Eating out in Istanbul can be expensive, depending on where you choose to dine. For the best of Istanbul’s cuisine, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $50 per person for a meal. However, there are plenty of more affordable restaurants that offer excellent dining experiences, ranging from traditional Turkish food to more modern dishes. For budget-minded diners, there are plenty of street stalls and cafes, where you can get a delicious and filling meal for less than $10.
The cost of groceries in Istanbul is similar to the rest of Turkey, and is generally quite reasonable. You can expect to pay $1-$2 for a loaf of bread, $2-$3 for 1 kg of meat, and a few dollars for fresh fruits and vegetables. Most restaurants charge a standard flat rate for a meal, but some may add additional fees for bread, tea, or other extras.
When it comes to drinks, prices in Istanbul are also quite affordable. Beer, wine, and spirits are typically sold in restaurants and bars at reasonable prices. A bottle of beer is typically between $2 and $4, an average glass of wine is about $5, and a shot of spirits is $5 and up. Soft drinks, juice, and tea are usually sold around $2 apiece.
If you want to save money while eating out in Istanbul, there are plenty of options. You can try some of the city’s many street food vendors, where you can get delicious kebabs, sandwiches, and other snacks for a fraction of the price you’d pay in a restaurant. You can also visit local markets, which offer a wide variety of produce, meats, dairy, and other food items at very inexpensive prices.
Overall, eating out in Istanbul can be quite affordable if you know where to look. With a bit of planning and research, you can find plenty of delicious and reasonably priced restaurants and cafes throughout the city.
Dining Out in Istanbul – Is it Expensive?
If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul and you’re wondering if dining out is expensive, then the answer is yes and no. Istanbul is a city with a wide range of restaurants offering everything from street food to high-end dining. So, depending on your budget and where you choose to eat, the cost can vary.
To give you an idea of the cost of dining out in Istanbul, the average cost of a meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant in the city center is between 40-60 TL. This price includes a starter, main course and drinks, but does not include tips. On the other hand, if you plan to eat at a high-end restaurant, then you can expect to pay up to 350 TL for a meal for two.
If you want to save money, then there are plenty of budget-friendly restaurants in Istanbul. Street food is very popular and you can find a variety of dishes, such as simit (sesame-coated bread), gozleme (filled pastry) and kokorec (spicy lamb intestines). These dishes will only cost you a few Turkish liras. Another option is to visit a lokanta (cafeteria-style restaurant), which serves traditional Turkish dishes at very reasonable prices.
There are also many restaurants offering set menus, which are a great way of trying a variety of dishes without spending too much money. The set menus usually include a starter, soup, main course, salad, dessert and drinks and the cost is usually around 25-35 TL per person.
Overall, dining out in Istanbul can be expensive, but there are plenty of options for all budgets. From street food to high-end restaurants, there really is something for everyone. So, if you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, you should have no problem finding a restaurant that suits your budget.
| Type of Restaurant | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Mid-Range | 40-60 TL per person |
| High-End | Up to 350 TL for two people |
| Street Food | A few Turkish liras |
| Lokanta | Reasonable prices |
| Set Menu | 25-35 TL per person |
Eating Out in Istanbul on a Budget – Where to Look?
Istanbul is famous for its delicious food. The city’s mix of cultures has made it a real gastronomic melting pot and you could easily spend a fortune on restaurant meals if you don’t know where to look. However, there are plenty of options for those on a budget who want to enjoy Istanbul’s rich culinary heritage. Here are some of the best places to eat out in Istanbul on a budget.
Street food stalls are a great way to grab a cheap and tasty meal. The city’s streets are lined with vendors, selling a range of snacks and dishes like grilled meats, falafel, börek (filled pastries), and more. Prices can range from a few lira to a few dozen, but you can generally expect to get a filling meal for 10-15 lira. Some of the most popular spots are in Taksim Square, Ortakoy, Kadikoy, and Sultanahmet.
Fast food restaurants are also a reliable option if you’re looking for a cheap meal in Istanbul. There are plenty of popular chain restaurants like Burger King, KFC, and McDonald’s, as well as local fast food spots like Cizbiz, which specializes in wraps. Prices at these places are generally quite affordable, with most meals costing between 5-15 lira.
If you’re looking for a sit-down meal but still want to keep your costs low, head to one of Istanbul’s popular lokantas (traditional restaurants). These restaurants usually serve home-style Turkish dishes like moussaka, dolma (stuffed vegetables), and kebabs. You can expect to pay around 10-20 lira for a full meal, including drinks.
Finally, Istanbul is home to plenty of budget-friendly restaurants that serve international cuisine. You can find pizzerias, Chinese restaurants, and more, with meals generally costing between 10-20 lira. Some of the most popular places are in Beyoglu, Sultanahmet, and Kadikoy.
Overall, dining out in Istanbul on a budget is definitely possible. With so many affordable restaurants and street vendors, you can enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
Yes, eating out in Istanbul is relatively expensive, with prices on a par with much of Europe.
The cost of a meal in Istanbul depends on the type of cuisine, the quality of the restaurant, and the area in which you’re eating. In general, you can expect to pay between 10-30 USD per person.
Yes, there are plenty of cheaper eateries in Istanbul. Street food is a popular option and often costs about 5 USD per meal.
Most visitors recommend the Kadiköy neighbourhood in Istanbul, as it is known for its array of delicious restaurants and food stalls.
Yes, alcoholic beverages are relatively expensive in Istanbul. You should expect to pay between 5-7 USD for a beer or glass of wine.
Yes, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options in Istanbul. You can find eateries offering these types of meals in many parts of the city.
Turkish cuisine is the most popular type of food in Istanbul. Dishes like kebabs, mezes, and lahmacun are some of the most popular dishes.
Yes, it is very easy to find halal food in Istanbul. Restaurants serving halal food can be found in most areas of the city.
The average cost of a meal for two in Istanbul is around 25-35 USD, depending on the type of restaurant.
Yes, there are plenty of places to eat on a budget in Istanbul. Many street food stalls offer delicious meals at very reasonable prices.