Best Restaurants in Taksim

Looking for the best restaurants in Taksim, Istanbul? Taksim and the surrounding Beyoğlu streets offer much more than the restaurants directly around Taksim Square. Within a short walk, you can find traditional Turkish ocakbaşı cooking, contemporary Anatolian cuisine and rooftop dining with panoramic views over Istanbul. Three restaurants that give you three genuinely different experiences are Zübeyir Ocakbaşı, Yeni Lokanta, and N’EVET Istanbul Rooftop Restaurant & Roof Bar. Zübeyir is the choice for charcoal-grilled Turkish meats, Yeni Lokanta reinterprets Turkish and Anatolian flavours through modern techniques, while N’EVET combines Turkish and Mediterranean dishes with a rooftop setting overlooking the Bosphorus and historic peninsula.

For more Istanbul food guides, neighbourhood recommendations and places worth discovering, bestplacefinder is also a useful starting point.

About Zübeyir Ocakbaşı

Zübeyir Ocakbaşı is one of the traditional places where you can enjoy the culture of ocakbaşı in Istanbul. Situated on Bekar Sokak just off İstiklal Avenue, the highlight of the restaurant is the charcoal barbecue where meats are prepared in front of the guests.

The journey of Zübeyir dates back to 1986, the year the founders started their restaurant journey. In the future the Taksim branch became one of the more popular ocakbaşı addresses in Beyoğlu. The restaurant’s menu still focuses on charcoal-grilled meats, traditional Turkish side dishes and the communal spirit of dining around a live grill; these are all part of what makes the restaurant so popular today.

The menu will come in handy especially for those who are looking for Adana, Urfa and shish kebab in Taksim. Favored kebabs include Adana, Urfa, kuzu şiş, çöp şiş, lamb chops and lamb liver. Also, there are an assortment of meze and salads available at the restaurant, so a combination of these shared plates can be used to make up the entire meal, instead of one main one.

The central point of the dining room is the ocak, so you can see the meat being grilled. The details of the copper, wooden seating and the scent of charcoal give it a distinctly Turkish flavour.

This is especially evident during the evenings when it’s bustling with both locals and tourists. It’s a place to have a good meal, not a fast snack; it’s prudent to make reservations during peak times.

Which is the best dish to order at Zübeyir?

A good combination for the first time is Adana kebab with kuzu şiş. Adana provides the more rich and flavored minced-meat style, while lamb shish lets the meat’s taste be the star of the show.

Include a couple of mezes like köz patlıcan, cacık or gavurdağı salad and serve grilled peppers and tomatoes. Ayran is a natural, non-alcoholic combination.

Especially, why is it worth visiting Zübeyir Ocakbaşı?

If you prefer the traditional grill experience in Istanbul as opposed to a Turkish take on the traditional grill experience, Zübeyir is a good choice. The charcoal fire, grill seating and meat-centric menu are the primary draws.

Zübeyir Ocakbaşı Information

Address: Şehit Muhtar Mahallesi, İstiklal Caddesi, Bekar Sokak No:28, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Türkiye

Phone: +90 212 293 39 51

Opening Hours: Monday–Friday 12:00–00:00; Saturday–Sunday 11:00–00:00 according to current listings.

Website: Zübeyir Ocakbaşı Official Website

Instagram: A current official Instagram account could not be independently verified with enough confidence, so it is better not to publish an unconfirmed handle.

The official restaurant website confirms the exact Taksim address and phone number.

2. Yeni Lokanta

About Yeni Lokanta

Yeni Lokanta is a whole new approach to the Turkish cuisine. The restaurant is sited on the Kumbaracı Yokuşu in Tomtom region of Beyoğlu, away from the hottest section of the tourist centre, yet close to İstiklal Avenue.

Chef Civan Er established the restaurant, and it specializes in modern Turkish and Anatolian dishes. The kitchen is not just re-heating tried and tested recipes, but working with modern methods and using local produce and traditional flavours in the dishes. Yeni Lokanta is a restaurant for Turkish and creative cuisine as listed on The Michelin Guide and their description of the cooking is a fresher, lighter version of Turkish flavours.

It serves a seasonal menu, and offers a tasting menu as well as menu items served individually. In the modern Turkish path of the restaurant, vegetable-based options, regional cheeses, seafood, lamb and beef come into existence.

The continuous theme in the restaurant is the reinvention of familiar Turkish dishes. In some instances, mantı is found in an innovative form, in other instances, ingredients like beetroot, sour cherries, hazelnuts and Ezine cheese are combined.

The restaurant’s ambiance is nice but not over-stylish. It’s a welcoming, bright Mediterranean style space, as described by Michelin, and as noted in the visitor information, it is intimate and perfect for events.

As of now the restaurant mandates the tasting menu for five or more people. Online reservations are considered a booking until they are confirmed; guests will choose a specific evening and should expect to wait for the booking process to be complete.

Which is the Best Restaurant Order at Yeni Lokanta?

When you want to learn more about the chef’s style, it is best to try the tasting menu.

At the restaurant, dishes centered around seasonal vegetables, mantı, seafood or slow cooked meats exemplify the restaurant’s modern approach to Turkish cuisine, with à la carte options available.

A Turkish wine pairing can also serve as a complement to the meal, too—the restaurant has a particular wine menu, and they ensure that they highlight local producers.

So why is it that people visit Yeni Lokanta?

If you are looking for the latest in Turkish cuisine, rather than the traditional restaurant setting, Yeni Lokanta is the best of the three. Ideal for food enthusiasts, couples and tourists seeking a more mature Beyoğlu dining experience, it’s especially suitable for these groups.

Yeni Lokanta Information

Address: Tomtom Mahallesi, Kumbaracı Yokuşu Sokak No:66/B, 34433 Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Türkiye

Phone: +90 212 292 25 50

Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday 12:00–16:00 and 17:00–00:30; Sunday 13:00–22:00.

Website: Yeni Lokanta Official Website

Instagram: @yeni.lokanta on Instagram

The restaurant’s current official website confirms the address, phone number, reservation policy and opening hours, while current Michelin information confirms its modern Turkish and creative culinary focus.

3. N’EVET Istanbul Rooftop Restaurant & Roof Bar

About N’EVET Istanbul

N’EVET Istanbul offers a more scenic take on Taksim restaurants. The rooftop restaurant is located in Tel Sokak, Katip Mustafa Çelebi with panoramic views towards the Bosphorus, Galata Tower and Historic Peninsula.

The menu is a mixture of Turkish and Mediterranean dishes such as kebabs, grilled meat, seafood, meze and modern dishes. Traditional Turkish flavours are prepared in a more sophisticated environment in the restaurant than in Zübeyir, where cooking is done with charcoal.

One of the primary reasons for a visit is the view. The view from the rooftop expands the area of surrounding buildings in Beyoğlu, and extends out to the Bosphorus and Historic Peninsula in the distance. The sunset and nighttime are particularly atmospheric, as the Istanbul skyline starts to glow.

A large focus of N’EVET’s activities is also on its bar and entertainment programme. Today, the restaurant offers signature cocktails, carefully-chosen wines and live events with violin, saxophone and guitar performances. This provides more of an evening-out feel than a typical restaurant.

It is booked and offers a seating preference system so that people can choose the seating area such as the main restaurant or private dining area.

What should you get at N’EVET?

There are a few classics Turkish dishes on the menu, so if you want to stick with the Turkish vibe then you can go with Adana kebab, beyti and Ali Nazik.

If you are sharing, go for a few mezes first and then to the grilled main dish. Those looking for something lighter will find seafood and Mediterranean cuisine available at the restaurant.

N’EVET Istanbul Information

Address: Katip Mustafa Çelebi Mahallesi, Tel Sokak No:29/1, 34433 Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Türkiye

Phone: +90 545 729 30 43

Opening Hours: 12:00–01:30 daily; kitchen service until 00:00 according to the restaurant’s official contact page.

Website: N’EVET Istanbul Official Website

Instagram: @nevet.istanbul on Instagram

The restaurant’s official website confirms the exact address, phone number and opening hours, while its current dining information confirms the rooftop concept, Turkish and Mediterranean menu and Istanbul views.

What Makes Taksim a Great Place to Eat?

Taksim is one of Istanbul’s most convenient neighbourhoods for travellers because it acts as a meeting point between İstiklal Avenue, Cihangir, Tomtom, Şişhane and the wider Beyoğlu district.

That location creates an unusually broad restaurant scene. You can find traditional Turkish grills, contemporary chef-led restaurants, meyhane-style dining, international cuisine, cafés and rooftop venues within a relatively compact area.

The neighbourhood also works well as part of a walking itinerary. A meal can easily be combined with İstiklal Avenue, Galatasaray, Çukurcuma, Cihangir or Galata, depending on where you want to continue afterwards.

What Type of Restaurant Should You Choose in Taksim?

For Traditional Turkish Grill

Choose Zübeyir Ocakbaşı when the main attraction is charcoal-grilled meat and the atmosphere of a traditional ocakbaşı.

For Modern Turkish Cuisine

Choose Yeni Lokanta when you want traditional Turkish and Anatolian ingredients interpreted through contemporary cooking techniques.

For Rooftop Dining

Choose N’EVET Istanbul when the view, cocktails and evening atmosphere are as important as the food.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best restaurants in Taksim?

Zübeyir Ocakbaşı, Yeni Lokanta and N’EVET Istanbul are three distinctive choices, covering traditional Turkish grilling, modern Turkish cuisine and rooftop dining.

Where can I eat traditional Turkish food in Taksim?

Zübeyir Ocakbaşı is particularly suitable for traditional Turkish grilled meats, while Yeni Lokanta offers a more contemporary interpretation of Turkish and Anatolian cuisine.

Which restaurant is best for kebabs in Taksim?

Zübeyir Ocakbaşı is the strongest choice for a traditional kebab experience, with Adana, Urfa, lamb shish, çöp şiş and other charcoal-grilled meats.

Which restaurant serves modern Turkish cuisine near Taksim?

Yeni Lokanta specialises in contemporary Turkish and creative cuisine, with dishes inspired by Anatolian and Aegean flavours.

Which restaurant has a rooftop view in Taksim?

N’EVET Istanbul Rooftop Restaurant & Roof Bar has a rooftop setting with views towards the Bosphorus, Galata Tower and Historic Peninsula.

Is Yeni Lokanta close to İstiklal Avenue?

Yes. Yeni Lokanta is on Kumbaracı Yokuşu in Tomtom, a short walk from İstiklal Avenue.

Is Zübeyir Ocakbaşı good for a traditional dinner?

Yes. Its central charcoal grill, Turkish kebabs, lamb dishes and meze make it particularly suitable for a traditional Turkish dinner.

What should I order at Zübeyir Ocakbaşı?

Try Adana kebab and kuzu şiş, accompanied by a few meze, grilled peppers, tomatoes and ayran.

Does Yeni Lokanta offer a tasting menu?

Yes. Yeni Lokanta currently offers both a tasting menu and à la carte dining. For parties of five or more, the tasting menu is required.

Is Yeni Lokanta suitable for a special occasion?

Yes. Its contemporary cooking, tasting menu and intimate Beyoğlu setting make it particularly suitable for special dinners and food-focused occasions.

What kind of food does N’EVET serve?

N’EVET serves Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, including grilled meats, kebabs, seafood and meze.

Which restaurant is best for a sunset dinner in Taksim?

N’EVET is particularly suited to sunset because its rooftop overlooks the wider Istanbul skyline, including the Bosphorus and Historic Peninsula.

Does N’EVET have live music?

Yes. The restaurant currently promotes live music nights featuring instruments such as violin, saxophone and guitar.

Can I find vegetarian food at these restaurants?

Yes. Yeni Lokanta has vegetable-led dishes and vegetarian-friendly choices, while N’EVET also offers vegetarian options. Zübeyir has vegetable-based meze and salads, although its menu is strongly focused on grilled meat.

Are these restaurants suitable for tourists?

Yes. All three are in central Beyoğlu and are within easy reach of major attractions and transport connections. Their different styles also make them suitable for different types of travellers.

Do I need a reservation in Taksim restaurants?

For popular evening restaurants, especially Zübeyir and N’EVET, reserving ahead is advisable. Yeni Lokanta also recommends booking, and its online reservations are handled as requests until confirmed.

Which restaurant is best for a first-time visitor to Taksim?

For a first visit, Zübeyir gives you a traditional Turkish grill experience, Yeni Lokanta provides a more modern view of Turkish cuisine, and N’EVET adds the classic Istanbul rooftop experience. Choosing between them depends on whether food tradition, contemporary gastronomy or the view is your main priority.