Antakya Mutfağı — Restaurant in Beyoğlu

My family and I were in Istanbul last week. Our plan was to visit the sights and historical places of this beautiful city and try local and traditional foods of different cities to better understand the culture of Turkish people. After a long day, we returned to the hotel and googled the restaurants around the hotel, which suggested this restaurant to us. It was not far from the hotel at all. On foot, two or three minutes. When we arrived at the restaurant, we realized that the restaurant is located in a side street and on the fourth floor of an old building and does not have an elevator. It was difficult for my parents to climb so many stairs. As a result, I decided to go alone first and see if it was worth going at all. When I went upstairs, the restaurant was full of customers. I couldn't believe that all the customers were on the fourth floor of that old building. Luckily for me, there was a customer there who was from Turkey and was fluent in English. She came to me for help and her first question was how did you find this place? Here is one of the hidden pearls of Istanbul that only we Turks know about. I asked her, is the food here good? She told me to try. I promise you won't regret it. I asked the owner of the restaurant to hold the first empty table for us so that I can go downstairs and bring my parents upstairs. This family-run restaurant has Antakya cuisine. For me and my family, eating here was not like other restaurants. It was as if we had gone to a dear friend's house for a party. The food was very tasty and of good quality. But more than the food, the restaurant's owner was really friendly and warm. That night was literally one of our best nights in Istanbul. I will definitely visit this restaurant again in my next trips and I recommend that you visit here if you want to try Antakya's delicious food in a simple but very intimate and...

Antakya Mutfagi lives up to its name and more.

We managed to get tables the 3 times that we ate here during the week we were in Istanbul - yes, it is that good! The owner, Sophocles (strong name) gave us his recommendations and the origin story - food from his family town in the Antakya region of Turkey but with the added privilege of using his Grandmother's recipes and all organic ingredients from Antakya, brought in weekly. The food is quite special - a unique representation of spiciness, freshness and depth of flavour. One can always gauge the authenticity of a Turkish restaurant by the quality and intensity of its peppers. Antakya's peppers pack a punch like Chuck Lidell (some of you may need to Google that!). We always got the Karisik Meze Tabagi (selection of 5 mezes) but with the Sophocles special upgrade which are flavour enhanced Atom (Yoghurt, Garlic and Pepper) and Abugannus (Aubergine, Garlic and Pepper).

The Kiyma (mincemeat), Kusbasi (meat cubes) and Haribye (mincemeat with tomato) Durum Kebaps are all superb. The Haribye Tavuk (chicken wrap with tomato) and Kusbasi Kebap (lamb cubes wrap) are all strong contenders - flavoursome meat with beautiful spices. The clear winner for me is the off menu deboned chicken leg in tomato sauce. Legend has it that the owner will deny its existence 3 times before finally serving you - it is that good.

The restaurant is outstanding value for money for a Taksim restaurant. As much as the meat dishes are impressive, I have to put aside my carnivore bias and tip my hat to the substantial vegan offerings. Please note that accessing the restaurant requires one to climb 100 stairs. This just made the food taste better for me and made me respect the 75 year old lady I met on the stairwell whilst making the climb. It is advisable to reserve tables before making the journey - this...

Ascending the stairs to the 3rd or 4th floor may seem daunting, especially after a stroll down the bustling Istiklal Street, but trust me, what awaits you at the top is nothing short of divine – a culinary paradise straight from the heart of Antakya!

As you step into the welcoming embrace of this charming eatery, you're met with an atmosphere that is both inviting and pristine. The staff, adorned with smiles, make you feel right at home, and the owner, a true gem of Istanbul, adds an extra layer of warmth to the experience. His genuine joy upon discovering our Greek heritage, evident in the playful tunes of Greek music that filled the air, left an indelible mark on our hearts.

But let's talk about the real star of the show – the food. Prepare your taste buds for a journey of unparalleled delight! From the sumptuous cold appetizer plate, boasting creamy hummus and a tantalizing array of delicacies, to the savory delights of lahmacun and kiyma kebap, each dish is a testament to the culinary mastery at work here. And let me tell you, the kiyma kebap? A revelation! Tender, flavorful, and simply unforgettable.

Don't let the opportunity to experience this culinary haven pass you by. Trust me, a visit to this establishment is not just a meal – it's an unforgettable adventure...