highlights light starters such as marinated sea bass and shellfish, complemented by wood-fired dishes and carefully balanced main courses. The spacious terrace, especially during sunset hours, offers a seamless connection with the city—making evening services particularly popular.
Address: Kılıçali Paşa Mh, Meclis-i Mebusan Sk. O2 Block, Galataport, Beyoğlu
1924 İstanbul
Bringing the spirit of the 1920s into the present day, 1924 İstanbul is a historic lokanta in Beyoğlu that carries the legacy of old Pera with a refined, contemporary sensibility. Founded by Russian émigrés, the venue features dark wooden textures, large mirrors, and period details that create a strong sense of atmosphere.
The menu is rooted in Russian and Eastern European classics, with signature dishes such as piroshki, Russian dumplings, smoked salmon blini, Beef Stroganoff, and borscht. Occasional harp, piano, and accordion performances further enhance the nostalgic character of the space. Ideal for special occasions, romantic evenings, or those seeking a historical Istanbul experience, 1924 İstanbul stands out with both its cuisine and ambiance.
Address: Asmalı Mescit Mh, Olivya Gç. 7-A, Beyoğlu
Sade Beş Denizler Mutfağı
One of Nişantaşı’s most appreciated addresses, Sade Beş Denizler Mutfağı takes its name from the five seas surrounding Anatolia and reflects their diverse gastronomic heritage. Listed in the Michelin Bib Gourmand, the restaurant reinterprets traditional recipes from across the country with an emphasis on simplicity and authenticity.
Highlights include mastic-infused piyaz, stone-baked bread, leek pide, lamb möhür, slow-cooked stews prepared with rich meat stock, seasonal vegetables, and desserts. The menu changes according to the seasons, offering a dynamic and ever-evolving experience. The calm, modern atmosphere makes it equally appealing for lunch and dinner.
Address: Teşvikiye Mh, Akkavak Sk. No:36, Şişli
Gün Lokantası
Located in Asmalımescit, Gün Lokantası invites guests to a warm and refined lokanta experience where modern Turkish cuisine meets the aromatic character of wood-fired cooking. It’s worth noting that the energy of the open kitchen directly shapes the atmosphere of the space; seasonal mezes, sharing plates, and wood-fired main courses form the backbone of the menu. Sea bass, jumbo shrimp, lamb dishes, and vegetable-forward hot plates stand out with their careful presentation. With its distinctive interior design, Gün Lokantası offers a pleasant ambiance for both lunch and dinner service.
Address: Asmalı Mescit Mh, Gönül Sk. No: 8/A, Beyoğlu
Mahir Lokantası
Adapting the classic esnaf lokantası tradition to contemporary tastes, Mahir Lokantası’s cuisine carries the signature of Chef Mahir Nazlıcan. With two locations in Osmanbey and Pera, the restaurant is particularly known for its oven dishes and meat-based classics. The menu includes traditional favorites such as Ankara tava, stuffed ribs, eggplant moussaka, and hünkarbeğendi. Its simple and sincere atmosphere caters equally well to those seeking a quick meal and those preferring a relaxed dinner. Careful ingredient selection and fidelity to classic recipes make Mahir Lokantası a popular choice among local professionals and anyone looking for a dependable esnaf lokantası experience in the city.
Address: Cumhuriyet Mh, Tavukçu Fethi Sk. 28/B, Osmanbey – Şişli
Lokanta Safderun
Located within Artİstanbul Feshane, Lokanta Safderun’s kitchen is led by Chef Savaş Zafer, who brings a fresh interpretation to traditional flavors. True to the meaning of its name—pure and clear—the restaurant’s meticulous culinary approach is immediately reflected in its menu. Dishes prepared with ingredients sourced from local producers create a distinctive flavor profile that has built a loyal following. Istanbul-style rotisserie chicken, çökertme kebab, içli köfte, and lokum-cut beef tenderloin preserve the essence of Anatolian cuisine while being presented with a modern sensibility.
In addition to lunch and dinner, the restaurant also offers breakfast service in the mornings. Alongside Safderun’s signature breakfast spreads and tradesman-style plates, traditional items such as Samsun Çakallı menemen, İstanbul-style fried dough known as lalanga, Zile molasses, and Bozkır tahini are also available.
Address: Nişancı Mh., Artİstanbul Feshane, Eyüpsultan
BONUS! Pandeli
Serving with a deep-rooted history inside the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula, Pandeli transports its guests to another era through its atmosphere alone. Dining here feels like a journey through time, surrounded by blue-tiled walls, high ceilings, and a historic setting. The menu preserves Ottoman and classic Turkish recipes, offering dishes such as meat stews, olive oil–based dishes, and traditional desserts that appeal to both locals and visitors. Open throughout the day, the restaurant is highly frequented due to its location within the bazaar and steady tourist flow, so a short wait should be expected or a reservation made in advance.
Address: Rüstempaşa Mh, Balık Pazarı Kapısı Sk., Inside the Spice Bazaar No: 1, Fatih
Asian Side Lokantas
Lokanta Yoğurt
For Anatolian-side residents longing for the traditional esnaf lokantası culture, Lokanta Yoğurt is a refined recommendation. Located in Altunizade under the Curio Collection by Hilton, the restaurant’s menu is built around ingredients sourced from local producers and shaped by seasonal cycles. Each dish maintains the essence of traditional flavors while embracing a clean, contemporary gastronomic language. The interior design, featuring modern interpretations of İznik tiles, reinforces a sense of nostalgic warmth. Ideal for a calm lunch or afternoon meal, Lokanta Yoğurt also serves as a comfortable meeting point for small gatherings. With a menu that evolves according to the seasons, the experience remains fresh—making it a place worth revisiting time and again.
Address: Altunizade Mh, Oymacı Sk. No: 20, Üsküdar
Söğütlü Lokanta
Situated within the lively Kadıköy Terminal, Söğütlü Lokanta stands out as a modern Anatolian lokanta shaped by Michelin Bib Gourmand–awarded Chef Deniz Şahin’s philosophy of strength through simplicity. The menu is entirely seasonal, with each dish prepared using the freshest ingredients sourced from local producers.
Söğütlü Lokanta’s approach centers on preserving the essence of classic Anatolian dishes while presenting them in a clean, balanced, and contemporary form. Daily pot dishes, carefully cooked meat and vegetable recipes attract particular attention during lunchtime. In Chef Şahin’s kitchen, there is no excess—each plate follows the principle of achieving maximum flavor with minimal ingredients. Whether you are passing through the Terminal or intentionally seeking a genuine Anatolian dining experience in a modern lokanta setting, Söğütlü Lokanta remains a reliable and consistently satisfying destination throughout the day.
Address: Söğütlüçeşme Metrobus Stop, Terminal, Kurbağalıdere Cd., Kadıköy
Zevk Lokanta
Born in Moda and quickly becoming one of the neighborhood’s favorite addresses, Zevk Lokanta expanded to Bağdat Avenue with its second location, bringing the modern Istanbul lokanta concept to one of the Anatolian side’s busiest thoroughfares. True to its name, Zevk expresses its identity through every detail—from interior design to plate presentation.
The restaurant welcomes guests with a simple yet carefully considered aesthetic and a bright, inviting atmosphere. The menu consists of seasonally driven, modern Anatolian–inspired dishes, with vegetable-focused plates and daily-prepared pot dishes taking center stage. The Bağdat Avenue location’s spacious seating and all-day service flow make it an ideal choice for a relaxed lunch break as well as an evening that embraces contemporary meyhane culture.
Address: Şaşkın Bakkal Mh, Noter Sk. No: 12/A, Kadıköy
