Must-see restaurants in Sultanahmet

  • Balıkçı Sabahattin

    Sultanahmet

    Balıkçı Sabahattin is an enduring favourite with discerning Turks from near and far, who enjoy the limited but delicious menu of mezes and seafood. This…

  • Bitlisli

    Sultanahmet

    Those keen on robust flavours and the liberal application of chilli in their food will be instantly enamoured of the dishes served at this bustling eatery…

  • Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta

    Sultanahmet

    Not to be confused with the nearby Meşhur Sultanahmet Köftecisi, this no-frills place near the Sultanahmet tram stop is the most famous eatery in the Old…

  • Cooking Alaturka

    Sultanahmet

    This hybrid cooking school–restaurant serves a set four-course menu of Turkish home cooking, regional Anatolian specialities and Ottoman classics…

  • Çiğdem Pastanesi

    Sultanahmet

    Strategically located on the main drag between Aya Sofya Meydanı and the Grand Bazaar, Çiğdem has been tempting locals since 1961 with its mouth-watering…

  • Erol Lokantası

    Sultanahmet

    One of Sultanahmet's last remaining lokantas (eateries serving ready-made food), Erol is recommended for both its food and its warm welcome. The meat and…

  • Emırgan Sutış

    Sultanahmet

    This branch of the popular local chain is a great place to enjoy the Sutış signature dish – bal kamak (honey and clotted cream), which is wonderful…

  • Deraliye

    Sultanahmet

    Offering a taste of the sumptuous dishes once served in the great Ottoman palaces, Deraliye offers diners the chance to order delights such as the goose…

  • Matbah

    Sultanahmet

    One of a growing number of İstanbul restaurants specialising in so-called Ottoman palace cuisine, Matbah offers dishes that were devised centuries ago in…

  • Sefa Restaurant

    Sultanahmet

    Located between Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar, this clean and popular place offers hazır yemek (ready-made dishes) at reasonable prices. You can order…

  • Şehzade Cağ Kebabı

    Sultanahmet

    Cooked on a horizontal spit, the Erzurum-style lamb kebap that this joint is known for is tender, very slightly charred and very tasty. Served on lavaş…

  • Güvenç Konyalı

    Sultanahmet

    Specialities from Konya in Central Anatolia are the draw at this bustling place just off the much-loved Hocapașa Sokak food strip. Regulars come for the…

  • Gülhane Kandil Kafe

    Sultanahmet

    In spring, the perfume from hyacinths blooming in Gülhane Park wafts over the outdoor tables of this garden cafe, which is built into the park's historic…

  • Hocapaşa Pidecisi

    Sultanahmet

    This much-loved place has been serving piping-hot pides straight from its oven since 1964. Accompanied by pickles, they can be eaten at one of the outdoor…

  • Hafız Mustafa

    Sultanahmet

    Making locals happy since 1864, this şekerlemeleri (sweets shop) sells lokum (Turkish Delight), milk puddings and spinach or cheese börek (filled pastry)…

  • Khorasani

    Sultanahmet

    Popular with tourists from the Gulf States, many of whom stay at the nearby Sura Hotel, this ocakbaşı (grill house) specialises in mezes and classic…

  • Palatium

    Sultanahmet

    Palatium is built atop part of the Great Palace of Byzantium, which you can see through its glass floor, between the rugs, beanbag seats at low tables and…

  • Dubb Kebab

    Sultanahmet

    Part of a small local chain, this is a convenient place to grab a pide or kebap en route between the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar. The open kitchen and…

  • Tarihi Çeşme Restaurant

    Sultanahmet

    In the residential neighbourhood of Küçük Ayasofya, this eatery – named in honour of the Ottoman fountain next to its streetside terrace – serves well…

  • Sofa Cafe Restaurant

    Sultanahmet

    The food here is relatively cheap, the glasses of wine are generous, and the Efes is cold – all can be accompanied by some people-watching at the pavement…

  • Hafız Mustafa

    Sultanahmet

    A branch of a well-known local chain, this şekerlemeleri sells lokum (Turkish Delight), baklava, milk puddings and börek (filled pastry).