Best Ottoman Restaurants in Istanbul

Istanbul, once the capital of the mighty Ottoman Empire, continues to carry the spirit of its glorious past not only through its architecture and cultural legacy but also through its cuisine. Ottoman food is an extraordinary blend of flavors influenced by Central Asian nomadic traditions, the spices of the Middle East, the rich produce of Anatolia, and the culinary techniques of the Balkans. It is a cuisine shaped by geography, trade, and centuries of refinement in the palace kitchens of Topkapi. Dining in an Ottoman restaurant in Istanbul is more than just enjoying a meal—it is stepping back into a world where food was considered art, ceremony, and culture all at once. Every dish tells a story of empire, wealth, and diversity, making the experience a cultural journey as much as a culinary one.

Today, several restaurants in Istanbul keep this imperial culinary tradition alive, offering carefully recreated palace recipes alongside traditional Anatolian staples. Below, we explore the best Ottoman restaurants in Istanbul, highlighting their specialties, history, atmosphere, and reasons why they deserve a place on your travel itinerary.

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1. Deraliye Ottoman Palace Cuisine (Sultanahmet)

Deraliye, located in the historic Sultanahmet district, is one of the most prestigious Ottoman restaurants in Istanbul. Just steps away from the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, this Michelin-listed restaurant is a perfect stop for history lovers who want to merge sightseeing with fine dining. The chefs specialize in reviving forgotten palace dishes, using research and traditional cooking techniques to bring centuries-old flavors to modern plates. Guests can savor stuffed melon with lamb, goose kebab, and lamb with dried fruits, recipes that once graced imperial banquets. The restaurant’s refined interior, warm lighting, and attentive service create a setting worthy of a modern-day sultan.

For those seeking an authentic cultural immersion, Deraliye also offers cooking workshops where visitors can learn the basics of Ottoman cuisine. This extra layer of experience makes it stand out not just as a dining venue, but as a cultural hub in Sultanahmet.

Highlights:

• ⭐ Michelin-listed and globally recognized
• 🍈 Features rare palace recipes
• 👨‍🍳 Cooking workshops for visitors
• 📍 Central location surrounded by Istanbul’s top attractions

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2. Asitane Restaurant (Edirnekapı / Balat)

Asitane is more than a restaurant—it is a living archive of Ottoman culinary history. Situated near the Chora Church (Kariye Museum) in the Edirnekapı district, Asitane has spent decades uncovering and reviving palace recipes from Ottoman archives and cookbooks. Opened in the 1990s, it was among the first to introduce the concept of historical dining experiences in Istanbul. Its menu offers over 200 documented dishes, many dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Visitors can sample 15th-century almond soup, rose petal–infused lamb stew, or pear stuffed with minced meat, each dish presented with historical notes about its origin.

The tranquil garden seating makes it especially pleasant in the summer, offering guests a quiet escape from the city bustle. Asitane also hosts seasonal events, such as festivals featuring Ottoman desserts or special menus inspired by palace feasts.

Highlights:

• 📜 Historically researched recipes from palace archives
• 🎉 Offers seasonal and festival menus
• 🌿 Calm, garden-like atmosphere
• 🏛 Located near the cultural district of Balat

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3. Hacı Abdullah Restaurant (Beyoğlu)

Established in 1888, Hacı Abdullah is one of Istanbul’s oldest licensed restaurants and a true culinary institution. Located in Beyoğlu, near Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue, it offers an authentic glimpse into the dining culture of Ottoman Istanbul. The restaurant’s interior exudes late Ottoman charm with its traditional décor, wooden details, and nostalgic ambiance. The menu features slow-cooked lamb stews, seasonal vegetable casseroles, and traditional desserts like quince with kaymak (clotted cream). Meals are often accompanied by homemade compotes, reflecting the dining customs of Ottoman families.

Over the years, Hacı Abdullah has maintained its reputation as a reliable venue for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic, hearty Ottoman-Turkish dining experience. Its dedication to preserving recipes and traditions has made it an essential stop for culinary history enthusiasts.

Highlights:

• 🕰 Over 130 years of culinary heritage
• 🍖 Signature lamb and vegetable dishes
• 🏺 Traditional Ottoman décor and atmosphere
• 🚇 Convenient central location

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4. Pandeli Restaurant (Spice Bazaar / Eminönü)

Pandeli Restaurant is a legend in Istanbul’s dining scene. Located inside the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü, it has been serving guests for over a century. Its blue-tiled dining hall, perched above the market, has welcomed famous figures including Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Audrey Hepburn, and Queen Elizabeth II. While not exclusively a palace-cuisine restaurant, its menu reflects strong Ottoman influences, especially in dishes like eggplant kebabs, lamb baked in milk, and eggplant stews. Dining here provides a nostalgic connection to Istanbul’s cultural crossroads, where the scent of spices from the bazaar drifts into the restaurant.

Part of the experience is its location: after exploring the bazaar, visitors can relax in Pandeli’s iconic dining hall, making it a seamless addition to a day of sightseeing. Its longevity and history give it an unmatched reputation in the city.

Highlights:

• 🟦 Famous for its tiled blue interior
• 🕌 Historic restaurant inside the Spice Bazaar
• 🍆 Long tradition of Ottoman-inspired dishes
• 👑 Hosted world leaders and celebrities

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5. Matbah Restaurant (Sultanahmet)

Matbah is another elegant Ottoman restaurant located in Sultanahmet, just a short walk from Topkapi Palace. Its menu is carefully curated from palace records and features dishes that once delighted Ottoman sultans and their guests. Popular items include lamb with apricots, stuffed vine leaves with meat and spices, and refreshing fruit-based sherbets. The restaurant’s refined décor, complete with chandeliers and panoramic views, provides a regal ambiance that mirrors the sophistication of its menu.

Matbah often organizes seasonal tasting menus that highlight different periods of Ottoman cuisine, making it both an educational and flavorful experience. For those seeking a high-end dining experience in the old city, Matbah is an excellent choice.

Highlights:

• 🍽 Elegant palace-inspired menu
• 🌆 Panoramic views of the old city
• 🗓 Seasonal tasting menus available
• 🏰 Steps away from Topkapi Palace

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6. Galeyann Cuisine (Sultanahmet)

Galeyann Cuisine is a newer entrant to Istanbul’s Ottoman dining scene but has quickly gained popularity for its tourist-friendly atmosphere and accessible prices. Located in Sultanahmet, it serves as a convenient introduction to Ottoman flavors. The menu features a range of dishes influenced by traditional recipes but presented with a modern twist. While it may not carry the historical prestige of Asitane or the Michelin recognition of Deraliye, it provides a comfortable and relaxed environment for visitors who want to sample Ottoman-inspired cuisine without venturing far from the old city’s attractions.

The restaurant is also known for being family-friendly, offering lighter versions of Ottoman dishes suitable for all ages. Its approachable style makes it a good choice for travelers who are short on time but eager to taste something unique.

Highlights:

• 📍 Centrally located in Sultanahmet
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly and approachable menu
• 🍴 Ottoman-inspired dishes with modern presentation
• 💰 Affordable compared to other Ottoman restaurants

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Tips for Dining in Ottoman Restaurants

• 📞 Reservations: Many of the more renowned restaurants, especially Deraliye and Asitane, require advance bookings during peak tourist seasons. It’s best to reserve a table at least a few days ahead.
• 💶 Price Range: Prices vary widely. Expect to pay around 25–60 EUR per person in upscale venues like Deraliye or Matbah, while restaurants such as Galeyann may be more budget-friendly.
• 🕯 When to Go: Evening is ideal for enjoying the ambiance, but lunchtime visits can be less crowded and slightly more affordable.
• 🍲 What to Try: Don’t miss specialties like stuffed melon, goose kebab, lamb with dried fruits, rose-infused stews, and refreshing sherbets.
• 🥤 Cultural Note: In Ottoman tradition, meals were often accompanied by sherbets or compotes rather than alcohol. Many restaurants honor this by serving traditional non-alcoholic beverages alongside meals.

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Final Thoughts

Dining at an Ottoman restaurant in Istanbul is not simply about eating—it is about experiencing a living tradition that ties modern-day Turkey to its imperial heritage. Each restaurant offers its own story: Deraliye provides Michelin-starred elegance and rare palace dishes, Asitane offers an educational dive into centuries-old recipes, Hacı Abdullah delivers time-tested authenticity, and Pandeli enchants with its historic charm and blue-tiled ambiance. Matbah blends refinement with palace-inspired flavors, while Galeyann Cuisine ensures accessibility and convenience for travelers.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culinary explorer, or a curious tourist, these restaurants will allow you to savor the flavors that once filled the halls of Topkapi Palace. From sipping sherbets once reserved for royalty to tasting lamb stews infused with exotic spices, the experience goes beyond food—it is a journey into the heart of Ottoman Istanbul, where every bite carries centuries of culture, tradition, and artistry.