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
Creamy short-grain rice pudding finished under a hot grill so the top sets into a scorched, freckled skin. Served chilled in shallow clay bowls with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Sutlac has been on Istanbul muhallebici menus since the late Ottoman period, when cold milk-puddings became the city's standard dessert in the long evenings between dinner and tea. The version baked in a clay bowl under a fierce top heat, leaving a black-spotted skin, is the Istanbul signature; lighter unfired versions belong to other Turkish cities.
3 editor picks for Sütlaç (Turkish baked rice pudding) in Istanbul, ranked by editorial score. All Istanbul signature dishes · Sütlaç (Turkish baked rice pudding) across every city.
Hayvore ★ 4.4
Hayvore tucked off Istiklal, cooking the corn-bread, anchovies and smoky bean stews of the Black Sea since 2009 in a noisy steam-table lokanta close.
OrderHamsi pilav, Muhlama, Karadeniz pidesi
Saray Muhallebicisi ★ 4.2
Saray Muhallebicisi on Istiklal, the 1935 muhallebici pulling chicken-breast pudding, kazandibi and milk-pudding bowls into the small hours.
Learn to cook it, or eat it with a guide
Sütlaç (Turkish baked rice pudding) 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