Welcome to Istanbul — Restaurant in Paris

"Welcome to Istanbul": A Hidden Turkish Gem Near Notre-Dame

If you're wandering the charming streets of Paris and craving Turkish food in Paris, you'll want to pop into Welcome to Istanbul. This cozy spot is just a stone's throw from the Notre-Dame Cathedral (and just a short stroll from the Pantheon), making it a perfect lunch stop between sightseeing. Wondering where to eat after visiting Notre-Dame? Step inside this hidden gem for an authentic Turkish cuisine experience right in the heart of Paris.

Where to Find It

Welcome to Istanbul is tucked in the Latin Quarter, at 4 Rue du Petit Pont (really, it's super close to Notre-Dame). The atmosphere is laid-back and vibrant, with warm lighting and Turkish decor that instantly makes you feel like you're in a little Istanbul café. Because it's so well-located, it might just be the best Turkish restaurant near Notre-Dame you’ll find – ideal for fueling up before checking out the Pantheon or wandering around the Seine.

What to Eat: Skewers, Fries & Baba Ganoush

One taste here and you know the food is authentic. Start with their savory skewers – tender lamb and chicken kebabs grilled to perfection. Pair them with the crispy spiced fries on the side for a fun twist (these fries might just steal the show!). And don’t leave without trying the creamy baba ganoush – a smoky eggplant dip that’s utterly addictive.

Tender Skewers: Juicy lamb and chicken kebabs, perfectly seasoned.

Crispy Fries: Golden, seasoned fries that add a tasty crunch.

Creamy Baba Ganoush: A smooth, smoky eggplant dip that feels like home.

With every bite, you’ll taste the flavors of authentic Turkish cuisine. Each bite feels like a mini trip to Istanbul. The menu covers all the classics, so whether you’re a kebab fan or just love Mediterranean dips, there’s something delightful here for you.

Friendly Service & Affordable Prices

Not only is the food fantastic, but the service is superb too. The staff greet you with smiles and can’t wait to explain the menu if you have questions. Portion sizes are generous, and prices are surprisingly affordable for Paris. Seriously, the meals won’t break the bank – making this one of the top spots for affordable Turkish food in Paris. It’s a refreshing surprise to get so much flavor and warmth without a hefty price tag, especially so close to major tourist sites.

Heads-Up: The Restroom

Now, the only quirky detail: the bathroom is down in the basement. It’s decently clean, but don’t expect a luxury spa level of lighting. The stairs leading down add a bit of old-world charm (or a scare factor if you’re visiting at night!), and once inside it’s a bit dim. Think of it as a fun story to tell — a true Parisian basement loo!

Why You’ll Love It

All in all, Welcome to Istanbul feels like a friendly lunch break at a friend’s house in Istanbul. It’s definitely among the best Turkish restaurants near Notre-Dame, offering genuine flavors and a relaxed vibe! So next time you’re exploring the Notre-Dame or Pantheon area, pop in here – your taste buds will thank you! Who knew authentic Turkish cuisine in Paris could be this easy on the wallet and this full of flavor?

#TurkishFood #ParisEats #HiddenGemParis #WelcomeToIstanbul...

We were visiting Paris for the second time and as we were not familiar to restaurants in Paris, we decided to eat Turkish food which was something that we were already familiar with. Therefore we decided to give a go at this restaurant. Once we got there we noticed that the atmosphere was not the best, looks very dark, the decoration is not the best, but as we really wanted to eat something we decided to plan to order the same dish as always which was Adana. While I was ready to make my order, my husband went to the toilet downstairs. Unfortunately NONE of the WAITERS were ready to pick any of my orders as they were more concerned on taking pictures of themselves . It took them 15 minutes to realise that I hadn’t been served. They only came to us when they noticed that we were putting our jackets back on as we could not wait any longer to be served. We were literally starving to death. Your staff preferred to take pictures of themselves instead of serving customers. Once we told your waiter that we were leaving he instantly assumed that we only wanted to go there so we could use the TOILET which WAS NOT the case. He had the audacity to say it to my husband: “ Next time you come here to use the toilet merely you can let us know “ Instead of apologising for the delay taking the order. As a result we ended up going to the next door restaurant which we ended up experiencing an exceptional decoration with a vast range of food selection and great...

They refused to serve us the sandwiches of shawarma in the terrace as we ate last Saturday. After asking for the reason as the sandwiches are available on the menu, they gave different excuses and contradictions in a very rude way of talking. Finally they confessed they had a reservation for 40 people and if they saw us with the sandwiches, the customers would prefer to order those instead the shawarma plates which cost double. By the way, when we were eating there last Saturday, a very big fight started in the middle of the street, in front of their terrace where we were, involving people threatening all of us with broken wine bottles and they kept on watching and did not call the police although we asked for that. I will NEVER EVER go again this...