Istanbul · 🍽️ Restaurant
Best restaurants in Istanbul
3 restaurants recommended by Mike Mik. Ranked by list votes, not by paid reviews.
- 1
Şehzade Cağ Kebap
Hoca Paşa Sk. 6, Sirkeci
Cağ kebab: lamb roasted on a horizontal spit, ~400–1200 ₺. Since 1989.
👍 The lamb is juicy and charred, the NYT and Guardian clippings on the door are earned. Künefe for dessert is genuinely good, worth it. Closes 22:30.
👎 Packed, you’ll share a table with strangers. Meze and salads are charged on top of the meat.
Mike in Istanbulby Mike Mik · ▲ 1 - 2
Kavurmacı Efe Kemal
Ankara Cd. 67, Sirkeci
Kavurma (slow-fried lamb) in a sandwich or with rice, 400–600 ₺.
👍 Fast, clean, big portions, the kavurma sandwich is the move. Open till 23:00.
👎 Very busy around 18:00. It’s a chain-ish place, not a hidden gem.
Mike in Istanbulby Mike Mik · ▲ 1 - 3
Kavurmacı Hacı Münir Bey 1922
Hocapaşa, Sirkeci
Old-school kavurma & pilav chophouse, est. 1922, 400–600 ₺.
👍 Kavurma with pilav, then fırın sütlaç (burnt rice pudding) for dessert. Self service, no fuss.
👎 Closes 21:00, self-service, cash-first. Not much for vegetarians.
Mike in Istanbulby Mike Mik · ▲ 1