Karaköy Lokantası ★ 4.5
The teal-tiled Karaköy Lokantası, Bib Gourmand listed in the Michelin Guide, runs an Ottoman-leaning lunch lokanta downstairs and a meyhane upstairs at night.
OrderLakerda, Hünkar beğendi, Lamb shank
Lamb intestine wrapped around skewered offal (heart, lung, kidney, sweetbread), grilled over charcoal until crisp outside, chopped on a hot board with oregano, tomato and chilli, stuffed into bread.
Kokoreç entered Istanbul's late-night street-food scene from the Balkans and Asia Minor in the early 20th century, with the canonical operators clustering around Şampiyon Kokoreç on Beyoglu's pedestrian arteries from 1977. The dish is a regulated Turkish PDO product: only lamb intestine over 24cm in length and meeting strict cleaning protocols qualifies. Şampiyon Kokoreç, Karaköy late-night counters and the Beyoğlu after-midnight stands serve the canonical version.
3 editor picks for Kokoreç in Istanbul, ranked by editorial score. All Istanbul signature dishes · Kokoreç across every city.
Şampiyon Kokoreç ★ 4.3
Şampiyon Kokoreç on Sahne Sokak, the 1962 Beyoğlu kokoreççi shaving spiced grilled lamb intestine into sandwich bread for the late-night Balık Pazarı crowd.
OrderKokoreç (grilled lamb intestine)
Asmalı Cavit ★ 4.3
Asmalı Cavit on Asmalı Mescit Caddesi, a 1990s-opened Beyoğlu meyhane where proprietor Cavit Bey works the room nightly over a mezze list led by smoked.
OrderSmoked eggplant mezze, Albanian liver, Köfte in tomato sauce
Learn to cook it, or eat it with a guide
Kokoreç makes more sense with someone from Istanbul explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Book food experiences in Istanbul
Guided tour · 3 hours
Istanbul: Kadikoy Food Tour with 12+ Delicacies Tastings
Savor authentic Turkish dishes in vibrant Kadıköy. From lahmacun to menemen, coffee, and wine, discover the flavors, history, and traditions that make Istanbul a true ...
from$108 Check dates
Guided tour · 6 hours
Istanbul: Guided Old City Tour, Bosphorus Cruise, and Lunch
Explore Istanbul's Old City, enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch, and cruise along the Bosphorus Strait on this guided tour.
from$171 Check dates
Water activity · 5 hours
Istanbul: Bosphorus Strait and Black Sea Lunch Cruise
Escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul with a half-day lunch cruise. Set sail on the Bosphorus Strait and the Black Sea, soak in views of the city landmarks, and sav...
from$171 Check dates