Blog·Week of 19.10.26
Istanbul Newcomers: A Few Fresh Arrivals This Week (October 19, 2026)
A concise selection of four distinct new openings, each introducing a different flavor—from classic döner to fried chicken and all-day dining—in Istanbul this week.
This recent-openings update for a quiet week highlights four notable additions to Istanbul’s culinary scene. The current wave is small but varied, with Nişantaşı seeing a wood-fired döner spot, fried chicken finding a new advocate, and a couple of venues experimenting with both design and menu focus. Here’s a closer look at what’s new and where unique approaches stand out.
Dazu
Dazu in Nişantaşı merges the tradition of Turkish döner cooked over wood fire with a more modern pub sensibility. The menu covers both beef and lamb döner, available atop lavash or served over rice, as well as in baguette sandwiches. Additional plates include house-made lentil soup and ayran aşı. One detail sets this venue apart: the tandır lavash is baked on-site throughout the day and the wood-fired cooking approach is, by design, central to their döner identity. [s1][s2]
Sources and details: Localtime guide · oggusto.com · dazudoner.com
Sekizdeyiz Bebek
Sekizdeyiz Bebek embraces a concept where food, music, design and communal sharing are intertwined. While meat dishes anchor the kitchen, the menu intentionally stretches beyond, taking cues from local ingredients. Mezes, shareable plates, and touches of seasonality appear prominently. Chef Ahmetcan Başar favors a restrained yet distinctive set of offerings, emphasizing clarity and character in each dish. [s1]
Sources and details: Localtime guide · oggusto.com
Chikka Chicken
Chef Murat Bozok’s Chikka Chicken brings fried chicken into focus, offering various styles crafted for a crisp exterior and juicy center. Alongside the fried chicken are nuggets, several chicken burger variants, and Sando Chicken. Bozok’s years of collecting sauce inspirations in different cities inform the concept, so sampling the homemade sauces with the chicken is the best way to sense the kitchen’s intent. [s1]
Sources and details: Localtime guide · oggusto.com
Kanti – All Day Eatery
Kanti – All Day Eatery positions itself as a flexible social hub in the neighborhood, operating from morning coffee to late-night cocktails. The garden and interior, warmed by burgundy tones paired with wood and marble, accommodate anything from a quick breakfast to drawn-out dinners. The space’s “Stay a Little Longer” ethos is woven into both the physical design and the brand’s identity, aiming for adaptability throughout the day. [s1]
Sources and details: Localtime guide · oggusto.com