Best Food in Sultanahmet: A Tourist’s Culinary Guide

Sultanahmet, the historic heart of Istanbul, is where centuries-old architecture meets the aromas of freshly baked simit and sizzling kebabs. While the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace dominate the skyline, the district is also a treasure trove of culinary experiences. For tourists, dining in Sultanahmet isn’t just about filling your stomach — it’s a cultural journey that weaves together Ottoman heritage, Turkish traditions, and a vibrant street food scene. Whether you’re after an elegant rooftop dinner, a quick köfte on the go, or a meze-filled feast, Sultanahmet promises to delight every traveler.

---

Top Restaurants to Try in Sultanahmet

Deraliye Rooftop Restaurant

Deraliye is the crown jewel for those who want to dine with a view. Inspired by recipes once served in the Ottoman palaces, this restaurant offers dishes such as stuffed vine leaves with cinnamon, lamb stews with apricots, and rich desserts. As you sit on the terrace overlooking the Hagia Sophia and the city skyline, you’re transported back in time. The experience combines history, ambiance, and flavors, making it ideal for a special evening or even a memorable honeymoon dinner.

Giritli Restaurant

Giritli is tucked inside a charming historic house with a leafy garden. Known for its set menus, the restaurant serves a dazzling array of mezze followed by perfectly grilled seafood. Imagine a table overflowing with hummus, fava bean puree, roasted eggplant, calamari, and fresh salads, before the main course arrives. The relaxed garden atmosphere is perfect for travelers looking to enjoy a long, leisurely lunch after visiting the nearby Basilica Cistern.

Balıkçı Sabahattin

This is one of Istanbul’s legendary seafood restaurants. Balıkçı Sabahattin, housed in a traditional wooden Ottoman building, has been attracting locals and tourists for decades. The menu is seafood-focused, with a wide selection of meze, grilled fish, and seasonal specialties like bluefish and anchovies. Prices lean toward the higher end, but the reputation and quality make it worth a splurge, especially if you want a quintessential Istanbul seafood experience.

Matbah Restaurant

Matbah is unique for its dedication to Ottoman palace cuisine. Every dish here is rooted in recipes dating back centuries, once enjoyed by sultans and dignitaries. Highlights include lamb with almonds, stuffed melon, and chicken with apricots. Located just steps from Topkapı Palace, it’s a natural extension of a day spent exploring the empire’s former seat of power. Dining here is like tasting history itself, and the menu explanations help tourists understand the cultural importance of each dish.

Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta

If there’s one restaurant you can’t miss, it’s this humble köfte shop. Since 1920, Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi has been serving tender, juicy meatballs alongside piyaz (white bean salad) and fresh bread. The menu is simple and hasn’t changed in decades, but that’s the beauty of it. The atmosphere is lively, with locals and tourists alike crowding in for a quick, affordable, and authentic bite.

Namlı Pastırmacı

A delicatessen-style restaurant, Namlı Pastırmacı is beloved for its cured meats like pastirma and sucuk. Here you can build your own plate with cheeses, olives, and meze from the counter. It’s a great choice for a light lunch or picnic-style meal, especially if you’re short on time but don’t want to compromise on flavor. It’s also a good way to taste a variety of Turkish staples in one sitting.

The Pudding Shop (Lale Restaurant)

The Pudding Shop isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a piece of cultural history. During the 1960s and 70s, it became a hub for travelers on the famous “Hippie Trail” from Europe to Asia. Today, it still serves hearty Turkish classics like stews, kebabs, and rice dishes, alongside desserts and puddings. The walls are decorated with memorabilia from past decades, giving tourists a glimpse into its colorful past.

---

Must-Try Dishes in Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet is the perfect neighborhood to taste the full range of Turkish cuisine. Here are the essentials you shouldn’t leave without trying:

• 🍽️ Meze Platters: A selection of small plates such as haydari (yogurt dip with herbs), acılı ezme (spicy tomato paste), stuffed grape leaves, and fava.
• 🐟 Grilled Fish & Seafood: Fresh catch of the day, often served simply with lemon and greens. Bluefish is a local specialty.
• 🍢 Kebabs: Whether Adana (spicy minced meat) or Urfa (milder), kebabs are a must-have.
• 🥟 İçli Köfte: Crispy bulgur shells filled with seasoned minced meat and pine nuts.
• 🍕 Pide: Often described as Turkish pizza, pide comes with toppings like cheese, minced beef, or sucuk.
• 🥣 Mantı: Tiny dumplings topped with yogurt and garlic-infused butter sauce.
• 🥚 Turkish Breakfast: A feast of cheeses, olives, eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, jams, honey, and bread.
• 🍮 Desserts: Baklava with pistachios, künefe with stretchy cheese, Turkish delight in dozens of flavors, and mastic ice cream that doesn’t melt easily.

---

Tips for Tourists Dining in Sultanahmet

Dining in Sultanahmet can be overwhelming given the number of options, but a few simple tips will make your experience smooth and enjoyable:

• 📅 Make Reservations: Rooftop and terrace restaurants fill up quickly, especially around sunset. Reserve a table for the best views.
• 📖 Check the Menu First: Always ask for a menu in English or your language to avoid misunderstandings. Be cautious of places that don’t show clear prices.
• 💵 Carry Some Cash: While most restaurants take cards, small eateries like köfte shops may be cash-only.
• 🛤️ Explore Side Streets: Don’t limit yourself to the main squares. Just a few steps away from the tourist crowds, you’ll often find authentic, affordable gems.
• 👥 Share Dishes: Turkish cuisine is meant to be enjoyed together. Order several mezes for the table rather than individual starters.
• 🌯 Try Street Food: Simit (sesame bread rings), roasted chestnuts, and börek are cheap, filling, and authentic.
• 🚫 Avoid Over-Eager Touts: If someone is aggressively trying to pull you into a restaurant, it’s often a sign of a tourist trap.

---

A One-Day Food Tour in Sultanahmet

Here’s how you can spend a delicious day in Sultanahmet while sightseeing:

• 🌅 Morning: Start with a full Turkish breakfast at a local café. Order menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers) for an authentic touch.
• 🥯 Mid-Morning Snack: As you stroll to the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, pick up a simit from a street vendor. It’s the perfect on-the-go snack.
• 🍴 Lunch: Head to Giritli or Namlı Pastırmacı for a mezze feast paired with grilled seafood or cured meats.
• 🛍️ Afternoon: Visit the Spice Bazaar or Grand Bazaar. Taste lokum (Turkish delight), dried fruits, and nuts while shopping.
• ☕ Coffee Break: Rest your feet with a strong Turkish coffee or a glass of tea at a traditional café. Pair it with künefe or baklava.
• 🌇 Dinner: End the day at Deraliye or Matbah, enjoying Ottoman recipes with a terrace view. For a casual alternative, try Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi for köfte and piyaz.
• 🍰 Late Evening: If you’re still hungry, grab a dessert at the Pudding Shop or stop by a pastry shop for börek to take back to your hotel.

---

Beyond Sultanahmet: Culinary Adventures Nearby

If you have extra time, venture just beyond Sultanahmet into Eminönü or Beyazıt for even more food experiences. Eminönü is home to the famous fish sandwiches sold by the waterfront, while Beyazıt has bustling markets filled with local eateries. These short walks give tourists a broader taste of Istanbul without straying far from the historic center.

---

Final Thoughts

Sultanahmet isn’t just a district filled with domes, mosaics, and minarets — it’s also one of Istanbul’s richest food destinations. Each meal here is a chance to taste history, from Ottoman palace delicacies to everyday street snacks enjoyed by locals. Tourists who mix both high-end dining and humble street food will gain a deeper appreciation of Turkish culture. Whether you’re savoring a köfte sandwich, sipping tea on a terrace, or indulging in baklava, Sultanahmet ensures that your journey through Istanbul is as delicious as it is historic.