Istanbul: Turkish Food Night & Rooftop Dinner with Transfers

Summary

Old Istanbul rooftops, street food flavors and a 140-year family dinner

You’ll wander Istanbul’s old streets tasting local street food before heading up to a rooftop for tea and city views. Then share a feast at a 140-year-old family restaurant with more than ten Turkish dishes (vegetarian options too), ending with dessert and strong coffee before your transfer back.

What’s the experience like?

“You have to try this one,” our guide grinned, handing me something wrapped in warm bread just outside Sirkeci Tram Station. It was already dark but the city felt alive — horns echoing from the street, the smell of roasting chestnuts mixing with something sweet I couldn’t place. I tried to say thank you in Turkish (Li laughed at my attempt), and we all just stood there for a second chewing, kind of smiling at each other because it was so good. I didn’t expect to feel that welcome right away.

The van ride wasn’t long — maybe 15 minutes? — but it felt like we’d left the touristy part of Istanbul behind. Suddenly we were up on this rooftop, hands wrapped around little glasses of tea while the skyline stretched out in every direction. There was this breeze that kept blowing my napkin off the table. Someone pointed out the Bosphorus lights and I just sat there for a bit, listening to everyone’s accents blend together. The view is what everyone talks about but honestly, it’s the way the air smelled up there — a mix of sea and grilled meat — that stuck with me.

Dinner happened in this old family restaurant (almost 140 years old, which is wild). The owner’s son came out to explain what half the dishes were — I lost count after five mezes but kept eating anyway. There were kebabs for the meat-eaters and these vegetarian plates piled high with things I still can’t pronounce. Dessert was sticky and sweet; someone said it tasted like home even though none of us were from here. We finished with coffee thick enough to stand your spoon in. Afterward our guide made sure everyone got dropped close to their hotels (which honestly felt like a small kindness after all that food).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Istanbul food and rooftop experience

• Meet at Sirkeci Tram Station
• Explore hidden spots in old Istanbul
• Try local street food and Turkish delights
• Private van to rooftop location
• Enjoy Istanbul view with tea and coffee
• Take photos of Istanbul skyline
• Private transfer to historic family restaurant
• Dine on 10+ types of Turkish food
• Have dessert and Turkish coffee or tea
• Private transfer near hotels

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Istanbul food tour?

Yes, private transfer drops you close to your hotel after dinner.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?

Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices are available—just let them know after booking.

Where does the tour start in Istanbul?

The meeting point is in front of Sirkeci Tram Station/Orient Express in old Istanbul.

How many types of Turkish food will we try?

You’ll taste over 10 different Turkish dishes including starters, mezes, kebabs, and dessert.

Is this tour suitable for people using wheelchairs?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Does the experience include drinks on the rooftop?

Yes, tea or coffee (and sometimes salep) are served on the rooftop with city views.

How big are the groups on this tour?

The tour runs in small groups so you can actually talk to people around you.

What’s included

Your evening includes meeting at Sirkeci Tram Station in old Istanbul, tasting local street foods along hidden spots with your guide, sipping tea or coffee on a rooftop overlooking the city skyline, then sharing dinner at a nearly 140-year-old family restaurant with over ten Turkish dishes (with plenty of vegetarian or gluten-free options if you ask). Dessert and strong Turkish coffee finish things off before your private transfer drops you near your hotel.