Top 10 Kebab Restaurants in Istanbul
Kebap is one of the first things that is very special among the Turkish cuisine. There are some places that you can also enjoy the fire-place while eating which called “Ocakbaşı” in Turkish culture. “Ocakbaşı” is one of the most enjoyable places of Turkish eating and drinking culture. The biggest difference that separates the fireside from the kebab shop is that the person sitting at the oven is in verbal communication with the master chef and other people sitting at the stove. Also when talking about Kebab, we can’t miss mentioning “rakı” which is a special beverage in the culture. If you are gonna try “rakı”, try “Şalgam” with it also and be careful with how fast you drink it since its a very strong alcoholic beverage! There are also some places without alcohol which we’ll mention during our article. Ready to discover one of the best cuisines in the world? Read more on here:
Find a Kebap Restaurant Nearby
Zübeyir Ocakbaşı
It is certainly appropriate to say that while considering Kebap and Ocakbaşı (fire-side) concept, Zübeyir is the first place that comes to mind. The restaurant has two locations: Taksim and Ataşehir. It is worth noting that Zübeyir has a large number of regulars, particularly in the profile of writers, artists, and actors. Zübeyir, which has had an important part in popularizing fireside culture among white-collar people, is a popular destination. Zübeyir is well-known for its lamb shish and scallops. Zubeyir is very important in teaching the urban population to consume delicacies that come out of the oven rather than cold appetizers (meze).
Alcohol is available at the restaurant.
Beyti
Beyti is considered as a legend in Turkish gastronomy world. This place is a classic venue that is operating since 1945. It’s branch in Florya hosts 450 people with fascinating decorations which reflects the classic Turkish style and a big garden. You can come with your family, friends and live a gastronomic experience in this classic kebab restaurant. The famous “Beyti kebab” is originated here. “Beyti”, a dish named after the owner (Beyti Güler) of the place, is now a really popular type of kebab. Also other variety of kebabs, meze choices and desserts are really delicious. The restaurant is a Michelin Guide Restaurant that host so many famous people like kings, prime ministers, movie stars and people from world society. Beyti is a restaurant which is liked by locals and tourists at the same time.
Alcohol is available at the restaurant.
Çiya Sofrası
Çiya Sofrası, a restaurant in Kadıköy that has been a classic in the same location for many years, takes us on a city-by-city journey with its delectable meals. The first place that springs to mind for both locals and tourists searching for a good lunch in Kadıköy is Çiya Sofrası, which serves distinctive traditional cuisine from practically every city in Turkey. Çiya is a very colorful and humble restaurant which prepares and serves meals from various cultures, including Azeri, Georgian, Turkish, Arab, Armenian, Ottoman, Assyrian, Seljuk, and Jewish.
Alcohol is not available at the restaurant.
Tatbak
Tatbak is a restaurant in Nişantaşı that has been open since 1960. The now-classic restaurant serves typical local Turkish food. The fact that they have maintained the quality of the food and the location for more than 50 years is the key factor in the restaurant’s popularity. The location is highly distinctive since it connects Istanbul diners with the most distinctive specialties from Gaziantep Cuisine. People go long distances merely to enjoy these meals. Distinctive meals at Tatbak Nişantaşı include Lahmacun and delicious kebabs. Soups, salads, appetizers such as raw meatballs, pide and kebabs, and classic Turkish desserts are also available. Nişantaşı’s iconic kebab restaurant has been included in the Michelin Guide 2022 Istanbul.
Alcohol is not available at the restaurant.
Ali Haydar İkinci Bahar Ocakbaşı
Ali Haydar İkinci Bahar, another iconic kebab restaurant, attracts attention with its location and old-fashioned decor style. The restaurant’s pleasant and lovely ambience, located in Samatya, one of Istanbul’s oldest districts, is our choice for those looking for a taste feast in a comfortable setting. Begin your meal with traditional meze selections like as “Haydari,” “Eggpland salad,” and “Humus,” and then continue with “Adana Kebab” or “Alinazik”.
Alcohol is available at the restaurant.
Sıralı Etiler
The meal at Sıralı, located in Etiler, is excellent and one-of-a-kind. Meals are always prepared with seasonal and fresh ingredients. Everything is sourced locally. This distinguishes the food from other restaurants. Particularly popular appetizers are the Lebanese-style appetizers. Following the soups, salads, and appetizers, there are delectable kebabs. “Adana Dolama”, “Beyti Kebab with Vegetables”, and “Sosyete Beyti” are among the most famous signature dishes. Some of the dishes are exclusive to this location. The restaurant has been included in the Michelin Guide 2022 Istanbul.
Alcohol is available at the restaurant.
Kurtuluş Adana Ocakbaşı
You will always find a full place at Kurtuluş Adana Ocakbaşı, which serves in a small square meter. The inevitable dishes of the tables in the place include “Adana Kebab”, freshly produced “Gavurdağı”, “eggplant and lard, served with roasted onions and garlic”. Ribs and skewers are among must-try delicacies. “Atom with honey and banana” is served as a special dessert at the restaurant. Kurtuluş Adana Ocakbaşı can host 30 people at the same time, so it is quite tough to find a spot. So we advise you to book your place weeks ago!
Alcohol is available at the restaurant.
4’ten 4’e Ocakbaşı
With its unique hours of operation ranging from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m., the venue has quickly became a popular destination. The restaurant, which serves a variety of cold appetizers, gives its customers a real Ocakbaşı experience with roasted eggplant, garlic, and onions. Turkish delicacy made from lamb is the special dish of the place. The restaurant uses local ingredients such as meat from Balıkesir Gönen, mountain thyme from the Sivas Mountains, and kadayıf from Gaziantep. The decoration of the restaurant also contributes to a nice ambiance in the ancient building with high ceilings where the restaurant is located.
Alcohol is available at the restaurant.
Öz Kilis
Mehmet Satman established the restaurant in Sirkeci in 1953, and it is relocated to Fatih in 1982, where it has been ever since. This place, which brought Lahmacun to Istanbul, steadily gained recognition after that date. The restaurant’s specialty items include thin lahmacun, oruk kebab, Kilis pan, küşleme shish, şivez soup, frik rice, lebeniye soup, and stuffed meatballs. In the preparation of the kebab, they utilize a native spice called zahter, which is similar to thyme. They claim that one of their secrets to success is that they have made the local Kilis dishes milder to a standard that everyone can eat. The service begins at 12 pm and closes at 9 pm.
Alcohol is not available at the restaurant.
Baran Et
Baran et, located in Fatih, is one of the oldest and iconic places marks the tables with its menu, which offers selected flavors from Turkish cuisine. They set out to become Fatih’s favorite meat and kebab restaurant. There are many appetizer options, salad options and kebab options. Must-try ones are; “Gavurdağı Salad”, skewers, “Şaşlık”, “Böbrek”, “Küşleme”, “Kaburga”. End the dinner with famous Turkish desert “Havuç dilim baklava”. If you want to eat a perfecty and simply cooked kebab, this place is the right one for you. The quality of the meat is also very determinant in the taste of food.
Alcohol is not available at the restaurant.
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