Arnavutköy, one of Istanbul’s rare historical districts, offers wonderful places to enjoy delicious food, from charming cafes to exquisite restaurants and traditional fishmongers.
This area, once home to the Greek community, is renowned for its well-preserved historical mansions, providing a peaceful atmosphere where time seems to pass more slowly. Strolling through its streets, you’ll feel the warmth of its neighborhood charm and old shops.
Recently, Arnavutköy has grown into one of Istanbul’s most popular districts. Streets once known for modest restaurants and fishmongers now buzz with new and exciting venues. In this post, you will discover the 20 best places to visit in Arnavutkoy.
Table of Contents
Pubs of Arnavutköy
Any
Any Pub is one of the favorite places preferred by Arnavutköy residents and those visiting from outside. While Abrakadabra certainly made its mark, Any is known as the place that kicked off the new generation movement in the neighborhood. Opened in 2014 Any provides a delightful atmosphere at any time of the day.
With its dark tones, this two-story venue exudes a spacious and modern London-style pub vibe. The menu includes snacks and various starters ideal for those looking to enjoy a drink. Be sure to try their “buffalo wings,” a rare treat in Istanbul, served with a special cheese sauce. Additionally, Any offers a diverse menu with burgers and healthier options like salads and salmon.
Bebek Arnavutkoy St. No: 1/A Arnavutkoy
Alexandra
One of the first names that comes to mind when it comes to cocktail venues lately, Alexandra operates in the historical mansion across from Any. An ideal option for those who want to have a drink after their meal, the venue fascinates its guests with its cocktails and view.
Arnavutkoy Neighborhood, Bebek Arnavutkoy St. No:50, 34345 Besiktas
Hide Arnavutkoy
Located among the greenery, Café Hide opened its doors in Arnavutköy in 2020. It has a secret garden where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. They offer their flavors best by changing their brunch menu seasonally. You can experience the unique flavors in the brunch menu, taste the fresh bakery products, and sip your coffee.
Arnavutköy Neighborhood, Arnavutköy Dere Street No:8, 34345 Beşiktaş
Arnavutköy’s Classical Places
Arnavutköy is home to some venues that have stood the test of time. Here are the classic places you shouldn’t miss:
- Ali Baba: A beloved neighborhood meatball restaurant that has remained a favorite over the years.
- Adem Baba: Famous for its fish dishes, including a must-try fish soup. Located just past Ali Baba.
- Galeri Selvin: Situated on Dere Sokak, this gallery was founded by artist Selvin Gafuroğlu and has hosted sculpture and painting exhibitions for many years.
- Jaquette by Elvan: A boutique known for its unique, modern jackets and kimonos. It’s located further down from Galeri Selvin.
- Kolaylar Tarım: The best place to find high-quality vegetables and fruits. Chefs from different neighborhoods come here to shop for unique herbs and fresh produce.
- Muskat: A well-known pastry shop where buying fresh cakes and desserts has become a local tradition.
- Arnavutköy Cheese Shop: Renowned for its delicious cheeses sourced from all over Turkey.
While exploring Arnavutköy, you’ll also encounter:
- Akıntıburnu: The iconic protrusion of the Bosphorus extending from Arnavutköy to the sea. Enjoy the sight of people fishing along the shore.
- Greek Houses: Hidden within the steep side streets, these historical homes offer a glimpse into the neighborhood’s past.
Arnavutköy’s Most Popular Fishermen
Arnavutköy has the most famous fish restaurants in Istanbul. Zıpkın is one of them. A new-generation fish restaurant, Zıpkın is in the foreground with its Aegean-style appetizers and unique atmosphere. Among the places with traditions, Revma and Arnavutköy Fish House are the first to come to mind.
Sur Balik
Sur Balık has been operating in a historical mansion with a unique view for seven years. In the summer months, you can watch the magnificent view of the Bosphorus from the restaurant’s large terrace or balcony. The place has a high-quality standard in fish meze. They serve one of the most delicious lakerda in Istanbul and the mackerel marina is no less. We recommend trying the artichoke fava and seasonal fish among the cold mezes.
Arnavutköy’s Must-visits
Antica Locanda
Antica Locanda is one of the distinguished Italian trattorias in Istanbul. We recommend that you call before going, as the restaurant’s opening and service hours may vary. Italian chef Gian Carlo Talerico serves his magnificent dishes ‘a la minute’. While enjoying homemade seafood pasta in the garden decorated with colorful marble, you will be amazed by Antica Locanda’s unchanging style for years and the chef’s talent for seafood.
Arnavutköy, Sales Square Street No. 12, 34345 Beşiktaş
Şişko Perihan
Şişko Perihan, which opened in Arnavutköy in June 2020, is a friendly place with an old-fashioned tavern concept and Anatolian cuisine flavors. The interior of the tavern with a nostalgic ambiance features the stylish touches of architect Engin Özmen. Şişko Perihan, which fascinates its guests from every angle with its Turkish music list compiled from old original records and specially prepared hammered copper presentation plates in Gaziantep, is a place where those looking for an old tavern will become regulars.
Arnavutköy Neighborhood, Francalacı Street, No.10, Beşiktaş
A Bit of Eggo
Arnavutköy’s new venue, A Bit Of Eggo , is a great option for those who love eggs in every form. The venue, which prefers organic eggs, has an interesting plate presentation. There are a variety of options from the classic egg plate to the most unusual egg plate. The plates are served with sourdough bread. Apart from these plates, there are also alternatives such as granola, pancakes, and breakfast spreads. We recommend you try their dessert called “Eggonolia”, where they bring a new interpretation to the Magnolia dessert.
( Arnavutkoy, Abdulhak Molla St. No:26, 34345 Besiktas ; 05326366310)
Brasserie Di Dante
At Brasserie Di Dante you can find delicious snacks and drinks all day long. With a fun and peaceful atmosphere, the venue will take your pub experience to the highest level.
Arnavutköy, Sales Square Street No:23/A, 34345 Beşiktaş
Melina Cantina
Melina Kantina , the recent favorite place of Arnavutköy district, wins hearts with both its breakfasts and meat dishes. The variety of options offered by the place includes a wide range from hamburgers prepared in canteen style to flavors sprinkled on bread. They also offer quite strong and diverse alternatives in terms of desserts. Options such as burgers made with pretzel bread, anise-flavored sausage and eye eggs, and banana bread French toast stand out on their menu.
Arnavutköy, Sales Square Street No:21, 34345 Beşiktaş
Cutie Cake
The desserts of a cute boutique patisserie called Cutie Cake fascinate people with their elegant and beautiful designs. We can also see the elegance they reflect in their flavors in the design of the venue, which consists of pastel colors. The dessert called “Saint Honoré” is the apple of the patisserie’s eye. This delicious dessert, prepared with a base of puff pastry and balls of chutney on top, is offered in different varieties such as lavender, rose, maca, and caramel. In addition, the 35 cm “giant” eclairs, which they call their signature flavor, have many options such as chocolate, caramel, orange, maca, and yuzu. They also take orders for their daily desserts and cakes and deliver them to homes.
Arnavutköy, Beyazgül Sk. No:9, 34345 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Kavanoz
While walking around the side streets of Kolaylar Manav, the first thing that catches your eye is the window display of a stylish venue with dazzling flower arrangements- a peaceful cafe bistro Kavanoz İstanbul. The interior features old-style wooden and marble tables, nostalgic chairs, and a large glass counter where various items are displayed; the desserts of the day are written on a blackboard above the counter. The bar section serves guests who enjoy their time in the garden nicely. At Kavanoz Istanbul, options such as coffee varieties, lemonades, and snacks are offered to visitors.
Arnavutkoy District, Tekkeci Street, No: 1A, Besiktas
