Best Turkish Ottoman Restaurants in Istanbul: 2024 Guide

Istanbul, a city where the past and present seamlessly coexist, is a haven for culinary enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of Turkish Ottoman cuisine. In this guide, we’ll traverse the vibrant streets of Istanbul to uncover the hidden gems that promise a gastronomic journey through the rich history of the Ottoman Empire. With a dozen Ottoman restaurants in Istanbul, you won’t be starved of food, culture, and tradition, for sure!

Ottoman Cuisine Guide: What to Try in Restaurants in Istanbul?

Ottoman cuisine is a celebration of meat dishes, with a historical touch that transports you back in time. While fish dishes gained prominence during Suleiman the Magnificent’s reign, today, meat takes center stage in Istanbul’s Ottoman culinary scene. Palace cuisine, known for its harmonious blend of sour, sweet, and salty elements, features iconic recipes that have stood the test of time.

• Goose Kebab
  • A succulent kebab dish showcasing the richness of Ottoman flavors, with tender goose meat expertly grilled to perfection.
• Stuffed Melon
  • A unique blend of sweet and savory, where melon is generously stuffed with a savory mix, creating a delightful symphony of tastes.
• Kirde Kebab
  • A meat lover’s paradise, Kirde Kebab boasts a flavorful combination of spices, creating a mouthwatering experience.
• Stuffed Artichokes with Meat
  • Artichokes filled with seasoned meat, offering a savory explosion in every bite.
• Piruhi
  • Delicate dumplings filled with a savory mixture, showcasing the intricate artistry of Ottoman cuisine.
• Lamb Neck with Plums
  • A perfect harmony of tender lamb neck and sweet plums, creating a dish that’s both hearty and delightful.
• Stuffed Quince
  • Quince filled with a delectable mix of flavors, striking a perfect balance between sweet and savory.
• Stuffed Cabbage
  • A comforting dish featuring cabbage leaves filled with seasoned goodness, a true Turkish classic.
• Muammara
  • A flavorful pepper and walnut spread, adding a kick to your culinary adventure.
• Mutabbal
  • A creamy eggplant dip, perfect for dipping with fresh Turkish bread, a favorite among locals.
• Hibesh
  • A hearty stew that warms the soul, combining a variety of spices for a truly memorable taste.
• Kazandibi
  • A delectable milk pudding with a caramelized top, satisfying your sweet cravings in the most delightful way.
• Terkib-i Mutancana
  • A mixed vegetable dish showcasing the diversity of Ottoman ingredients, a true culinary masterpiece.
• Duck Stew
  • A rich and savory stew featuring succulent duck, a must-try for those seeking unique flavors.
• Lamb Shank with Plums
  • Tender lamb shank paired with sweet plums, creating a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent.
• Nemse Pastry
  • Delicate pastries filled with a variety of flavors, offering a delightful sweet treat.
• Muzhir Kebab
  • A flavorful kebab that combines the best of Ottoman spices, leaving your taste buds craving more.
• Şehzade Kebab
  • Named after Ottoman princes, this kebab is fit for royalty, featuring a delightful blend of flavors.
• Palace Morsel
  • A bite-sized delight that captures the essence of Ottoman grandeur, perfect for those seeking a taste of history.
• Stuffed Dried Eggplant
  • Dried eggplants filled with a savory mixture, creating a unique and delicious dish.
• Nırbach
  • A refreshing drink that complements the rich flavors of Ottoman cuisine, offering a perfect ending to your meal.

Looking for more cheap and fast food? Read our guide about street food in Istanbul >>

These dishes not only showcase the culinary expertise of Ottoman chefs but also provide a glimpse into the rich history and cultural influences that have shaped Istanbul’s food scene. Now, let’s explore the best Ottoman restaurants in the city where you can savor these delightful creations.

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Deraliye Restaurant – Sultanahmet’s Culinary Jewel

Nestled in the heart of historic Sultanahmet, Deraliye Restaurant is a vivid tribute to the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. The extravagant decor, bursting with colors, sets the stage for a culinary adventure. Dive into delectable goose, lamb, or duck kebab, expertly prepared in a traditional tandoori oven. Deraliye promises an immersive exploration of Ottoman cuisine, delivering rich, indulgent flavors in an ambiance that transports you to a bygone era.

• Address: Alemdar Mahallesi Ticaret Hane Sokak Giriş Kat No 10, 34122
• Opening Hours: 12:00-23:30
• Phone: (0212) 520 77 78
• Visit their website

Matbah Restaurant – Ottoman Elegance in the Historical Peninsula

Situated within the Ottoman Hotel Imperial, Matbah Restaurant brings the flavors of the Ottoman palace cuisine to the present day. Offering a blend of traditional Turkish dishes, Matbah tantalizes your taste buds with extraordinary recipes like sailor’s pastry with honey and lamb shank in phyllo dough. Enjoy these culinary delights while soaking in the view of the Hagia Sophia Museum and Sultanahmet.

• Address: Caferiye Sokak No 6/1 Sultanahmet, Istanbul (inside Ottoman Hotel Imperial)
• Opening Hours: 09:30-22:30
• Phone: 0212 514 61 51
• Visit their website

Hıdiv Kasrı, Beltur – Ottoman Cuisine in Çubuklu

Located in Çubuklu, Hidiv Kasrı is a proud representative of Ottoman cuisine in Istanbul. Indulge in their diverse iftar menu, featuring options like hünkar bettidi and beef ribs in casserole. With a splendid setting in Çubuklu Korusu, this restaurant offers a culinary experience that captures the essence of Ottoman flavors.

Read more about Çubuklu Palace >>

• Address: Çubuklu Korusu, Piri Reis Cd. No:32, 34805 Beykoz/İstanbul
• Opening Hours: 09:00-22:00, closed on Mondays
• Phone: 444 6 644
• Visit their website

Old Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant – A Journey Through Time

For a taste of history in the heart of Istanbul, head to the Old Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant in Sultanahmet. Beyond being a dining experience, it’s a journey back in time. Offering a diverse range of dishes, from kuzu gerdan to testi kebab, this restaurant seamlessly blends delicious food with historical charm.

• Address: Alemdar, Cağaloğlu Hamamı Sk. No:17 D:J, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul
• Opening Hours: 12:00-23:00 (Closed on Tuesday)
• Phone: (0212) 514 55 00
• Visit their Facebook page

Güler Osman Restaurant – A Culinary Fusion Since 1965

Embark on a culinary journey at Güler Osman Restaurant, blending Ottoman and Turkish flavors since 1965. With over seven hundred savory offerings, each dish tells a story rooted in family legacy. From Soran Yemez Soups to tantalizing Wraps and Desserts, Güler Osman invites you to savor the best of Ottoman cuisine in every bite.

• Address: Hasanpaşa, Kurbağalıdere Cd. No:74, 34722 Kadıköy/İstanbul
• Opening Hours: 09:30-21:00 (Closed on Sundays)
• Phone: (0216) 348 22 45
• Visit their website

Borsa Restaurant – Where Tradition Meets Aesthetic Presentation

With locations in Lütfi Kırdar, Adile Sultan, and İstinye Park, Borsa stands as a pioneer in Classical Turkish and Ottoman cuisine. The restaurant serves classic recipes with an aesthetic presentation, making classics like meat doner kebab and lamb tandoori stand out. Indulge in a menu that offers a Western twist to traditional Turkish dishes.

• Address: Lütfi Kırdar International Congress and Exhibition Center, Harbiye/İstanbul
• Phone: 0212 232 42 01
• Opening Hours: 07:00-22:30
• Visit their website

Tuğra Restaurant – Ottoman Elegance at Çırağan Palace Kempinski

Situated within Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Tuğra Restaurant offers a unique dining experience in a real Ottoman Palace. With a breathtaking Bosphorus view, Tuğra presents the best examples of classical Ottoman cuisine. Indulge in dishes like Alinazik with begendi and palace-style chicken leg casserole, accompanied by religious folk songs in the authentic atmosphere of Çırağan Palace.

• Address: Çırağan Palace Kempinski Çırağan Cad. No: 32 Beşiktaş
• Phone: 0212 236 7333
• Opening Hours: 19:00-23:00
• Visit their website

Hünkar Lokantasi – Distinguished Turkish and Ottoman Cuisine

At Hünkar, located in Etiler and Nişantaşı, savor distinguished samples of Turkish and Ottoman cuisine ordered ‘a la carte.’ With a rich menu curated by Chef Feridun Ügümü, indulge in popular flavors like quince stew, chickpeas with tripe, and dilber lip among the desserts. Hünkar is not just a restaurant; it’s a culinary destination that earned a spot among the 100 best restaurants in the world in 2007.

• Address: Mim Kemal Öke Cad. No: 21 Nişantaşı/İstanbul
• Phone: 0212 225 46 65
• Opening Hours: 11:30-23:00
• Visit their website

Feriye Lokantasi (Feriye)

Nestled between the Dolmabahçe and Çırağan Palaces, Feriye Restaurant is a culinary gem since its restoration in 1995. Blending traditional Turkish and Ottoman flavors with a modern twist, Feriye prides itself on using organic products, crafting a menu that evolves with the seasons. Indulge in delicacies like charcoal-roasted pastrami in vine leaves, Myrtle shrimp, and the tantalizing quince dessert marinated in lime cream.

• Address: Çırağan Cad. No: 40 Ortaköy-İstanbul
• Phone: 0212 2272216
• Opening Hours: 12:00-00:00
• Feriye Website

Pandeli Restaurant

Founded in 1901, Pandeli Restaurant is a living chronicle of Istanbul’s history. Hosting luminaries from Atatürk to Queen Elizabeth II, this establishment has withstood the test of time. Signature dishes like lamb shank with vegetables, Hünkar Beğendi, and the mouthwatering lamb tandoori have graced the tables of royalty and celebrities alike.

• Located in: Egyptian Bazaar
• Address: Rustem Pasha Mah. Ragıp Gümüşpala Cad. Spice Bazaar No.1 FATİH
• Tel: 0212 527 39 09
• Opening Hours: 11:30-19:00, Sundays closed
• Pandeli Instagram

Yanyalı Fehmi Lokantası

Steeped in history, Yanyalı Fehmi Lokantası, founded in 1919, transports you to a bygone era. With roots tracing back to Ioannina, Greece, the restaurant boasts a diverse selection of traditional Ottoman and Turkish dishes. From soups to kebabs, each dish is a celebration of authentic flavors, served in an ambiance reminiscent of your grandfather’s house.

• Address: Osmanağa Mah. Yağlıkçı İsmail St. No:1 KADIKÖY
• Tel: 0216 336 33 33
• Opening Hours: 09:00-21:00
• Fehmi Lokantası Website

Topaz Restaurant

Elevate your dining experience at Topaz, where Mediterranean and Ottoman cuisine converge. Boasting a panoramic view of the Bosphorus and Dolmabahçe Palace, Topaz is a feast for the senses. Signature dishes like linguine with freshly-caught seafood and butter-soft grilled octopus showcase a unique Turkish twist on Mediterranean classics.

• Address: Ömer Avni Mahallesi, İnönü Caddesi, No:50, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
• Phone: (0212) 249 10 01
• Opening Hours: 18:00-00:30, closed on Sunday
• Topaz Website

Beyti

An epitome of Turkish meat culture, Beyti has been an Istanbul landmark since 1983. Founded by Beyti Güler, this restaurant is not just a culinary delight but a visual spectacle. With inspiration drawn from Ottoman and Turkish art, Beyti serves up a gastronomic journey, with dishes like lamb kol tandoori and the mixed beyti plate, earning international accolades.

• Address: Orman Sok. No: 8 Florya/Bakırköy-İstanbul
• Phone: 0212 663 29 90
• Opening Hours: 11:30-23:00, closed on Monday
• Beyti Website

Conclusion: Best Ottoman Restaurants in Istanbul

As our culinary journey through Best Turkish Ottoman Restaurants in Istanbul comes to a close, we’ve experienced a symphony of flavors, a celebration of history, and a glimpse into the richness of Ottoman culture. Each restaurant visited has been a portal to a bygone era, where traditional recipes have been preserved and presented with a modern touch.

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