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The 50 best places for pide in Istanbul
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedOct 11, 2025
Updated • updatedOct 11, 2025
Are you looking for the best order in Istanbul? You’re not alone! Many of us love traveling on the Wanderlog team, so naturally we’re always on the hunt to find the most popular spots anytime we travel somewhere new. We’ve looked through different sources to find the best options, including favorites like Karadeniz Pide Vefa, Mevlana Kebap Lahmacun Salonu, and Tatbak.
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cheap
Breakfast restaurant
If you're on the hunt for an authentic taste of Turkish breakfast, look no further than Meşhur Menemenci Teo. This charming little eatery specializes in menemen, a beloved traditional dish that features scrambled eggs cooked with fresh tomatoes, green peppers, and spices. While you can enjoy it in its classic form, the menu also allows for delightful variations—think added vegetables or even sliced sausages for those who like to mix things up.
Simply a quick and delicious breakfast. The staff are fast with their service and the portions are perfect for the price. A really great value place. Definitely recommend visiting.
Jon — Google review
The best menemen I had in the old city. Very close to the Grand Bazaar and great place for a quick breakfast before your long day of shopping or sightseeing. Service was quick and they take credit card to make things easy for me.
As local as it gets. We got the ones with turkish sausage and meat (beef I think). Food was authentic and delicious though it’s not at the best environment (dined at the side of the road, dusty conditions)
Super yummy and cheap menemen! Very quick service as well. The tea tasted better than all the other places we had in Istanbul. The tables on the street might seem wack but it’s part of the experience
Very tasty menemen ,seating situation was a little tricky the seats are low.but it was a good experience
Was the best place to having menemencr in Istanbul,the price are cheaper than other shop or restaurant i have been before. Surely will repeat!
This was the best Menemen and the cheapest after two weeks in Istanbul. Small shop with some seats on the street.
found this place on google and saw that it was opened early
it is literally a small hole in the wall beside another restaurant
the menemen was delicious served with a large piece of bread
service was fast
and price was great
very recommended
Mimar Hayrettin, Hattat Sk. No:9, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
affordable
Sfiha restaurant
Pizza restaurant
Hocapaşa Pidecisi is a popular spot in Istanbul Old Town, known for its delicious and authentic Turkish pide. Located in the Sirkeci neighborhood, this no-frills establishment is favored by locals and returning customers. The usta, or chef, prepares each flatbread to order in a wood fire oven right before your eyes. The menu offers a variety of toppings including cheese, vegetables, and minced meat.
Prepare your taste buds for an authentic Turkish delight! This family-run business serves up the most amazing Turkish pide, made fresh right before your eyes. Think of it as a Turkish pizza, but so much more! The dough is perfectly baked, the toppings are flavorful and the whole thing is served piping hot. You can taste the love and tradition in every bite. It's clear they take pride in making their pide authentically, and the result is simply delicious. If you're looking for a taste of Turkey that's both comforting and exciting, this is the place to go! Highly recommended.
And to complete the perfect Turkish experience, we finished off with steaming cups of traditional Turkish chai. It was the ideal way to warm our hands and hearts as we watched the snow gently fall outside. The rich, aromatic tea was the perfect ending to our delicious pide meal, adding a touch of cozy tranquility to a truly memorable experience. It was a beautiful, authentic moment, and a testament to the warm hospitality of this wonderful family-run business.
Hannah A — Google review
Excellent pide in the heart of Istanbul. Not the best pide we had during our few days in town, but definitely worth the visit. Great spot to sit and watch the world go by as well.
This was my second time coming here (after a local friend recommended this place to me) and I was happy to see it's still a great place to eat pide in the "centre" of Istanbul.
The staff doesn't speak much english but make an effort to communicate and the pide maker is incredibly nice: he even let me watch him make our order which was so fun!
The pides were around 200-300 tl each (which right now corresponds to 4-6€).
I would definitely recommend if you want a taste of local turkish food.
This place is such a tourist trap. The prices on the menu are already high for Istanbul, and to top it off, they don’t include tax in the stated prices — plus they add a 10% service charge when you pay. The food wasn’t even good. My kebab was super dry and came with maybe five fries on the side. you should definitely avoid this place, as you can find much better value for much less money.
Absolutely fantastic pides fresh out of the oven. The pide itself isn’t overly seasoned, which works well with the salty pickles.
This is a pide restaurant in a historic spot in Sirkeci, known for its wood-fired pides, generous portions, and affordable prices. The place is simple and often crowded, with a cozy/local vibe. The dough is light and crispy, toppings are of good quality. Overall, it’s a reliable choice for a satisfying, no-frills meal. Nothing extraordinary, but definitely decent and good value for money. I especially recommend their kavurma-kaşar kapalı pide.
A very old and genuine place, open since the 60s of the previous century, the guys working there the pide chefs have been working there for around 40 years, they are the Masters of their craft now, the the taste of the Pide is Superb.
highly recommended, the only problem is that it is within a very crowded Bazaar
An amazing place with really tasty pides, one of the best places I ate pides in Turkey. The service is also perfect and very friendly, they let us eat and finish even the restaurant was closing. I really recommend this restaurant to people who want to try authentic Turkish food (pides) at an affordable price for local people. I am sure I will be back
Hoca Paşa, Ankara Caddesi & Hoca Paşa Sokak No:11, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
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affordable
Restaurant
Karadeniz Pide Vefa is a hidden gem in Istanbul, offering traditional Turkish pide with various toppings like meat, cheese, and vegetables. The place is popular among locals for its amazing food and efficient service. The staff is hospitable and inviting, providing a warm atmosphere. While the pide may not be suitable for those on a diet due to its high carbohydrate and fat content, it's definitely worth trying for an authentic taste of Turkey.
Best meal we had in Istanbul! Hyper local, there wasn’t a single tourist besides us at dinner time. They do not speak English but are more than happy to use translate and speak with their hands. The owner was incredible, stopping by our table to ask how our food was and check us out. He even showed us a picture of himself at 13 years old on the wall. Incredible food, incredible experience! If you want to avoid the tourists traps and have a quality, reasonably priced meal - go here!
Sarah P — Google review
Fantastic find …. Shhhh not really too many people! Mostly locals enjoying lunch, place was packed.
Exceptional Pides! A recommendation we found online from a 2 star Michelin chef and his favourite eats in the city. The staff were so friendly, despite speaking very little english. The food was incredible, fresh, authentic and tasty. Would defiantly come again.
It is a family cafe for eating simple but tasty food with nice men taking care about you and cooking, that's where you fill like in Turkey and not in the tourist area. Prices are also much lower than anything else in the old town and nearby. It is not really a restaurant with fancy dishes, it is a canteen where you come to eat when you are hungry and you do not want to spend 1-2000L on a single meal
Super delicious. Highly recommended. We have a perfect lunch here. All family members are so happy. Food is great. People are super nice. I must return next time when I back to Istanbul.
If you want to taste Turkey, go to this place.🙏🏽
Traditional Family, Traditional Food. The place is full of life.
The workers are hospitable, Kind and inviting🤗
The owners are amazing and inviting❤️
One of the most Authentic traditional places to eat in in Turkey.
After visiting 400+ restaurants in Turkey 🇹🇷 I can say with a full heart, I finally found the Turkish traditional food I’m looking for
We came to this restaurant for its famous pide, and it was not disappointing! One little surprise was that their pide was the closed style (meat inside the bread) but not the open one like a pizza. It was delicious. Also the geen peppers were so good, properly spicy.
Food was great. Had the Kebab and the meat egg Pida. Kebab was abit gamey though. After taste is too strong. Although, you can wash it down with a drink or the yoghurt on the side.
The staff was ultra friendly and helpful to offer recommendations and guidance. Watching out for us anytime.
Hacı Kadın, Muhabir Sk. No:6, 34134 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
expensive
Restaurant
Turkish restaurant
Çiya Sofrası is a charming restaurant located on the Asian side of Istanbul, offering home-style regional Turkish cuisine. The restaurant spans three floors and features a rooftop terrace for diners to enjoy. Owner-chef Musa Dagdeviren has curated a menu that showcases unique regional dishes from around Turkey, many of which are not commonly found elsewhere. The menu changes with the seasons, featuring specialties like a springtime meat stew cooked with unripe green plums.
Absolutely loved my experience at Çiya Sofrası! The food was incredible - fresh, flavorful, and full of variety - and the service was just as impressive: warm, attentive, and welcoming. I didn’t go during peak hours, which made it even more enjoyable to savor everything at a relaxed pace. Truly one of the best meals I’ve had in Istanbul. Can’t wait to come back!
Mez D — Google review
The food is definitely the best part of Çiya.
I found the service to be pleasant for the most part but there was a girl working there who kept smirking and was obviously talking about me in Turkish to her colleague which felt quite unprofessional and immature.
It’s great that they serve such a broad range of regional dishes and showcase that Turkish food is about far more than kebabs and pide. I highly recommend the stewed aubergine with tomato, it’s truly gorgeous.
Best to go in a group as Turkish food is definitely meant for sharing! Eating alone is not easy when it comes to portions, however they kindly served half portions in my case.
One of the best Turkish food I’ve had in the last week! The chicken thigh kebab was juicy and yet char grilled with excellent flavours! The lamb casserole in tomato base sauce was soft and tender, the aubergine and minced meat kebab was to die for! They served us complimentary Turkish tea at the end of the meal!
Really great kebab spot! The place is super clean and has a nice atmosphere. Service was fast and friendly, and the food came out fresh. The meat was juicy, tender, and full of flavor — everything was perfect. A bit pricy, but still totally worth it. Definitely recommend if you’re craving good kebabs in Istanbul!
Great spot for Turkish food at a fair price. The menu focuses on classic kebabs and mezes, all made with fresh ingredients and served in generous portions. The laid back outdoor seating makes it perfect for a relaxed meal. I had the Acılı Kıyma Kebap (625 lira) and Ayran (80 lira) not a bad price for a tasty dinner. Highly recommend if you want authentic flavours without spending too much.
Don’t know what the hype is about this place. The only food that’s decent was the soup. We ordered Kofte and lamb with green beans.
Only got three tiny pieces of lamb and a whole damn bowl of beans. Paid 450 lira for that bowl of beans 🫠😵💫
No thanks.
Went because of the hype the Netflix show Chefs Table caused and I had a great experience. The food was very savory. It was unique flavors I had never tasted before and was not what I was expecting. The baklava was the best I have ever tasted. It was very flaky and melted in my mouth. Our host was very hospitable and kind and explained this entire menu to us. I will eat there again when I visit Istanbul.
It feels like you are eating Home.
I had the okra lamb and it was very good , my only remark is that the méat portion inside was not that much and a Little bit under seasoned
Also had vegeterian bulgur balls and the aubergine and they were Yummy !
Caferağa, Güneşli Bahçe Sok, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye•
cheap
Restaurant
Kebab shop
Sfiha restaurant
Mevlana Kebap Lahmacun Salonu is a popular spot known for its delicious and affordable Turkish cuisine. The menu features lahmacun, a flavorful pizza-like dish topped with tomato, herbs, and meat, as well as other traditional options like kebabs and liver. The restaurant offers generous portions and complimentary treats such as pita bread before the main meal and baklava with Turkish tea for dessert.
We had an amazing experience at this Turkish restaurant in Istanbul! The food was absolutely delicious, full of authentic flavors and beautifully prepared. The service was warm and attentive, making us feel very welcome. The location is perfect, easy to find and with a lovely atmosphere that adds to the experience. Prices are very affordable for the quality you get, which makes it even better. If you want to enjoy traditional Turkish food in Istanbul, this is definitely the place to go.
highly recommended!
Milena M — Google review
A friend of mine showed me this place one night and we ended up eating here the next 3 nights for the rest of our trip! Even if we were all the way on the other European side, we always found ourselves gravitating towards this restaurant. The prices are reasonable, the food is tasty, and the staff are sweet, what more could you ask for? Generously, the meal would start with bread and ezme and end with baklava. Lentil soup, eggplant salad, and menemen were some of our go-tos. The adana kebab and chicken were also winners! I would give more stars if I could haha. I’m going to miss the good vibes of the kind gentleman, teşekkürler!!
The spicy Kebap was delicious and well priced. Complimentary tea, a free appetizer and a little baklava despite me not ordering much. Waiter was a little pushy like many in the city, but service was quick and otherwise friendly. Strongly recommend!
This was definitely the best value-for-money dinner I had in Istanbul! I had the spicy kebab and an aubergine 'salad' (cooked with tomatoes and capsicum) which were really yummy and both good portion sizes. The meal came to 520 in total including my drink.
Owner and staff were very friendly, and they even gave baklava, starters and tea for free. There is free Wi-Fi. Overall a pleasant experience.
Mevlana Kebap Lahmacun Salonu is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for authentic Turkish food without overspending. Located in Fatih, it serves generous portions of tasty lahmacun, kebabs, and more—typically costing around ₺200–₺400 per person. The real highlight? Complimentary appetizers like bread, followed by baklava and Turkish tea at the end—such warm hospitality adds tremendous value. The atmosphere is casual, the service friendly, and the quality consistently good. An excellent spot for both locals and visitors seeking great flavor and great prices.
Terrible experience! I do not recommend this restaurant at all. The staff were extremely rude and displayed clear racist behavior, especially towards non-Turkish customers. One of the staff gave me very unpleasant looks and made comments in Turkish. I also witnessed another customer, who was there with his family, have an argument with the staff just because he asked for an empty plate — and they wanted to charge him extra for it! Absolutely unacceptable. Very disappointing.
So happy we found this place. Great food at an unbeatable price. We have tried the chicken and the Adana kebab, both were delicious.
Very tasty, very good food. Unfortunately, due to time, didn’t take photos of main course. Lamb Sish and chicken chop, very tasty and with nice accompanying sides. The price is also value for money. Highly recommended. Near the hotels
Binbirdirek Mahallesi, Boyacı Ahmet Sokak Aktaş Han 20/A, Çemberlitaş, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
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expensive
Dessert shop
Karaköy Güllüoğlu - Nadir Güllü is a renowned establishment that offers a wide array of traditional Turkish desserts, with baklava being its specialty. The family-owned business, which has been operating since the 1800s, is famous for its meticulously crafted baklava made by experienced "usta"s who skillfully prepare paper-thin phyllo dough and generously fill it with pistachios.
Exceptional Baklava! Truly one of a kind. If you’re ever in Istanbul and happen to have a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on this place! Everything was so good and the service was excellent. We had to wait a bit for coffee so they offered us free tea🤭
Only downside is some chairs outside have no back and it made sitting super uncomfortable.
Sarra F — Google review
I recently visited Karaköy Güllüoğlu – Nadir Güllü, and it was an incredible experience for anyone who loves authentic Turkish desserts! This bakery is legendary for its baklava, and it truly lives up to its reputation. Every piece is freshly made with high-quality ingredients, perfectly flaky pastry, and a sweet, nutty filling that melts in your mouth.
The staff is friendly and professional, and the shop itself is very clean and welcoming. You can enjoy your desserts on-site or take them to go. Apart from baklava, they also offer künefe, Turkish delight, and other traditional sweets, all prepared with care and attention to detail.
Tips for visitors:
• Try the classic pistachio baklava — it’s the signature item and absolutely worth it.
• Visit earlier in the day if you want to get the freshest pastries.
• They have options for gifting or takeaway, perfect if you want to bring a taste of Istanbul home.
• The location in Karaköy is very accessible and easy to combine with sightseeing in the area.
If you love sweets and want to experience authentic Turkish dessert craftsmanship, Karaköy Güllüoğlu – Nadir Güllü is a must-visit. It’s a perfect spot for foodies, dessert lovers, and anyone exploring Istanbul’s culinary scene!
This is considered by many to be the best place in the city to eat baklava, being a very traditional and famous pastry shop. The pastries are really good, with crispy phyllo dough and quality pistachios. However, it must be said that they are extremely sweet for the Brazilian palate, so a small piece may be enough. The place was very crowded when we went, but since the space is large, with several floors and even a pleasant garden, we managed to find a place to sit without any problems. The service at the counter was adequate and fast, despite the rush. They accept credit card payments.
If you love sweets, you should definitely stop by, because desserts in Turkey are extremely sweet.
There are plenty of varieties with eye-catching shapes, but they all taste equally sweet, so just order one or two to try. (eventhough we are all sweet-toothed, we still thought it was too sweet)
Best enjoyed with hot, bitter tea to balance out the sweetness.
The space is spacious, airy, beautifully decorated, and suitable for different groups of people.
The milk flavor is very rich, so those who can’t handle it should consider carefully.
It’s famous, so worth visiting at least once. If you can’t handle sweets, just get one piece for 2-3 people.
I first saw this place years ago on the Food Network, where they talked about its history as a baklava factory that has been around for more than a century. During our first trip to Turkey in 2015, we made sure to visit, and we were blown away. Coming back years later felt like returning to an old favorite.
They have since moved to a larger spot just down the road with a beautiful café, outdoor seating, and a takeout section. The baklava is still on another level, rich, flaky, and absolutely unforgettable. Easily the best baklava I have ever had anywhere in the world. Luckily, we purchased several boxes to go so we can devour them back home in the States!
I had a meeting here with a Turkish friend who recommended the place, and it was just wow. The interior is superb and the sweets were absolutely great. I’m not usually a big fan of desserts, but I still really enjoyed it. The baklava with ice cream was something new for me and it was delicious.
Well... It's OK. I might not be the connoisseur of baklava but I really don't see anything special in what they sell. Cold baklava was interesting but the portion did not match the price... They seem to position themselves as more of an upscale establishment but inside there's a lot of people all fighting for tables. I didn't leave thinking it was the best treat I had and definitely won't be recommending it to anyone
It’s expensive but one of a kind experience. The desserts are delicious, fresh and exceptional. The service is fast. There is plenty of space both inside and outside. Backyard seating area is very nice. All staff speak English. So it’s very convenient for ordering. There are English menus everywhere, even at the entrance. The prices are clear.
The toilets are clean and they have nursery room for infants.
Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Kemankeş Cd. No:67, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye•
affordable
Kebab shop
Fine dining restaurant
Turkish restaurant
Located in a bustling passageway, Şehzade Cağ Kebap is known for its unique method of preparing horizontally cooked kebabs. The chef's Ottoman style and careful approach to cooking over a wood-fired oven add to the experience. The meat, tender and dripping with fat, is served on skewers cut from the horizontal doner, distinguishing it from other kebab places that use vertical cooking methods.
Speedy service and great food. A bit pricey but I thoroughly enjoyed the chow. Small menu so we opted for the wrap and the soup. Both were tasty but hands down to the wrap which in it's simplicity is so good. The meat speaks for itself and the char and smokiness comes through nicely. Loved it!
Calvin R — Google review
Epic! One of the best kebabs I've ever had, maybe even the best. For sure the best in istanbul. One of few places that i keep going back to instead of trying new places. Rice isn't any good just get the kebab with bread. Small portions for adults, you'll have to order more.
Service and seating area isnt great. Go for the food but watch out and check your bill before paying! They casually twice got my total wrong!
We found this place by accident. My spouse liked how the meat looked on the spit so we sat down, and then the crowds came. Poor guy across the street selling the same thing had zero business, has been in business longer according to their signs, and had his employees sit at the tables to try and draw in business. It didn't work the entire time we were eating.
ATMOSPHERE:
The tiny restaurant has covered sidewalk seating only and is great for people watching. They're located near the spice market. We did have a peddler with her child come up to the tables asking for money while she played the accordion.
MENU:
Kebabs!
FOOD:
Red Bean Lentil Soup
It was orange in color and tasted very good. A medium savory with a nice amount of lentils and more soup, not too thick either.
Lamb Cag Kebab
The cag style of kebab is an old school way of cooking the meat horizontally on the spit rather than vertically. Well it was THE BEST we've had in Istanbul! Super tender and tons of natural flavor. It came with sides of yogurt, spicy couscous and lava, which we made into a burrito and devoured it.
SERVICE:
All the guys were friendly and food delivery was quick.
OVERALL:
Excellent food, normal prices. They even won an award on Trip Advisor!
Delicious food and truly authentic vibes. I’ve been here several times and tried other in Hoca Pasa. This one stands out by far. Best flavor, minimal wait, and great service. It’s lively and a bit noisy, but still totally fine for conversation. The energy adds to the charm rather than distracting from it. A place that feels alive without crossing into chaos. Good balance between buzz and comfort.Highly recommended for anyone craving real taste and atmosphere.
There was a line by 7pm very popular but moved quite quick. Everyone knows to eat and go.
I got 2 portions of the lamb. It was delicious, flavourful and fresh! I could have eaten a 3rd portion. Also people around me got extras.
The ingredients are fresh and their spicy condiment is delicious.
Tucked into a narrow alley just south-west of Sirkeci station, this modest eatery holds a reputation that far outstrips its size. The set-up is simple: a few tables outside, an upstairs and downstairs inside, and one thing only on the menu – cağ kebap.
Unlike its more common döner cousin, this Erzurum speciality is roasted horizontally on a spit. From my seat, I could watch the usta carve generous slices, their aroma filling the small dining room and drifting out onto Hocapaşa Sokak.
The ritual is as much part of the meal as the food itself. Flatbread, chili paste, crisp salad, and thick buffalo yoghurt arrive alongside the kebap. I did the dürüm thing – layering, rolling, biting in – and suddenly everything made sense. The cool salad checked the heat of the paste, the yoghurt softened the spice, and the kebap itself, tender and perfectly seasoned, sang through it all.
I raised my hand for another portion without hesitation. It was a complete harmony of flavour, the kind of meal that makes you stop and simply smile.
A perfect 10/10.
Very popular spot, there was a line by 6:30 pm but it moved fast. I had lentil soup, the lamb was fresh, flavorful, and delicious, with a great spicy condiment, fresh salad & Muhamara. Enjoyed the meal.
Best kebab I've ever had, the meat was so juicy, could have had 2 or 3. It was feels very legit in there, the waiters are working at double speed. They bring you a range of salads and dips to choose from when you make the order. I had the kebab wrap, there's also the choice of having them as skewers with the wrap separate, basically the same meal just in different forms. There was also a mukbang happening while we were there.
Hoca Paşa, Hoca Paşa Sk. No:6 D:4, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
affordable
Doner kebab restaurant
Fast food restaurant
Turkish restaurant
Karadeniz Döner Asım Usta is a renowned spot in Besiktas, Istanbul, where they serve up a delightful fusion of pide and doner. The homemade pide, thick and soft, provides the perfect base for the thin, juicy slices of doner meat carved from an impressive rotating tower. This popular establishment starts serving this delectable dish at 10:30 a.m., drawing long lines around lunchtime due to its well-deserved reputation.
We came here because of all the reviews. The menu is simple: choose between 100 or 150 grams of meat with either a wrap, rice, or bread. The meat was fresh and juicy. The restaurant is super small, so they direct you to another restaurant to sit for dine-in. It was a bit confusing at first, but they helped us settle and find a table. The service was good. Make sure to get the extra plate of tomatoes, pickles, and onions. I dont know if the locals will get that with their food or they request as well. I saw that on other people's review so that's how we ask and order. They also have a separate dish of just onions and cilantro. If you're an onion lover, I 100% recommend getting that. Meat is always better with onions!
Shirin M — Google review
Obsessed with this place! 🤤🔥
The doner is juicy, flavorful, and totally hits the spot. Cozy vibes, super friendly staff, and just chef’s kiss. If you're in Istanbul, don’t sleep on this gem! 💯
I’ve been eating döner for about 11 years, and this is the only place where the quality has never changed. Asım Usta’s Karadeniz Döner in Beşiktaş is not just a döner shop, it’s one of the few places that truly reflects the spirit of Beşiktaş. The döner here is always juicy, perfectly seasoned, and worth every bite. Even if there’s a long queue, people wait patiently, because they know it will be worth it.
In my opinion, Karadeniz Döner by Asım Usta is one of the best places to eat Döner. The prices are a little bit high, but in return you get quality food and taste. The restaurant has a very limited seating.
My Goodness Gracious It was Phenomenal
Our Waiter Mahmud From Siirt did a great job As well
Istanbul If you want to taste real Doner Kebab Ill Rate It one of top 3 Places
I had the iskender kabob, kabob wrap and French fries. Iskender kabob was very delicious. Wrap was a little dry but good.
Wow! Unbelievable. They start for lunch and when the meat is gone, they close the place down. We tried 4 days in a row and finally got diner at 1:45 pm. So come early.
Amazing quality food - the tastiest Kebap meat we had in all of Istanbul. We got placed at a table of a bar across the street which had me worried at first but it’s a clever concept. As there are basically no seats for the kebap restaurant, they cooperate with the surrounding bars and you can sit there, enjoy your kebap while you get the drinks from the bar. The kebap is expensive though but definitely worth trying - after all you’re on holiday right? The staff is also very friendly and we enjoyed ourselves. 10/10
[German tourist, meat lover, fanatic foodie]
Sinanpaşa, Köyiçi Cd No:6, 34353 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye•
affordable
Kebab shop
Dessert restaurant
Restaurant
Tatbak is a renowned Turkish restaurant that first opened its doors in 1960 in Nisantasi, Istanbul. It has since expanded into a chain with multiple locations across the city. Despite its popularity, some consider it overrated and not living up to the hype of being featured in the Michelin Guide. The restaurant offers traditional Turkish dishes such as lahmacun and Icli kofte, which are worth trying despite mixed reviews.
The food was amazing! Everything was fresh, and the flavors were well-balanced and delicious. The staff were clean, kind, polite, and very welcoming. A great experience to try high-quality and tasty Turkish food.
Donya M — Google review
We really like this place for their Turkish pizza, lahmacun, it always comes out fresh and fast. Their salads are also very good, freshly made and one thing that we also often have is the chicken, which is excellent very tender and delicious.
A true Turkish food place to enjoy the original flavours. Outstanding service and great prices. Best lahmacun (Turkish pizza) and excellent desserts. Must go place if you want to avoid tourist traps 😂
I visited a restaurant known for having earned Michelin stars and for serving the famous "Turkish pizza" lahmacun.
Unfortunately, I was met with a big disappointment. The lahmacun was nothing special—I’ve had much better at other places, and the price of 220 TL for this dish was excessive. I understand that a Michelin star increases the price, but at least maintain consistency in both quality and flavor that justifies the star.
As for the soup, they only had one option (Ezogelin), and they offered only one dessert (Kadayif). The food selection is very limited, so don’t expect anything extraordinary from this restaurant.
I had a great experience at Tatbak! The food was delicious and full of authentic flavor 😋 The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, and the staff were friendly and attentive🤍🤍 Definitely a place I’d come back to and recommend to others!
I want to write a review about Tatbak — a place known for its lahmacun. I first visited it back in 2015, when someone recommended I try their lahmacun. Since then, I’ve been in love. Every time I fly to Istanbul — which happens rarely, maybe once every 4 years — I make sure to visit this place.
It’s a very simple spot. One of those places that doesn’t try to impress with fancy interiors or upscale design. But what it does have is incredibly delicious food. Specifically, their lahmacun.
I highly recommend visiting Tatbak. I would rate it 5 out of 5 — not just for the food, but for the consistency and dedication they’ve shown over the years. Their quality hasn’t changed, and that alone deserves real respect.
Tatbak is one of Nişantaşı’s most iconic restaurants — a true Istanbul classic that has been serving perfectly made lahmacun and kebabs for decades. It’s a place where tradition and consistency meet, and every visit feels like a return to something familiar and genuinely good.
The lahmacun is simply outstanding — thin, crispy, flavorful, and balanced in every bite. The meat quality and seasoning are spot on, and when paired with their fresh parsley, lemon, and a glass of ayran, it’s pure perfection. The pide and kebabs are also excellent, each prepared with care and true mastery.
Service is fast, professional, and warm without ever feeling overbearing. The staff know their craft and the rhythm of the place perfectly — everything runs like clockwork. The setting is clean, comfortable, and timeless, carrying that old-school charm that never tries too hard to impress but always delivers.
Tatbak isn’t just a restaurant; it’s part of Istanbul’s culinary heritage. Simple, consistent, and delicious — proof that when something is done right, it never goes out of style.
A but pricier than other great places. I guess they thought michellin star means charge more. Food was good tho
Teşvikiye, Akkavak Sk. 38/B, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul, Türkiye•
affordable
Dessert shop
Cafe
Pastry shop
Hafiz Mustafa 1864 is a renowned Turkish confectionery that has been serving traditional sweets and pastries since its establishment in 1864. With 12 locations across the city, this long-standing establishment is famous for its delectable Turkish sweets, including baklava, lokum, and kunefe. The rich pastries are loaded with pistachios, honey, and rosewater, making them irresistible to those with a sweet tooth.
Probably the best Baklava I have tasted in my life. Freshly made everyday and and a wide variety to choose from as well as other pastries and desserts. A must try if you haven't is the Tavukgöğsü which is a Turkish milk pudding dessert with shredded chicken. A nice experience for those willing to try out different things. Great experience and historical food!
Calvin R — Google review
Hafiz Mustafa really gives a luxurious dessert experience. We tried their kunafa and it was absolutely amazing, rich, perfectly sweet, and made just right. The presentation and atmosphere add to the charm.
Yes, the prices are a bit higher compared to other dessert spots, but they truly live up to the hype. If you’re in Istanbul and want to treat yourself, this place is worth it.
Hafiz Mustafa Sirkeci branch
it truly stands out because of its amazing location and view overlooking the historic Sirkeci tram station.
The place is always busy, which says a lot about its popularity. Prices have definitely gone up recently higher than average but honestly, the quality and flavor are still worth it. The Pistachio Trilece and Pistachio Kunafa are absolutely outstanding, rich in taste and perfectly balanced in sweetness.
The café itself is beautifully designed with two floors, offering cozy seating and a warm atmosphere whether you’re there for a quick dessert or a relaxing break. You can also enjoy fresh juices or pick up boxed sweets and baklava to take home — perfect if you want to bring a sweet memory from Istanbul.
If you’re a dessert lover or simply want to experience an authentic Turkish treat in a historical setting, this branch is a must-visit. Highly recommended!
Very good Kunafe. We asked for syrup on the side , then we can control the sweetness. The cheese was really nice. But the Milk pudding with pistachios was too sweet for me. I can't finish it at all.
The staff were attentive and helpful.
Went to this place because a friend of mine recommended this place. Turns out, this place is amazing: friendly staff, clean place, good food. I ordered the pistachio baklava with a side of ice cream. The baklava was too sweet for my liking but when you eat it Turkish tea, it tastes perfectly balanced. The Turkish ice cream is amazingly creamy.
The amazing experience was topped off with the great help of the staff, Abdusselem, who was very informative and kind.
Stumbled upon this dessert shop in the Faith district while visiting different tourist sites nearby. Perfect cafe with tons of traditional dessert options, especially for tourists to try! The entire staff and environment was very welcoming. Make sure to try different kinds of baklava - it's delicious!
Hafiz Mustafa is an all time favourite for us, visiting Istanbul is a trip to HF that cannot be missed. Desserts are an absolute delight. There is a slight waiting time to be seated but then it's worthwhile. We were hosted by Sirin a young lady very humble and suggested us to order pistachio milk cake. I highly recommend Sirin for her kind service and wish her the best.
We ordered Pistachio milk cake, fig milk pudding and Antolia coffee. The total we paid was ₺910.00.
A sweet end to the evening.
After wandering Istanbul by night, there was only one place left to go. Hafız Mustafa has been a name in sweets for over 150 years, its windows stacked high with syrup-soaked temptations. Inside, the display runs the gamut of Turkish desserts – all pristine, all a little too uniform, hinting at the scale of operation. I had my doubts.
But tradition won out: fırın sütlaç, the baked rice pudding. Creamy, lightly sweet, kissed with salt and spice, and capped with the bitter edge of oven caramelisation – it was flawless. Paired with a glass of çay and a view over the restless city, it felt like the perfect close to a day in Istanbul.
⭐ 10/10 – they got the classic right.
Hoca Paşa, Muradiye Cd. No:51, 34080 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
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affordable
Kofta restaurant
Turkish restaurant
Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta is a historic eatery located in the Sultanahmet neighborhood of Istanbul. Managed by the fourth-generation descendants of its founder, Mehmet Seracettin Efendi, this establishment has maintained its popularity and quality since its founding in 1920. The menu features their famous flat and chewy kofte, as well as piyaz, lamb skewers, rice, pickled peppers, and lentil soup.
We had an amazing meal at Sultanahmet Köftecisi, just steps from the Blue Mosque. The famous köfte (meatballs) were juicy, perfectly seasoned, and so flavorful—absolutely lived up to the reputation. We also tried the white bean salad and freshly baked bread, which paired perfectly with the meatballs. The service was quick and friendly, even though the place was busy with locals and tourists alike. Prices were very reasonable for such a popular spot. If you’re in Sultanahmet and want authentic Turkish comfort food in a historic setting, this is a must-visit. We’ll definitely be back next time we’re in Istanbul!
Praneet R — Google review
I have been visiting Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta every year since 2017, and it has always been a must-stop for me whenever I come to Istanbul. Their köfte is consistently delicious, full of flavor, and perfectly cooked – it’s the highlight of my visits. The place has a special charm that keeps bringing me back year after year.
One thing I’ve noticed, however, is that the prices are not fixed and have changed quite a bit over the years. Despite that, the taste and quality of the food remain reliable, and for me, it’s still worth it for the authentic experience.
A true Istanbul classic for anyone who loves good köfte.
This place is truly a gem in this area flooded with tourist traps.
We tried both the kofte (meatballs) and lamb kebab — both were delicious and well-cooked although the lamb kebab was slightly underseasoned. We ended up ordering more kofte to enjoy with the pilaf and bean salad. Simple but absolutely satisfying meal!
During our visit to Turkey, I found that the local meat often had a strong flavor, I wasn’t sure if it was due to the spices or the type of meat used. However, the meat served here had a milder and more balanced taste that my husband and I really enjoyed. As tourists, we wanted to try traditional köfte, and this place truly delivered. The dish was well-prepared, flavorful, and definitely worth trying for anyone looking to experience authentic Turkish cuisine
I ordered the grilled lamb with Pilaf rice - OMG it was super delicious
The lentil soup was so yummy too - squeezed some lemon and sprinkled some salt.
It was truly a satisfying meal and I was indeed so happy. Now I can go back to my hotel and rest after a wonderful meal
I was even lucky to be given a slice of semolina cake by one of the staff.
Super friendly staff and good service. The menu is simple and easy to order for tourists
First time trying Turkish meatballs, I enjoyed them, they were tasty and aromatic. Service was great too, we ordered one sharing plate and they proactively split it into two for us.
This place is clearly popular and sits in a prime spot right by the main attraction, but the food felt overpriced. It was €10 for a small plate of meat and every add on was charged separately. The meat tasted ordinary and nothing really stood out. The complimentary bread was dry and seemed like it had been sitting too long. Service felt chaotic with little attention to guests. Overall it was not a pleasant dining experience and felt more like a basic food court than a restaurant at this price point.
Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi is an absolute gem for anyone wanting to experience authentic Turkish köfte in a historic setting. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a no-fuss, old-school atmosphere that lets the food speak for itself — and it truly delivers.
The köfte are perfectly seasoned, juicy, and grilled to perfection. The simplicity of the menu is what makes it brilliant — they’ve been doing the same thing for over a century, and they’ve mastered it. The accompanying white bean salad (piyaz) and fresh bread round out the meal beautifully.
Service is fast, efficient, and friendly, even when the restaurant is packed (which it often is!). Prices are reasonable, and the quality is consistently excellent.
Whether you’re a tourist exploring Sultanahmet or a local craving a nostalgic bite, this place is a must-visit. It’s not just a meal — it’s part of Istanbul’s culinary history.
Alemdar, Divan Yolu Cd. No:12, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
affordable
Turkish restaurant
Cafe Privato Restaurant is a rustic-chic dining option located near the historic Galata Tower, offering traditional Turkish cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant is known for serving a sensational Turkish breakfast spread with an abundance of fresh ingredients including tomatoes, olives, cheeses, and homemade jams. Additionally, it offers sizzling eggs, grilled sucuk sausage, and an array of savory and sweet pastries.
Visited in August 2025.
Turkey 🇹🇷 Istanbul.
Cafe Privato Restaurant is a charming little eatery with a delightful terrace, apparently linked to a hotel. We chose it inspired by glowing reviews and the appeal of options beyond the standard Turkish breakfast.
FOOD:
Among the choices is the Turkish breakfast, but unlike many spots in Istanbul where they either force you to order two portions or list the price straight for a pair (which frustrates plenty of reviewers), here you can simply get it for one. So we opted for a single Turkish breakfast and a plain omelet. The Turkish breakfast was wonderfully fresh and flavorful, brimming with assorted baked treats—those fluffy pancakes were a highlight—along with veggies, fresh cheeses, savory spreads, and eggs; all in all, a beautifully diverse and satisfying spread for a hearty morning meal. The omelet was prepared flawlessly, striking the ideal balance—not too runny or overly dry—with a smooth, inviting texture.
SERVICE:
The service was exceptionally warm and welcoming; our waiter spoke fluent Russian and guided us thoughtfully through the menu, even graciously preparing the plain omelet that wasn’t originally listed.
VERDICT:
An excellent restaurant boasting a picturesque terrace ideal for basking in sunny weather. The food was truly delicious, with prices a shade above average compared to other places, yet we thoroughly savored the meal and ambiance—the option for an individual breakfast is a standout perk.
Olga M — Google review
We absolutely LOVED this restaurant. The staff and manager were SO kind, the food was incredible, and we liked it so much that we came *three* times during our four day visit. I will NEVER stop thinking about the lentil soup, not was incredible and I would love the recipe 😍 The Turkish breakfast was also amazing.
Most delicious food in Istanbul 😍
Cozy atmosphere, amazing staff, the best place in Istanbul!!!
You will be lucky to have breakfast here. Evening has just “wow” atmosphere!
Huge thanks to Gio who was there all the time creating the best possible experience. Must go, see and eat!
We were recommended to try their turkish breakfast and were glad we did. As the picture speaks for itself, the portion for 2 could easily feed 3-4 people. The spread itself was great, a variety of fresh produce and simple yet tasty condiments. Even better, the window seats gives you a nice view of Galata tower. Price is reasonable and the restaurant is spacious if you're going in a large group. This was easily the best turkish breakfast we had in Istanbul.
We really liked this cute little place and its casual vibe. No pressure service, located on breezy street with shades if u r trying to hide from the sun while u eat - let's call it a "shabby chic" place 😉
We ordered Turkish breakfast for 1 and it was enough for both of us
Try their fresh squeezed juices
Definitely stop by
A lovely Turkish breakfast place, all dishes were really tasty. The service was excellent and really friendly, they even gave us extra eggs on the house which we appreciated.
The food was the best we ate during our stay in Istanbul. The people working there were very kind and welcoming as well. Definitely a must when you’re in the neighbourhood!
Loved the food. The whole ambience is so inviting and relaxed. Their Turkish breakfast is worth trying. On one visit I went there twice because of the amazing experience.
You also get a view of galata tower from the restaurant.
Şahkulu, Tımarcı Sk. No:3b, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye•
cheap
Turkish restaurant
Dürümzade is a renowned small restaurant in Istanbul, known for serving the best kebabs and durums in the city. The late Anthony Bourdain praised this hole-in-the-wall venue, highlighting its signature lamb and beef wraps as must-tries. The kebabs are grilled over charcoal and wrapped in slightly charred flatbread with sumac, herb-sprinkled onions, tomatoes, and green peppers.
Very good kebab, only had a beef Adana kebab, was very good. Can taste the Smoke from the coals. Cooked fresh to order. Bread was good, service and hospitality good. Is busy and can be a wait but if you’re going for a wrap you could stand, defo recommend a visit.
Sunny S — Google review
This review is only about Adana kabab. Due to the hype I wanted to try Adana kabab wrap. Did NOT live up to the hype and fell way short. Probably students like it as they haven't had better food and the wrap size is good but that's mostly bread. My criteria of solid food is, if I would go back for this food? Answer is NO. And if Anthony Bourdain gave his recommendation on this taste, he must be smoking something good 😊 jk. Service friendly and fast. Tiny place with 3tables inside and make 2 outside. I would say try it and decide for yourself, it's not for me though.
Worth the hype, worth the trek, and definitely worth visiting!
Obviously came because of the references to Anthony Bourdain and his review and it lived up to Sir Anthony and all its glory. The Adana doner and lamb doner were so good and flavorful! The meats were juicy and moist while the wrap was perfectly balanced with flavors and toppings. 10/10!
So good we ordered more to take back on our cruise!
Came here twice during our stay in Istanbul as having the Adana wrap only once wasn’t enough, great price and full of flavour. Anthony Bourdain recommended and he was so correct with this one.
First of all, the dürüm was really tasty—no doubt about that. The only thing is, once a local spot gets hyped on social media, it changes a bit. When I was there, most of the visitors were tourists, many even wearing local football shirts, and the price ended up being about double compared to other places in town. So yes, it’s definitely a good dürüm, but my tip would be to also explore and find your own favorite spot in the city—and maybe keep it off social media so it stays authentic.
Tried this spot since seeing Antony bourdain recommended it! The Adana wrap was probably the best we tried in Istanbul nice charcoal flavour with tender juicy meat. If you are in the area would definitely recommend trying this. The place is quite small few little tables inside and outside and could do with a refurb. Overall good value enjoyed the food.
Amazing, stellar, delicious, cheap at 270 turkish lira for x1 beef adana lives up to the hype and is about $10!
Quick service and kind owners who don’t scam you which is a nice change from other places. We went back for seconds :)
I have tried hundreds of different kebabs and bbqs in different countries. My opinion is that this place is among top 5% of the worlds best bbqs. Highly recommend Adana sandwich. Hope you enjoy as much as I did.
Hüseyinağa, Kamer Hatun Cd. 26/A, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye•
affordable
Restaurant
Borsam Taşfırın Bahariye is a popular eatery in Istanbul, particularly known for its delicious lahmacun and pide. Established in 1968, it was the first shop to cook food in a wood fire on the Asian side of Istanbul. With three branches in Kadikoy, including one at the Fish Market, Borsam Taşfırın Bahariye offers authentic lahmacun and pide cooked to perfection.
Such a good place for lahmacun!! We were brought here for our food tour, and just had to return because I craved more.
The staff were very kind and made sure we were attended to and told how to eat the dish. Tourists should definitely try the lahmacun here. Squeeze a lemon on it and sprinkle the spicier topping on it if you like a slight kick - soooo good.
Samantha — Google review
I really enjoyed this experience, as soon as I saw it in person I was so happy that it lived up to my expectations, it had this true vintage feel to it the atmosphere was amazing and after i ordered and got seated, I revived the food and it was great wish it had more meat but overall amazing.
This is one of the hyped place that lives up to your expectation. Lahmacun is one of my favorite Turkish food, and after trying in so many places, I can happily say that this is one of my favorite Lahmacun place in Istanbul. I like the sitting area comfortable and perfect for quick eating.
The only thing I would like to mention is that I saw them using a toilet brush, to brush off the flour dust from the lahmacum, (please don’t think they’re using the same brush to clean the toilet and also for Lahmacum) maybe they should get one that is meant for cooking because different plastic grade is for different usage. Also, the portion can be a little bit bigger for the price.
Other than those two things if you’re thinking about checking out this place, I totally recommend.
I visited Borsam Taşfırın Bahariye after watching Mark Wiens, and it truly lived up to the expectations! The staff are very friendly and welcoming, and you can watch them make the lahmacun fresh right in front of you — straight from the oven. They serve it with lemons, parsley, onions, and pul biber (red pepper flakes), which makes the whole experience authentic and delicious. Roll it up and enjoy — one of the best lahmacuns I’ve ever had! Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in asian side of Istanbul.
One of the best places in Kadıköy for lahmacun—and for good reason! I've tried it a few times, both alone and with friends, and it never disappoints. Crispy, tasty, and always satisfying. Definitely one of the best lahmacuns I've had! Love lahmacun forever! 🫓❤️🔥
#KadıköyEats
Very authentic restaurant with fair prices and friendly staff! The service was quick and the food was tasty. I higly recommend visiting. Such a vibe!
Traditional place to eat lahmacun. I enjoyed the food and the unlimited supply of parsley and lemon. 😅☺️ Perfect for late dinner or snack.
Set in a busy little street market area adds to the charm of this little restaurant, the lamachun was so tasty, make sure you add lots of parsley and lemon juice 👌🏾 value for money also!
Osmanağa, Serasker Cd. No:78, 34714 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye•
affordable
Kebab shop
Sfiha restaurant
Öz Kilis Kebap and Lahmacun Restaurant is a popular spot in the historical district of Fatih, Istanbul. The restaurant is known for its special kebab varieties and famous lahmacun. Visitors are recommended to try unique dishes like oruk kebab, shiveydiz, lebeniye, and stuffed dried eggplant. This eatery offers an authentic dining experience with high-quality food at affordable prices.
It get's 5 stars for the lovely food. The lahmacun (turkish pizza was one of the best I ate in a long time. We had a side salad and smoked eggplant with yoghurt, delicious and refreshing. The service was okay. I think a little smile would go a long way. It was very very crowded, as wxpected because it is an old restaurant.
Overall would definitely advice you to go for delicious turkish pizza.
Zuleyha U — Google review
Super fresh and tasty lahmacun, cooked in front of you quickly. The place was heaving with local families, so took mine out. Very friendly staff, with not that much English but they definitely put up with my terrible Turkish longer than they had to. 100% recommended to make the journey a bit out of town!
One of the best lahmacun I had while in Istanbul.
Özkilis Kebap ve Lahmacun: Yearning for Its Glorious Past
Once a celebrated establishment among Istanbul’s old-time eateries, Özkilis seems to have lost some of its original charm and the warm, sincere hospitality it was known for. This shift might be attributed to the overwhelming popularity and constant influx of patrons over the years. Despite its famed reputation, the kebaps and lahmacuns served nowadays don’t quite live up to the high praise they once garnered.
Having visited the place on several occasions, I’ve consistently found both the service and the food to be lacking. The experience leaves much to be desired, failing to capture the essence of what once made Özkilis a beloved spot in Istanbul’s culinary scene.
A small restaurant that offers one of the best Lahmacun in this area.
The inside is not too modern, but it is not bad at all. It's actually very nice and calming.
The restaurant also have the status of the top 100 restaurants in Istanbul.
Hatay tava (large size kofte grilled and then simmered with onion on a pan) was fantastic, tavuk shish was just okayish (looks like they cook with red chicken meat). But it looks like locals mostly come for lahmacun
This little cafe in the streets of Fevzipasa is a find. We stumbled upon it, it was busy and the food looked delicious. We ordered Adani kebab, Lahmacun both types and oruk kebab! The food was juicy and authentic! The service was quick and great! The staff spoke some english but enough to understand us.
We found this place randomly and LOVED it. Amazing food, friendly staff, great portions and clean toilets.
Akşemsettin, Bedrettin Simavi Sk. 5/A, 34080 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
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16Pide Sun
affordable
Turkish restaurant
Restaurant
Sfiha restaurant
Pide Sun is a casual eatery located in Moda, Kadikoy, offering a delightful selection of Turkish pide and manti. The restaurant is known for its thin bread topped with various ingredients such as cheese, Turkish sausage, veggies, and egg. The pide are shaped like oblong boats with folded edges, making them easy to load with toppings.
We tried the veggie and pastrami pide when we were on a food tour. The pide-making process was very interesting to watch, and the pide itself was very good. I preferred the parts with pastrami but it was overall a delicious meal. Having too much of the pastrami would have been overwhelming so it was good to interchange with some vegetables.
Samantha — Google review
We tried three types of pide: Bafra pide, sucuklu (Turkish pepperoni), and pastırmalı (pastrami). The Bafra pide tasted like home, and the other ones were equally delicious. They were crispy, flavorful, and quite filling. The service was excellent—quick, attentive, and friendly. 10/10 would recommend!
Casual cafe with decent food offerings. Love the Manti. It was freshly made. Pides are compatible like all other good shops. The outdoor seating provides relax atmosphere …. I would go back there again
2 days later. I have tried their breakfast. It was a home run. Very nice
I've eaten a lot of pine in my life, and this definitely fits into the top-end.
It's not a flashy restaurant of course... a fairly simple place, perfect for a quick lunch. Nice bustling atmosphere on the street with outdoor seating.
Friendly staff.
Excellent pide, and really good salad portions. Would recommend!
Istanbul #7, Turkish #6, Pide #1: our friends invited us out here for one of our first dinners in Istanbul.
We ordered two sucuk pide with an egg on each. It was honestly delicious. The bread/crust (the Turks are honestly bread masters), the sucuk, the cheese were all great.
We enjoyed so much that we came back the next evening to order more pide. On that occasion we got a heavily veggie one, and it was still delicious (I prefer the sucuk!). Service was a lot worse our second evening, but who knows why. I'd definitely come back and am getting hungry writing this review 😩
Best pide in all of istanbul
Best taste, fast service and amazing varieties.
Nazmi was so helpful and friendly and they were so welcoming
Best place. Must try
Good place for breakfast on the go.. but don’t expect good service. They try to push you to get the 500tl breakfast.. we chose the individual portions and shared.
Location is on the main road so expect lots of cars honking and people staring at your food. Panhandling is also a normal occurrence.
Best pide I have ever eaten! It was very very very delicious 🤤 The only thing I don't like it they don't have alcohol here. And the Turkish drink ayran, which basically just a mixture of plain yoghurt and water, is not something everybody would drink. And, I suggest you to be careful about the people like begged and some napkin sellers approaching your table. Carefully watch your belongings when they're around. I heard lots of bad stories about them from my friends.
Şükran Apt, Caferağa, Moda Cd. 67/B, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye•
affordable
Sfiha restaurant
Family restaurant
FATİH KARADENİZ PİDECİSİ İBRAHİM USTA - FATİH ŞUBE is a renowned eatery that has been serving delectable dishes since the birth of famous personalities like Dave Grohl, Morris Chestnut, and Jennifer Aniston. The restaurant takes pride in using the freshest ingredients sourced from local farms and prepared with great care by skilled hands.
Great place off the tourist path that had excellent service and amazing food. Affordable prices! Would definitely recommend.
APRIL A — Google review
A local Pide place off the tourist trail. Really delicious Pide with lots of options. If you want Pide and want to avoid tourist places, then go here. It's a simple style, casual place. Before or after eating you can walk around the corner and see the viaduct too
Delicious pide option near Faith. I loved the closed kıymalı pide with an extra egg inside.
Best pide or even pizza I've ever had. They bake it in front of you and they coat the bread with some butter at the end, making it extra crunchy and delicious. The prices are shown in the menu, you know exactly how much you are paying. The staff is nice. Highly recommend 👌
Somehow manage to come to this place because I'm going with a local
Place with no foreigner, just pure 100% local inside. The pide is fresh made and taste good!
Amazing traditional Pide (a kind of pizza with different toppings). A typical comfort food you should try while in Istanbul. Freshly made on side with highest quality ingredients.
Ordered the kuşbaşılı kaşarlı pide. Service was great and there wasn't much of a wait. Only negative aspect was how hot it was inside.
Nice pide (the one with tomato, beef and cheese is good)
Friendly staff.
Zeyrek, Büyük Karaman Cd. no 40, 34083 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
Permanently Closed
affordable
Restaurant
Nestled just below street level in Kadikoy, Bütme Evi is a charming little eatery that might easily be overlooked. With only a few outdoor tables and an inviting interior, this cozy spot specializes in gozleme—a delightful Turkish flatbread filled with various ingredients like meat, vegetables, and cheese. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by the sight of skilled Turkish women preparing these delicious pastries right on a traditional flat iron cook-table.
We went there more than once. And absolutely would like to go there again and recommend it to anyone who wants to try Turkish homemade food.
We tried the Manti, the stuffed vine leaves, and some other things.
You can see how they prepare your meals.
The prices are affordable.
The employees are so friendly.
The place is clean also there’s inside and outside seating.
Laila O — Google review
A small restaurant that you easily run past as it is so small and located downstairs. There are a few small tables outside for those who want to sit there. And they also have a garden in the back, away from the sun. Whether you are sitting outside or inside, it can be fun to watch the talented ladies sitting right behind the window, on the floor and cooking. Where they cook, they sit in peace, so it looks clean and hygienic.
You can buy take away or have the food delivered home. The food is very genuine, tasty and delicious! Served with good side dishes. The staff is nice and helpful! Their English is okay. Highly recommended!
Edit: I have tried a few more dishes here, and everything has been very good!
It was really good. We went two times.
Food was so delicious. You should try Mantı so tasty. Yaprak sarması it was too dry I didn't like it.
First time l tried Tarhana soup. It has different taste which l loved it. 😍
Price was good. And the atmosphere amazing.
Nice place with 3 eating areas. Open early. The soup is delicious and the gozleme are very good, with big portions. A wide variety of pre-made combination of ingredients and the possibility of creating your own.
Entering this place is like a trip to a different era. The speciality is gözelme, and these are made by three or four chefs seated around a large grill by the entrance of the restaurant. The gözelme can be filled with the fillings of your choosing.
Highly recommended.
Really good Turkish homemade food. We had mantis, sarma and Feta cheese Bütmeler (filled pastry). This place is a hidden gem, price is very affordable for the quality of food. I highly recommend. I would absolutely would like to go there again and
You can see how they prepare your meals.
Delicious traditional Turkish food! We really enjoyed our Gözleme. You can pick your own fillings and they have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. I recommend getting the yogurt sauce too. The staff was very friendly & service was quick. Portion sizes were generous & we left very happy.
After a day of exploring Kadıköy we stumbled across this lovely quaint little restaurant. The staff was very friendly and helpful one of them speaks English. The menu is very simple and easy to understand. The food is simple homemade, comfort food. We really enjoyed our lunch and are planning to return with friends next week. I highly recommend. #helloTürkiye
Update: still a good place to visit, prices are 90% higher from the last time I had eaten there and since I posted photos due to inflation. They are very busy be prepared to wait for your meal. I would still recommend
Caferağa, Sarraf Ali Sk. No 16 /A, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye•
affordable
Sfiha restaurant
Nizam Pide stands out as a beloved destination for those craving authentic Turkish cuisine, boasting multiple locations that highlight its popularity. Specializing in the Pontic style of pide, these delightful flatbreads resemble Georgian khachapuri and are generously filled with rich cheese, flavorful butter, and expertly crafted dough.
I found this place walking on the street, and it looked cute for a traditional place. I tried several things, and it all tasted really great! I wish i had more space to try the desserts as they look amazing as well😅
Alex S — Google review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ When pide perfection meets Turkish hospitality magic ✨
Right, let's talk about Nizam Pide - the kind of place that makes you question why you ever settled for mediocre Turkish food elsewhere. This gem absolutely nailed it from start to finish! 🇹🇷
The pides here are nothing short of spectacular - crispy, boat-shaped perfection with generous fillings that actually taste like they're made with love (and proper ingredients, imagine that!). But here's the kicker: don't sleep on their other dishes either. The rice pudding? Pure creamy heaven that'll make you rethink every dessert choice you've ever made. 🍮
What really sets this place apart though? The staff are genuinely lovely - attentive without being pushy, and they clearly take pride in what they're serving. Plus, the kitchen moves at lightning speed without compromising quality. No endless waiting around here! ⚡
Pro tip: Come hungry and leave room for dessert. Your taste buds will thank you, and you'll be planning your next visit before you've even left. This is how Turkish cuisine should be done! 👨🍳💫
Unfortunately, the level of service is low and the quality is very low for the grilled food compared to the price paid. I don’t know about the rest of the dishes, but compared to other restaurants, the level is unacceptable compared to the prices and quality of the food.
Pay that amount somewhere else it is better for you.. In fact I came back to the hotel hungry. And my family is not satisfied with the level of service in terms of quality, service and the amount paid.
This was such a lovely place to eat with authentic and traditional turkish food. They made the pide fresh right in front of us and they really looked after us with the customer service. We will definitely be back!
Very nice restaurant, fresh and very good food. Best rice pudding in the world.
Kind staff.
The staff was very friendly, the food was really delicious. The price was great. Really recommend the soup and ayran.
STAY AWAY FROM HERE!
We went in to have breakfast and was conned into having their breakfast spread. Outrageous price tag. They bring you it while hiding the price and the selection is below standard.
They saw tourists and thought they could knock us by fail to understand we have been coming Turkey for years. Many other places that have better breakfasts for cheaper and are transparent.
Very delicious restaurant and nice staff especially Ayhan. I advise every tourist to try the restaurant.
Harbiye Mahallesi, Halaskargazi Cd. No:37, 34381 Şişli/İstanbul, Türkiye•
affordable
Restaurant
Borsam Taşfırın is a popular Lahmacun and Pideci spot in Kadikoy, Istanbul, with three different locations. It's a casual counter restaurant that offers delicious and affordable food. The place tends to get crowded due to its popularity, but the friendly staff will help you find a table. The Turkish classic lahmacun served here is highly recommended for its splendid flatbread, well-seasoned filling, and refreshing accompaniments like parsley and lemon juice.
The PUREST local food try we had…
It is old school vibes , the food is prepared at the time you order and you will taste the freshest Lahmatzun ever. The perfect stop for a snack!
Marina L — Google review
Maybe the best lahmacun for the price, and my favorite lahmacun place in Kadıköy. They use wood burn oven, which makes a huge difference to me. Very fast and delicious.
Best lahmacun in Kadikoy! Service is quick and friendly. Lahmacun costs 140 lira and ayran 70 lira. I end up eating here almost every day for lunch.
- The taste was irresistible! We tried the original lahmacun & the one with cheese and both are super delicious
- A meal that doesn’t cost much
- People there doesn’t understand English well however you will manage to place your order
- Place is simple, not big & only for a quick meal to have there
A simple, quick and efficient restaurant. Great service, extremely affordable and the food comes so fast considering everything is make fresh from scratch. One of the few places that will make you a very spicy lahmacun if you ask for it.
My favourite lahmacun in the area.
The food was absolutely delicious.
Service was fast and excellent.
Prices were reasonable and fair.
Have been visiting this place for years now and still amazes me how good their lahmacun is. Taste is excellent. Service and personel are very polite and make sure no one is short of anything. Especially the older staff run things smoothly. Borsam is in the vibrant heart of kadiköy and it is a beautiful place to eat an amazing lahmacun.
Where to eat the Turkish classic lahmacun? Maybe here? Yes, it's a great place for a quick snack. Splendid flatbread, a perfectly seasoned filling, a handful of parsley, a few drops of lemon juice, everything washed down with a cup of ayran... And it's quite enough, no philosophy needed, simple and delicious. I recommend.
Caferağa, Güneşli Bahçe Sok No:22, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye•
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affordable
Offal barbecue restaurant
Turkish restaurant
Imparator Kokorec is a must-try for those adventurous enough to explore the bold flavors of traditional Turkish cuisine. This iconic dish features lamb or goat intestines that are meticulously cleaned, seasoned with an aromatic blend of spices and herbs, and then expertly grilled over charcoal. The grilling process imparts a rich, smoky flavor that makes it truly distinctive.
LOVED IT SO MUCH! Such good kokareç and it tasted so nice and juicy! Definitely HIGHLY RECOMMEND 🙂↔️🫶🏻
Kumbabatch K — Google review
We had an Instanbul Tour and our guide took us there to have lunch, I don't like the 《intestines》or any of those parts of the animals but it is a recommendable place, as it is tasty and at a good price.
Fatty goodness, the hot kokoreç sandwich is better than the plate.
Delicious Kokorec sandwich, ordered extra portion. Even helped to half sandwich for me to share with wife. Friendly staff that speak good English. The fried mussel dip is refreshing too.
We know this place for years, every time we are in Istanbul we eat here. The kokorec is very good and the prices also. The guys are very attentive.
Small family business that has been going strong since ‘87. The owner is very kind and hospitable and the food speaks for itself. Cannot go wrong with a portion of the mussels and a plate of kokoreç. Better to pay with cash in order to support the owner as paying with card cuts into their profit.
Very tasty traditional sandwich with kokoreci, casual outdoor seating at lively pedestrian road. It is an inexpensive one, friendly, helpful staff and good service.
The best Kokoreç I have ever had. ❤️
Hobyar, Hamidiye Türbesi Sk. No:1/2, 34112 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
Family restaurant
Manti House Kadıköy is a delightful new eatery that has quickly made a name for itself since its recent opening. Guests rave about the exceptional Uzbek pilaf, which is noted for being light and flavorful, unlike other versions that can be heavy on the stomach. The menu also features their signature manti, which many find even more delicious than traditional options. Patrons appreciate the reasonable prices and attentive service from friendly staff members who ensure a pleasant dining experience.
Very tasty. I can recommend this restaurant for everyone
Darkside D — Google review
We found this place by chance and were very pleased. The food was delicious, the portions were large, and the service was friendly. Highly recommend! 🫶
Tasty!
Excellent Manti! First time trying Turkish version of it and this restaurant did a superb job! While eating I could see the employees making and folding more fresh manti. The tea served was light and refreshing and served in such a beautiful pot & cups (Uzbek style). Would come again if ever visited Kadikoy.
The food was sooo good!! Our recommendation: Kuvurma Lagman, Fitci and Türk Mantisi.
I can’t speak highly enough of this place - the food is completely delicious and the service is quick and friendly - if I lived in Istanbul I would go every week
Amazing food, the Fitçi and Kavuma Lagman were absolutely spectacular!
The place was recommended to us by a local friend and it did not disappoint!
Thank you!
We walked by Manti House while looking for lunch in Kadaköy. The server was in the doorway and very politely suggested we try it. After their nice uncharacteristically calm for Turkey invitation, we gave it a go and it was delicious! The food was homemade, fresh, and very tasty and was a nice addition and change to the traditional Turkish food we have been enjoying. They had plenty of both vegetarian and meat options a few favorites being the Havuç Salatasi, the Ispanakli Manti, and the Çuçvara Özbek.
Rasimpaşa, Halitağa Cd. no:55/b, 34716 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye•
23Deraliye
affordable
Restaurant
Turkish restaurant
Deraliye is a modern eatery in Istanbul that serves dishes with origins from the court of the Ottoman empire. Unlike traditional restaurants in Sultanahmet, Deraliye stands out for its stylish and versatile approach to serving Turkish, Fusion, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian cuisines. The restaurant's modern design sets it apart from other places serving traditional cuisine, making it an exceptional choice for those seeking authentic Ottoman-era flavors in a contemporary setting.
Really nice dinner here at istanbul and in a very centric place and easy to access.
Food was delicious, especially the stuffed eggplant as a starter, you won’t regret ordering it. As mains we ordered Adana Kebab, which i must note it was a bit spicy for those who have a low tolerance to spicy. Also ordered the Goose Kebab which i also really recommend.
Service was great and fast, ordered cold water the water wasn’t really cold and without even asking they brought out some ice.
Great atmosphere too.
Marta G — Google review
Amazing place to eat. Got a recommendation from chef Belkovich Alexander ( Саша Белькович). This place is totally worth it. Everything was freshly made, tasteful, nice presentations. The atmosphere was cozy. Service was beyond belief with really good attention to details. Totally worth the visit. And amazing place for Michelin Star restaurant. I am proud and happy to visit this place.
During our trip to Turkey, we walked the streets of Istanbul on Divanyolu Cad. Alemdar Mah. Ticarethane Sok. and stumbled upon a Michelin-star stop called Deraliye. We ate at this restaurant twice during our six-day stay in the city. Deraliye is governed by Chef Necati Yilmaz, an incredibly talented, charming, and inspirational chef. His take on traditional Ottoman Empire recipes brought us back in time while grounding us in the present with consistent high-caliber taste, service, and plating each visit. Supporting him, host Emrah provided fantastic care for us throughout both dinners.
During my second visit, I had a moment to wait inside, beside the window closest to the front door. I could hear the buzz of the busy street minimally, and my attention was quickly swept to the back of the restaurant; an open kitchen…at the back of the restaurant? A woman was with her daughter learning how to cook a Michelin award winning dish with a chef from the team — her daughter, filming. What an incredible experience to have. I hope as I grow over time, I’ll also be able to learn new skills, recipes, and excellence in practice. The desire to keep learning is strong in me, but exemplified stronger here for learning cooking skills at this level in such a public space could be daunting for some, and she made it seem so enjoyable and irremissible; it felt heartfelt to witness that moment between mother and daughter. It reminded me of the distinct feeling of care and gratitude I felt upon our first service at Deraliye — almost family, that’s the level of care.
When you visit, don’t just expect lunch or dinner — expect a true Michelin-level experience. In Istanbul, if you are kind and open to trying life-changing flavours with origins from the Ottoman Empire, you will not be disappointed visit Deraliye.
Say ‘hi’ for us when you do — we hope you become part of the beautiful Deraliye family, as we hope to have proudly become.
With appreciation,
A & R
Sadly this is where all the tourist traps are, so food is a bit pricey. Food was very good and service was quick, although wait staff seem to be too protective of the nice seats even though nobody seems to have reserved them.
I'd still recommend this or the one opposite it, to tick off the list though.
We spent £60 for the two of us without alcohol, which is what we'd spend at a similar restaurant including drinks 😳
In the bustle of Sultanahmet, Deraliye offers something rare: a menu built on the records of the Ottoman palace kitchens. Account books, feast menus, and kitchen notes bring back to life the dishes once served to sultans. The degustation gave me a fine tour: appetisers from chickpea-tahini hibesh to spinach-filled ravioli and sour-cherry vine leaves, anchored by lamb medallions. Mains were goose kebab baked in pastry, mutancana of lamb with apricots and almonds, and braised lamb neck rich with fruit and molasses. Dessert paired helatiye, a pine-mastic milk pudding with fruit and nuts, and katmer, pistachio and cream wrapped in filo. A rare chance to taste history. A perfect 10.
Our visit to Deraliye was absolutely unforgettable! From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warmth and true Turkish hospitality.
A special thank you to our waiter Umut, who provided exceptional service - attentive, professional, and genuinely kind. The chef, Necati Yılmaz, personally greeted guests, shared insights about each dish, and made everyone feel truly special.
We started with Baba Ganoush and Arefe Kibbeh - both beautifully presented and full of authentic flavors. For our main courses, we had Kavun Dolmasi (Stuffed Melon), Roasted Chicken with Eggplant Puree, and Grilled Sea Bass -every dish was a masterpiece!
The eggplant puree was exceptionally rich and silky, and the stuffed melon offered an extraordinary and unique taste experience.
We originally ordered ice cream for dessert, but the attentive staff surprised us with a complimentary Katmer, which was simply divine - flaky, sweet, and unforgettable!
Every detail - from presentation to personal interaction - reflected the restaurant's high standards and passion for authentic Ottoman cuisine.
As a travel advisor, I truly value experiences like this. Now, I can confidently recommend Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant to my clients and travelers looking for not just a meal, but a memorable culinary journey in Istanbul!
We found this gem of a place on a stroll around the old city and decided to come back for dinner. We were very delighted to have done so. Amazing service from the minute we walked up although the host did not pull out the chair for my lady, could be a cultural difference. Nevertheless, we opted for the Muammara for starters and the flavor burst into your mouth with a beautiful blend of spices and nuts. We wish we could have packed a jar to take home. For our main courses we chose the Kuzu Tandir and the roasted chicken with eggplant puree. The roasted chicken stole the show with a unique blend of flavors complimented by unexpected cinnamon in each bite. Truly delicious, wish we had more time to try other dishes that looked great.
Emrah and Gela provided great service at this restaurant. The food was amazing and the atmosphere great. A nice way to
unwind after a day of sightseeing!
Alemdar Mahallesi Ticaret Hane Sokak Giriş Kat No 10, 34122, Türkiye•
affordable
Turkish restaurant
Nestled in Istanbul, Hanzade Terrace Restaurant offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere with a panoramic view. This family-owned eatery boasts an intimate setting with only 7 tables, where guests can enjoy generous portions of seafood, meat, or vegan dishes paired with excellent wine at reasonable prices. The restaurant's terrace provides a romantic backdrop for candlelit dinners under the stars, complemented by captivating views of the city skyline and surrounding nature.
We came across this restaurant by chance, and it turned out to be a happy surprise. The restaurant has a rooftop with a beautiful view. The most delicious bread we’ve had in Istanbul. Fresh, tasty food. But most of all, the staff is truly wonderful. If you are welcomed by Gulya, your lunch or dinner will be delightful. She made our evening very enjoyable. Highly recommended.
Anastasiya K — Google review
I ate here with friends. We had 2 shrimps appetizers and 4 grilled fishes. The shrimps were good but I was expecting a stronger taste. The “bread” and the fishes were really perfect! The staff was very kind and they also offered us dessert and apple tea to end the meal. Everything was less than 30€ per person. The view is awsome and at sunset is a must. Definitely recommend.
All good eats for me. From the seasoned flat bread pieces, hot vegetable appetizer, and the entrée (ground lamb kebab) all were very tasty and served hot. The menu is reasonably priced by comparison. Our waitress was attentive and warm, as we comfortably worked through the language barrier. We got a baked desert and tea served on the house. The views on one side over look the Bosphorus straight. The decor is quaint in a smaller space. I suggest having cash. The credit card system wasn't working well for us. I recommend this place
This restaurant is truly a delightful surprise! The environment is beautiful, with stunning views outside the window that make you feel as if you are in a painting. The waiters are warm and attentive, taking care of every detail and making the whole experience very comfortable. The dishes are also exceptional—beautifully presented, rich in flavor, and so delicious that you just can’t stop eating. Whether it’s the atmosphere, the service, or the food, everything adds up to a perfect dining experience.
Amazing food, large portions, very attentive and friendly staff, and stuning views of the Murmur sea. We ordered an assortment meat plate and iskender kebab for a company of three. It would have actually served a party of hungry five. Absolutely the best grilled meat we have tried in Istanbul so far. And, in the end, we were offered a complimentary dessert. Mehmet was amazing and helpful.
After reading the wonderful reviews, we decided to choose this restaurant for our dinner. The restaurant was on the fourth floor with an amazing view of Bosphorus. It was worth the walk uphill and staris. We had a mix grilled meat and it was flavorful. We enjoyed the hot tea and dessert on the house. Thanks!
It would be really hard to pick one particular restaurant in Istanbul that didn’t meet our expectations. This restaurant is no different. It was up the hill from where we were staying and had an amazing view of the city. Even going for dinner we were able to see a lot and enjoy the atmosphere. The restaurant is very clean and the staff is extremely friendly and patient due to our language barrier. We were able to get what we wanted and the food was very good. We were never rushed at any point and the staff made suggestions on other things to see in the area and foods to try this restaurant is upstairs from a hotel. Just in case you happen to see my review of the place we stayed at in Istanbul. I would suggest trying to stay in this hotel or something in this area. It is perfectly located and within walking distance of all major tourist attractions. There are great shops in the area and the street has a great feel overall. We walked everywhere in Istanbul and never felt concerns for our safety. Everybody is so kind and polite. It was really a pleasure to visit.
Thank you all for making such an impact on our visit and we sincerely appreciate your kindness.
Absolutely amazing experience. The view is absolutely incredible. We are staying at AJWA Sultanahmet, if you are also staying there it’s a short 2 minute walk from there. Absolutely stunning views of the bosphorus. The food is good too, I’d recommend the chicken (seems to be their speciality). Wish we discovered this place from day 1 of our trip to beautiful Türkiye!
Emin Sinan, Piyer Loti Cd. No:35, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
very expensive
Restaurant
Bar & grill
Mediterranean restaurant
Sushi restaurant
Perched on a hilltop, Sunset Grill & Bar offers breathtaking views of the Bosphorus strait, Bosphorus Bridge, and Asian shoreline. This glamorous restaurant and bar is renowned for its diverse menu that caters to international gastronomic trends. From California-style grilled meats to Turkish classics, risotto to sushi, the restaurant's offerings are sure to tantalize any palate.
Very difficult to find a place in Istanbul lately which should tick all boxes.. I found one. This restaurant has an unbelievable service standards and I was thoroughly impressed by waiters and welcome staff. The best view of Istanbul from this restaurant no doubt about that. Outdoor and indoor both have amazing views and ambiance of this restaurant makes you feel good about your life. Staff was so efficient and they made us feel special. Food was delicious, my favourite will be seafood choices. Great wine selection and exceptional desserts to finish off your evening. Loved it.. apologies for not getting many photos 🙏🏼 reservation is a must
Kayman — Google review
The atmosphere was amazing. We fell in love with the view specially in the sunset. Also, the food was delicious and the options were quite varied so there were lots of different choices. The service was also very nice and very helpful. The prices are also very reasonable and also can be said it was cheaper than I thought compared to other places and prices for the most normal restaurants so with the services and all the things they serve and the prices, I think they definitely deserve five stars.
Great experience in Istanbul! The view is absolutely beautiful and makes the whole dinner special. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and the restaurant has a really elegant vibe. The food was delicious and well presented. Definitely a place I would recommend.
A new favorite for me, we had a late lunch and I was surprised they were even open at 3:30 in the afternoon but apparently that is a thing for them, it wasn’t too busy so we had the chance to be cared for properly.
The food was absolutely stunning, I tried the octopus and the pasta with white sauce and lobster, and this has to be one of the best dishes I’ve had in a while.
We will be returning every time we go to Istanbul.
We went there for dinner after someone recommended this place for us.
It is a fine dining restaurant with a stunning view.
The ambience is very nice and comforting. The staff are helpful but not very attentive.
The food was not as good as we expected especially that the prices are very expensive.
Our overall experience was ok but we would not go back again.
Delicious and fancy place with a really great service and views. From the entrance to the table the service is close to perfection. The prices are high but tasted great. Don’t forget to jump into the terrace to appreciate the views.
250€ for Sushi
I recently ordered a sushi platter from this restaurant, and I must say it was one of the most disappointing dining experiences I’ve had. The platter included two types of sushi made with imitation crab (crab sticks), and both were bland, lacking freshness and flavor. Honestly, the entire selection felt thrown together, with no real attention to quality or authenticity.
The prices are ridiculously high for what you get. This place is severely overrated — you’re essentially paying a premium for mediocre food and the illusion of a high-end experience. There was absolutely nothing memorable or satisfying about the meal, and I left feeling like I wasted both my money and time.
I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone. Save your money and go somewhere that actually knows how to prepare good sushi and respects their customers.
This is obviously a splurge. Steep on a hilltop, the outdoor setting and the view of the Asian side of Istanbul and the Bosporus in between makes everything else seem more gorgeous. The food is good, just a notch short and could have been great. Service is relatively quick but getting them during a weekend dinner is tough. It’s a steep price, do take a cigar to enjoy.
Kuruçeşme Mahallesi Ulus Park, Yol Sokağı No:2, 34345 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye•
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affordable
Turkish restaurant
Restaurant
Guney Restaurant is a laid-back dining spot offering classic Turkish cuisine with a bar and stunning views of the Galata Tower. Despite its location in a touristy area, it surprises visitors with its authentic and delicious dishes. The small tables create a charming bistro-like atmosphere reminiscent of Paris. The staff is known for their politeness and efficiency, ensuring a great dining experience. Whether you choose to sit inside or outside, the restaurant offers warmth and comfort along with delectable food.
Wanted a late breakfast on a Tuesday after visiting the Galata tower and this came up as a well-rated option. It allowed us to experience what seemed like normal Turkish breakfast options and we enjoyed the food and drinks. Was also a fun people watching location since quite close to the tower (but not right next to it so don’t feel like other tourists were right on top of you as you ate).
Hannah M — Google review
Great spot with a nice atmosphere and kind service. The salad was fresh and delicious, and the egg omelets were well-prepared and tasty. If you’re Mexican or just enjoy a bit of extra flavor, order a side of Muhammara - it’s not spicy, but adds a perfect saucy touch. Definitely worth a visit.
We had dinner at this restaurant near the Galata Tower and really enjoyed the experience. The atmosphere was lovely – with some background music that wasn’t too loud – and the outdoor seating area was beautiful, with a nice view of the tower.
Even though the restaurant is located in a very touristic area, the prices were quite reasonable. The food was much better than we expected given the location – in fact, it was delicious. The service was also excellent: the staff were kind, attentive, and welcoming throughout our visit.
Overall, it’s a great spot with good food, a pleasant atmosphere, and a fantastic location right by Galata Tower. Definitely worth a visit!
It was such a lovely experience! Enjoying a delicious Turkish coffee with a stunning view of the Galata Tower was truly special. The street was so charming, and the San Sebastian dessert was quite nice too. The atmosphere was peaceful, and we had such a pleasant time chatting. It’s a beautiful place overall cozy, welcoming, and definitely worth a visit. I especially recommend the Turkish coffee it was rich! ☕✨
We had lunch here and it was one of the best meals we’ve had in Turkey. The food was clean, served quickly, and genuinely delicious. The muhammara and the labneh with garlic were outstanding—packed with flavor and beautifully presented. Highly recommended!
You can’t find a better spot to eat good food while looking at the Galata Tower in Istanbul. Lots of Turkish favourites tapas style it was packed and super busy but they accommodated us and food came fairly quickly.
There is no shortage of good things to say about this place. Every time this week we went here it was perfect. The food is amazing. Dishes we tried included, pancakes, crepes, Turkish coffee, Turkish tee, tangerine lemonade, schnitzel, GRILLED HALLOUMI CHEESE SALAD, ARMUT SALATASI, GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST WITH THYME, chicken cutlet, KEBAB WİTH YOGHURT, and apple tea. It was all amazing and we could not believe how inexpensive everything was. The vegetables and fruit were so fresh. Over the past 3 weeks we have traveled to Istanbul, Venice, Bologna, London, San Marino, Budapest, and Verona. We have eaten at over 75 restaurants, cafes, and little shops. This was a top 3 without a doubt. Highly recommend!
Absolutely the best cheesecake I've ever had (the classic San Sebastian cheesecake near Galata Tower).
The food was delicious, the staff were friendly and quick (we were served by Bahtiyar), the prices were reasonable for a touristic spot, and the location couldn't be better – right beneath the tower. Highly recommended.
Şahkulu, Şahkapısı Sk. No:2 D:B, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye•
Turkish restaurant
Breakfast restaurant
Cafe
Cafeteria
Nestled just a stone's throw away from the iconic Blue Mosque, MY TERRACE CAFE & RESTAURANT is a delightful gem that captures the essence of traditional Turkish dining. This rooftop haven offers an inviting atmosphere with its charming decor and authentic furniture, making it perfect for any occasion—be it a leisurely brunch or a romantic dinner while watching the sunset.
Lovely rooftop spot with a stunning view and super comfy terrace. Most tables needed a reservation, but the staff kindly let us stay without one. Really warm and welcoming. The food was delicious and varied. If we were in Istanbul longer, we’d definitely come back!
Bumblebee — Google review
I mainly wanted to visit for the rooftop views and a friend came across this restaurant… what a find. First of all, the views are absolutely spectacular, especially at sunset (definitely the best time to go). We had an incredible platter of Turkish food that was both delicious and beautifully presented. The staff were incredibly welcoming, showing true hospitality. A perfect spot for great food with a view 😊
I am so disappointed after the hype & visit. The terrace was empty I had requested the waiter to seat with the VIEW Big table as there is no one on the terrace and gives a better view. He refused and let us seat on a corner (worst table).
Come to the food, Price is expensive compared with the quality and portion. The bread was 1 hr old and felt like rubber disgusting. Food portion was okay. Think before you visit and expense your money.
FOR THE OWNER PLEASE TRAINE YOUR STAFF and don't serve cold food to the people who comes from thousands miles away.
Amazing overall experience! The turkish breakfast was really tasty, not expensive at all. The atmosphere was great, the staff was really friendly and they were taking photos and videos of us. The view is breathtaking and not in an expensive place like the ones in the center that are more promoted. I will definetely recommend this place! Really careful with their customers!
Best place! Murat made our morning! Great videos, super pictures and delicious breakfast! If you want to feel Turkish hospitality and feel like a best guest ever you should try this place! Super view also is here
I love this Istanbul gem! Head up to the top rooftop section and grab a table - they will ask for a reservation at the bottom but there’s no need, just come early. It’s a popular spot with good reason. There’s almost always a breeze and the staff are great!
Dinner was delicious and the view was fabulous! The staff were very friendly and we had great service. I highly recommend seeing the sunset from their rooftop terrace. A lovely way to spend the evening!
We went at 9:30 in the morning and it was very quiet. The service was SPECIAL, a very polite and nice waiter. We ordered the big breakfast for two and it was SO GOOD. So fresh and so so so yummy. The waiter also made photos and videos from us and the food. The view is INSANE. 100% recommendation, and it’s not even expensive! We are from Germany :)
Küçük Ayasofya, Şht. Mehmet Paşa Sk. No:9, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
28Beyti
4.6
(4751)
4.5
(813)
Mentioned on
very expensive
Fine dining restaurant
Chophouse restaurant
Turkish restaurant
Beyti is a renowned restaurant in Istanbul known for its traditional meat-focused menu and vast, old-world ambiance with a terrace. The restaurant holds a rich history, having been opened by Mr. Beyti himself in the 1980s. It boasts a mix of contemporary design and Ottoman art, offering some of the best kebabs in Istanbul, including the famous Beyti kebab. Notable personalities like Nixon and Arthur Miller have dined here.
Starving, and on the hunt for something that truly captivates Istanbul’s spirit, I stumbled across Beyti, a legendary establishment, mythical in status, dating back to 1945, and more notably featuring on Mark Wein’s best restaurant in Istanbul.
18km from The Ritz Carlton, the trip took around 1hr through Istanbul’s metropolis rush hour. A giant bull decorates the garden, signalling your stop.
A series of greeters met me at the front door, waiters moving at light speed, and effortlessly gliding to their destination, with copper coloured cloches preserving hidden secrets beneath them, ready to delight whoever was lucky enough to receive it.
After sitting down, I was frequented by multiple servers, each very well dressed, clearly and deservingly, very proud of their work.
I decided on the speciality starter, the “Imam Fainted”. This alone was an entire backstory of its own, the unique flavours bursting through impossibly, and was served in what seemed like seconds after ordering.
Next up, was the mixed platter. I’d originally eagle eyed the doner kebab, but I was kindly advised this was included in the mixed platter, which I had also ordered.
The doner kebab was served first of the mix - I was a little nervous I’d ordered the wrong thing, because there was no other signs of the other cuts of meat. However, after finishing the most perfectly sliced pieces of succulent doner, another waiter arrived and placed two sizzling pieces of grilled meatballs on my plate, along with mashed potato. Although arguably not ball shaped, these could be any shape they wanted, as they were absolutely spectacular.
Following that, I was presented with the sheesh Kebab or kidney grill (I couldn’t tell), but the cuts were perfectly singed on the outside, whilst perfectly cooked on the inside.
Finally, the lamb chop. I have no idea how this retained so much flavour. It was, quite simply, astonishing, and easily the star of the show.
Baklava, Turkish Tea and Turkish Coffee all followed, I somehow made even more space to fit in the Turkish hospitality. Once again, I was stopped short of tarnishing my meal with adding sugar to my tea, and I was given assurance that the Baklava was sugary enough, without adding sugar to the tea. The coffee was ultra strong and I felt like I’d just shotted 4 monsters, which was exactly what I needed from stopping me from slipping into a food comatose.
Truly satisfied and stuffed to the point of exploding, I was kindly offered a tour of the building by Yusuf. Softly spoken, and having dedicated 23 years of servitude to Beyti, there was magic to his storytelling that itself could have been a tour of Istanbul.
As we walked around, I realised Beyti is a time capsule, showcasing items collected from the Ottoman Empire, to various visits from Emperors of Japan, to Presidents of American. As we toured from room to room, what astonished me was the diversity in decor, almost as if each segment had been added on in each decade, each with its own story and charm.
As my journey came to an end, Yusuf bid me farewell on my journey after calling a cab. I left feeling like I’d just visited one of the great wonders of the world. I can’t wait to return and continue the culinary journey at Beyti.
Garry S — Google review
This restaurant is truly one of the best culinary experiences I have ever had in Türkiye. My parents and I were completely impressed from start to finish. The service is warm and attentive, and the dishes are of outstanding quality – you can feel the passion and craftsmanship in every detail. The only minor point of criticism would be the bread at the beginning, which could have been better. Other than that, everything was absolutely excellent.
It feels as if you are being welcomed into someone’s home and treated like family. We felt very comfortable and well taken care of. We will definitely be returning. Thank you for a wonderful evening.
Classic restaurant with classic steak. So many celebrities have visited this place.
Its like steak back in the day where they don’t really marinate it. I would give it 7/10.
Although the restaurant is a bit far from city center , it’s nice to visit once
Beyti is the best restaurant in my world … and my world had visited a lot till now.
The Turkish cuisine at its peek … the food is amazingly cooked and the ingredients are very carefully chosen … I even heard that they grow their own meat … that is why it is so so tasty
Traditional Turkish high end restaurant! One of the best places to get meat in Istanbul. If you visit Istanbul you should definitely visit this restaurant. Everything that we ordered was wonderful !
The ambiance was nice, food was really delicious and the service was excellent. Prices are a little high but it is worth it.
Having frequently visited Beyti while living in Istanbul, I recently had the chance to return after many years. My first observation is that the prices are unnecessarily high, making it challenging for the restaurant to sustain itself. Despite this, the quality of the service, and ambiance are all top-notch. However, the prices are comparable to Michelin-starred restaurants in New York City, which is quite steep. I hope they consider adjusting their prices to a more reasonable level.
As for the food, we started with a salad and roasted eggplant salad, followed by the main course of Iskender kebab. Before the meal, they served hot bread and butter, but the bread was quite tasteless. A pita-like bread would have been much better. The portions were almost enough for two people. The doner was OK. The service was outstanding, with not one but two servers attending to our table at all times.
Overall, I’m giving Beyti 3 stars, deducting a star for the unreasonable high prices and another star for the lackluster bread served with the butter. And I have to tell you, this place was always packed for dinner time, when we visited it was almost empty.
food was good , nice place , but very expensive 😅
Florya, Şenlikköy, Orman Sk. No:6-8, 34153 Bakırköy/İstanbul, Türkiye•
expensive
Turkish restaurant
Antiochia is a popular restaurant located in the heart of Beyoglu, serving dishes from Antakya, also known as Antioch in ancient times. The restaurant's decor reflects the Roman mosaics of the region. Specializing in Southeast Turkish cuisine with influences from Lebanese, Syrian, and French flavors, it offers a variety of cold and hot mezes and kebab dishes.
Really good place overall. Great staff, they gave us table without reservation just adapting our stay. The food amazing, what a tasty food, espectacular flavors. Good recommendation from the staff helping us to select good dishes. The place is cozy and elegant. Highly recommended, but much better if you make a reservation before going there. It is located in a very popular area plenty of bars for drink, full of people enjoying life. A must go definitely.
Arsenio F — Google review
Having found a long standing review from the Guardian, my wife and I ventured to what we thought would be a nice Turkish dining experience. What we got was food that came quickly with all mezes all prepared on the plate. The meat, which tasted good, was not hot which is what you expect. What was more shocking was the price. We spent £83 for a deconstructed kebab where we had one glass of wine and one beer 450tl. The 10% service charge seemed rather extravagant for what we got.
People were nice but would say that venture here if you want to be over charged. Upon reflection very dissappointing. These are uk prices in Istanbul.
We loved this place so much during our visit to Istanbul that we went twice. It’s a beautiful reprieve from the traffic on the streets below and looks down over charming cobble stone alleys. The food is fresh, served fast, and is so flavorful.
They have a vegan wrap with vegan protein which was a lifesaver for me. It’s delicious. My partner had the chicken kebabs and thought they were equally delicious.
This was one of three top-notch consecutive dinners in Istanbul and the most traditional Turkish food of the three.
Antiochia is right smack in the middle of the very popular Beyoglu, just 5 minutes by foot from the tunnel station. The restaurant is casual yet nice, and the vibe is lively. The service was fantastic, and the food...delicious.
I went with the lamb chops and added a couple of mezze. Everything was tasty, and I would definitely recommend it.
Atmosphere is serene, space is beautifully and authentically decorated, dishes we tried were all very delicious. Great spot very close to Istiklal yet away from the crowds!
Visited April 2017 - Tucked just behind Tünel’s upper station, Antiochia takes its name and mission from Antakya – the ancient city of Antioch – a region where cuisines and cultures have met for centuries. The mural at the entrance sets the scene: Hatay as a crossroads of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim heritage, expressed here through food.
The setting is modern warehouse chic, with exposed brick, an open kitchen, and a lively mix of local and international diners. Staff are attentive without fuss, and they found me – a solo traveller – a cosy corner to take it all in.
I ordered the Antiochia lamb chops, marinated with the region’s signature hot pepper paste. They arrived just shy of perfection – juicy, well seasoned, though a touch more char would have sealed the deal. The plate came with four meze that spoke of place: smoky abagannuç, smooth hummus, olives lifted with mountain thyme, and a striking walnut and red pepper purée. Each was well made, with the muhammara in particular carrying the essence of the region.
Yet the standout was the unassuming “sauced bread” – biberli ekmek – a thin flatbread griddled with red pepper and oil. Simple, bold, and unforgettable.
Great secluded place from the main street that goes to taksim square. The menu is not with many options but everything is very tasty. The mezes are great. The minced beef kebab is tender and full of flavours.
Great Turkish food. High quality, nice atmosphere and good service. A bit more expensive than the other places around.
Asmalı Mescit, General Yazgan Sk. No:3, 34200 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye•
expensive
Kebab shop
Middle Eastern restaurant
Restaurant
Turkish restaurant
Hatay Medeniyetler Sofrasi is a top Istanbul restaurant known for its meze-style dining experience. The restaurant offers a variety of small dishes including rice, vegetables, and meat-based options, similar to tapas. Despite being popular among tourists, the food is highly praised for its exceptional quality. Chef Burak's creations are not only flavorful but also beautifully presented.
I absolutely love this place!
I was here last night, again tonight, and I’m already planning to return for my final evening in Istanbul. Out of all the times I’ve visited this incredible city, this has been the best food experience by far — hands down.
The flavors, the atmosphere, and the exceptional service make it unforgettable. A heartfelt thank you to my amazing server Omar and his adorable assistant Ayla — you both were simply outstanding tonight.
I’ll be recommending this gem to all of my clients.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart! ❤️🥰
#traveldivadarlene
Darlene B — Google review
A wonderful place, we recommend visiting it!! On our first evening we didn't know where to eat, we were walking along Istiklal Street, and very nice people invited us to a restaurant. The service is top-notch: presentation, staff and show!! It's great! We want to say a huge thank you to the waiter Omar! The most positive, charming waiter with charisma. He has captured our hearts!! The dishes are very tasty, amazing! We don't recommend it, we just insist
Fantastic Food
Great Service
Staff is Awesome
Helps you with all you need. Always Attentive
Kenan our server was great. Did a very good job. Surely to come back next time
We had a wonderful experience at Medeniyetler Restaurant! The service was outstanding — the staff were so welcoming and attentive throughout our visit. The food quality was excellent; everything we tried was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The atmosphere was also lovely, warm, and authentic, making it the perfect place to enjoy a great meal in Turkey. Highly recommended!
Had a great meal and a great atmosphere. The food selection was traditional, and we decided to go for the salt. Baked lamb. It was perfectly seasoned and very juicy. A really nice treat for dinner here in Istanbul.
Absolutely five star experience! The food was delicious, and the staff were so attentive and lovely. With a table side fire show during the meal, a dry ice show during dessert, and a love for Ireland written in bread - truly a night to remember!
Hatay Medeniyetler Sofrası is a fantastic restaurant with a big menu full of delicious options. The variety of dishes available ensures that there's something for everyone, whether you are in the mood for traditional Turkish cuisine or something more adventurous.
The service is exceptional, with staff who are attentive, friendly, and eager to make your dining experience memorable. They are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to offer recommendations if you're unsure what to try.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a perfect place for both family meals and special occasions. The flavors are rich and authentic, showcasing the best of Hatay's culinary heritage.
Menu is available in multiple languages.
Nice to see the wall in the entrance with a lot of pictures of famous figures who visited the restaurant.
Overall, Hatay Medeniyetler Sofrası is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy great food and outstanding service. Highly recommended!
Excellent food combined with an even better atmosphere. You can sense that the staff here genuinely enjoy their work! Highly recommended!
Katip Mustafa Çelebi, İstiklal Cd. No: 39, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye•
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Seafood restaurant
Turkish restaurant
Sultanahmet Ottoman Terrace Fish House is a renowned restaurant in Istanbul offering stunning views of the Bosphorus and serving delectable fresh seafood. The menu features various fish dishes, king prawns, grilled flounder, and octopus salad. Guests are treated to complimentary hot bread with garlic-cheese sauce, fresh fruit, tea, and Turkish sweets. The attentive staff provides insights into the locally caught fish options and offers recommendations.
This restaurant was a last minute unplanned visit. It was relatively easy place to find. The last step up into the actual terrace restaurant was higher and more steep to other steps, so be careful going up and down there.
The restaurant was nice and bright, well decorated, clean and neat. The staff were friendly, helpful and welcoming from the first moment. There is a sea view from where we were seated.
We had the sea bass and chicken skewers. The food was fresh, well presented, well cooked and it was delicious. I have nothing to fault with the restaurant, food and service - it would be a place I would recommend to others.
Amina C — Google review
HUUGE menu, and amazing food. They give you bread and you can eat it with hummus if you order it. The hummus has somehow a lot of flavor, and so does the other food. The rice is buttery and tasty.
I loved the dessert.
The atmosphere was amazing. It gives off a like homely feeling. The service was excellent, the staff are very friendly and they are knowledgeable about their food and they will tell you exactly what goes on in the dish. We had the salt baked fish which was accompanied by a spectacular fire performance by Mahmut. We also had the mixed fish, which was just as good. To top it all off, they provided a little tea buffet for our family!
Please visit this place if you're in the area! Well worth your time.
This restaurant is excellent! We got the Mixed Fish, and the fish were extremely fresh and tasted great. The waiters were very attentive and made fun small talk. They also gave us free baklava and Turkish tea. I highly recommend this restaurant for any meal!
Place to go for delicious and authentic fresh fish! The service was amazing.
The food was amazing and fresh, the owner was friendly and welcoming. Got a fruit bowl and Turkish Tea on the house. Will definitely visit again. 5*****
Great food with excellent service!
I had a good time at this terrace restaurant, tasty food and awesome view!! Ask Mahmut about the dishes, he is a gentle guy with good knowledge!
Alemdar, Nuru Osmaniye Cd. No :9, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
very expensive
Turkish restaurant
Tuğra Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its historical ambiance and waterfront terrace. Located on the top floor of the Ciragan Palace at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski hotel, it provides a glimpse into the culinary world of the Ottoman Empire. The restaurant's majestic atmosphere is complemented by stunning views of the Bosphorus. Diners can savor dishes inspired by the cuisine of Ottoman Sultans while surrounded by marble columns and intricate paintings.
A culinary journey at Tuğra Restaurant
As part of our stay at the Ciragan Palace, we had the pleasure of dining at Tuğra Restaurant—an experience that was as memorable as the palace itself. The seven-course tasting menu was a refined and imaginative interpretation of Turkish cuisine, masterfully balancing tradition and innovation in each dish.
Every course felt carefully considered and perfectly executed. The presentation was elegant and thought through.
Service at Tuğra was impeccable—professional, knowledgeable, and delivered with genuine warmth. The setting, with its regal ambiance and views over the Bosphorus, created a truly special atmosphere. Dining in such a historic and beautiful location made the evening feel even more extraordinary.
Tuğra is without question among the finest restaurants we’ve visited in Istanbul. It certainly wouldn’t be out of place among Michelin-starred venues.
An unforgettable evening of culinary excellence. Highly recommended.
Lucas V — Google review
Exceptional restaurant within a palace. You had me at palace. The attentiveness of the staff was otherworldly, but the tasting menu, catered to vegetarian dishes was mildly lack luster. There was no difference in price for the veggie minded enthusiasts which was disappointing. The chef did go beyond in trying to remedy the already fixed menu though. Each portion was artfully presented and enjoyed. Overall the atmosphere was mildly stuffy. It’s an exceptionally beautiful space and we were lucky to have a stunning view of the Bosporus. Other tasting menus blew this one out of the park though, hence the missing star. But if you are looking for the experience and the impeccable history of the establishment.
An unforgettable experience in a stunning setting. The food at Tuğra was refined, flavorful, and clearly prepared with great care. The service was outstanding from start to finish – attentive, friendly, and professional. The restaurant itself is beautifully designed, with a unique atmosphere and a breathtaking view that adds to the entire experience.
One small downside: after an extensive (and pricey) meal, they charge €10 for a cup of tea or coffee. In a restaurant of this level, you would expect that to be complimentary or offered as a gesture of hospitality. It feels a bit out of place in such a luxurious environment.
That said, it’s definitely worth a visit and highly recommended for anyone looking for a special culinary evening in Istanbul.
What an experience!!! The food, the ambience, the experience, the service! Everything we tried was phenomenal. The service was perfection, thank you Gulnur, you are a gem!
The most exclusive restaurant in Istanbul. Fantastic interiors and views. If you love lamb, try the « lamb variation » dish: 2 perfect small portions, differently cooked. The best lamb ever. Excellent service as well.
This beautiful restaurant in the heart of the beautiful Ciragan palace offer everything you are looking for a great , romantic food experience! Great ambience , supper professional and friendly staff and really delicious food! I would give them 10 starts if I could! Thank you whole team for making our last night at Ciragan palace so memorable!
This restaurant is inside a breathtaking palace. The location and the experience there are totally worthy of the price tag. The service, ambiance, staff, music, and privacy of each table, all of it is perfect. The food itself has a high quality of products. However, the flavors were too far from my preferred palette. So I couldn't really eat and enjoy the taste of the food (signature lamb dish). I understand that's a personal preference. Just for the experience, I totally recommend it.
I had the most incredible dining experience at this restaurant! The food was beyond excellent; each dish was a delightful surprise for my taste buds. From the appetizers to the desserts, everything was simply unbelievable. The flavors, presentation, and service were top-notch. I can't wait to return and savor this culinary gem again.
Thanl you !
Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel, Ciragan Caddesi 32, Çiragan Cd, 34349 Besiktas/İstanbul, Türkiye•
33Aheste
expensive
Turkish restaurant
Nestled in the historic Pera district, Aheste is a charming eatery that beautifully marries industrial aesthetics with culinary creativity. This modern Turkish and Middle Eastern restaurant specializes in meze-style dining, offering an enticing tasting menu that showcases the chef's innovative approach to traditional dishes. The intimate atmosphere, characterized by close-set tables and exposed brick walls, invites diners to enjoy not only exquisite food but also thoughtfully crafted cocktails.
Aheste is an incredible spot in Istanbul — perfect for both a romantic date night or a fun group dinner! The food was outstanding from start to finish — every bite was full of flavor and beautifully presented. The staff were awesome, super accommodating with our group’s different tastes and requests, and made the whole evening effortless and fun. We enjoyed some great cocktails and discovered a few fantastic local wines along the way. A must-visit for anyone who loves amazing food, warm hospitality, and a great vibe! 🍷✨
Sean G — Google review
I was in Istanbul for a vacation and as soon as I started planning places to eat Aheste was at the top of my list — I’d read great things. The restaurant sits on Meşrutiyet Caddesi in Asmalı Mescit, Beyoğlu, in a street already filled with classy, beautifully designed places that make you want to wander by just to soak in the atmosphere. Knowing how popular it is, we made a reservation almost a month in advance.
When the night came, we arrived and were seated quickly — no long wait, which immediately set the tone. The servers were wonderful: humble, warm, very attentive, and clearly knowledgeable about the menu and drinks — helpful when you want to try something off the beaten path.
We kicked things off with drinks: “The Old Nutcracker” and “Callisto.” They were decent. I thought the Nutcracker was like an Old Fashioned but with a lighter touch of alcohol — enough to feel something, but not overwhelming. Callisto had its charm too, though it wasn’t quite as memorable as the Nutcracker for me.
Everything at Aheste is sharable, which works well for trying lots of different things. To start, we had the dudi Persian rice and the artichoke confit. The artichoke confit was surprisingly good — rich, flavorful and well executed. The rice was okay; pleasant, but not outstanding, a little underwhelming compared to what else came. After that we tried the tuna kadayıf and stuffed zucchini flowers. The tuna kadayıf was excellent — really a highlight. The tuna itself was probably the best bite of the evening. The zucchini flowers were nice, delicate and charming, though not as strong in impact as the tuna.
We were disappointed to learn that the main course we anticipated — the lamb shoulders — were out that evening. That was a shame, because it had been something I was looking forward to. Instead, we pivoted to dessert: a classic rice pudding and rounded off the meal with a digestif, Amaretto. Both were very good — the rice pudding felt comfortingly traditional, the amaretto was a smooth, fitting end to the meal.
Overall, Aheste was very good. Service, food, ambiance — all near the top. It didn’t feel perfect in every single dish (some were stronger than others), but the strengths far outweighed the small misses. If I were back in Istanbul, I’d definitely go again, and I’d recommend it to friends looking for something special but not stuffy.
As a vegetarian, I often struggle to find meals that feel both authentic and exciting when traveling — but Aheste delivered on both counts. While not a vegetarian restaurant, they offer a separate vegetarian tasting menu with over 10 beautifully crafted Turkish dishes. Every course was creative, flavorful, and clearly made with care.
The service was excellent — professional, English-friendly, and very knowledgeable about both the food and wine. We had a local Turkish wine recommended by our waiter, which paired perfectly with the meal. The atmosphere was quiet, cosy, and welcoming, a peaceful escape from the busy streets outside. Great value for a memorable dining experience!
Honest take on a popular spot in Istanbul
Aheste – Istanbul
The restaurant was packed, yet the service was kind and attentive. The sea bream was well cooked, but the mix of flavors with the Turkish risotto and charred leek leaf didn’t quite work for me.
Some dishes I wanted to try couldn’t be prepared without alcohol, which was a bit disappointing. I skipped dessert since there were only two options — rice pudding and baklava — both of which seemed a bit too heavy for me.
I appreciate the effort and atmosphere, but I don’t think I’d return.
Please note, 1. Dishes tend to sell out, I heard the waiters repeating sold out to customers for many dishes! 2. No parking. Overall rating 2/10
Overall 2/10
Came here with my cousin for dinner. And I must say. The food, service and atmosphere was just wonderful. We ordered 6 dishes and a couple of drinks. All were delicious and the cocktails were also very good.
Service team were very friendly, and due to my belated birthday. They provided us with a nice small cake as well.
All in all a wonderful experience, but price wise it's on the high side.
Aheste was the best dining experience of a two week trip through Greece and Türkiye. This well styled restaurant offers up a modern twist to Turkish cuisine and pairs it with great wines or cocktails.
The design is simple and pleasing with a nice dark atmosphere and welcoming and helpful staff. The moment we walked in, they took care of us. Dishes and wines were recommended and taken. A wonderful tuna appetizer was the star of the show and the Zucchini Flowers were excellent. The Roast Lamb Shoulder was outstanding. They also have some small Turkish wines that make the meal.
Looking for a special place to celebrate or just for an elevated dining experience, this is your place.
One of the best restaurants in Istanbul. The flavors, the imaginative pairings & the freshness of the ingredients create one of the most inspired menus I have tasted. The chef must be one of the kind. The ambient atmosphere and the friendly service complete the pleasant experience.
Wonderful dining at Aheste. We came to this restaurant because of the description and the reviews. As many / most have experienced, the staff were friendly yet efficient. We had a team serving us interesting and yummy food; my friend thinks it’s choreographed. The dining rooms, in an historic building, also added to the night. A restaurant worthy of your consideration when in Istanbul.
Asmalı Mescit, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:107 F, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye•
4.2
(1271)
4.0
(553)
Mentioned on
expensive
Greek restaurant
Mediterranean restaurant
Giritli Restaurant is a charming 19th-century establishment located in the Sultanahmet neighborhood. The restaurant offers an elegant dining experience with its wood-clad interior and outside terrace. It is known for its fixed-price menu, which includes unlimited local wine, raki, or beer. The cuisine reflects the Turkish influence from Crete, featuring delicious dishes such as grilled octopus in olive oil and seafood and orzo salad.
The small room and live music gave such a fun, lively atmosphere, to compliment the most delicious dinner we had while in Istanbul!
The “small” tasting menu would’ve have been sufficient but we enjoyed trying a few bits of everything with the “large” mezze- but if you choose the large size, make sure to come HUNGRY.
FYI there were some conflicting reviews, so to clarify the alcohol is not included in the set menu price, but is priced very fairly!
Mary D — Google review
I had dinner here Thursday 17 July. The food was wonderful and I was fortunate to sit in the garden area. I had the large set menu. The mezze had various vegetable dishes, dips, pickles, crab, calamari, mackerel, cheese, fish eggs. Main course was lemon sea bass. Highly recommended.
One of the best places to experience Istanbul and Turkish cuisine in the summer. Very reasonable prices too. 4350 try for 2 ppl (mezes, 2 main dishes, desert, including tip and 35 cl raki.)
Great restaurant with a cute little courtyard, we had the set menu, lots of food and all fresh and tasty.
The mezzes were fantastic!
Giritli had been one of my favourite restaurants in Istanbul where I took many friends for a good meal in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. After so many years, we were there yesterday with high expectations that were unfortunately unfilled. I was sad to observe the restaurant moved away from food-first mentality. Our waiter recommended their fixed menu without handling us a menu and we agreed on a wine verbally (again without a menu). This would have been fine if the food was good. Unfortunately, almost all the mezzes were simply bland. Tarama lacked richness and creaminess, the cheese was salty, the samphire not cleaned properly, the calamari was too soft… We were sitting in their lovely patio and the arrangement of tables was good. I wouldn’t be able to say the same for the overall experience. During our meal, they turned off the lights twice for loud birthday celebrations for two different tables. Lights off, sparklers on, happy birthday song loud on, claps… I wouldn’t consider Giritli to be one of these restaurants but perhaps it has transitioned from food-first to entertainment-first place. I still remember the smell, texture, taste of excellent dishes I used to have there a decade ago. I wish I didn’t go there yesterday so that my memories would define what Giritli is. Too late now, and I don’t think I will go there again.
(Price: 6 people set menu+2 bottles of wine=20k TRY incl. 10% service charge)
What a discovery! We went in for dinner and ordered teo small set menus. They brought us 1 appetizer, 9 incredible mezes, some small dishes in between and a main dish each. The sardines were top-tier. We loved the dessert too. Food was amazing and service was great. Staff was kind, polite and attentive. The spot is a bit tucked away yet so charming (get ready to be enchanted by all the cute cats running around the restaurant). Definitely recommend it!!
This place has a set menu. For a tourist - it can be daunting not knowing what to expect. We enjoyed the Mezzes they were good. They were varied and interesting. Had different textures, flavors and different ingredients. We particularly enjoyed the anchovy, cucumber with yogurt and potatoes. The warm starters were not as good as the cold ones. The main dishes of Sea Bass and Sardines were also not as good as the Mezzes. The service was efficient, fast and helpful.
It is not hard to see why they are so highly rated.
From the moment we walked into the courtyard we were treated so well. It is a bit magical when you enter. It's peaceful, beautifully lit, trees canopied.
The service is fantastic.
We opted for what we thought was a mich smaller meal 😄 but were certainly not disappointed. There were so many cold mezze, warm ones, fish, the bread freshly made. An outdoor covered kitchen where we could see part of our food being craftfully made.
The price was also great. For all of this food, including wine was a fixed price.
I would return and highly recommend.
Cankurtaran, Yeni güvey sokak no:9, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
affordable
Kebab shop
Tomtom Kebap is a small, family-owned cafe in a quaint setting with sidewalk tables. The owners are known for their warm and friendly service, making visitors feel at home. They offer a limited but delicious menu featuring grilled kebabs and wraps, including traditional Turkish dishes like kebap with eggplant and lavash. The restaurant is popular for its wide variety of dishes, especially the fresh cold appetizers and Adana & Urfa kebabs.
We heard about this restaurant though the hotel we stayed in.
It's a small / family restaurant with real authentic Turkish food. The staff is very nice and kind.
We arrived and the restaurant was full (good sign!!). The service was quick.
We ordered falafel salad (vegetarian option), chicken and beef kebab. Everything was delicious! To complement they offered us an entry dish with Turkish bread.
10/10 the best restaurant we have been in Turkey. 👌
Diogo D — Google review
Good place to eat kebab in the area of Istiklal. The prices are higher than in other places. The dishes we tried were pretty good, the chicken kebab was delicious.
What we loved much more is humus there. Try it for sure if you’re going to this place.
In general, nice family place for tourist, not were local eat but still nice
We got here for dinner and there was a line to get in! It's a tiny little restaurant and people come and lineup just to eat here. That was a really good sign as there are so many other places to eat around this neighborhood with no wait.
The food was amazing!! Definitely try the Adana kabob. Everything is made fresh in front of you! The wait was worth it for us
Tomtom Kebap was incredible! We had the chicken and minced meat wraps — omg, they were so tasty, packed with flavor and perfectly cooked. They also serve a delicious mixed veggie dip with warm pita bread on the house, which was such a nice touch. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the service was fantastic — friendly, attentive, and fast. A definite must-try in Istanbul for anyone craving quality kebabs in a great setting!
My wife and I had dinner here on a Friday night. We got a table immediately, when we left there was a short line. The staff (owner?) were fantastic—welcoming and funny, attentive but not too. Plenty of fresh pide delivered as needed. The Ezme is delicious. The various kebaps were terrific. The chicken with tomato was especially delicious. Everything was terrific. We hadn’t ordered the salad and the owner brought one as a ‘gift’—very generous. Perhaps he liked our very bad attempts at Turkish (hello, please, thank you)?
A lot of people want to eat in this place, which is a good sign - always a line to wait! We ended up getting the chicken shish + yoghurt - it was very tasty and size was perfect. Owners are very nice and hospitable! Good experience!
I had their lamb skewers and it was so brilliantly prepared. It has so much flavour, juicy, right amount of smokiness - it is a definite must try. They also served me some starters which was also very yummy.
Recommend!!
This is a very small restaurant, with very few tables. Because of this, you might have to wait a bit to get a seat. The service was okay, neither good nor bad. To be honest, the meat (kebap) I ordered was disappointing, as it was lacking seasoning and flavor. However, the falafel was absolutely wonderful, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It was so good that I would return 1000 times just to eat the falafel again. The restaurant accepts credit card payments.
Firuzağa, Yeni Çarşı Cd. 39 A, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye•
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Seafood restaurant
Restaurant
Turkish restaurant
Ottoman Reds Terrace Fish Meat House is a budget-friendly restaurant located on the fourth floor of an old building in Istanbul, offering stunning panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. The menu features a rich assortment of Oriental and European dishes, seafood, and barbecue options. Visitors have praised the delicious food, welcoming atmosphere, superb service, reasonable prices, and complimentary desserts. It's highly recommended for those looking to enjoy a great dining experience with spectacular views in Istanbul.
Great place to dine. View is superb. Enjoyed the complimentary dessert.
Dah J — Google review
Amazing not bad restaurant and cafe .. highly recommended .. We visited Istanbul for the first time - this restaurant took the first place in our rating - delicious, spectacular, service at an altitude! Prices are reasonable. Best coffee) Thank you for the atmosphere and great service.. 👍👍
Careful tourists, it's a trap...they changed the name of the restaurant plus location is not very clean and welcoming...we left again...
It wasn't bad, it's ok
Wander full
(Translated by Google) Fantastic view! Great staff. Finally a good Turkish meal. Recommended
(Original)
Fantastisk utsikt! Flotte ansatte. Endelig et godt tyrkisk måltid. Anbefales
(Translated by Google) Located in the heart of the historic peninsula, this venue, which combines Ottoman ambiance with seafood and meat delicacies, is a popular destination for both locals and international tourists. Experience the finest fresh fish and meat while enjoying views of the Bosphorus and the city.
(Original)
Tarihi yarımadanın kalbinde, Osmanlı ambiyansını deniz ürünleri ve et lezzetleriyle birleştiren bu mekan, hem yerli hem de yabancı turistlerin uğrak noktası. Boğaz ve şehir manzarası eşliğinde, taze balık ve etin en iyi halini deneyimleyebilirsiniz.
(Translated by Google) The view is certainly excellent, you can’t argue with that, but the prices are 3 times higher than in similar establishments. With a limited budget - we go to the terrace, order caffeine, sweets and enjoy.
(Original)
Вид конечно отличный, с этим не поспоришь, но вот цены раза в 3 больше, чем похожих заведениях. С ограниченным бюджетом - идём на террасу заказываем кофеин, сладенькое и наслаждаемся.
Alemdar, Nuru Osmaniye Cd. No:3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
affordable
Restaurant
Cocktail bar
Greek restaurant
Perched atop the Lady Diana Hotel in Fatih, GRACE Rooftop Restaurant offers unparalleled views of the Marmara Sea and cityscape. With two levels, including a glass-encased floor for colder months and an open-air terrace, diners can enjoy stunning vistas of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque while indulging in a diverse menu of international cuisine and local wines.
We had an absolutely wonderful time at Grace Rooftop! As a couple, this was one of the most memorable dining experiences we’ve had in Istanbul. The ambiance was perfect, with a stunning rooftop view that added to the whole experience.
The food was incredible — starting with a delicious appetizer that really set the tone. Every main course we tried was cooked to perfection, full of flavor, and beautifully presented. After dinner, we enjoyed some cocktails which were just as impressive.
What truly stood out was the exceptional service. The staff were warm, attentive, and made us feel genuinely welcome throughout the evening. It’s rare to find a place where everything — food, drinks, atmosphere, and service — hits the mark.
Highly recommended. Grace Rooftop is a 10/10 and an absolute must-visit in Istanbul!
Fritzie L — Google review
The Turkish Kebab (for two) was so delicious! The view is truly amazing here and the service was amazing (very foreigner friendly). They gave us complimentary bread and Turkish tea and coffee which was so sweet of them. We asked our if we could be seated at recently empty table by the window and she made sure to clean it so we could move there. I highly recommend! Gizem was so sweet :) they also have free ottoman costumes to try on!
I had a very wonderful evening at this rooftop bar. The drinks were carefully curated to my alcohol tolerance levels.
The waiters and Waitresses were absolutely phenomenal.
Best of all, the view of the city's landscape was marvelous especially during twilight.
A must visit in Istanbul.
What a fantastic experience!
From the moment we walked in, everything just felt right. The food was delicious: every dish perfectly prepared and presented with great care and flavor. The view was absolutely phenomenal. But what truly made the evening special were the waiters: incredibly friendly and attentive. A special mention for our waiter Furkan: his professionalism and attention to detail made the evening unforgettable.
A restaurant where everything comes together: food, ambiance, and service. Highly recommended, we’ll definitely be coming back!
My husband and i had the big breakfast spread for two people. It was more than enough food, fresh and tasty. We were unable to finish it. Service was polite and professional. We did feel it was over priced, and we were charged more than what the menu says, so i think they added a tax charge, so be weary, however, the view was spectacular.
If you're looking for a breathtaking view in Istanbul, Grace Rooftop is the place to be. We went on a sunny afternoon and were rewarded with a stunning sunset over the city. The service was excellent; the staff were attentive and friendly, making for a nice dining experience. However, the food didn't live up to the spectacular setting. While the prices are on the higher side, the dishes were just okay, not bad, but not memorable either. Ultimately, the incredible scenery and a great cocktail were the highlights of the evening.
This restaurant has an amazing view and the ratings are really good, which was why I booked it. And it did not disappoint! I booked in advance and our table was in a great spot for the AMAZING view of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
The service was great, everyone was really friendly and extremely attentive. All the dishes were delicious. It is a pricy restaurant, but we were celebrating my husband's birthday and it was well worth it!
The atmosphere, staff and vibes here are well worth the price. We actually struggled to find flavourful food our first few days in Istanbul, and this made us very happy. The wait staff were very kind and attentive. Make sure to check out the roof top - they even have a dress up section. The spa downstairs is also incredible we’ve had wonderful experiences at the hotel (and we weren’t even staying there) just kept coming back for the services !
Binbirdirek, Terzihane Sk. No:15, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
affordable
Sfiha restaurant
Fast food restaurant
Kebab shop
Halil Lahmacun in Kadikoy is a renowned and long-standing establishment, known for serving some of the mildest lahmacun in town. The restaurant has been around for 35 years and is a favorite among locals. They offer a unique dining experience where customers can customize their lahmacun with greens and spices to their liking before enjoying it as a wrap. In addition to their signature dish, Halil Lahmacun also serves homemade ayran and cheese pita.
If you want to try great traditional lahmacun, Halil is a must for a quick bite. There is a reason there is only a few things on the menu. Lahmacun is basically a very thin style pizza that you put parsley and lemon on, roll it up and enjoy! Halil is an institution on the asian side area of Kadıköy in Istanbul. Many lahmacun are very oily and heavy. Halil's lahmacun is light and makes it easy to devour a few. I recommend the spicy option. Its not that hot, just gives a better flavour. The kunefe dessert is also quite good. You won't be dissapointed and its great value for money. You can eat a few great traditional turkish delicacies in just 30 minutes. A must for everyone's Istanbul bucket list 😋
Ioannis K — Google review
A must try place for lahmacun. You have to try lahmacun as a dish if you are in Istanbul. Found this one pretty nice freshly made and nice flat bread with minced meat on it. Love the taste and also with ayran.
This restaurant has only two choices on the menu; Lahmacun and Cheese Pide. We ordered both, but we liked the Lahmacun better. There are no side dishes other than parsley and lemon. The restaurant is small with limited outdoor seating.
Good and simple food. The restaurant has only two options in the menu and just a few tables outside, so if you’re looking for variety this is not the best option for you.
We liked a lot what we ate, the staff didn’t talk much but they were polite. Overall was a very good experience! And the price is really fair. 🙏
Very few dishes on the menu but what they have tastes so good! Go for the lahmacun. It was one of the best (if not THE best) I had in Istanbul. If you are vegetarian, there is also an option for you (spinach/cheese pide).
Even it seems a very small basic place but you can eat very delicious lahmacun you have ever eat. Very clean, smiling faces and normal prices.
They don’t need you, because they have enough customers with their historical(?) self consciousness. And they are right, if they would declaim theirselves as “the best light lahmacun” oven.
And they are just “light” not cheap.
Apparently one the best places to eat Lahmacum in Istanbul nothing particularly special although the lahmacum and the cheese pide a wafer thin crust pizza type thing were both cooked to order straight out of the oven the moment I entered the guy thrust a English menu of the two options both 110 TL
And asked me what I wanted to drink pot of 300ml Ayran was a bit steep at 50TL a third that at supermarket 😂
Anyway wasn't really worth the effort sadly
At best a light snack not really going to fill you up for just over £6
Caferağa, Güneşli Bahçe Sok No:26, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye•
4.2
(2271)
4.0
(172)
Mentioned on
affordable
Turkish restaurant
Adana Ocakbasi, located in the Kurtulus neighborhood of Sisli, is renowned as 'the right address for kebab.' The restaurant offers a variety of delectable options including kebabs, appetizers like cacik and eggplant salad with yogurt. Known for its well-balanced use of tail fat and spices in Adana kebab, it also serves other popular dishes such as rib shish kebab and beef shish kebab.
I ordered their signature Adana Kebab, and it was simply outstanding perfectly spiced, juicy, and grilled to perfection. Every bite was packed with wonderful flavors.
The salads and appetizers were a nice addition to the meal.
Note: The seating is very close to the grill, so expect the aroma of the cooking to linger on your clothes.
Amer D — Google review
DON’T GO
16€ for a simple basic Kebab?? No thank you never again!!! Definetly not worth it. I think they scammin tourists. I never seen a kebab worth 16€
- Pitta bread was hard and crunchy (overheated) not eatable.
- Meet was okay, lamb.
- one Green Pepper grilled
- one grilled tomato
100 meters from them there is much nicer kababe and for 5€ only.
In terms of taste, Adana Ocakbaşı is one of my favorite kebab restaurants in Istanbul. Adana kebab and şaşlık are my top choices. The grilled onion and garlic served as meze are also amazing. The boiled içli köfte is very delicious as well, though the portions are a bit small. You need to make a reservation in advance, otherwise it can be hard to find a table. Although the prices are a bit on the higher side, it’s a great place overall. I definitely recommend it.
you’re looking for an authentic Turkish grill experience, Adana Ocakbaşı is an absolute gem. The food was nothing short of incredible—local lamb meat grilled to perfection, bursting with flavor. The salads were fresh and vibrant, with the grilled aubergine standing out as a true highlight.
Everything tasted homemade and full of love. It’s clear this place prioritizes quality and tradition. One thing to note for tourists: there aren’t any English-speaking staff, but honestly, that adds to the charm. It’s the kind of place locals go to eat real food, and the atmosphere reflects that.
We tried ordered kebabs from lamb, liver, kidney and Urfa kebab - everything was tender and delicious. You literally sit in the same room as the grill, feeling all the vibe and the aroma.
Based on a page about best Turkish restaurants to try, I come across this name. The best item said was “Adana kebab “. So took a cab, reached there. Looking at it —small restaurant. There is family room. Complimentary bread provided. Then did the order for Adana kebab. The bite taken was out of the world—succulent, the flavor—I couldn’t describe it. Had to order another. There are other items in the menu for sure should be really good. But couldn’t try as the Adana Kebab throughly satisfied me. Perhaps next vacation….
This is the best restaurant in Istanbul 🇹🇷
The food is incredible
Honestly its 100/10
Well done to the chef, staff and owner
Wow! Just wow! Those who wrote bad reviews regarding service, they must understand it’s a very popular local place and sometimes they don’t wanna deal w/ tourists. Our experience was spectacular. Ordered liver, lamb kebab and Adana kebab and every dish was a hit (esp the livers 😎)! Service was overall good and didn’t have any problem. Just one advice, come here super early. Even on Mondays they completely fill up. In all, I’d much rather come here w/ excellent food at good price rather than touristy places.
Ergenekon caddesi, Telefoncular Sokağı Karşısı, Baysungur Sk No:2, 34375 Şişli/İstanbul, Türkiye•
cheap
Restaurant
Kebab shop
Sfiha restaurant
Özlem Karadeniz Pide Kebap Salonu is a popular Turkish restaurant located in the Sultanahmet area, known for its delicious Turkish pizza called lahmacun and generous portions of pide. The restaurant takes pride in cooking these dishes in an authentic wood fire oven called tas firin. The family-friendly menu offers various toppings for pide, including cheese, meat, and baked egg.
Recommended - well we thought that this place was very good. Nothing too fancy - but just the thing if you are looking for simple but delicious Turkish dishes.
we went here a couple of times. With friendly staff; good service; and you can even watch them cook your food in the wood fired oven at the rear of the shop.
Norm P — Google review
A small, cosy restaurant that seems to be run by a family that is welcoming. We ordered the Parsley & Cheese Pide along with Lamb Pide. The order took around 10 minutes to be prepared, and the freshly served food was delicious. The prices on the menu were also adequate. It wasn’t the best Pide I have had but it was filling and tasty. Would recommend to anyone wanting to try Pide in the area.
Skip this place.
Hungry, we stumbled across this place and thought “everything around here must be average right?”. Sadly, we were mistaken, some are worse than others.
To be fair the food wasn’t terrible. It’s just you can do much better, essentially anywhere. We had a meat pide, a mixed egg/meat pide, and a chicken shish. The pides were average and large. The chicken tasted like nothing at all.
The waiter insisting on a tip at the end soured what was already a fairly dismal experience. If you’re considering this place, do yourself a favour and don’t climb those stairs up.
Food was good but they charged us 230 lira as service charge. When we asked about it at first they said it’s tax, but on the bill the tax was 136 lira. When I pointed out this the man said it’s their service charge. We have been in Istanbul for a week now and no restaurant has charged us a service charge like this. Felt so unfair.
Good place in center of sultanamet. Just one street away from the Main Street but has half of the prices. We ate good and fast. The guys there are funny. It’s still a bit overpriced but good. They receive card.
Lovely restaurant with very warm & welcoming staff. Food was lovely & fairly priced. Would return & would recommend coming here. We had the beef shish, ezme & lamachun.
Delicious food with amazing flavors! We enjoyed the pide, which was incredibly tasty, and the kebab roll was absolutely fantastic. The salad was wonderfully fresh and crisp. I also appreciated that no alcohol is served, which was exactly what I was looking for.
They don’t call you to come inside for eating like others on the street - so don’t miss out on their excellent food.
Ordered the spiced meat stuffed pita. Received a pita with barely any meat, and the meat that was in it was completely unseasoned. Couldn’t even taste the difference between the pita and the meat. My family had the lentil soup and the salad and had to add a ton of salt and pepper to add any type of flavour. Disappointing.
Binbirdirek, Peykhane Cd. No:16 D:C, 34197 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
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affordable
Durum restaurant
Kebab shop
Restaurant
Turkish restaurant
Dürümcü Mustafa is a renowned spot in Istanbul, known for serving the popular street food, durum. This eatery offers a variety of options including the traditional spicy beef wrap called Adana and chicken wrap. The atmosphere at Dürümcü Mustafa is vibrant and open, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local scene while enjoying their meal. The lavas bread used for the wraps is made thin yet sturdy enough to hold the flavorful fillings.
Small kebab place to have a quick bites.
I tried lavash adana and tavuk sis which both were nice. Specially the tavuk.
They have only outside seats but it was raining today so no where to sit. Almost 220 TL for each.
Arash R — Google review
Delicious, busy, chaotic ❤️
This is food for the people! We got the Sis Dürum (meat chunks) and the Adana Dürum (minced meat on a stick), and both were great! The bread is thick and fresh, and the meat great and tender. Would recommend.
Embrace the chaos!
One of the best in this neighborhood. Fast. Friendly. Fairly priced. The two young boys doing service are the best. We had an Adana and Chicken Dürüm with Ayran. Superb flavours with fresh Lavash and salad. 100% a recommendation.
The best food I've ever had in Istanbul! In my 10-day stay, I ate here 4 times. The meat is so fresh and tasty. A must-try in Istanbul! 😋🥩🇹🇷 #IstanbulFood #MeatLovers #Travel
Dürümcü Mustafa is a legendary spot with a history you can taste in every bite. The place is old and a bit rough around the edges, but the wraps are packed with flavor and made with care. Eating here feels like stepping back in time—simple, comforting and unforgettable. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience
Even though it’s not a fancy place, the Tavuk Şiş Dürüm, Adana Dürüm, and Kuzu Dürüm are absolutely delicious—especially when paired with a cold glass of Ayran. The flavors are rich, authentic, and satisfying. It’s definitely a spot you have to try!
I ordered Şiş Dürüm and paid the owner 320 ₺ directly at the counter. where he collects the money. I waited 15 min and nothing happened while a lot of locals came, paid and received their order, I asked and he remembered me telling me what I wanted, beef or chicken and concluded that the portion would be small, after another 10 minutes I finally received it. I appreciate the taste, but I recommend the place only if you are a Turkish speaker and know the difference between the products
This place ROCKS! There's always a crowd at this place but food still arrived very quickly. There are pictures you can point at; we refused the combinations with cokes. We ordered two Adana roll-up and one Urfa roll-up. Couldn't taste the difference between the two but both were equally delicious! About US$25 for three roll ups.
Molla Fenari, Vezirhan Cd. No:53, 34120 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
cheap
Restaurant
Pizza restaurant
Sfiha restaurant
Turkish restaurant
Pak Pide & Pizza Salonu offers some of the best and cheapest pides in Istanbul. The wood-fired oven is kept fueled and pides are best eaten hot.
I like here. They're friendly and so nice. Pide is tasty 😋 😍.
Who bake the pide was smiling every time that customer came in. That's so impressive, it is lovely place.
(I disappointed by other bad native sellers that push me buy delight and souvenirs 😢in turkey..)
This local restaurant is 👍
Yeonghun L — Google review
High quality food that felt authentic and was quite affordable. The staff was super nice and very friendly. We were able to pay by card which was useful!
One of the most welcoming places I have been to. Their kitchen was spick and span and in fact makes for a great viewing on preparation of your order. The pide was soo tasty and I paired it with the buttermilk. Absolutely recommend eating in this modest hidden gem in an otherwise fancy city of Istanbul.
The best pide we had whilst in Istanbul. Lovely gents running the restaurant and such delectable food. Highly recommended!
The best Pide in Istanbul. Don’t be a tourist and eat at overly priced restaurants, where you can’t taste the real flavours of Turkish dishes. Always look for small restaurants where you only can see locals, then it is always good. We have eaten twice here,
we wish we had found it sooner. Lovely staff and owners. We can’t recommend it enough. Do you a favour and eat your pide there!
Delicious pide, friendly and polite service, very reasonable and affordable prices. The place is clean and tidy.
All recommendations!
This pide place is one heck of an OG place!
The karadeniz (Trabzon) pide is no joke, everything is freshly prepared by solid ustas right before your eyes.
Price: 10/10, fair
Location: hidden between Mısır çarşısı and Kapalı Çarşı, because you gotta work those glutes for the wheat goodies
Taste: 10/10
Vegetarian options: 10/10
Venue: 8/10, it's an old building, don't expect anything fancy or cosy, and for toilets, you'll have to use the surrounding mosque lavatories
Recommendation: 10/10
Visited after visiting the nearby Mosque and pide was delicious. Cooked in front of you by very cheery gentlemen with lovely flavours. Full of local diners so you know it’s good !
Mercan, Paşa Camii Sok. No:27, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
affordable
Sfiha restaurant
Restaurant
Turkish restaurant
Lider Pide Tepeüstü Merkez is a culinary gem that brings the authentic flavors of Trabzon to Istanbul. Known for its traditional Black Sea-style pide, this eatery uses specially selected ingredients and local Trabzon flour to create mouthwatering dishes. Diners can indulge in various options like roasted, cheddar, mixed, and minced pide, all prepared with care over wood fire for that unique taste. The atmosphere is lively and bustling, reflecting its popularity among locals and visitors alike.
Ultimate delicious tasty traditional Turkish “pide” and rice dessert that you should be try!
Abdullah G — Google review
I’ve been going here for the past 10 years and it was always great but yesterday after our meal with my friend I started getting tommy aches. Something was off in that pide we had and the butter is definitely not the real butter. I am still having stomach aches to this time. Never again!
"It is blacksea pide in istanbul". I was pleasantly surprised. I was not expecting this much. So delicious that you want to go back there again. No wander they are so busy at all times.
Be aware, they don't supply knives. They want to make it as original as possible. "In Trabzon they don't eat pide using knives " they say.
The other think is no coffee afterwards due to being busy .
Open Ayran looked delicious too. I did not try it but mum did and loved it.
Authentic "pide". Delicious. This place is one of the best locations where you can taste the authentic "karadeniz pide" in its original form. The legend has it, other than the water they use to prepare the dough, all the ingredients are coming from the Blacksea region where this type of "pide" is originated. Home made ayran was also delicious.
Extremely standard experience and when you ask for a fork. The answer is "they have not got fork". "Pide"s are also so much hot to eat. You need to wait for getting colder for a long while. You need to pay approximately 160 TL per "pide".
Clean and nicely decorated but traditional meat preparations of north Turkeey a bit too strong for my taste. Large plate portions can be ordered in half may be better. Half Cheese pide would have been a better choice
They claim to be the best pide in İstanbul. Judging from the many pics of famous people that have visited the store, it may well be accurate. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed my dish and will definitely return!
The best pide I’ve ever had in my life. The passion of the chef and wonderful hospitality make this place special. Check the full review on my YouTube channel: Abroad and Hungry
Tepeüstü, Poyraz Cd. No:36, 34771 Ümraniye/İstanbul, Türkiye•
4.5
(2847)
Mentioned on
affordable
Kebab shop
Restaurant
Mahir Lokantası, owned by Mahir Nazlican from a family of restaurateurs, is known for its tempting lahmacun and cli kofte. The traditional dishes on display provide a nostalgic experience with stews, pilaf dishes, and soups. The restaurant specializes in Anatolian tencere yemekleri and features a wood-fired oven for fresh lahmacun, pide, and kebab dishes.
This place is a gem in Istanbul. The food is very tasty, good quality ingredients and the service is top-notch ! We went there 3 times during our trip and every dish we tried was amazing. The staff is very kind and attentive, you won’t regret it if you go there !
Dahbia S — Google review
Foods are super delicious. No yeast homemade Lahmacun were crispy with lamb meat. Mumbar were amazing, not too spicy but intense. Annnd boiled içli köfte (kibbeh) were so good like grandmama made. Dried bean stew (çömlek kuru fasulye) felt on my tounge and i felt all lovely butter. Thanks for the feast guys! And you can see the owner of the place, Mahir. He is always on duty dedicated to his family business. Staff were kind, place were clean. So good job. Success!
Their içli köfte is phenomenal! I’m guessing it’s because they sauté the filling beforehand; it just adds so much flavor with that spicy oil they drizzle on top. If Seraf’s içli köfte is #1, this place easily takes the #2 spot.
The lahmacun was also quite tasty, but a bit too greasy; one was great but a second would be too heavy. As for the irmik helvası, it was over-roasted, too oily, and too sweet for my taste.
Overall, they seem to lean heavy on oil and sugar, but still, it’s a spot worth visiting. You won’t leave disappointed!
If you arrive a little before opening time, you can get in without waiting too long and enjoy your meal as soon as they open. Otherwise, expect a line. And right across the street, you’ll find Mahir Kebapçısı!
Food was nothing special 650 Trl for only 1 piece of kebab, service was polite but so fast at the point that it looked like they wanted you to eat fast and go. Great SCAM when i asked for the bill.. they offered to bring us some dessert (3 small pieces of baklava), i replied positively that it would be nice and thanked them, but afterwards they changed it on the bill!! Also change for service around 10% but not the locals only tourists. That's very honourable from you Turkish, I ll be waiting for you next time you choose to come to Greece and do the same.
This was on tiktok, and for once this place did not disappoint. The best meat and cheese pide we have had in Turkey, the crust was so thin, it just melted. Comes out piping hot, we wanted to go again but its closed on Sunday. The meatballs were good, some lamb dish was really good. There is a line outside but it moves quickly.
It is known to have the best lahmachun in Istanbul. For me it was fresh but smells and tastes very meaty which i am not a fan of it 3/10 but their cig kofte and soup were amaazing
We ordered different meals from the menu. All the meals came and they were so delicious. We tried icili kofte, mercemik corba, sarma beyti kebap, lahmacu and izgra tavuk. All of them tatsed so good. The waiters were moving fast and effecient and were friendly.
The que was almost reached the restaurant entrance. Highly recommended. The prices for this level of serivce and taste worth it.
This is a hidden gem for whoever is looking for authentic Turkish food. The Lahmacun is out of this world. There is usually a bit of wait at the entrance but it’s definitely worth it.
We tried so many dishes that we went back again the following day.
Cumhuriyet, Tavukçu Feth Sokağı 28/B, 34380 Şişli/İstanbul, Türkiye•
expensive
Turkish restaurant
Bar
Meyhane
Leb-i Derya is one of Istanbul's top luxury dining experiences, located on a high rooftop with breathtaking city views. It offers a diverse menu featuring Turkish delicacies like lamb shish and seafood dishes such as linguine with salmon and calamari. With multiple locations, the restaurant at Richmond Hotel on Istiklal Avenue in Taksim is perfect for a romantic dinner with its elegant ambiance and stunning vistas.
Absolutely one of the best restaurants we have visited together over the past few years! Incredibly designed place tucked away up a staircase up an elevator and up another staircase. Once you’re to the top you’re surrounded by absolute beauty, a friendly staff, and world class food. Can’t say enough good things about the mushroom/potato appetizer, the grilled sea bass, and the loin/meatball entree...can’t wait to go back
Executive T — Google review
Very poor experience! I highly advise against it. We went there for New Year's, and we paid 100€/ adult and 75€/ child, including a 5 years old. The menu promised included 4 courses: an appetiser, shrimps with some sauce, a pastry and a main course + New Year's special dessert, and unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks. We got an appetiser with 5 spoons of different dishes, one pastry they put with a claw on each plate, the shrimps were half of baby shrimp for each person and the main course which was a piece of overcooked meat with some bad sauce and a lot of rice. The special desert was a small pastry filled with halva. The unlimited drinks were wine, vodka tonic, gin tonic, still and sparkling water, lipton ice tea, and Sprite. They ran out of tonic, wine, and sparkling water by 11:00 PM and tried to charge us for extra wine and sparkling water. At midnight, they gave us a bottle of proseco for 15 people and tried to charge us 300€ for it, even if it was included. All though there were plenty of English speaking waiters, we got one that couldn't understand one word of English. We gave him a tip of 100 €, and at the end, another waiter who was drunk and had nothing to do with our table came begging for money and cigarettes. For entertainment, there was a belly dancer who wouldn't leave until all the men paid her
The starters we got were delicious yet they did forget one. We got the mixed grilled meats, steak was cold and over cooked but rest were really good.
Most of the cocktails on the menu and the whiskeys they did not have and the wine they served us was burnt. And service was rushed and pretty poor.
View was amazing!!
Also worth noting it is not in this location that it shows on google maps. It is up the hill.
Really wanted to like this place. Sadly the food was overpriced and bad.
I ordered the Seafood Pasta. It was so overcooked the noodles tasted like instant noodles. The prawns were the frozen type and the squid was not fresh at all. I didn't finish my main meal. And what was most upsetting was that there were barely any ingredients in a dish that cost over 400 turkish lira. Furthermore, the cover charge was 95 Lira per pax but the bread served was stale.
The service charge was a mandatory 10% even though the service was just okay. They were welcoming and polite but clearly didn't care how poor the quality of the food was.
The only thing that was nice was the view. But with a couple smoking right next to the window it was not a great place to sit either.
The music - some Turkish dance pop - was way too loud and didn't have the right vibe. They were trying to make it more of a place to drink than eat somehow which doesn't seem right.
The building itself was old. To get to the top you need to take the lift / stairs but the lift wasn't working and the lights were off. Imagine going down stairs in darkness.
Overall it was a huge disappointment and unfortunately I would not recommend anyone to come here. Save your wallet and stomach the hassle and avoid this place ! You'll feel better for it.
Absolute disaster – avoid at all costs!
We came to what looked like a promising restaurant with a beautiful view, but the experience was appalling from start to finish. The entire place was run by one single person – the cook, the barman, the DJ, the waiter – all in one. We were the only customers, and it quickly became obvious why.
It took 45 minutes for our food to arrive, and everything was clearly frozen food. The taste was utterly disappointing.
To make matters worse, the restaurant’s payment system completely crashed, making the whole process painfully slow and frustrating (and with the intention of pushing us to pay by cash).
Great view, yes – but absolutely not worth wasting your time or money here. The worst dining experience I’ve ever had in Istanbul.
*Do not recommend*
Would give zero stars if I could. The waiters are completely disinterested. But why would they with a automatic 10% service charge?
The hummus was tasteless, and the lamb had the consistency of cardboard and tasted the same. Overpriced, overcooked, underseasoned, this was possibly the worst meal I've had in Istambul.
Other than the view, do avoid this place. We were drawn to it from the reviews but failed to check that most were from 5 years ago. Avoid at all costs.
Its a gorgeous setting and we had a great experience. The reason I gave 4 stars is that the food is good but not amazing. Service was very attentive and we had a great table by the edge with incredible views. The food was nice and fresh, but I have had better food in Istanbul. Go for the view for sure. The price is also reasonable. It was $150 USD for 4 of us with lots of food and wine. This restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Make a reservation if you can for the best views.
It’s a scam! Run away !!
Apparently the restaurant had different owner!
The name its not Leb-i Derya anymore its called Endam
They tried to scam us by adding more dishes to the bill. be Aware!!!!
Most of the items on the menu are not available
The only positive thing is the view!
Update: 🔴
This is an honest review
If you have been operating under Endam then change the name on google map don’t live on someone else legacy !!
We didn’t order the smoked salmon though it was add to our bill!
They are big scammers check the bill and the quantities of the items .
Şahkulu, Kumbaracı Ykş., 34425 Tünel/Beyoğlu/Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye•
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affordable
Sfiha restaurant
Fatih Damak Pide, located near the Fatih Mosque in Istanbul, is a popular spot among locals for its delicious pide. While you may have to wait during busy times, the wait is worth it as you'll be treated to complimentary Turkish tea. The restaurant offers traditional pide with various toppings and also allows customers to create their own combinations. Similar to artisanal Italian pizza, different varieties of pide are available at varying prices based on the ingredients used.
You have to come here, no matter how far this place seems to be! The pide is out of this world, so good, just incredible. Owners are very kind and lovely.
You can watch them prepare your food freshly. I was in Istanbul 5 days and this gem was by far the tastiest thing I tried.
Again, their Pide is ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING!
Jotaro K — Google review
Hot and fresh baked pide. The server was lovely, food is made to order in brick oven. Super delicious and fresh.
This place holds a special place in our hearts. It was quite late into the night and they accepted us as their last customers. We ordered only 1 Pide but after tasting it, we wanted another one. The kind lady laughed and said why we didn’t tell her before and that the chef was leaving. Anyway, we thanked them and to our best surprise, the chef walks back and says he will make another one for us. It was very delicious and we would highly recommend this place.
Visited 2017, 2019 - Just downhill from Fatih Mosque, this modest-looking corner eatery more than earns its reputation. The dining room is simple and clean, the menu focused on regional pide: flatbreads shaped, filled, and baked before your eyes.
The manager, seeing my curiosity, ushered me to watch the usta at work: stretching, pinching, and sliding dough into the brick oven. This house style, Karadeniz (Black Sea), is buttery, light, and crisp, with just the right bite.
I tried the Samsun pide, an enclosed stick filled with minced lamb, onion, and pepper - it was satisfying, though I’d have liked the lamb filling a little more browned. Still, the balance between bread and filling was spot on – each bite giving you that Black Sea character.
A true showcase of a regional tradition, and a place that deserves its standing. 9/10
Please, please, please go to this place, you won't regret it. I had the cheese and egg pide and lentil soup (which came with warm bread), and they were filling and delicious. I saw the pide being made and taken out of the oven and transferred to my plate, probably the freshest food I have ever had. They end the meal with a complimentary cup of Turkish tea, which is wonderful after a heavy meal. And the ladies there were the sweetest. They did not speak English but we understood each other just fine! Very quick service and very delicious food, highly highly recommended. It's a 15 minute walk from Vezneciler metro station and is pretty easy to find.
This was my first authentic pide experience. I had a lot of high expectations, this hidden gem exceeded all of them. The pide was well sized, the crust was crisp and the dough was soft. The egg and butter combo was magical. Thank you to Sirin and Yasar usta and all the staff for making this an enjoyable experience, they did not hesitate to answer any of my questions. Will definitely come back here!
The lady was super kind and friendly, the pide was delicious and the tea to finish was also very good. Highly recommended!
One of the best Pide oven in Istanbul, the food, the service and hospitality of the owners is excellent. Highly recommended to visit while in Istanbul. Very close to the Fatih Mosque.
İskenderpaşa, Haydar Bey Cd. No:7, 34091 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
affordable
Kebab shop
Şeyhmuz Kebap Salonu is a cozy and friendly kebab house located between Cemberlitas and Beyazit in Istanbul. It offers authentic flavors from the city of Mardin, with its most popular dish being the Seyhmuz kebab. The restaurant has a nostalgic and authentic atmosphere, making it a gem near the Grand Bazaar.
Found this on a few online reviews and was going to the bazar anyway so stopped in. Wow was not disappointed! Superb little local find. Super friendly staff, rapid service! Totally authentic and cheap cuisine.
Russel C — Google review
We would highly recommend this restaurant for a great meal.
Our lamb dishes were perfectly cooked. The prices were reasonable for the area.
Service was fantastic.
Delicious kebab with great service! We really enjoyed our lunch and was very reasonably priced for being in a “tourist” area
This place is indeed a hidden gem , no frills or thrills , a purists heaven with little to no tourists , luckily though one of the staff spoke Arabic and assisted us . Indeed it was a delightful meal , just delicious food , done right
Crazy good street restaurant. The service is quick, the food is great, the prices are amazing compared to the surroundings. We had Adana Kebab, Urfa Kebab, Chicken Shish, Lamb and Lentil Soup. Everything is tasty and feels fresh and flavourful. The salads and the Kadayif dessert are also good. We ate here two times, and will definitely come back here when we visit Istanbul again. Also, one of the waiters, Ibrahim, speaks Romanian. 10/10.
This restaurant is my recommendation to all non-native people around grand bazaar.
If you would like to experience real kebaps, this the one. I would recommend you to try mardin and seyhmus kebaps.
As starter you may order a lahmacun or civikli, if you are quite hungry.
Don’t forget to order kadayif as dessert and you can thank me later.
A little quaint and cozy place near Grand Bazaar. A bit difficult to find especially when you are hungry. Food is simple and delicious - place reeks if nostalgia and authenticity and has no airs about it. What a Gem ! Highly recommend their Kebabs. Even the Bulgur was so good. Had the Lahmacun with Kiremitte, Tavuk Kebap and Mardin Kebap. All extremely good.
You know is good when you see only locals eating there !.
Adana kebab was a good choice . Tomato salad i requested spicy, it was spicy !.
Affordable prices .
5 usd.
Molla Fenari, Atik Alipaşa Medresesi Sokak 4/A, 34120 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
4.6
(907)
Mentioned on
Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant
Turkish restaurant
Alaf, an establishment rooted in the Kurdish language and culture, embodies a return to the past through its cuisine. The restaurant showcases the richness created by migration and fusion, offering a diverse culinary experience that reflects various traditions. Founded by chef Murat Deniz Temel, Alaf reinterprets traditional cooking methods with a blend of heritage and innovation.
This could be my favorite restaurant yet in Istanbul,I don’t have words to describe the food and service this place offers,it was very unplanned going here as I just searched on google 😃 but glad I went. It is expensive (6000tl a person) but so so so worth it,just sit down,tell your waiter what you can/can not eat. And you will be more than amazed. There are bars and clubs in the same area as this restaurant so in case you want to continue your evening after a scrumptious meal you will find one right downstairs.
I am definitely going back here again and I can’t wait,the service is really good and if it’s busy just be a bit patient and you will be attended to.
Like I said just sit and enjoy yourself, if you don’t like the food here sorry but nothing can ever please you! Because YES EVERYTHING IS REALLY REALLY SO SO SO SO DELICIOUS
Emelda B — Google review
amazing food inspired by the niche tastes of anatolian cuisine and super friendly staff - a big special thanks to Özgür Bey for his hospitality and positivity
proposed to my girlfriend yesterday at alaf, they were trying to help in every way possible. everything went smoothly and strongly recommend it in case you’re looking for a turkish gusto experience.
Visited from NYC. I soled dined here. Amazing food & service. My server Oscar did a great job explaining everything. Really enjoyed how they spaced out the food. The rooftop seating was also amazing. Highly recommend getting the Anatolian tasting menu.
Wow! What an incredible experience at Alaf! The food quality, the presentation, the service and the beautiful view all made a 5 star experience. Ozgur, our server, was outstanding. We have dined all over the world and the quality here will stand up to any Michelin 3 star restaurant.
Anatolian cooking in a modern and refined manner. We opted for the tasting menu, and really enjoyed every dish. Few standouts include the kebab, kuzu shish, duck breast from the amuse bouche course. Highlight for me was the dessert - chocolate ganache stuffed in a fried pepper with mulberry sauce, which looked so unusual but worked so well!
Most of excellent fine dining I’ve ever had. Kudos to the chef for a wonderful tasting and dining experience for me and my significant other
I waited two years to dine at this establishment. All I have to say is “WOW.” You cannot find a restaurant like this in New York where I live. The chef is from my hometown and he blew me away with his spin on Anatolian cuisines and flavor combinations. I had the tasting sampler and wine pairings. Everything was beyond my imagination amazing! If I could give the entire experience ten stars I would gladly. I will definitely be returning. The wines from different regions of Turkiye were highly impressive. I loved every moment of my dining journey.
It was our second time visiting Alaf, always for a celebration, and once again everything was wonderful. The portions are very well balanced, and I especially loved all the amuse-bouches. The cocktails are excellent, and I definitely recommend trying Leyla’s wine suggestion—it was spot on!
Kuruçeşme, Kuruçeşme Cd. No:19, 34345 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye•
Turkish restaurant
Havuzlu Restaurant, located in the heart of the Grand Bazaar, is a classic Turkish and Ottoman tradesmen's restaurant. The menu features traditional Turkish and Ottoman fare such as manti (ravioli/dumplings), kebabs, and shepherd's pie. The cafeteria-style display case keeps food hot until it is served. arrive before 3 p.m. to avoid disappointment!
During my visit to the Grand Bazaar, I dined at Havuzlu Restaurant, a venue with a rich history dating back to 1959. The restaurant’s name, meaning “with a pool,” is inspired by the charming marble fountain at its entrance. 
The ambiance reflects the traditional Ottoman-Turkish atmosphere, enhanced by the historical architecture of the Grand Bazaar. The high ceilings and arches contribute to a spacious and authentic dining experience. 
I particularly enjoyed the patlican beğendi, a creamy smoked eggplant purée that served as a delightful accompaniment to the main course. The dish was well-prepared, offering a rich and satisfying flavor.
The service was prompt, and the staff were attentive. The restaurant maintains a clean and orderly environment, making it a pleasant stop amidst the bustling Grand Bazaar.
Overall, Havuzlu Restaurant provides a solid dining experience with its historical charm and traditional Turkish cuisine. It’s a suitable choice for those exploring the Grand Bazaar who wish to enjoy local flavors in an authentic setting.
Baran Z — Google review
STAY AWAY
This place is the definition of a tourist trap. No prices displayed anywhere. The “authentic food” looks and tastes like it came straight from a canteen. The quality is mediocre, yet they hand you an outrageous bill at the end, charging you absurd prices for the most basic dishes. We paid nearly 90€ for this
I came here at a friend’s invitation and ordered the döner over rice. The portion came with rice, döner, a small side of fries, and a piece of flatbread. The döner and rice were quite oily and just average in flavor. The fries seemed freshly fried but had likely been sitting for a bit, so they were soft. It’s a place you could stop by to experience the local atmosphere, but it doesn’t really offer a standout taste worth going out of your way for.
Ok, so we’ve being touring the Grand Bazaar for 2 hours and need a coffee break. We come across Havuzlu by chance. The restaurant has a good look to it and there is a guy on the patio drinking a regular looking coffee - ‘Londonesque’ style - could be in a Nero. Being touristy looking we can only have a coffee upstairs. Perfect in every way! Not too busy and the coffee was divine. Beware of the treats - zero pressure but the chocs etc sell themselves. The staff were super friendly and efficient. After a kerfuffle I was told in no uncertain terms they do not take a service charge so that’s ok too but they certainly deserved it. We exhausted almost every avenue in the bazaar and went back for the same again and each time got excellent service. 2 x cappuccino = TL 356.
SCAM!! THIS PLACE IS A TOURIST TRAP. AVOID!
Sad to see people getting caught in this scam after reading a few positive reviews. Urge you to read more before going to this place.
The food is quite bad. They don't show you the prices in the start. Just lead you to a glass window to pick up food.
The food costs ARE HIGHER THAN WHAT WE'VE PAID IN ALL OF TURKEY!! They stick you with a large bill in the end.
AVOID. RUN AS FAR AWAY AS YOU CAN.
I hope this reaches as many people as possible!
Lovely restaurant, they show you the options before you are seated, the servers were enthusiastic and helpful and gave us free tea and dessert would definitely recommend, food felt very authentic.
Sadly, I must say tourists beware. Although this is authentic Turkish food, the prices are not posted. They take you to a glass case and select what you want. I am confident that in Turkiye 2 people can eat for less than 83 dollars, anywhere. Again, they should not take advantage of the people whom they count on to make a living. And my wife said the food was not that great, may have been authentic, but make good choices.
It is a really authentic Ottoman style restaurant. If you are in the Grand Bazaar, it is a must to take a little break from the shopping and enjoy the amazing food that holds centuries of history. I really recommend trying the “Kadayıflı Kuzu İncik” (lambs shank with kadayıf) that is served only on Wednesdays and Saturdays and for the desert Kemalpasa. If you want a simpler option, döner was also really tasty. Even tough the place is very touristic, many of the locals prefer there to enjoy the tasty food and nice atmosphere.
Beyazıt, Gani Çelebi Sk. Kapalıçarşı No:3, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye•
Permanently Closed
Fast food restaurant
Berry restaurant
Breakfast restaurant
Coffee shop
Nestled at the intersection of Cukurlu Ces Street and Billurcu Street, Emine Ana Tantuni is a hidden gem that has captured the hearts of many since its introduction in 2010. With over two decades of experience in Turkish cuisine, the passionate owner serves up tantalizing dishes that leave diners craving more. The standout recommendation here is undoubtedly the yoghurt tantuni special—a delightful blend of parsley, meat, and creamy yogurt that creates an explosion of flavors.
Was the first time i tried tantuni and for sure I will not stop.Was perfect even I don't eat so spicy foods 🔥🥵...but this ..I loved it. For sure tantuni it's good because is spicy. The place is very cool and clean and the stuff very polite and nice . Was a marvelous experience who can be transformed easily to a habit.❤️Thank u..☺️
Georgia B — Google review
Magnificent food served by a very passionate owner whose been cooking Turkish food for over 20 years. He recommended I try the yoghurt tantuni special it absolutely blew my mind! The combination of parsley, pasty, meat and yoghurt was pure magic. I can’t wait until tomorrow I’m coming back for breakfast. The whole meal cost me 21 lira with a drink. He even gave me a coffee and tea for free, that was very unexpected and I felt very honored! #BeatTheGrind
I didnt know what to order and they suggested Yogurtlu Tavuk (chicken) Tantuni.
OMG!
It was delicious and price is so good too.
It comes with beef too...
Tantuni is good but it could use more meat. The wrap felt like it barely had few strands of meat in it. Also did not want to take credit card.
I tried simple tantuni with bread and ayran, it was very tasty. Tantuni was for 15 TL and Ayran for 4 TL. And servixe also was nice
One of the best places where i enjoyed very delicious freshly made Chicken wraps!
In the night I have ordered chicken meat and salad to go. I have been sick all morning and not leave the toilet
It's very delicious and never regret to come to it.
Katip Mustafa Çelebi, Billurcu Sk. 5/A, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye•
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