Istanbul · FOOD & DRINK

The 15 Food & Drink Experiences in Istanbul We Would Book Again

53 tours  ·  from $18

The good food & drink experiences fill up early and the best of them go first. Below: the 15 to book before you land, what each one includes and how they differ.

Turkish Food Night and Rooftop Experience Istanbul - The private van is more useful than it sounds
Evening Experiences, Food, Food & Drink, Istanbul Food Tours, Tour Reviews

Turkish Food Night and Rooftop Experience Istanbul

1.Turkish Food Night and Rooftop Experience Istanbul

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 666 reviews · 3 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $77Our pick

Meet near Sirkeci and follow guides such as Sule, Zeynep, Zey, or Eylul to local snacks, Turkish delights, rooftop tea, and a generous dinner at a nearly 140-year-old family restaurant. A private van connects the stops, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices available.

“The food was excellent!! This is the tour to take if you want an authentic Turkish dining experience. Our guide, Sule even gave us a list of recommended dining places in Istanbul so it is definitely worthwhile to take this tour at the beginning of your stay in the city.”

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Istanbul: Guided Food Tour with Ferry Ride and Tastings - Starting at the dairy shop near the Spice Bazaar
Food, Food & Drink, Guided, Istanbul Food Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Istanbul: Guided Food Tour with Ferry Ride and Tastings

2.Guided Food Tour with Ferry Ride and Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 600 reviews · from $131

Follow an English-speaking foodie guide from the Spice Bazaar to Kadikoy and back, stopping for kaymak, simit, menemen, iskender kebap, mussels, fish sandwiches, künefe, ice cream, and coffee. Guides including Binnur, Önder, Burak, and Salih add food and city stories along the way.

“This tour is truly excellent. It was the best food tour I have done. The tour leader was fantastic -she guided us on a busy Easter Sunday effortlessly throughout the day. Every food tasting place we stopped at was first rate. The choice of food was perfect. The ferry trip and other sightseeing opportunities was excellent. Can’t thank you enough for a wonderful day. Thank you”

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Istanbul: Turkish Food Night and Rooftop Experience - Why the local hosts matter
Evening Experiences, Food, Food & Drink, Istanbul Food Tours, Tour Reviews

Istanbul: Turkish Food Night and Rooftop Experience

3.Turkish Food Night and Rooftop Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 569 reviews · 3 hours · from $69

Meet your English-speaking host at Sirkeci Station for street snacks, rooftop tea or coffee near Suleymaniye, and a generous dinner of 10-plus Turkish dishes in a historic Fatih restaurant. Guides such as Şule, Zeynep, Eylül, and Bilal add local food and city insight.

“The experience was incredibly interesting and, above all, very generous with the portions. There was so much food! We visited several different spots throughout the night, which allowed us to try a great variety of authentic dishes. My only piece of advice: if you don’t like having a very heavy meal late at night, I highly recommend booking an earlier time slot. You definitely won’t leave hungry! The logistics were also a huge plus—the transport was organized perfectly, making the transitions between locations smooth and stress-free. Our guide, Zeynep, was absolutely wonderful. She was super friendly and kept us entertained with fascinating stories about both the city of Istanbul and…”

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Istanbul: Guided Food and Culture Tour - Karaköy Pier and the ferry across the Bosphorus
Food, Food & Drink, Guided, Istanbul City Highlights Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Istanbul: Guided Food and Culture Tour

4.Guided Food and Culture Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 528 reviews · 4 hours · from $136

Join an English-speaking guide such as Burak, Salih, or Cumali for a four-hour food walk from Karaköy to Kadıköy and back. You will cross the Bosphorus by public ferry, visit markets, taste Kurdish dishes, sip Turkish drinks, and finish with dessert.

“The best part of our tour was our guide, Burak. The evening was more than just a sampling of Turkish dishes. Burak shared his knowledge of Istanbul, Turkish history, and the customs of dining with family and friends in such an interesting way that we were thoroughly entertained and pleased with how much we learned. The foods were unlike anything we’d eaten in the 3 days we had been in Turkey so we were glad we booked this tour.”

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The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Istanbul: The 10 Tastings - What the tastings may include
Food, Food & Drink, Istanbul Food Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Istanbul: The 10 Tastings

5.The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Istanbul: The 10 Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 462 reviews · from $192

Spend about three hours eating your way from Cihangir to Karaköy with a private local guide. Expect 10 food and drink tastings, from Turkish delight and dürüm to coffee, kebabs, fish, and ayran, plus stories around Çiçek Pasajı, Avrupa Pasajı, and Ağa Hamamı.

“Gamze was the best! Great knowledge of food and local tips! Plenty of tastings on this your so you won’t go away hungry. We have a memorable experience!”

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Istanbul Food Tour - History and Culture of Turkish Culinary - İstiklal Caddesi and Beyoğlu’s changing food scene
Food, Food & Drink, Historical Tours, Istanbul Food Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Istanbul Food Tour – History and Culture of Turkish Culinary

6.Istanbul Food Tour – History and Culture of Turkish Culinary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 265 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $127

Walk from Galata Bridge through Beyoğlu, İstiklal Street, Çiçek Pasajı, and Taksim Square while sampling Turkish street food, mezze, mussels, tantuni, baklava, coffee, and more. Guides such as Erol, Tolga, and Gamze add local history and practical Istanbul tips.

“We had such a fantastic experience on our food tour in Istanbul! Kim was an amazing guide — warm, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about her city. It honestly felt like spending the day with a friend who couldn’t wait to show us all her favorite local spots. She not only shared great stories and insights, but also had such genuine connections with the restaurant owners and staff. At a few stops, she even jumped in to help when things got busy — you could tell she’s truly part of the community. Our group was wonderful too — we toured with a couple from Toronto, another from Ohio, and us —…”

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Istanbul Kadikoy Food Tour with 12+ Local Delicacies Tastings - Handmade pide on Moda Caddesi
Food, Food & Drink, Istanbul Asian Side Tours, Istanbul Food Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Istanbul Kadikoy Food Tour with 12+ Local Delicacies Tastings

7.Istanbul Kadikoy Food Tour with 12+ Local Delicacies Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 247 reviews · 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $100

Spend about three hours walking Kadikoy with a local English-speaking guide such as Melis or Jeremy. Taste Turkish breakfast, menemen, muhlama, pide, lahmacun, baklava, coffee, tea, wine, ayran, and a secret dish while learning about food and neighborhood life.

“Great conversation, great food. Kind of experience one would miss if you did not travel around with someone from the city. Not just about the food but the neighbourhoods, quaint streets and off the beaten track places Gunes took us to.”

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Istanbul Traditional Food Tour with Dinner on Off-Touristy-Path - Starting at Karakoy Pier at 6 p.m.
Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Food, Food & Drink, Istanbul Food Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Istanbul Traditional Food Tour with Dinner on Off-Touristy-Path

8.Istanbul Traditional Food Tour with Dinner on Off-Touristy-Path

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 230 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $139

Spend about five hours eating across Istanbul with a licensed English-speaking guide such as Burak or Salih. Cross by ferry from Karakoy to Kadikoy, sample market foods and local drinks, then return for kebabs, meze, kunefe, and Turkish ice cream.

“Our tour guide led us into the best neighborhoods where the locals meet up and dine. He took us to wonderful restaurants for delicious tastings. We ate foods we had not eaten before and found it to be much to our liking. I would highly recommend.”

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Private and guided Istanbul food tour - Taste of Istanbul - Walking through Karakoy and Tophane between bites
Food, Food & Drink, Guided, Istanbul Food Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Private and guided Istanbul food tour – Taste of Istanbul

9.Private and guided Istanbul food tour – Taste of Istanbul

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 205 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $270

This private 5 to 6-hour food walk links Karakoy, Tophane, and Kadikoy with guides such as Furkan and Derya. Expect Turkish breakfast, coffee, baklava, ice cream, kebabs, mussels, market stops, and a ferry crossing. Vegetarian and gluten-free choices can be arranged.

“Furkan was so knowledge, entertaining, and really knew his good. We had a great time! We recommend this to anyone e who wants to get familiar with the layout of the city as well as sample it’s food.”

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Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides - Starting near Eminönü and the Spice Market
Food, Food & Drink, Guided, Istanbul Food Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides

10.Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 200 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $139

Spend 5 to 6 hours eating across Istanbul with guides such as Önder, Binnur, Salih, and Şenay. Start with Turkish breakfast near the Spice Market, cross by ferry to Kadıköy for local specialties, then return to Karaköy for fish wrap, künefe, and Maraş ice cream.

“Really fun experience. Tried lots of things which I would never have thought of trying and it was a great opportunity to explore the Asian side of Istanbul. Binnur was a great guide. Really friendly and know”

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Local Food, History and Hidden Places Walking Tour in Istanbul - Coffee near Eminönü Square
Food, Food & Drink, Historical Tours, Istanbul Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Local Food, History and Hidden Places Walking Tour in Istanbul

11.Local Food, History and Hidden Places Walking Tour in Istanbul

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 81 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $80

Spend four and a half hours eating through Istanbul’s Old City with an English-speaking guide. You’ll shop at the Spice Market, try Turkish breakfast, pide, döner, kebab, coffee, and baklava, then finish near Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Guides include Sude, Didem, Didi, Ezgi, and DeeDee.

“Our guide Ezgi, was excellent. Very knowledgeable on history and background of the city, the people and not just the food. Will highly recommend her.”

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Istanbul Kadikoy Private Food Tour with 12+ Local Tastings - Turkish breakfast on Doktor Esat Işık Caddesi
Food, Food & Drink, Istanbul Asian Side Tours, Istanbul Food Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Istanbul Kadikoy Private Food Tour with 12+ Local Tastings

12.Istanbul Kadikoy Private Food Tour with 12+ Local Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $356

Spend 3 to 3.5 hours exploring Kadikoy and Moda with a private English-speaking guide such as Melis, Jeremy, or Erbil. Taste 12 or more Turkish specialties, including menemen, muhlama, pide, lahmacun, Turkish coffee, wine, ayran, and baklava, with local stories along the way.

“If you want to learn about authentic Turkish food, traditions and every day life of locals this tour with Melis is a must do !!”

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PRIVATE Istanbul Food Tour - 10 Tastings including Raki & Padi - Kadikoy Market and the First Two Hours
Food, Food & Drink, Istanbul Food Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

PRIVATE Istanbul Food Tour – 10 Tastings including Raki & Padi

13.PRIVATE Istanbul Food Tour – 10 Tastings including Raki & Padi

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 75 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $153

Spend about three hours eating through Kadikoy with a private local guide such as Emre, Ceren, or Sözüm. Try 10 Turkish food and drink tastings, including pide, falafel, camel milk dates, Turkish delight, raki, and Padi, while seeing the Bull Statue, Sureyya Opera House, and local streets.

“We had a lovely evening with Emre and so enjoyed learning about and tasting the foods of Istanbul. Emre was an excellent guide sharing not only the interesting food, but some of the history and cultural nuances of the area. We had the best time. Would definitely recommend a food tour with Emre. You will meet as strangers and part as friends.”

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Taste Of Old City Street Food Tour with Local Guide - Women’s Market and southeastern Turkish flavors
City Tours, Food, Food & Drink, Guided, Istanbul Food Tours, Istanbul Old City Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Taste Of Old City Street Food Tour with Local Guide

14.Taste Of Old City Street Food Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $96

Join a small group of up to 12 for a five-hour evening food walk in Istanbul’s Fatih district. Taste lahmacun, büryan kebab, stuffed mussels, çiğ köfte, künefe, tea, and coffee while exploring the Golden Horn and Women’s Market with an English-speaking guide.

“We had a very familial experience with our guide. It felt as if we were with an additional family member. He showed us all the great local spots which was amazing. This is an ALL walking tour, so be prepared! Ali was literally part of our family after the tour.”

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Istanbul Evening Sightseeing and Food Tasting Tour - Cig kofte and the first taste of Turkish street food
Evening Experiences, Food, Food & Drink, Tour Reviews, Tours

Istanbul Evening Sightseeing and Food Tasting Tour

15.Istanbul Evening Sightseeing and Food Tasting Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $241

You’ll spend about four hours walking Istanbul with a local guide, often Ayhan, stopping for cig kofte, stuffed meatballs, lamb kebab, lahmacun, yogurt, and Turkish sweets. Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered, but expect a serious walk of about 5.4 kilometers and a route that may include Taksim, Istiklal Street, the Spice Market, and major landmarks.

“Great tour! Was just two of us but it made the tour more personalized. Our tour guide was great. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Delicious food was ate all night!”

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