Best Balkan Restaurants in Istanbul

The taste and reputation of Balkan cuisine are known all over the world. Balkan cuisine is seen as a mixture of local food cultures in a wide geography. Pastries, meat dishes, soups, and salads form the basis of this cuisine. As in many other cities of the world, Balkan restaurants attract attention in Istanbul. We listed the best 10 Balkan restaurants in Istanbul that will take you to the Balkans.

1. The Bosnjak Mutfak

As the name suggests, this place, where you will experience Bosnian flavors, is in the Karaköy district of Istanbul. You should especially try the Bosnian ravioli in this restaurant, which has very reasonable prices. Remember that the seating area is a bit small, so you may have trouble finding a place, especially on weekends.

Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa Mahallesi, Kılıç Ali Paşa Mescidi Sokak, No 11/A, Beyoğlu, İstanbul

2. Balkan Kafana

Balkan Kafana, with its unique style, offers its guests a concept of unique flavors of Balkan cuisine with a beach view of Şile. It displays various ethnic Balkan civilizations to its guests with its rich and unique menu where you can taste Balkan flavors without going to the Balkans.

3. Lipa

Lipa is one of the best addresses for those who want to taste real Bosnian flavors. The most popular dish is dry meat! We recommend you make a reservation before you go to Lipa.

Address: Sapanbağları Mahallesi, Yeni Pazar Caddesi, No 25, Pendik, İstanbul

4. Pembe Panter Restaurant

This place, which takes its name from the cartoon "Pink Panther", was founded in 1980 by Süleyman Sancak in Pendik. Since 2000, it has been serving in Sapanbağları. The place presents the elements of Bosnian culture with the most delicious interpretations. Bosnian meatballs, Bosnian ravioli, homemade dry meat, and street are among the popular tastes of the place.

5. Mirza Köftecisi

This restaurant is one of the places that make the most delicious Balkan meatballs in the country. Sausage, soka, and pleskavica are among the must-try. If you like shabby places, you should definitely stop by here.

Address: Kocatepe, Avasköy Yolu Cad., No: 67, Bayrampaşa/İstanbul

6. Sandzak Balkan Mutfağı

Sandzak Balkan Mutfağı brings you together with the best flavors of Balkan Cuisine. The place, which has been serving since 1974, offers its guests wonderful flavors such as olive oil quince, pirşuta, soka, pleskavica, meatballs, and coffee. The restaurant has two branches in Tuzla and Pendik.

Address: -Batı Mah Pendik Sahil Yolu Marin Türk AVM D:E Blok No:4, 34890 Pendik/İstanbul

-Cami Mah., Balıkçılar sok, Viaport Marina 20C D:68, 34940 Tuzla/İstanbul

7. Avliya Boşnak Mutfağı

Avliya Boşnak Mutfağı will make those looking for Bosnian flavors very happy. If you want to eat a nice Bosnian burek, this restaurant is the right choice.

Address: Kocatepe, Avasköy Yolu Cd. 83/A, 34045 Bayrampaşa/İstanbul

8. Balata Et Boşnak Köftecisi

Balata Et Boşnak Köftecisi is a nice place with friendly staff for those who want to taste Bosnian food such as pletskaviska and delicious Bosnian breakfast.

Address: Yıldırım, Şht. Kamil Balkan Cd. No:34, 34100 Bayrampaşa/İstanbul

9. Cunda Muhallebicisi

After eating “burek” cooked on charcoal fire, you can end the day with Trileçe dessert, and coffee at Cunda Muhallebicisi,

Address: Bahçelievler Merkez, Neyire Neyir Sk. No: 1 D:C, 34180 Bahçelievler/İstanbul

10. Balkan Lokantası

At Balkan Restaurant, you can taste homemade dishes, including Balkan delicacies at affordable prices.

Address: Sinanpaşa, Şair Leyla Sk. No:7, 34353 Beşiktaş/İstanbul