The Best Kebab Shops in Istanbul

Kebab is one of the best reasons to explore Istanbul beyond the main sights. These nine kebab houses, spread across both sides of the city, are our favourites — each with its own speciality and atmosphere.

Historic peninsula and Beyoğlu

Hamdi Restoran, Eminönü

Eating kebab with Galata, the Bosphorus and Sultanahmet in view is, in our opinion, a luxury in itself. Hamdi (also known as Hamo) serves 17 different kinds of kebab in Eminönü; the pistachio kebab is especially good. There are also branches in Şişli and Pera, but the Eminönü original is our favourite.

Address: Tahmis Cad. Kalcin Sokak No: 11, Eminönü, Istanbul

Develi Kebap, Samatya

Develi has been serving since 1966, in Samatya and in other districts of Istanbul. We strongly recommend the pistachio kebab at its first restaurant in Samatya; if that is out of your way, there are branches in places such as Nişantaşı, Etiler, Florya, Kalamış, Ataşehir and Tuzla.

Address: Gümüşyüzük Sok. No: 7, Samatya, Istanbul

Şehzade Cağ Kebap, Fatih

No kebab list is complete without cağ kebab, whose reputation has long travelled beyond Erzurum and beyond Turkey. Even first-timers tend to ask for a few more skewers — and it becomes hard to count how many were eaten by the end of the meal.

Address: Hoca Paşa Sk. No: 6, Hoca Paşa, Fatih, Istanbul

MK Mangal Keyfi, Beyoğlu

One of Beyoğlu's best-loved spots, popular with students for its wraps. Portion kebabs are a must: Adana, Urfa, chicken skewers, yoghurt kebab, and kebabs with tomatoes or aubergines. There are also vegetarian plates for those who do not eat meat.

Address: Şehit Muhtar Mahallesi, Öğüt Sokak No: 8, Beyoğlu, Istanbul

Şişli and the Bosphorus

Adana Ocakbaşı, Kurtuluş

Kurtuluş has kept its cosy neighbourhood atmosphere, and Adana Ocakbaşı is one of the most enjoyable grill-side experiences in the city. The meat comes from Gönen in Balıkesir, and the menu includes Adana, Urfa, vegetable kebab, lamb shish, küşleme, onion, aubergine and ribs. The owners have chosen not to open a second branch in order to protect the spirit of the place and its regulars.

Address: Bozkurt Mahallesi, Ergenekon Caddesi, Baysungur Sokak No: 2/D, Şişli, Istanbul

Kaşıbeyaz Bosphorus, Yeniköy

A popular choice for a kebab in a calm, polished setting. The menu covers the classics — Adana, Urfa, haşhaşlı (poppy seed), grand vizier, butter, vegetable, oruk, tomato, aubergine, lamb shish, shashlik and pistachio kebab, among others. Pair it with a frothy ayran and a selection of appetisers.

Address: Yeniköy Mahallesi, Köybaşı Cd. No: 10, 34464 Sarıyer, Istanbul

Further afield: Güngören, Pendik and Kadıköy

Bağdat Ocakbaşı, Güngören

If you only know one road in Güngören, it should be the one to Bağdat Ocakbaşı. Order a wrap; the stuffed meatballs (içli köfte) and lamb skewers also have many regulars. If you cannot do without dessert, order your künefe while you are still eating so it arrives hot.

Address: Merkez Mahallesi, Tayfun Sokak No: 8/10, Güngören, Istanbul

Uzunlar Kebap, Pendik

From Adana to Urfa, from chicken and lamb skewers to liver, the menu has something for every taste — along with pitas, grills, döner and wraps. The choice is wide enough that we recommend going as a large group and sharing, so you can taste a little of almost everything. Go easy on the starters and leave room for the skewers.

Address: Pendik Sahilyolu No: 1, Pendik, Istanbul

Çiya Sofrası, Kadıköy

Describing itself as the garden of lost cultures and forgotten tastes, Çiya Sofrası has been serving since 1987, and its loyal following keeps growing. Alongside familiar favourites, the menu features kebabs that are hard to find elsewhere, such as çartlak, Çiya, Frenk, sour kebab, Gülbahar, Halep işi, cubed kebab, oruk, Kilis tava, aubergine and garlic kebab.

Address: Caferağa Mahallesi, Güneşlibahçe Sokak No: 43/A, Kadıköy, Istanbul