Mahir Lokantası — Restaurant in Beyoğlu

Visiting Mahir Lokantası was one of my main goals during my Istanbul trip, and I’m so glad I had the chance to experience it. I’m particularly grateful for their new location in the Pera area, which made my visit much more convenient since I was already in the neighborhood. We arrived at Mahir about an hour before closing time, and understandably, many menu items were sold out for the day. However, I wasn’t surprised by this – it’s actually a good sign of their popularity! I was thrilled to discover that they still had içli köfte available, which was exactly what I was hoping to try. The içli köfte was absolutely exceptional – easily one of the best I’ve ever had. The filling, enhanced with basil, gave a wonderful aroma to the seasoned ground meat, while the spicy butter melting on top elevated the entire dish to another level. I also tried their lahmacun, which was perfectly crafted with great attention to detail. I’m already planning to visit Mahir again on my next trip to Istanbul, but much earlier in the day so I can explore more of their culinary offerings. The prices are very reasonable considering the outstanding food quality, making it excellent value for money. I wholeheartedly recommend Mahir Lokantası to anyone visiting Istanbul. It’s a true gem that showcases authentic Turkish cuisine...

We saw this understated restaurant across from The Rixos Pera but don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you. Inside there was a serene atmosphere and a gracious host let us choose a table of our choice. We sat near the kitchen so we could watch the chefs at work with the dough and minced meat, my regret only that I did not capture a video of this art!

We were not sure what to expect as too many times the reviews on here are overhyped for places however the menu offered items we had not seen elsewhere so this triggered our interest. I asked for a recommendation and was directed to the beef lamb minced kebab. We also tried the lahmucan and my wife who doesn’t even eat lamb ended up eating half! That’s how good it was!

We didn’t realise they were closing at 10pm I assume maybe due to it being the eve of Labour Day, however we were not rushed at all. We really wanted to come back the next day but due to the public holiday we could not.

We would definitely recommend you come here and try the more traditional dishes as everything was really well made...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had the pleasure of visiting Mahir Restaurant’s new Pera branch, and it truly felt like a special experience. From the very first moment, I was greeted so warmly by the owners , their kindness and genuine hospitality instantly made me feel at home.

The food is beyond words! The lahmacun was thin, crisp, and packed with flavor, and the içli köfte had that perfect balance of texture and taste that makes you want to order more. Everything came to the table fresh and beautifully served.

What I really appreciate is that Mahir keeps its traditions alive as it grows , the same clean white tablecloths, the same care in service, and the same attention to detail you expect from a place that truly values its guests.

If you ever notice a line outside, take it as a good sign! It simply means you’re about to enjoy something worth waiting for. This place is not just about food, it’s about warmth, hospitality, and a feeling...