Turgut Kebab Restaurant -Sultanahmet- — Restaurant in Fatih

From the moment I stepped into Turgut Kebab, I knew I was in for something special but I wasn’t prepared for just how amazing the experience would be.

Let’s talk about the food first: absolutely exceptional. I ordered the karışık kebap platter for one and the grilled meatballs, and they were both out of this world. Every single bite was packed with rich, smoky flavor and perfectly seasoned. The kebabs were tender, juicy, and fresh off the grill. The meatballs, though oh my God! they were the juiciest and most flavorful I’ve ever had, with a texture that just melts in your mouth. It was a perfect balance of spices, char, and meatiness.

The portions were generous, especially the platter, which was more than enough for one person and yet so good I didn’t want to leave a single bite behind.

The service was top-tier. The staff were extremely warm, attentive, and genuinely cared that we had a great experience. They checked in just the right amount, made excellent suggestions, and made sure everything was perfect throughout the meal. I truly felt taken care of like a guest, not just a customer.

The ambience was cozy and welcoming. It’s a clean, well-kept space with a homely charm simple but full of character. The atmosphere was peaceful enough to relax, but still buzzing with the energy of satisfied customers around us. I’d rate the ambience 9/10 only because the food stole the entire spotlight!

Overall: 🔹 Food: 10/10 🔹 Service: 10/10 🔹 Ambience: 9/10

If you’re visiting Istanbul and looking for authentic, unforgettable Turkish kebabs, Turgut Kebab is an absolute must. I’ve tried quite a few places during my stay, but this one easily tops the list. Whether you’re a meat lover or just exploring Turkish cuisine, this spot delivers quality, hospitality, and incredible flavors in every bite.

Can’t wait to go back. Highly...

We’ve been in Istanbul for 9 nights, and tomorrow we’re flying back to the UK. I can honestly say this was the best place we sat down to eat during our entire stay. The food was good — not quite excellent — but what truly made it special was the outstanding customer service.

We had the pleasure of being served by Yusuf on the terrace, and he made us feel more like guests in his own home than just customers. He looked after us wonderfully, shared background information about places we asked about, and even recommended a few more spots to visit.

Funny enough, our day hadn’t been going well — we were left in the wrong place after an excursion — but by sheer luck, it was right in front of Turgut! It turned out to be the best surprise of our trip.

The terrace itself is beautiful, with two magnificent views: one of the stunning Blue Mosque and the other of the sparkling sea. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and soak in Istanbul’s magic.

Yusuf also has another special gift besides his warm manners — he has a few feathered friends who come when he calls! He feeds the seagulls in a designated area away from the tables, and they respond only to him. It’s a lovely sight to watch, especially for families with children who might enjoy taking pictures as the seagulls swoop down for a snack.

I also noticed how genuine Yusuf and the rest of the team were with everyone they served on the top floor. I genuinely regret only discovering this place on our last night — otherwise, we would have had most of our meals here!

Before we left, they insisted we try his apple tea — and I can honestly say it was the best tea we had in Istanbul.

To Yusuf and the team: a big thank you for ending our trip on such a high...

Date/Time: 27/06/25 | 14:30 Server: N/A Table: 8

Summary: Accessibility: V easy to get to if you are visiting the Hagia Sophia + Blue Mosque which is what we did. Service: The servers do speak English so is a good spot for tourists. Price: The price here is decent, bare in mind that it is still close to the main square so if you venture further out you could find the same quality food for cheaper. Ambience, dining area: We sat downstairs and they do have live performers which is nice, nothing too loud or disruptive and was just in the corner playing instruments/vocals.

Food: Food was pretty good, I wouldn't say it was amazing or anything just a reliable meal for tired tourist legs who don't want to venture out too far - esp as it was 34 degrees when we went.

Recs: I can personally vouch for the Chicken stew - can't remember the name - although I will say this dish could be improved if they increased the rice portion as it simply wasn't enough. Or the server should ask if you would like more - we made do with the fresh bread provided at the beginning instead.

Overall: This is a restaurant I would recommend if you are in the area and just want a reliable meal that won't be a price gouge given its location. The street its on is not too noisy or super busy with cars, tho in the daytime there is always a lot happening, although nothing distracting. Service was decent and average wait time for food. They did provide free tea at the end which is appreciated, we were able to pay with...