Istanbul Restaurants

Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta

#6 of 471 things to do in Istanbul

#16 of 12768 restaurants in Europe

3 reviews | Write a review

Good for: culinary traveller, atmosphere, Budget Travellers, Groups, Solo Travellers

Not good for: food

  • Address
    • Divan Yolu Caddesi 12
  • Transport
    • Sultanahmet
  • Website
  • Phone
    • 212 520 0566
  • Price
    • köfte, beans & salad TL15
  • Hours
    • 11am-11pm

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Lonely Planet review for Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta

This is one of the most famous eateries in the city, and to be frank, we’re at a total loss to understand why. The ever-present queues of locals obviously adore its rubbery ızgara köfte (grilled meatballs) served with bread, white beans, salad and pickled chillies, but we have always been underwhelmed. Why not try it yourself, though? The place has been serving since 1920 and is certainly clean, cheap and cheerful.

 

Traveller reviews for Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta (3)

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    Good local taste

    lovelytrip recommends this,

    This place is famous for Turks, since I wanted to try local food I went to this place last week. It is kind of meat ball but in square shape. The meat is tasty. It was good.

    Good for: culinary traveller

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    Simple and delicious!!! Awesome experience!!!

    hhuang18 recommends this,

    It's not like other places where tourist will... I was the only one "looks" like a tourist...

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    Not for the food; for the Turks.

    danlibbo recommends this,

    This restaurant certainly should not make it into any Good Food Guide and I'd be more than surprised if it won a Michelin star; but that's not what it's there for. The Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi is there to feed Turks and their families. If you just want a quick, cheap meal on your own, it will do fine but if you want to talk to some locals it's a great place to find friendly Turks who typically love the chance to make some new friends.

    Backpackers on their own or in a group can have a lot of fun here, just don't expect to discover any food other than the simple flavour of köfte.

    Good for: atmosphere, Budget Travellers, Groups, Solo Travellers

    Not good for: food

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