Istanbul has a lot to offer to Muslim travelers when it comes to halal food. Doner kebab, mezze, simit bread or lahmacun are delicious authentic Turkish dishes that you can try.
To help you choose a place to eat while on vacation in this popular city in Turkey, we share with you the 10 best halal restaurants in Istanbul to dine in.
1. Buhara Ocakbasi Restaurant
Where is the best place to try the Turkish halal kebab? Buhara Ocakbasi restaurant the most recommended restaurant for authentic Iskender kebab.
In the Sultanahmet district you can drop by if you feel hungry after visiting nearby attractions like the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque and Aya Sophia.
2. Kybele Restaurant
For some of us we are not only looking for delicious food, but also for a cozy and quaint little restaurant for a nice dining atmosphere.
If you are just like us, you will surely like to dine in the Kybele restaurant. You have a beautiful garden on the top floor and there is a hidden terrace behind the restaurant; A perfect place to enjoy the food, the weather and the view!
3. Old Istanbul Cuisine
After exploring Istanbul’s famous Muslim-friendly sights, it’s time to fill your stomach with delicious Turkish food. If you want to eat a large portion, Old Istanbul Cuisine is the place for you.
They offer a wide range of dishes at an affordable price. You can try ordering your ceramic kebab, adana kebab or various kebab plates.
4. Sofya Kebab House
Sofya Kebab House is also one of the 10 best halal restaurants in Istanbul to try. In the quieter area of the old town, you can try almost all types of Turkish kebabs here (we recommend Nazik kebabs)!
They come in a large portion and the price is quite cheap. There is also a daily soup, hummus and Turkish tea for you to enjoy.
5. Erhan Restaurant
If you’re near the Blue Mosque and want lunch or dinner, Erhan Restaurant is one of the 10 best halal restaurants in Istanbul to try. The place is famous for its excellent service and food.
Meals are in large portions and the price is affordable. Some of the menus we recommend are mezze (Turkish starter), Turkish kebab, seafood stew and baklava!
6. Old House Restaurant
The Old House Restaurant is also one of the best halal restaurants in Istanbul serving both halal and kosher food. Here you can fill your stomach with fantastic delicacies such as chicken casserole, hummus and dayana steak (highly recommended!).
Visit the Old House Restaurant after visiting Aya Sophia and Arasta Bazaar as it’s a stone’s throw from these famous Istanbul attractions.
7. Bitlisli Restaurant
Pide and Lahmacun are some of the Turkish dishes you have to try in Istanbul. The best place to eat these menus is the Bitlisli restaurant. It is a small and cozy place that serves delicious mixed kebabs, lahmacun, cacik, kofte and many other Turkish menus.
The Bitlisli restaurant is also famous for its aubergine puree and grilled meat. So order them! Some previous customers said you might also get free tea and appetizers.
8. Osman Gourmet Restaurant
When it comes to trying original Turkish food, there is nothing more authentic than dining in the Osman Gourmet Restaurant. It’s a halal restaurant in Istanbul’s old town, run by a friendly family.
Real, traditional Turkish dishes are served here at the Osman Gourmet Restaurant. Your Iskender kebabs and grilled vegetables are a dream, according to their previous customers! It is also strategically located near the famous Blue Mosque.
9. Hoca Pasa Pidecisi
Some may wonder what local food to try when on vacation in Istanbul. For us, you can’t go to Istanbul without trying the Turkish Pizza Pide. One of the best halal restaurants in Istanbul that serves tasty pide is Hoca Pasa Pidecisi.
You can order many types of pides here (there are 20 of them!) And mix the flavors to get a little taste of everything. Don’t worry about breaking your bank because their pides are cheap!
10. Bayramoglu Doner
Here’s another good place to get a Turkish doner – Bayramoglu Doner Restaurant. The unique thing about this restaurant is that you cannot really choose the menu as it is very limited. You get Turkish bread, soup, kebab and Turkish tea. French fries and salad are free. You can also order the delicious Ayran, a Turkish yogurt drink.
