Planning a tasty break between the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern? This guide rounds up the most reliable, tourist‑friendly kebap spots in and around Sultanahmet—ranging from budget street legends to panoramic-view classics. You’ll find what to order, price ranges, halal notes, vegetarian sides, and how to get there.
Table Of Content
- How to Use This Guide
- Map & Getting Around (Quick Orientation)
- Top Picks at a Glance
- 1) Hamdi Restaurant (Eminönü – Near Spice Bazaar)
- 2) Khorasani (Steps from the Hippodrome)
- 3) Buhara Ocakbaşı (Çemberlitaş / Divan Yolu)
- 4) Sultanahmet Kebab House (Nuruosmaniye Caddesi)
- 5) Şehzade Cağ Kebap (Sirkeci / Hocapaşa)
- 6) Dönerci Şahin Usta (Grand Bazaar / Nuruosmaniye Gate)
- What to Order: Kebap 101 (Tourist Edition)
- Dietary & Practical Notes
- Sample Itineraries (Food + Sights)
- FAQs
- Final Bite
- Related posts
How to Use This Guide
- 📍 Who it’s for: First‑time visitors and food lovers who want foolproof kebab experiences.
- 🗺️ Area covered: Sultanahmet and immediate Old City surroundings (Eminönü, Sirkeci, Grand Bazaar area).
- 🍴 What you’ll get: Signature dishes, price ranges, halal information, service style (dine‑in/fast/takeaway), and practical tips.
Quick Istanbul Tip: In the Old City, most meats are halal by default. If you prefer alcohol‑free venues, look for “no alcohol served” notes below.
Map & Getting Around (Quick Orientation)
- 🚋 Tram T1 is your best friend. Key stops: Sultanahmet, Çemberlitaş, Gülhane, Eminönü, Sirkeci, Beyazıt (Grand Bazaar).
- 👟 Most places here are 5–15 min on foot from Sultanahmet Square. Wear comfy shoes; cobbled streets are common.
Top Picks at a Glance
| Restaurant | Best For | Budget | Vibe | Alcohol |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🍽️ Hamdi Restaurant (Eminönü) | Iconic mixed grills + rooftop view | $$–$$$ | Polished, sunset‑worthy | Yes |
| 🔥 Khorasani (Sultanahmet) | Adana/Urfa & ocakbaşı authenticity | $$ | Cozy grill‑house (late hours) | Possibly |
| 👨👩👧 Buhara Ocakbaşı (Çemberlitaş) | Classic ocakbaşı since 1979, generous portions | $–$$ | Warm, family‑run | No |
| 🥙 Sultanahmet Kebab House (Nuruosmaniye Cd.) | Fast, friendly, budget plates & wraps | $ | Casual, quick turn‑over | No |
| 🥩 Şehzade Cağ Kebap (Sirkeci) | Eastern‑style lamb cağ kebabı (skewers) | $ | Tiny, packed, fast | No |
| 🌯 Dönerci Şahin Usta (Grand Bazaar) | Legendary döner sandwich | $ | Stand/counter only | No |
Budget Key: 💸 $ (affordable street/quick eats) • 💵 $$ (mid‑range) • 💎 $$$ (splurge/fine views)
1) Hamdi Restaurant (Eminönü – Near Spice Bazaar)
Why go: The Old City’s classic for Southeastern Turkish kebabs with a famous rooftop terrace overlooking the Golden Horn.
What to order
- 🍢 Mixed Grill (sample Adana, Urfa, şiş, chicken)
- 🍆 Ali Nazik (spiced lamb on smoky eggplant purée & yogurt)
- 🌯 Beyti Kebab (wrapped in lavaş, sliced; with tomato sauce & yogurt)
- 🥗 Meze starters (eggplant salad, ezme, hummus) + fresh pita
Quick facts
- 💵 Price: $$–$$$ (you pay partly for the view)
- 🍽️ Service: Table service; reservations recommended for sunset
- 🍷 Alcohol: Yes (wine, rakı). Meat is halal; venue serves alcohol.
- 👥 Good for: Couples, groups, special occasions, photography lovers
Getting there: 🚋 1 tram stop or 12–15 min walk from Sultanahmet to Eminönü.
Pro Tips
- 🌇 Ask for a terrace table at booking.
- 🥖 Pace yourself—meze portions are generous and complimentary bread keeps coming!
2) Khorasani (Steps from the Hippodrome)
Why go: A rustic ocakbaşı (charcoal grill) in the heart of Sultanahmet—known for doing the classics right and staying open very late.
What to order
- 🌶️ Adana (spicy minced lamb) or Urfa (milder) kebab
- 🍗 Lamb Şiş / Chicken Şiş
- 🌰 Fıstıklı Kebap (pistachio mixed into minced meat)
- 🍆 Patlıcan Kebabı (eggplant + minced meat on a skewer)
Quick facts
- 💵 Price: $$
- 🍽️ Service: Table service; grill in view (ocakbaşı charm)
- 🍷 Alcohol: May be available; confirm on arrival
- 👥 Good for: Late dinners, small groups, serious kebab fans
Getting there: 🚶♂️ 3–5 min walk from Sultanahmet tram stop (near Hippodrome/Basilica Cistern).
Pro Tips
- 🌶️ If you like spice, say “acı seviyorum” (I like it spicy) for a livelier Adana.
- 🫓 House‑baked pita is perfect for scooping meze—don’t skip it.
3) Buhara Ocakbaşı (Çemberlitaş / Divan Yolu)
Why go: Beloved since 1979, with friendly service, big portions, and value pricing. Great for families.
What to order
- 🌶️ Adana or Urfa kebab
- 🥩 Lamb Chops (local favorite)
- 🍢 Mixed Grill to share
- 🍲 Testi Kebab (clay‑pot, tableside opening; preorder if possible)
Quick facts
- 💸 Price: $–$$ (excellent value)
- 🍽️ Service: Table service; no frills, lots of heart
- 🚫 Alcohol: No (fully halal environment)
- 👨👩👧 Good for: Families, groups, anyone craving classic ocakbaşı
Getting there: 🚶♀️ 6–8 min walk from Sultanahmet or 2–3 min from Çemberlitaş tram.
Pro Tips
- 🍽️ Portions are generous—order gradually to avoid over‑ordering.
- 🍵 Expect complimentary tea or a sweet finish when it’s not too busy.
4) Sultanahmet Kebab House (Nuruosmaniye Caddesi)
Why go: Budget‑friendly, central, and quick—ideal for a fast, tasty break between sights.
What to order
- 🍢 Adana/Urfa, Chicken Şiş, Döner Plates & Dürüm Wraps
- 🍅 İskender (döner over bread with tomato & yogurt)
- 🥗 Simple salads, lentil soup
Quick facts
- 💸 Price: $ (great prices for the area)
- ⚡ Service: Fast table service or takeaway
- 🚫 Alcohol: No (halal‑friendly)
- 👥 Good for: Quick lunch, families on a budget, solo travelers
Getting there: 🛍️ On the busy shopping street between Sultanahmet and Grand Bazaar.
Pro Tips
- ❄️ If unsure on spice, ask for Urfa (mild).
- 🌙 Works well for a late, no‑fuss dinner after museum days.
5) Şehzade Cağ Kebap (Sirkeci / Hocapaşa)
Why go: A one‑dish specialist from Eastern Turkey—cağ kebabı: wood‑fired, horizontally roasted lamb shaved by the skewer.
What to order
- 🥩 Cağ Kebabı by the skewer (order 2–4 per person)
- 🧅 Onions with sumac, ezme (tomato‑pepper relish), ayran
Quick facts
- 💸 Price: $ (pay per skewer; very affordable)
- ⚡ Service: Lightning‑fast, tiny dining room + sidewalk tables
- 🚫 Alcohol: No (halal, meat‑centric)
- 👥 Good for: Lamb lovers, quick flavorful meals
Getting there: 🚶♂️ 10–12 min walk from Sultanahmet (or 1 stop to Sirkeci, short walk).
Pro Tips
- 🕐 Peak lunch rush is real—go slightly early or late.
- 🔥 Best eaten immediately—don’t plan to “save for later.”
6) Dönerci Şahin Usta (Grand Bazaar / Nuruosmaniye Gate)
Why go: A legendary döner stand (since 1969). Short menu, long line, huge payoff.
What to order
- 🌯 Döner Dürüm (lavash wrap) or Yarım Ekmek (half‑bread sandwich)
- ➕ Optional duble (double meat) if hungry
Quick facts
- 💸 Price: $ (street‑food pricing; cash preferred)
- 🪑 Service: Counter only, minimal seating; often sells out mid‑afternoon
- 🚫 Alcohol: No (halal)
- 👥 Good for: On‑the‑go tastings, budget foodies, bazaar explorers
Getting there: 🏬 Near Beyazıt/Grand Bazaar or Nuruosmaniye Gate; 10–12 min walk from Sultanahmet.
Pro Tips
- 🕒 Arrive before 14:30–15:00 for best quality and to avoid sell‑out.
- 🌶️ Spice it up with pickled green peppers on the side.
What to Order: Kebap 101 (Tourist Edition)
- 🌶️ Adana vs Urfa: Both are minced lamb kebabs; Adana is spicy, Urfa is mild.
- 🍢 Şiş Kebab: Marinated cubes (usually lamb or chicken) on skewers—tender and crowd‑pleasing.
- 🌯 Beyti: Minced meat grilled, wrapped in lavaş, sliced; topped with tomato sauce & yogurt.
- 🍆 Ali Nazik: Spiced lamb over smoky eggplant purée + yogurt—rich and comforting.
- 🥩 Cağ Kebabı: Erzurum style; horizontal spit, lamb shaved onto skewers—distinctly juicy.
- 🌯 Döner: Vertical spit; in wraps or bread. Look for crisp edges + juicy slices.
- 🥗 Sides & Meze: Ezme, haydari, eggplant salads, lentil soup, grilled veggies, bulgur pilaf.
- 🫓 Breads: Lavaş and balloon‑puffed pita arrive warm—pace yourself!
Dietary & Practical Notes
- ✅ Halal: Meat is generally halal in the Old City. If you prefer alcohol‑free environments, choose spots marked No Alcohol above.
- 🥦 Vegetarian options: Kebap houses are meat‑led, but lentil soup, salads, grilled veggies, breads, and cheese pide can assemble a satisfying meal. Family‑run places are often flexible.
- 💰 Tipping: 5–10% is appreciated at sit‑down restaurants. Not expected at street counters.
- 🗣️ Language: Menus commonly have English; pointing to display trays or photos is normal and helpful.
- 💳 Payment: Cards widely accepted at dine‑ins; carry cash for tiny spots/stands.
- 🌶️ Spice levels: Say “acı” (spicy) or “acı değil” (not spicy). For mild minced kebab, order Urfa.
- 🕖 Peak times: 19:00–21:00 for dine‑ins; lunch peak at stands like Şahin Usta.
Sample Itineraries (Food + Sights)
- 🌇 One Perfect Evening (Views): Sunset drinks on Galata Bridge → Hamdi rooftop dinner → Night stroll by Spice Bazaar.
- 🕌 Classic Old City Day: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia → Basilica Cistern → Khorasani late lunch → Tea at Sultanahmet Square.
- 💸 Budget Feast Crawl: Grand Bazaar shopping → Şahin Usta döner → Walk to Şehzade Cağ for lamb skewers → Künefe dessert nearby.
- 👨👩👧 Family‑Friendly Comfort: Topkapı Palace → Buhara Ocakbaşı early dinner (big portions, no alcohol) → Sweet stop for baklava.
FAQs
Is kebab always spicy?
No. 🌶️ Adana is spicy, 🌿 Urfa is mild. You can also ask to reduce heat.
Do I need a reservation?
📞 For view spots like Hamdi, yes (especially at sunset). For small shops, walk‑in is the norm.
Can I eat late?
🌙 Yes—Khorasani stays open very late. Some stands close when sold out (e.g., Şahin Usta).
Alcohol‑free options?
🚫 Yes—Buhara, Sultanahmet Kebab House, Şehzade, Şahin Usta do not serve alcohol.
What’s the best first‑timer order?
🍢 A mixed grill to sample styles, or pick Urfa (mild) + classic meze + warm bread.
Final Bite
From rooftop grills to tiny counters, Sultanahmet’s kebab scene is both accessible and memorable. Pick one (or three), follow the tips above, and let the Old City’s aromas lead the way. Afiyet olsun!
