Restaurants

There is no place on earth like Istanbul, it is advertised as the point where the Middle East, Europe and Asia, the vibrant Turkish city, meet with many cultures that seamlessly contradict each other, Istanbul's diversity is best reflected in the food scene where the restaurants here are the best in the world.

No matter what your stomach requires, you can find your desires in the best restaurants in Istanbul, for fast food, there are some great food trucks on the streets and for large meals too, you cannot go wrong with one of the many barbecue houses or traditional bars. Thanks to its oceanfront location, the city's seafood is wonderfully fresh, while vegetarian dishes, like the rest of Turkey, also consume a lot of attention.

This year, the guide awarded stars to only five restaurants in Istanbul, of which only one received two stars, and no restaurants in Istanbul received three stars, yet ten restaurants were awarded the prestigious Bib Gourmand Award, which recognizes excellent cooking with lower price points.

Health benefits of Turkish cuisine in the most famous restaurants in Istanbul

Turkish cuisine is healthy in nature and very seasonal, as many dishes are built around the many fresh products available as fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, dairy products and meat are produced throughout the country, ensuring the taste of fresh and nutritious foods with distinctive local production, in addition to the flavors and spices that enter Turkish cuisine are not only delicious, but have antioxidant properties that lower blood cholesterol, eliminate toxins and boost immunity.

Fresh herbs such as parsley and rosemary are often used to flavor dishes, while wild herbs are sought after in the Aegean region and other sparsely populated areas for their perceived health and medicinal qualities. Spices such as red pepper flakes, sumac and ginger are used to flavor dishes or as homeopathic remedies in their own right.

Olive oil is traditionally used to cook and preserve dishes, providing essential antioxidants and trans fats, while fresh fish and other seafood contribute to a diet rich in essential fatty acids.

Here are some of the health benefits of Turkish cuisine, and don't forget to enjoy traditional Turkish food while in Turkey to discover unique tastes and also for its health properties.

Seasonal Products

Turkey is a large country and most of the population is concentrated in cities, and there is ample room for growing a variety of products, as each region is of course characterized by delicious cuisine and specialties, many of which have grown throughout Turkey for centuries and from the basics of Turkish cuisine: eggplant, tomatoes and peppers that grow in a circular shape and spread under the warmth of the sun, citrus crops, pomegranates, olives and nuts thrive in coastal climates, where the Anatolian valleys flourish heavily with wheat and grains.

The variety of products available means that seasonal specialties are prepared to welcome every change in the season and to promote good health throughout the year.

Herbs and spices in the most famous restaurants in Istanbul

Turkish cuisine uses a lot of fresh leafy herbs that are rich in flavor and have additional health benefits. Wild Turkish herbs with a high content of vitamins and minerals are often described for their anti-inflammatory properties, across the Aegean Sea and in Anatolia there are a number of regional herbs of high value, and you may see them in local markets or spice shops (Aktars).

Spice and spice markets are an essential part of Turkish cuisine, and therefore Turkish life. From the spice market in Istanbul to the home kitchen, spices are everywhere, and in addition to flavor, many spices are rich in vitamins, minerals, vital antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger, cinnamon and chili powder mixed with a little honey is a popular home remedy for sore throats, using ingredients readily available in most homes and offering a boost and a full range of vitamins and minerals with every bite.

Kitchen dwelling

Turkish cuisine is supposed to be shared with friends, family and guests, this means that dishes are usually prepared in large quantities, with crowds here and there during meal preparation. 

Homemade tomato sauce is relied upon and is a secret for many home cooks At home-cooking restaurants across the country, you'll be able to find dishes of traditional Turkish cuisine, full of delicious and deeply nutritious flavors.

Olive oil in the best restaurants in Istanbul

It can be difficult to keep up with the latest trends when it comes to oils, a small amount of olive oil is good for heart, skin and hair health, Turkish food is mainly cooked and preserved in olive oil, even cakes are made from olive oil instead of butter as olive oil has been shown to help lower cholesterol and the risk of diabetes, stroke and possibly Alzheimer's disease, Turkish food, even if it is large, has a lightness that can be attributed to olive oil, it is a flavor Delicious leaves the product working with its magic, and the high number of antioxidants in olive oil may explain why Turks have clear skin and long, beautiful hair.

Vegetarian food at the best restaurants in Istanbul

Turkish food in Istanbul's most famous restaurants has a high percentage of vegetarian dishes that can be eaten alone with rice or cereals, or as a companion for meat or fish, at times of celebration a large crowd gathers together and enjoys lamb, beef, or sometimes fish simply cooked on charcoal or grilled.

Vegetable olive oil dishes, vegetarian dishes, cereal salads, appetizers and other facilities are usually made with seasonal, fresh products and flavored with fresh herbs, and since olive oil is easier to make and store (compared to butter), many dishes are naturally based on olive oil and are therefore vegetarian-friendly.

Enjoy

Turkey is a hospitable country, and there is nothing more fun than coming together to share, joke and laugh while eating a carefully prepared meal. Throughout Turkey there is a wide range of regional specialties, making the best of fresh produce, wild and traditional herbs and spices and olive oils that they are locally produced.

We are sure that you will enjoy sharing fresh food flavored with fresh herbs and spices and this is definitely the biggest health benefit anyone can desire.