Best Pizza in Istanbul: 12 Finger-Lickin' Good Pizzerias (2024)

Turkish people may proudly tell you that they have many alternatives to Italian pizza, such as the pide and lahmacun. While the Turkish versions do have their place in the culinary world, there is nothing quite like the pizza that has made its way around the world.

Thanks to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, pizza has been very popular in Turkey for the last three decades, and Turks take pizza very seriously.

This article will explore 12 of the tastiest and most authentic pizzerias that you can find in Istanbul. From Neapolitan to New York-Style and Sicilian pizzas, the following pizzerias will satisfy that longing for the authentic pizza taste.

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Best Pizza Places in Istanbul:

1. Pizzeria Pera

This laid-back, dimly lit location has that high fantasy novel vibe. The medieval effect is contributed by the brick oven fired by wood and the cave-like design. Cozy yet creative. Though this is more of an Italian pizzeria in terms of their dough, you’ll find their toppings to be a creative masterpiece. Do not miss it if you want to taste one of the best pizzas in Istanbul, along with matching red and white Italian and Turkish wines.

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Address: Asmalı Mescit, Mahallesi, Gönül Sk. No:6/A, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

2. Pizzeria Pidos

They do deliver to hotel rooms with service that’ll arrive faster than April O’Neil. However, it would be a shame to miss out on the sophisticated décor. The stylish charm is so understated that there isn’t a hint of pretentiousness in the decoration, menu, and service. All that creates an experience that’ll have you feeling somewhat nostalgic. This is the place that’ll quell that Sehnsucht feeling – that longing for something undefinable. If you’re a fan of the rom-com film ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’, this is a cheaper option than moving to Tuscany.

As soon as you place a hot, sizzling piece of their pepperoni pizza in your mouth, you’ll lose yourself to the sweet sounds of the jazz music embracing you. This restaurant is perfect for daydreamers. When you’re done with your meal, and you step outside, you may find yourself a little disoriented: wasn’t I just in a cute, Italian village?

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Address: Gümüşsuyu, Dünya Sağlık Sk. No:13, 34437 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

3. 49 Çukurcuma

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, which Italian restaurant is the fairest of them all?

49 Çukurcuma has an enchanting, fairy-tale vibe. From mozzarella to tulum to mascarpone and organic mushrooms this restaurant is as dedicated to quality as it is to the wonderful atmosphere.

A salad will turn from your worst enemy to your best friend when you try the Izmir Tulum Cheese salad. Everything on the menu is its own delicacy. Bring a camera and start a Youtube show – this hidden gem has a superstar quality. Despite being located on a busy street, this is a difficult find. Perhaps because the only advertisem*nt it needs to rely on is word-of-mouth. The English-speaking waiters will do their best to accommodate you, and if you don’t have cash, they’ll accept cards.

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Address: Kuloğlu, Turnacıbaşı Cd. No:49, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

4. Miss Pizza

This chic spot has found a way to blend ingredients like truffle oil, steamed broccoli, marinated aubergines, fennel, prosciutto, zucchini, and even honey. They do have a cheese-free version for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.

The snug interior is elegant in that minimalistic style. Extremely crowded due to its taste, you will need to make reservations if you don’t want to wait for hours.

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Address: Evliya Çelebi, Meşrutiyet Cd. 86A, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

5. Paper Moon

If the moon is made out of paper, then this Hollywood spot is made for stars. If you’re a fan of old films, you may enjoy seeing celebrities like Rita Hayworth on the wall. Alternatively, you may have noticed that this romantic spot looks like a location in a movie created during Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Their clientele tends to be older and from high society. Perhaps it is the impeccable service or the impressive collection of wines or the flavor of the thin-crust pizzas, but this high-class spot is a better choice for a quiet family dinner or a business meeting.Reserve your table here.

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Address: Etiler, Ahmet Adnan Saygun Cd., 34340 Beşiktaş/İstanbul

6. Ozi Pizza and Pasta

There is a restaurant in the backstreets close to the iconic Blue Mosque to cheer up lonely travelers.

The jovial décor is a reflection on the owner and the staff. From morning to midnight, this welcoming restaurant will surprise you with its well-crafted, Instagram-worthy pizzas. If your companion is trying to eat healthily, the range of salads paired with a fresh pomegranate juice will tickle one’s palate. Visually striking, each dish will have you licking the plates clean.

However, what bumps this place up is the staff. Extremely hospitable, accommodating, and helpful, they can recommend the perfect wine for each dish, or if you have allergies, they’ll take you through the menu.

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Address: Binbirdirek Mah., Su Terazisi Sok. No:9, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul

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7. Forno Balat

This is a fantasy realized. The rural atmosphere here is undeniable, even if it’s designed to look like the kitchen of the grandma next door. If you sit inside, you’ll see the waiters bustling back and forth, but, more importantly, you’ll see the inside of the kitchen. The industrial ovens sparkle like they were bought yesterday, so if you’re obsessed with cleanliness, this is the place to be.

You may also wish to sit in the gorgeous green garden to soak in the vitamin D from the warming sun while you enjoy colorful yet incredibly healthy salads. The ingredients are all sourced from lifelong associations with the family butchers, neighborhood greengrocers, etc.

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Address: Vodina Caddesi, Fener Kireçhane Sk. No:13/A, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul

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8. Cortiletto Pizzeria & Bar

Brick walls, wooden tables, white flowerpots. Before you even see the delicious pizzas on offer here, you’ll know you’re in the safe hands of an artisanal chef. It may not surprise you, then, to know that the dough you’ll be munching on took three days of fermentation and was lovingly baked in an oven approved by the Naples Pizzeria Association. That may be where that Naples ambiance is emanating from.

Created by a chef that’s so talented that he made it into the training that Massimiliano Crocetti gives to only two students at a time. Each dish is carefully curated with patience, attention to detail, curiosity, and vision. Their daydreams may lead to wonderful new items on the menu, but it is also reflected in the ambiance—a quiet, relaxing restaurant to escape the hustle-bustle of Istanbul.

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Address: Teşvikiye, Ahmet Fetgari Sk No:22, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul

9. Sokullu Pizza

White tablecloths with a hint of Hollywood red, warm pink walls, colorful yet muted lighting: this grotto is perfect for a date night. They put an Ottoman twist on the classic Italian, and their pizzas are a harmonious blend between that classic Italian rustic taste and the pide of modern Turkey.

Since 2007, they’ve been serving a menu of meat, fish, vegetarian options to their patrons. It may even be more accurate to suggest that they’ve been creating memories.

If you’re looking for a bit for a dreamy or even romantic night out, you may wish to walk along the cobbled streets, take in the historic architecture, nestle into this intimate spot, and enjoy a glass of relaxing red wine.Or if you crave a delicious pizza in the middle of the day after visiting touristy Hagia Sophia, Sokullu Pizza is only 10 mins walking distance away from most Sultanahmet touristy attractions.

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Address: Binbirdirek, Su Terazisi Sk. 11/A, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul

10. The Upper Crust

There’s a hint of that youthful American vibe in the restaurant that attempts to bring Boston to Turkey. Although they may hire cordial students to take your orders, the accommodating chefs can only be described as experts. This place is highly customizable and offers wholegrain dough alongside the usual variety, a cheese-free “red” pizza, and a tomato-sauce-free “white” pizza. With over 30 options, you can half of this and half of that if you absolutely can’t choose. Their pizzas can go up to 18.5,” but there’s nothing to worry about: they love when customers share.

A huge fan of combining fresh ingredients with a special, secret tomato sauce and a thin crispy dough, this spot is wonderful for lunch and even better for whispering conspiratorially during dinner.

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Address: Bebek, Küçük Bebek Cd. No:6, 34342 Beşiktaş/İstanbul

11. Da Mario

Those with refined tastes who don’t mind paying more for that authentic Italian flavor will love Da Mario. One of the oldest Italian restaurants in Istanbul, their wood-fired oven has been working since 1993. This is the place to mingle with Istanbul’s high society. The interior design may create a level of nostalgia for those who experienced the upmarket Italian craze in New York a while back. With its attentive service and the lovely white tablecloths, this swanky restaurant would be perfect for a birthday party, date night, or even just to celebrate International Women’s Day with a slice of a tasty pizza or a calzone.

If the wine list doesn’t satisfy you, perhaps their co*cktails may. This bold place doesn’t mind experimenting with Mediterranean ingredients like pork, octopus, or clams. Their dishes change according to the season to give their patrons the freshest tastes. If the negroni doesn’t soothe you, perhaps their unbelievable lists of desserts will.

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Address: Etiler, Dilhayat Sk. No:7, 34337 Beşiktaş/İstanbul

12. 400 Derece

A 15-minute walk away from the World Peace Park, you’ll find a cozy, rustic Italian place just underneath a window brimming with flowers. As you walk in, you’ll be greeted with a smile from the staff. Scan around the tables, and you’ll find a hip, young crowd. If you glance at their food, you’ll realize that one pizza will comfortably fill up two people.

If any of the 34 options aren’t tempting enough or you’re not a fan of the only vegan option, the menu does have a “build your own” choice that offers five different kinds of cheese to the thrilling thought of almonds. There are ‘bacon’ options, but they’re made from substitute meat, so you’re still in safe hands if you don’t eat pork. The ratio of the toppings as per the thickness of the dough is perfect. Keeping with the rustic vibe, the dough is exactly as you’ll find in Italy.

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Address: Teşvikiye, Av. Süreyya Ağaoğlu Sk. 13/A, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul

Bonus: Mr. Hamza PLUS

Hamza means more than a guy’s name at this place; HAM from hamburger and ZA from pizza; these guys are making burgers with pizza crust rather than a bun and call it HAMZA! They have a great selection of fusion HAMZA’s (pizza burgers), including vegan ones.

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Address: Halaskargazi, Zafer Sokaği No: 5/A, 34371 Şişli/İstanbul

Final words

We hope this article has made your quest to find the best pizza in Istanbul much easier. If you’re still not sure where to go, join our food tours, and while we do not taste pizza, we’ll take care of finding the perfect slice of pide and lahmacun for you! Visit our tour page now if you want more information about what’s included in our tour or how it works.

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