Turkey’s Black Sea region is unique in numerous ways: Its nature, culture and people all bear authentic characteristics that you can’t find anywhere else. The food used to be that way too, but luckily that has changed. Today, you can taste the best Black Sea dishes without having to travel to Rize or Trabzon. Thanks in part to the migration boom from the region; Istanbul now boasts traditional Black Sea restaurants (including a few, very successful restaurant chains with several locations) that offer anything from rice pilaf with anchovies to black cabbage soup. Famously known as the leading developers of real estate in Istanbul, the good people of the Black Sea region have also started to dominate the city’s culinary scene. Here’s a list of places where you can find the best Black Sea food in the city:

Hayvore:

Hayvore is one of several authentic Black Sea restaurants around Taksim and a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Offering traditional recipes at reasonable prices, the place is almost always very busy during lunch hours. There is a wide selection of fish, meat and vegetable dishes, so anyone can find something that will appeal to their taste buds. 

Karadeniz Kardeşler Pide & Kebab Salonu:

This famous spot in Sultanahmet is where you should go if you want to try the famous Black Sea style, “closed” pizzas with meat or minced meat. Obviously that is not the only choice this famous place has to offer. Definitely save room for desert and try the delicious rice pudding.  

Klemuri:

Another authentic restaurant in Taksim down a quiet street, Klemuri is worth a visit both for the food and the atmosphere. Start with the broccoli or pumpkin soup, and then continue with the stuffed dry eggplants for a taste of authentic Black Sea cuisine.   

Nalia Karadeniz Mutfağı:

Nalia has two convenient locations on both sides of the Bosphorus. The one on the European side is located in Bağcılar, one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in terms of property investment in Istanbul. A second location awaits you in Kadıköy, yet another excellent neighborhood on the Asian side, especially for those looking to invest in real estate in Istanbul. With its polite and clean staff, Nalia offers delicious traditional recipes for affordable prices. Try the mixed Black Sea platter to taste everything from meat casserole to beans and don’t leave without trying the specialty deserts made with corn flour and pumpkins. 

Nizam Pide & Sütlaç:

Another old Taksim favorite with two locations in Beyoğlu, Nizam is most well known for its incredible sütlaç, or rice pudding. They have a selection of toppings that they add on top of your pudding and if you’ve never had rice pudding topped with raisins and hazelnuts, definitely try one. It’s out of this world!

Fasuli:  

This famous chain of restaurants excels in beans and rice, the basic fundamentals of the Black Sea cuisine. If you’ve never been to Fasuli, then try one of its several locations to experience the simplistic miracle of a plate of Hemşin style beans with a side of rice and pickles. It will restore your faith in humanity.

Hüsrev: 

Although a bit pricey, for some people this is the peak of Black Sea style beans and rice. It has a convenient location with valet service in Esentepe, one of Istanbul’s business centers and a key zone to check out if you are planning to invest in Istanbul. Try the stuffed black cabbage if you are not in the mood for beans.