Üsküdar’s Gastronomy Street has grown into an international culinary hub, blending old-world charm with a global twist.
Set in one of Istanbul’s oldest and most characterful districts, Üsküdar sits on the Asian shore of the Bosporus. Known for its Ottoman-era mosques, historic neighborhoods and iconic waterfront views.
Gastronomy Street has become a place for more than just eating. People come here to meet, explore, discover new flavors or simply linger and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
The 250-meter (820-foot) street has become a popular destination for locals and visitors eager to discover something new without leaving the neighborhood.
On June 18, 2022, the Gastronomy Festival marked the opening of Üsküdar Gastronomy Street, the country’s first food-focused street.
The culinary hot spot brings together traditional Turkish favorites and global flavors. Regional specialties take center stage, from smoky Erzurum cağ kebab sliced fresh from the spit to juicy köfte sizzling on the grill. Nearby, Lebanese falafel comes crisp and herb-packed, while Italian kitchens serve pasta and freshly baked pizza. Japanese sushi and loaded American-style burgers round out the international offerings.
For those with a sweet tooth, the street offers an equally tempting selection, from creamy San Sebastian cheesecake, Lotus trileçe, Pavlova and buttery croissants to classic Turkish desserts such as baklava and sütlaç, making it easy to turn a quick meal into an all-day culinary adventure.
The street is also known for its strong sense of community, with Palestinian flags, symbols and messages of solidarity visible among some of its cafes and businesses. This gives the area a distinctive social character, where food, creativity and community expression come together.
With dozens of businesses operating along the street, the area creates opportunities for employment, supports nearby suppliers and encourages visitors to spend more time and money in the neighborhood.
A study of the street found about 60 businesses, including 32 gastronomy-related establishments, highlighting how food and hospitality have become an important part of its local economy.
Located in the heart of Üsküdar, the charming street is easy to reach by public transportation. Visitors can arrive via the Marmaray or take a ferry from Beşiktaş, Karaköy, Eminönü or Kadıköy, making its central location one of the reasons it remains a popular choice for both locals and visitors.
Stretching from the historic Uncular Caddesi to Valide-i Cedid Mosque. The area is pedestrian-friendly, allowing visitors to wander freely without car traffic. Vehicles are not permitted along the street itself, although paid parking options are available nearby.
This lively street offers more than just food. Alongside its diverse culinary scene, Üsküdar’s Gastronomy Street is lined with cozy cafes that cater to all kinds of visitors.
Workshops are also becoming a growing part of the area’s appeal, giving visitors the chance to try something new, meet people from different places and get creative through activities such as ceramics, ebru, tile painting, candle making, watercolor and glass art.
These hands-on experiences add another dimension to a visit, turning time in Üsküdar into an opportunity to create, connect and take home something personal.
For students, the street’s many book-themed cafes provide calm, comfortable spaces for studying long hours, whether alone or with a group. Its convenient public transport connections also make it easy to reach universities and other parts of Istanbul.
As evening arrives, the atmosphere shifts, with people gathering around the cafes to sip Turkish tea, unwind and enjoy long, unhurried conversations.
