Where to Eat in Istanbul’s Old City: A Local Food Guide
A Local Food Guide Around Sultanahmet
Where to Eat in Old City Istanbul | Best Local Restaurants & Food Guide
Discover the best local food in Old CityIstanbul! From döner and kebabs to pide and baklava, explore authentic restaurants around Sultanahmet and taste real Turkish flavors.
Discover the Flavors of Old City
Walking through the historic heart of Istanbul, you’ll find more than just mosques, museums, and bazaars. The Old City is also home to authentic local eateries where you can taste the true flavors of Turkish cuisine. Whether you crave juicy kebabs, freshly baked pide, or sweet baklava, here are the top 10 local food spots in Old City Istanbul:
- Şahin Usta Döner
One of the most popular döner spots in the Old City. The menu is refreshingly simple: only döner. Served with freshly baked tırnak pide and cold ayran, this spot is especially busy during lunchtime — a clear sign that locals truly love it.
- Şehmuz Kebab
After döner, it’s time for kebabs. Şehmuz Kebab is known for its authentic Urfa and Adana kebabs, grilled over an open fire and served with roasted peppers and tomatoes. Modest in appearance, unforgettable in flavor — a must for meat lovers.
- Hocapaşa Pidecisi
A small, cozy restaurant famous for stone-oven Turkish pide. The thin dough and generous toppings make the cheese and minced meat options particularly popular. A perfect choice for a quick, filling, and affordable lunch in Sultanahmet.
- Şehzade Cağ Kebab
A taste of Erzurum in the heart of Istanbul. Cağ kebab is prepared with thin slices of lamb stacked horizontally on a skewer and slowly roasted over a wood fire. Served with warm lavash bread, it offers a unique kebab experience unlike the classic vertical döner.
- Dürümcü Mustafa
A tiny shop with big flavors. Long lines in the evenings speak for themselves. Juicy meat wraps are enjoyed standing or on small street stools — just like locals do.
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- Day Day Pastanesi
After savory dishes, a sweet break is always welcome. This local pastry shop is well known for its apple cookies and tahini rolls. Located near one of the exits of the Grand Bazaar, it’s a favorite stop for both locals and visitors.
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- Seç Baklava
Although baklava originates from Gaziantep, Seç Baklava brings this iconic dessert to Istanbul fresh every day. Pistachio and walnut baklava are must-tries, best enjoyed with a glass of Turkish tea.
- Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir Lokumları
Founded in 1777, this historic confectioner is one of Istanbul’s oldest and most respected makers of Turkish delight. Known for natural, additive-free lokum, signature flavors include mastic, rose, pistachio, and plain varieties. Located near the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü, it’s an ideal stop for an authentic sweet break or a traditional Istanbul gift.
- Sultanahmet Köftecisi
A classic Istanbul restaurant serving guests since the 1920s. Famous for its grilled köfte served with piyaz (bean salad), this timeless spot is one of the most iconic places to eat in Sultanahmet.
- Çarşı Baklava
Another excellent option for dessert lovers. Offering a wide selection of baklava and syrup-based Turkish desserts, it’s perfect for a quick break after shopping or sightseeing, with a more local and less touristy atmosphere.
Exploring Old City Istanbul is not only about history and monuments — it’s also about food. From köfte at Sultanahmet Köftecisi to dessert breaks at Seç Baklava, these local spots offer a true taste of Istanbul.
If you’d like to experience these flavors with local stories and cultural insight, join BarefootPlus Travel’s guided food tours and discover Istanbul like a local.