Perhaps the most enjoyable way to spend time at airports is to eat and drink something. We have prepared a fun guide for you so that you can decide in advance what to eat when you leave Istanbul or during your transit time.
Hosting dozens of restaurants from Turkish cuisine to world flavors, Istanbul Airport hosts most of these restaurants on the departure floor. Don’t worry, almost all of them will be in the same area, meaning they will be within eyeshot. So if you don’t like the menu of one, you can quickly walk to another.
Dining Categories at Istanbul Airport
Istanbul International Airport’s dining options are thoughtfully categorized to help travelers find their preferred meals:
- Casual Dining: Sit-down restaurants offering a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of cuisines.
- Fast Food: Quick-service outlets for those on the go.
- Grab & Go: Convenient spots to pick up snacks, sandwiches, and beverages.
- Coffee Products: Cafés and coffee shops serving a range of hot and cold beverages.
- Special Dietary Options: Venues offering vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, and diabetic-friendly choices.
Turkish Cuisine Highlights
- Cuisine Anatolia: Located near the A-B Pier, this restaurant offers traditional Anatolian dishes like beef köfte and walnut baklava.
- Kaimakk A patisserie near Pier D, known for its raspberry-rose tart and Turkish Delight sticks, set against a backdrop of elegant décor.
- Pidem and Paşa Döner These outlets serve freshly baked flatbreads and succulent kebabs, offering a quick yet authentic Turkish meal.
- Çay Saati Specializes in personalized Turkish coffee and a selection of local snacks, perfect for a traditional tea break.
International Flavors
- The Gang Foods Situated close to the A-B Pier, it offers a variety of international dishes, including pastas, hamburgers, and street food favorites.
- Enva Also near the A-B Pier, Enva provides healthy and delicious meals, featuring light snacks, freshly-baked pastries, sandwiches, and desserts.
- Salt Bae’s Nusr-Et Located near the D gates, this celebrity chef’s restaurant offers premium steaks and a unique dining experience
Coffee and Quick Bites
- Simit Sarayı With over 10 locations throughout the airport, this Turkish bakery offers simits (sesame-encrusted bread rings), börek, and other pastries.
- Starbucks and Gloria Jean’s Coffees International coffee chains providing a familiar menu of beverages and snacks.
- Burger King and Carl’s Jr Fast-food outlets offering burgers, fries, and other quick meals for travelers in a hurry.
Istanbul Airport’s diverse dining options ensure that every traveler can find something to satisfy their cravings, whether it’s a hearty Turkish meal, international cuisine, or a quick snack on the go. By planning ahead and exploring the various offerings, you can turn your layover or wait time into a delightful culinary experience.
