Hünkar — Restaurant in Şişli

Hünkar Restaurant in Istanbul is truly great for anyone looking to experience authentic Ottoman cuisine at its finest. From the moment you walk in, you're welcomed with warm hospitality and a beautifully elegant yet traditional atmosphere that sets the tone for what’s to come.

Every dish we tried was uniquely flavorful, clearly prepared with the freshest ingredients and great attention to detail. You can immediately taste the heritage and passion behind the recipes — from slow-cooked meats to delicate vegetable stews and perfectly balanced spices, it’s a culinary journey through time.

The service was impeccable — attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and always ready to recommend something special. The staff’s care really elevates the dining experience and makes you feel like an honored guest.

What makes Hünkar stand out even more is its well-earned recognition — the restaurant has received numerous culinary awards and has long been regarded as one of Istanbul’s top fine dining establishments.

Hünkar is a must-visit for anyone who wants to explore rich Turkish flavors in a refined and authentic setting. A five-star experience through and through — I’ll definitely be...

Restaurant Review for Hunkar, Istanbul

Hunkar has been a staple in my dining life for years, a true embodiment of old-school Istanbulian charm. When it was recognized among the 50 best restaurants globally years back, I was filled with pride as a regular. However, shortly after this accolade, I noticed a decline in food quality which led me to visit less frequently.

A few years ago, my visits dwindled further, turning me into a reluctant patron. But over the last two years, there has been a noticeable turnaround. The dishes now burst with freshness and flavor, drawing me back to this historic eatery more often.

While I believe there's still room for improvement, I recognize the challenges of running a restaurant in Turkey's current economic climate. Perhaps my expectations are high due to longstanding familiarity, yet I'm pleased enough to recommend Hunkar to all my visiting friends.

Currently, Hunkar has reclaimed its status as one of the top Istanbulian restaurants to visit in MY List. If you're looking to experience authentic Turkish cuisine with a touch of tradition, Hunkar is worth every step towards its...

This is an overhyped below-average “esnaf lokantası” dressed up for Nişantaşı’s posh crowd, who ridiculously romanticize “ev yemeği” without ever knowing what real home cooking tastes like. I tried this place after hearing all the buzz, but left seriously disappointed.

It absolutely is not worth the high prices. Nothing felt special or authentic, just very basic (and salty) dishes with a fancy price tag.

The service was downright intrusive. Waiters annoyingly hovered around our table the entire time, many times trying to take our plates before we finished (even after we told them not to). They ended up removing several dishes that weren’t even done. It felt rushed, disrespectful and uncomfortable.

Overall, we had an unpleasant experience… Definitely not recommended unless you want to overpay for mediocrity and be pressured to leave before your meal’s even over. It’s designed for those...