Welcome to the ultimate guide to the top 7 burger restaurants in Istanbul! Istanbul boasts a thriving burger scene, and discovering the city’s best burger joints is a delicious adventure. We’ve done the tasting for you, exploring the diverse offerings in search of the most mouthwatering burgers in town. Prepare to be surprised because burgers in Istanbul have evolved into a true culinary art form. Many of these top burger restaurants have expanded, making it easy to find the best burger near you. The burger hotspots are often found in trendy neighborhoods like Karaköy, which includes Galata and Galataport, Besiktas with its Bebek and Akaretler districts, and Kadikoy. Let’s dive into our curated list of Istanbul’s finest burger establishments.
Top 7 best burger restaurants in Istanbul
1. White Burger by Serhat Doğramacı
“WHITE BURGER by Serhat Doğramacı” is a culinary gem founded by Masterchef Serhat Doğramacı, where minimalism and flavor harmonize to create a captivating dining experience. This restaurant is known for its clean and simple presentation, featuring top-notch ingredients that leave a lasting impression on taste buds. Chef Serhat Doğramacı, a Masterchef Turkey 2020 champion with an impressive international career, brings his unique recipes to life at “WHITE BURGER,” an innovative fast-food concept. The restaurant’s first branch in Kadıköy’s Moda district set the stage for its success. Now there are branches all over Istanbul, like Sarıyer, Ümraniye, Nişantaşı, Maltepe and more! With a menu boasting items like Simple Burger, White Burger, Nachos Burger, Chicken Burger, and Falafel Burger, complemented by delectable sides, it has earned acclaim for its focus on hamburgers. Embracing online ordering through platforms like Yemek Sepeti, “WHITE BURGER” offers convenience and top-notch quality with a perfect 10-point rating. Operating from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, it caters to both dine-in and online orders, with expansion to new locations. Whether for a casual outing with friends or the chance to savor a Masterchef’s expertise, “WHITE BURGER” promises a delightful culinary adventure.
Check out their Instagram profile or website for branches close to you.
2. Akali Burger
Akali Burger is a well-established burger chain with branches in Beşiktaş, Etiler, Karaköy, Suadiye, and Fişekhane. What sets it apart is its unique approach: there’s no pre-set menu of burgers. Instead, diners have the opportunity to customize their own burgers, starting by choosing from 80g, 160g, or 240g patty options, accompanied by pickle spread, pickled onions, and cheddar. The customization continues with the addition of extra ingredients and sauces, with the added benefit of being able to taste-test sauces before deciding. Akali also offers a Veggie Burger and sides like spoon-cut potato fries and onion rings. Known for its inventive recipes, thin-sliced vegetables, fresh greens, and special sauces, Akali Burger consistently ranks as one of Istanbul’s top burger destinations. Founded by Chef Cihan Kıpçak and his brother, the Kıpçak family’s passion for food shines through. With branches in Etiler, Akaretler, Beyoğlu, and Ümraniye, and the option to order through Yemeksepeti and Yemeksepeti Vale, Akali Burger has earned its reputation for deliciously customizable burgers that start with their renowned burger buns. If you haven’t tried them yet, a classic Akali burger featuring a succulent patty, cheddar cheese, pickle spread, and pickled onions is an excellent place to start. For those seeking unique flavors, their selection of extra sauces, such as avocado cream, jalapeno mash, eggplant remoulade, and truffle salsa, comes highly recommended.
You can check out the menu.
3. House of B
House of B is a burger joint that skillfully reinterprets traditional flavors in a modern way. Their burgers, crafted with high-quality meats, fresh vegetables, and carefully selected sauces, offer an unmatched culinary experience for flavor enthusiasts. House of B’s unique recipes are sure to captivate burger enthusiasts. With locations in Akaretler and Suadiye, House of B draws inspiration from American burger establishments, combining fresh ingredients and flavors. Their menu boasts an impressive array of 30 burger varieties, with favorites like the Mac N Cheese Burger and Double Trouble Burger. What sets House of B apart is their commitment to using the freshest ingredients, from daily ground meat to freshly baked buns, all sourced from trusted regional suppliers known personally to the restaurant.
- Akaretler: Sinanpaşa, Şair Nedim Cd. No:14
- Suadiye: Suadiye, Bağdat Cd. 435/A
4. Zula Burger
Nestled in a charming corner of Harbiye, Zula Burger serves up a remarkable burger experience that leaves every diner pleasantly surprised. Headed by their long-time collaborator, Erdal Arğiş, Zula’s kitchen crafts burgers that are a true delight for the palate. The succulence of their burger patties, the flavor of their buttery brioche buns, the finely diced homemade pickles, and their special sauces all contribute to a magnificent burger experience. Situated on a tranquil street, Zula’s interior boasts an antique wood stove that contrasts beautifully with its initial underground appearance. The predominantly white walls are adorned with photographs by their partner, Abdi Akgül. Though Zula has expanded to stylish locations like Kanyon and Zorlu, the rustic charm of its Harbiye branch remains unique.
Quality ingredients and meticulously prepared burgers have made Zula a brand known for its exceptional taste. These mouthwatering burgers, paired with a captivating ambiance, await discerning diners. After establishing itself in Harbiye, Kanyon, and Zorlu, Zula has opened its first branch on the Anatolian side at Emaar Square Mall. With ample outdoor seating, Emaar Square Mall Zula welcomes food enthusiasts to savor its distinctive menu. Zula undoubtedly prepares some of the city’s most delicious burgers, with their B.I.G. burger, featuring juicy beef patties, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and delectable truffle mayo sauce, being a must-try. And for those who believe such a menu deserves a sweet ending, don’t forget to save room for Zula’s famous cheesecakes.
Get directions for the Harbiye branch.
5. Saltbea Burger by Nusret
Saltbea Burger by Nusret, renowned for its quality meat and unique culinary offerings, stands out from traditional burger joints. The exceptional meat used in their burgers is aged for a minimum of 28 days and meticulously prepared by their in-house butchers. The classic Nusr-Et burger features a thick and juicy patty, complemented by Italian cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and homemade buns, served alongside flavorful herb-infused french fries. Taking burger standards to new heights is the succulent Lokum burger, crafted from genuine Lokum steak and accompanied by caramelized onions and their signature homemade buns. Not to be missed is the Tulum Peyniri Salatasi, an exquisite salad crafted with creamy goat’s cheese, beansprouts, raisins, lettuce, and drizzled with pomegranate molasses. Nusr-Et Steakhouse, owned by Nusret Gökçe, is not just a restaurant but a culinary spectacle, drawing patrons from around the world to witness Nusret’s mastery over meat. The luxurious menu and ambiance set it apart from ordinary dining establishments, and it’s a testament to Nusret Gökçe’s journey from humble beginnings, having temporarily paused his education due to financial constraints to eventually become a prominent figure in the culinary world and the force behind the celebrated Saltbea Burger by Nusret.
- Galata: Şahkulu, Şahkapısı Sk. No:4, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
- Caddebostan: Caddebostan Mah, Bağdat Caddesi, Mengüç Apt. NO:311/1
- Galataport: Kılıçali Paşa Mahallesi Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi Dış Kapı No:8 İç Kapı No:102
6. Biber Burger
Biber Burger is a place that prides itself on its diversity, bringing together a range of unique flavors to cater to every palate. With its spicy sauces and unconventional toppings, Biber Burger is a destination that impresses burger enthusiasts. Their first branch on Beşiktaş’s Çırağan Street quickly became a favorite among burger lovers, and they have since expanded to Bomonti and Moda. Biber Burger takes pride in making their buns using a Brioche-inspired recipe with milk, a treat especially for Brioche bread enthusiasts. Notable burgers on their menu include the Monster’s Cut Burger, Jetlag Buster Burger, and Imperial Burger. If you’re a fan of Brioche bread, Biber Burger’s milk-infused buns are the ideal choice. Be sure to try Biber Burger in Beşiktaş for a unique burger experience. Check out the menu.
- Beşiktaş: Yıldız Mh. Çırağan Cd. No:11
- Şişli: Cumhuriyet Mh. Silahşör Cd. No:61/63A
- Kadıköy: Moda cd. no:146
7. Burger Lab
Burger Lab, a beloved establishment since its inception in Karaköy in 2013, has become the go-to destination for those craving delicious hamburgers. With subsequent branches in Mecidiyeköy Torun Center, Etiler Akmerkez, and Maslak UniqIstanbul, Burger Lab is known for its commitment to using fresh, additive-free meat in every burger, prepared daily. What sets Burger Lab apart from other burger joints is their approach of serving burgers without drowning them in sauce, allowing the quality of their 100% beef patties to shine. For those seeking an alternative, Burger Lab even offers a breadless burger option nestled between two layers of fresh lettuce. Whether in Karaköy, Maslak Uniq, Akmerkez, or Zorlu Center, you can savor the flavors of Burger Lab’s exceptional burgers.
Bonus insider tip: Islak Hamburger
When it comes to savoring hamburgers in Istanbul, there’s a local street food you absolutely can’t miss – the iconic “Islak Hamburger” Distinct from your regular burgers, this delectable treat features a straightforward bun and patty, but the magic happens when it’s drenched in a savory tomato sauce and steamed to perfection, earning its name, which translates to “wet hamburger.” While one might not completely satisfy a hearty appetite, it’s the perfect on-the-go snack to relish. For the ultimate iIslak Hamburger experience, head over to Kızılkayalar at Taksim Square. If you’re in the vicinity, this is a must-try, as it’s a unique, Istanbul-exclusive street food that’s a well-kept insider’s secret. Learn more about islak hamburgers in our Istanbul street food guide!
