Helvetia Istanbul
Just like your mum's cooking
Arzu from Istanbul
I always crave unhealthy food! I do not know how to describe it, but fatty junk food is like my Achilles' heel. But who can say no to fresh homemade cooking, right? Especially when there is a large variety and everything is very delicious... Helvetia in Asmalimescit, Beyoglu is one of my favorite spots to have a quick lunch. I go there whenever I miss my mom's food and want to eat something healthy.
There is plenty of meat or vegetable dishes in the showcase fridge and you can choose whatever you want to create your own plate. The dishes are laid out on trays and they will prepare your plate according to your choices.
The place is not very big and so the tables are communal, but this makes you feel cosy.
Helvetia has dishes for all kinds of tastes like cold, warm, vegetarian and so on... Rice, bulhgur, spinach, lentils and chickpeas, as well as chicken, meatballs and so much more. This makes you feel like you've just been invited for lunch by a Turkish family. Bon appetit.
Istanbul Spotter Arzu
About this spot
Our Istanbul City Guide
Find your way with 241 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul
Lil Bake
Lovely spot for a sweet snack
Lil Bake is a small, lovely spot in the heart of Moda, Istanbul. My favorite used to be the pistachio Paris breast, until I tasted their croissants...
by
Cemre
Sandal
Banyan
High-end Asian fusion in Ortakoy
"Banyan" is my bar/restaurant of choice in Istanbul's Ortaköy for a drink or dinner after work. In their terrace you'll feel as if you're on a ship's deck.
by
Emre
Kamar
Vogue Restaurant Bar
Molecular cocktails & sushi
"Vogue Restaurant Bar" is one of Istanbul's higher end spots. The food is great, but I would recommend the signature (molecular) cocktails. How about...
by
Emre
Kamar
Grand Bazaar
Fat round evil eyes
"Grand Bazaar" is my place to buy the best Istanbul souvenir: round, fat evil eyes! Just don't forget to bargain...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Norm Coffee
Such a cozy spot
"Norm Coffee" Istanbul makes me feel as if I'm in a spaceship travelling to a coffee planet every time! It's just one of my favorite spots in the city.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Forno Balat
Friendly cafe in the Golden Horn
"Forno Balat" in Istanbul has amazing breakfast -- the best scrambled eggs and open-buffet and homemade jams I've tasted in Turkey.
by
Emre
Kamar
Groove
A cosy music store
"Groove" is my suggestion for music lovers who're in Istanbul looking for record shops! Sami, "the music doctor", will guide you through this journey...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
The Letter Opener
A gorgeous gift
"The Letter Opener" is one of the best souvenirs to get for friends back home when you're in Istanbul and I recommend you get them from Grand Bazaar.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
The Tortoise Trainer
Painting by Osman Hamdi Bey
The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Turkish Tea
Enjoy a glass of tea
Turkish Tea is had after each meal, and it's a reflection of hospitality. When in Istanbul, have it at small local tea houses in Sultanahmet.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant
The best haricot bean
"Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant" is one of the restaurants that serve haricot beans just outside Suleymaniye in Istanbul. Great service, worth the money...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Kariye Museum
Church of St. Saviour
"Kariye Museum" is, for me, the most interesting Byzantine church in Istanbul after the Hagia Sophia. If you have some time, I definitely recommend a visit.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Heading to Istanbul?
241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 241 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Istanbul
Our team loves Istanbul
Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul
As featured on:
