Top 10 Lunch in Istanbul

Destination: Istanbul.
This is not just a cooking class—it’s a journey into the flavors, history, and daily life of Istanbul. Our experience begins in the colorful markets of Kurtuluş, a lively district with century-old specialty shops. We’ll visit spice store, charcuterie, and bakery, tasting and learning about the ingredients that give Turkish cuisine its rich and diverse flavors. Then at home, we’ll cook together just like family, using the fresh ingredients we’ve gathered. But this is more than following a recipe—it’s about sharing stories, learning traditions, and experiencing true Turkish home hospitality. We’ll talk about the origins of each dish, how cooking changes across different regions of Turkey, and the special meaning food holds in our culture. By the time we sit at the table, it won’t feel like a class at all—it will feel like a meal shared with old friends. And when you leave, you won’t just take recipes with you—you’ll take memories, friendships, and a piece of Istanbul in your heart.
Known For: Istanbul Restaurants, Istanbul Dinner, Istanbul Lunch, Istanbul Likely to Sell Out, Istanbul Likely To Sell Out, Istanbul Top Product, Istanbul Small Group, Istanbul Dining Experiences, Istanbul Food & Drink, Istanbul Cooking Classes, Istanbul Excellent Quality.
Duration: Around 4 hours.

Destination: Istanbul.
It is not easy to find a good Vegan or Vegetarian restaurant to eat in Istanbul. That is why, we, I want to invite you to our home to cook, eat and experience Vegan culture in Istanbul with us as well as the famous Turkish Hospitality. Although any Vegan class in Istanbul is unique, cooking with me at a home athmosphere will let you experience the city and the culture in a different perspective. Visit us at our home, cook and eat with us, just like family and friends.
Known For: Istanbul Food & Drink, Istanbul Small Group, Istanbul Likely To Sell Out, Istanbul Lunch, Istanbul Breakfast, Istanbul Dining Experiences, Istanbul Restaurants, Istanbul Dinner, Istanbul Cooking Classes, Istanbul Brunch, Istanbul Likely to Sell Out.
Duration: Around 3 hours.

Destination: Istanbul.
We, two sisters, want to show the real local life of Istanbul. Just as friends, we will cook and eat Turkish dishes from Antakya region, one of the the culinary capitals of Turkey. So, come cook some nice food with us at a warm home in Istanbul, not as spectators but as participants in a hands-on experience. You'll learn cooking techniques and the stories behind each dishes. You will be able to learn our culture through shared moments, gaining insights into traditions that we learned from our grandmother and mother. Most of Turkish dishes can be cooked in a lot of ways, including vegans; just let us know about dietary preferences in advance. So, come as a guest, leave as a friend!
Known For: Istanbul Restaurants, Istanbul Dinner, Istanbul Cooking Classes, Istanbul Food & Drink, Istanbul Small Group, Istanbul Lunch, Istanbul Dining Experiences.
Duration: Around 3 hours.

Destination: Istanbul.
Start your private Istanbul Street Food Tour with a traditional Turkish breakfast in the Old City. Walk through the Spice Bazaar area to taste simit, Turkish delight and local snacks before taking the public ferry across the Bosphorus to Kadikoy on the Asian side. Explore Kadikoy Market, stopping at bakeries, grill houses and street-food stands for börek, lahmacun, döner or dürüm, kokorec for the adventurous, meze and seasonal dishes. Finish with Turkish coffee or tea and a sweet like baklava or künefe. This tour covers two continents in one day, includes all food tastings and public transport, and focuses on authentic local places rather than touristy restaurants. Walking distance is moderate with plenty of breaks.
Known For: Istanbul Dining Experiences, Istanbul Restaurants, Istanbul Breakfast, Istanbul Lunch, Istanbul Shore Excursions, Istanbul Food & Drink, Istanbul Port Pickup, Istanbul New Product.
Duration: Around 7 hours.

Destination: Istanbul.
We visit 4 drinking water dams that were built by ottomans, and are still in use. You will have safe, fun and flexible hiking tour in a forest which has one of the most beautiful vegetation in the world. at the end of tour we will eat lounch at the local restourant. (all expences are free up to two children). After our activie, you will be free at afternoon and you can do different acitivities what you want. if you stay in city center. i will pick you up from the hotel etc. where you stay by my car and than when the tour finished, i will take you to city center.
Known For: Istanbul Photo Shoots, Istanbul Lunch, Istanbul Wildlife Watching, Istanbul Nature and Wildlife Tours, Istanbul Walking Tours, Istanbul Dining Experiences, Istanbul Hiking Tours, Istanbul Photography Tours, Istanbul Bird Watching.
Duration: Around 5 hours.

Destination: Istanbul.
When we travel, all of us can search for the best restaurant in town to have a great dish. But, again, all of us ask the question "I want to discover real, local Istanbul. I want to find something that not everyone can find". Here, we are bringing something authentic to the table. Local life that we, travellers want to see is mostly at local's home. That's why, we are inviting you to a family home, to discover Turkish culture and hospitality while you eat a great homemade meal. We want to share, teach and learn. That's why, we also need you. Come join us for a time, that gives you a comfort similar to what you would have at your own home with your closest friends, but also gives you a curiosity to discover new people and cultures.
Known For: Istanbul Food & Drink, Istanbul Restaurants, Istanbul Breakfast, Istanbul Dinner, Istanbul Lunch, Istanbul Dining Experiences, Istanbul Small Group.
Duration: Around 2 hours.

Destination: Istanbul.
Get an insider’s introduction to Turkish cuisine during this hands-on, private cooking workshop in a local’s home. Learn how to recreate authentic dishes such as stuffed eggplant and crispy borek (filo pastry pie), with each recipe passed down through the family. As you cook, as your host for tips and recommendations, and discover a side to Turkish food that many travelers miss. - Private Turkish cooking workshop in the home of a local cook - Learn the origins of each dish and get a hands-on lesson in choosing the best ingredients - Meals can be adapted to be vegetarian, if requested - Enjoy a sit-down meal, served with dessert, and wine or beer
Known For: Istanbul Food & Drink, Istanbul Restaurants, Istanbul Zombie, Istanbul Cooking Classes, Istanbul Dinner, Istanbul Lunch, Istanbul Dining Experiences.
Duration: Around 3 hours.

Destination: Istanbul.
This experience is all about warmth, connection, and home-cooked goodness. You won’t be in a fancy kitchen or a cooking school—you’ll be in a real Turkish home, where a local mom from Southeast Turkey will welcome you like family. Together, you’ll cook home-style Turkish-Kurdish dishes, the kind that have been passed down through generations and made with love. But this isn’t just about food—it’s about sharing stories, laughter, and traditions. As you roll dolma or prepare fresh mezes, you’ll hear about the little secrets that make each dish special and how food brings people together in Turkey. More than a class, it’s a chance to experience true Turkish home hospitality—sitting around the table, enjoying a homemade feast, and feeling like you truly belong. From the moment you walk in, you won’t feel like a guest—you’ll feel like an old friend.
Known For: Istanbul Dining Experiences, Istanbul Breakfast, Istanbul Top Product, Istanbul Dinner, Istanbul Cooking Classes, Istanbul Lunch, Istanbul Excellent Quality, Istanbul Food & Drink, Istanbul Restaurants, Istanbul Small Group.
Duration: Around 3 hours.

Destination: Istanbul.
With a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Bosphorus, indulge in the extravagance of unlimited entertainment, unforgettable surprise shows, and a diverse selection of 11 culinary delights. Elevate your experience with an array of champagne options, all complemented by the presence of turkey. We invite you to savor this impressive and luxurious journey!
Known For: Istanbul Food & Drink, Istanbul Spring Break, Istanbul Dinner, Istanbul Lunch, Istanbul Dining Experiences.
Duration: Around 5 hours.

Destination: Istanbul.
* Explore Kadıköy, Istanbul’s vibrant Asian-side neighborhood that locals love but tourists rarely discover * Eat like a true local at real neighborhood favorites—no tourist traps or watered-down flavors * Enjoy generous, mouth-watering portions at 6+ carefully chosen stops, enough for a full meal * Taste the best of Turkish street food, from pickle juice to grilled fish, spicy wraps, stuffed mussels, smoky kokoreç, wet burgers, and syrupy semolina cake * Walk with smart, friendly local guides who share insider stories, fun history, and personal tips * Experience Istanbul’s incredible food culture in an intimate small-group setting * Perfect for adventurous foodies looking to dive deep into authentic, everyday Istanbul * Consistently rated by guests as the best food tour in Istanbul—unforgettable, delicious, and fun!
Known For: Istanbul Food & Drink, Istanbul Restaurants, Istanbul Breakfast, Istanbul Lunch, Istanbul Small Group, Istanbul Dinner, Istanbul New Product, Istanbul Dining Experiences, Istanbul Brunch.
Duration: Around 2 hours and a half.