Aug 3, 2025

Karaköy Lokantası Istanbul

Wow experience

""Karaköy Lokantası" in Istanbul is a beautiful, modern spin on the traditional Turkish restaurant. I like their hummus with pastrami -- it's a must taste!"

Located in the neighbourhood of Karaköy in Istanbul -which has been rising from its ashes during past decade-  Karaköy Lokantasi is a modern spin on the traditional Turkish restaurant with its amazing interior and delicacies. 

I always admire its glazed turquoise wall tiles, custom-made brass lights, mosaic floors and marble detailing. The ambience makes me feel dizzy even before I've started eating and drinking.

In the afternoon, they serve a great lunch menu that offers many Anatolian and Mediterranean flavors. At night, the layout changes completely and it turns into a 'meyhane' where you drink raki or wine and order legendary Turkish tapas. 

Its well-trained chefs take traditional Turkish dishes to a higher level without stripping them of authenticity, and they are very good at it. Hummus is one of my favorite mezes and their hummus with pastrami is a must-taste. Muammara, artichokes hearts, fried zucchini and the shrimps hot pot are also great options. And closing the meal with the soufflee is a mandatory.

I have to add that the prices are a little bit high but always worth it. Make sure you book as it is always crowded.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

About this spot

Kemankes Cad. No : 37/A

Hummus-pastrami:

TL

15

+90

2122924455

Find your way with 238 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Istanbul guide.

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...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Aug 30, 2025

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...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Emre

Kamar

Aug 30, 2025

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.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Emre

Kamar

Aug 30, 2025

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.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Emre

Kamar

Aug 30, 2025

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...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Aug 30, 2025

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.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Aug 30, 2025

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.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Aug 30, 2025

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.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Aug 30, 2025

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...

002-building
Art & culture
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Aug 30, 2025

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.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Aug 30, 2025

Ethem Tezçakar

Best Turkish coffee in town

"Ethem Tezçakar" Coffee makes much better coffee than other places in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, so it's important to visit this one small shop!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Aug 30, 2025

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.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Aug 30, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

238 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Istanbul?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

238 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

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:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
7291
Made with the 💚 of 498 Spotters.
Filters