Housed in an immaculately restored, turn of the 20th century wooden house, it’s almost worth visiting Giritli for its elegant, cedar-panelled, high-ceilinged interior alone – though on sultry summer evenings the vine-shaded garden is the place to be. It’s a meyhane (tavern) but far quieter and more genteel than most of its peers. You can order à la carte, but the superb-value, all-inclusive menu is the real draw, with a decent local wine, rakı or beer part of the deal.

A seafood restaurant in Sultanahmet, Giritli serves Mediterranean-style seafood inspired by the owner’s Cretan grandfather. Giritli offers a fixed-price four-course meal with excellent hot and cold starters, followed by a fish entrée and dessert. Pair your simply seasoned grilled fish with a delicious starter and some raki, and enjoy your meal in the outdoor seating area.

The modern meyhane of Giritli still feels like a delicious discovery, even after nearly two decades in business. Credit...Gozde Durusoy for The New York Times

This elegant yet comfortable fish restaurant, serving food typical of the Turks who once lived on the island of Crete, is filled most nights with groups of locals and tourists taking advantage of a prix fixe menu. While the grilled octopus leg in olive oil is close to perfect, we get really worked up for the seafood and orzo salad, the olives stuffed with walnuts and feta, and the sardines wrapped in grape leaves – part of the dozen or so mezes brought to the table. In the warm months, Giritli’s garden is just as pleasant as any rooftop terrace, and even though it received a Michelin nod in 2022, it still feels like a secret in the tourist-laden Sultanahmet.

Iskele’s ambience is as inspirational as the cuisine is consistently excellent, since it is located directly on the Bosphorus in an Ottoman-era boat dock in the shadows of a historic castle. Istanbul traditionalists visit this ageless fish restaurant because they believe the city’s culinary traditions remain protected inside these walls. Many of the waiters know their clients by name and whether they like their raki with or without ice.

Situated in the historic Cankurtaran district, Giritli Restaurant is a hidden gem that pays homage to the rich culinary heritage of Cretan cuisine. The venue offers a beautiful summer terrace, perfect for enjoying the warm Istanbul evenings, and a cozy indoor setting for cooler days. Giritli is well-known for its mezze menu, which features a variety of traditional dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients.

Across from its impressive courtyard, Giritli has a cosy atmosphere, with wood ceilings and floors, white tablecloths and Greek tunes wafting through the air. Mother Ayşe, as Ayşe Şensılay is fondly known, welcomes guests with warm affection. The food draws inspiration from her Cretan roots: salads, mezes, edible greens, fish, and seafood.

Giritli is a hidden gem in Istanbul that offers a delightful taste of Aegean cuisine. This restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and traditional dishes that reflect the rich culinary heritage of the region. Located in the heart of the city, Giritli provides a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family.

Giritli is a Greek-owned restaurant, open for lunch and dinner, where mezze is the specialty. I opted for the set menu, and for 50 euro, I had an amazing selection of mezze that included spinach pie and calamari and 2 glasses of wine. You also get to choose an entree, and I had the grilled fish.

Housed in a two story building with a lovely garden, Giritli is renowned for its spectacular selection of hot & cold mezes*, and unique fish dishes prepared with special herbs in the Mediterranean tradition of Turks who once lived on the island of Crete.

Giritli Restaurant is a restaurant that ranks highly among Istanbul restaurant recommendations. It is located in the Fatih district in the province of Istanbul. It is a traditional and well-established restaurant.

Giritli’nin tek özelliği sadece yaz aylarında açık olan muhteşem terası değil. Bunun yanında cömert meze menüsü mükemmel ve geleneksel klasikleri daha yenilikçi kreasyonlarla sade bir şekilde birleştiriyor.

Located in the old town, Giritli is a restaurant known for its mezzes and fresh seafood, served in a traditional wooden Ottoman house. It holds a Bib Gourmand for good quality at a moderate price.

Giritli in Sultanahmet is a great place for dinner. In warm weather, enjoy eating in the gardens. Keresteci Hakki Sokak, Cankurtaran/Ahirkapi