
Hamdi Restaurant - Eminönü
Dine with a view! Hamdi Restaurant offers a taste of traditional Turkish kebabs and desserts with panoramic vistas of Istanbul.

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Hamdi Restaurant - Eminönü

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dine with a view! Hamdi Restaurant offers a taste of traditional Turkish kebabs and desserts with panoramic vistas of Istanbul.
"Amazing food & views near Eminonu - a must-visit for Turkish kebabs!"
Book Window Seats
Reserve in advance for window tables to enjoy the best views of the Golden Horn and Istanbul skyline.
Check Your Receipt
Carefully review your bill to ensure accuracy and avoid being charged for items not received.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Turkish
Price
$$$
Phone
+90 212 528 03 90
Address
Rüstem Paşa Mah Tahmis Caddesi, Kalçin Sk. No:11, 34116, Türkiye
Website
hamdi.com.tr/tr/eminonuHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bosphorus Views and Kebabs
Savor succulent charcoal-grilled kebabs with stunning views of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn from the upper floors.

Signature Pistachio Baklava
Indulge in the exquisite Hamdi Special Baklava, renowned for its intense pistachio flavor and flaky pastry.

Traditional Turkish Pide
Experience local favorites like pide, a delicious Turkish flatbread, alongside other classic kebab dishes.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Window Seats
Reserve in advance for window tables to enjoy the best views of the Golden Horn and Istanbul skyline.
Check Your Receipt
Carefully review your bill to ensure accuracy and avoid being charged for items not received.
Weekday Visits Recommended
Visit on weekdays or during off-peak hours for potentially better service and fewer crowds.
Try the Special Baklava
Don't miss the Hamdi Special Baklava for an extra burst of rich pistachio flavor.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Window Seats
Reserve in advance for window tables to enjoy the best views of the Golden Horn and Istanbul skyline.
Check Your Receipt
Carefully review your bill to ensure accuracy and avoid being charged for items not received.
Weekday Visits Recommended
Visit on weekdays or during off-peak hours for potentially better service and fewer crowds.
Try the Special Baklava
Don't miss the Hamdi Special Baklava for an extra burst of rich pistachio flavor.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hamdi Restaurant is celebrated for its stunning views of Istanbul and its delicious charcoal-grilled kebabs, with the pistachio baklava being a standout dessert. However, some diners find the prices to be high for the portion sizes and have noted issues with service attentiveness and occasional billing errors. Despite these concerns, many still recommend it for its unique ambiance and flavorful Turkish cuisine.
"very good place to eat. We had a Alinazik Kebab, it was absolutely delicious. staff was very lovely as well and gave us recommandation for dessert, we had Kunefe, which was nice and very different."
Cloé G
"One of the famous Turkish restaurant in the area the food is very good. They have a good service. Has a good Kabab and I Iskander kebab"
Talaat Qari
"A good local spot. We were recommended this place often during out stay in Istanbul. The pide and pistachio kebab were a highlight for sure. And almost worth a visit for those alone. The baklava was also excellent. Order the Hamdi special baklava if you go - it contains more pistachio flavour.
Unfortunately the sides and what came with he Kebab could be better. The bulgar wheat was fine if a little dry. We had much nicer bulgar at a different restaurant.
The service wasn't the most friendly but nothing untoeards - perhaps what you can expect from the Turkish tempremant. However, they were too efficient. My girlfriends plate was taken from under her before she even put her knife and fork down. It was so fast it took us both by surprise and although we were used to the efficiency of the waiting staff here this was a bit obtrusive.
Atmosphere was okay. A little quiet as we were sat on the first floor. This could be nice for some but we would rather have been in the main room a floor up with everyone else."
James Clifford
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Hamdi Restaurant is renowned for its succulent charcoal-grilled kebabs and its stunning panoramic views of Istanbul, especially from its upper floors. The pistachio baklava is also a highly recommended dessert. [^M1][^M2][^M6]
Yes, it is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially if you desire a window seat with the best views. [^M2][^data]
The restaurant is generally considered pricey, with some reviews noting that the portions may be small for the cost. [^data]
The Hamdi Special Baklava is highly recommended for its extra pistachio flavor. Other popular desserts include Knafeh. [^data]
The restaurant offers magnificent views of the Golden Horn, Galata Tower, and the historic Istanbul skyline, particularly from its upper floors and terrace. [^M2][^M7]
Some guests have reported issues with incorrect items on their receipts and service that can be rushed or inattentive. It's advised to check your bill carefully. [^data]
Beyond kebabs, the restaurant serves traditional Turkish specialties like Pide and various meze. Desserts like Baklava and Knafeh are also very popular. [^M1]
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The best restaurants in Istanbul
Close to the busy waterfront area by the landmark Galata Bridge and adjacent to the thronged shopping streets around the historic Spice Bazaar, bustling Hamdi specialises in succulent, charcoal-grilled kebabs of all kinds. Meze include tulum (goatskin cured) cheese and walnuts and humus; desserts vary from rich, buttery walnut and pistachio baklava to the cheese and shredded wheat speciality, künefe. The quality of the food is guaranteed by the presence of so many locals, and unusually for a kebab restaurant it serves (somewhat pricey) alcohol.
Istanbul's Best Kebab Restaurants
Overlooking Eminönü Square and the Golden Horn from its sixth-floor perch, you can’t miss Hamdi when you are visiting Sultanahmet due to its huge sign and the fact that the restaurant owns an entire building. Visual boasting aside, the food at Hamdi is indeed excellent, and any kebab you order here, whether it’s Beyti (grilled kebab on a skewer) or Alinazik (kebab with eggplant puree), is prepared the traditional way and tastes amazing. Make sure to reserve in advance and ask for a table by the window so that you can take in the great view.
Restaurants in Istanbul
This grill house is an Istanbul institution, with a huge selection of kebabs, as well as appetizers like mini lahmacun (thin flatbread topped with spicy ground meat); although the food may not be too different from other kebab houses, Hamdi's three dining floors still tend to be packed with both tourists and locals. This makes for a lively, even boisterous, atmosphere, and service can be a bit harried; make sure that you get—and pay for—exactly what you order.
Restaurants in Istanbul - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums
Lunch we ate at Hamdi (TWICE! This is a MUST), The Pudding Shop (a local institution, very convenient for the sights) and Brasserie Nistansi. 360, Lokanta, and Brasserie Nistansi are very trendy with electic menus. Lokanta and 360 also are late night drinking venues.
101 Things To Do In Istanbul
52 Ride along the bosphorus on a Sultan's boat 53 Sea the view in Kalpazankaya, Burgaz Island 54 Visit the mighty Hagia Sophia 55 Take the Harem Tour in Topkapi Palace 56 Buy spices from the Egyptian Bazaar 57 Ride on the nostalgic tram in Istiklal Street 58 Make the shortest trip in the oldest metro 59 See the Flower Passage and the Fish Market 60 See all the great monuments of Turkey in Miniaturk 61 See a Belly Dance Show 62 Take a picture of the Rumeli Fortress for your Istanbul Album 63 See the Obelisk of Theodosius 64 Attend a festival 65 Visit the Hidiv Pavilion 66 Feed the seagulls from ferry 67 Meet the humble couple: simit - cay (tea) 68 Love fusion food in Changa 69 Find your favorite terrace view in Beyoglu 70 Try out the Kanlica yoghurt 71 Have fun with a live performance in Babylon 72 Walk across Galata Bridge 73 Drink a homemade refreshment in Limonlu Bahce 74 Make your own things to do list for your friends 75 Get full with a fine T-bone steak at citys' popular restaurant: Nusret Steak House 76 Shop from the designer boutiques in Galata 77 Drink a big glass of draft beer in Nevizade Street 78 See the panoramic view in Ulus park 79 See the "Turtle Trainer" painting in Pera Museum 80 See the legendary Pera Palace Hotel 81 Examine the Sarcophagus of the Crying Women in Archealogy Museum 82 Relax and watch the crowd in Grand Bazaar at Fes Café 83 Get amazed by the industry museum in Rahmi Koc Museum 84 Taste the various(!) pickles in Asri Tursucu 85 Visit the elegant Ihlamur Pavilion 86 Book a fine dinner at Ulus 29 87 Have a tranquille afternoon in Yildiz Park 88 See the historic landmark: Haydarpasa Train Station 89 See the tiles of the seasons in Markiz Pattiserie 90 Visit Joshua's Hill (Yusa Tepesi) 91 Dine at Sarnic Restaurant 92 Reserve a dinner at Daruzziyafe Restaurant 93 Buy a gift to your home from Pasabahce Store 94 Visit 1001 Column Cistern 95 Escape the city for some clean air to Polonezkoy 96 Visit Kucuksu Pavilion 97 Observe the city from Galata Tower 98 Eat kebap at Hamdi Restaurant 99 Have an afternoon snack at the citys new hotspot Bej Cafe in Karakoy 100 Find the best Greek food in Istanbul at Beyoglu Eleos 101 Buy a poem book and discover the exquisite Turkish poets
Best Kebab Restaurants in Istanbul: 10 Must-Try Spots
Hamdi Restaurant, with its humble beginnings as a small kebab stand near Eminönü in the 1960s, has grown into a five-story establishment with multiple branches across Istanbul, including Pera and Şişli. With its prime location near the Spice Bazaar, the restaurant offers breathtaking views of the historic skyline, featuring landmarks like Galata Tower, Sultanahmet, and the Bosphorus. Specializing in Southeastern Anatolian cuisine, Hamdi is famed for its extensive kebab selection, including their signature Alinazik kebab (grilled meat on creamy eggplant), lamb shish, and spicy Urfa kebab.
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Offering a different perspective than the other restaurants on this list, Hamdi Restaurant stands opposite the Galata Bridge, nearby the Yeni Cami and the Spice Bazaar. Serving traditional and modern takes on the Turkish cuisine and Turkish desserts, the award-winning restaurant’s humble beginnings of Urfalı (from the city of Urfa, Southeastern Turkey) Hamdi Usta grilling kebabs at a small hole in the wall at the same location is inspiring. Today, the original location occupies the whole building and its terrace is where the view is.
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Hamdi Restaurant is located in Eminonu and it’s a great place to stop and enjoy authentic Turkish baklava and other desserts while you’re exploring and learning more about this part of Istanbul. They also serve hot food and great drinks, but many people visit simply for the desserts. It’s a place that has a great location and the views over the historic city are simply amazing if you’re sitting by the window.
Savor Istanbul's Finest Kebabs | istanbul.com
The Hamdi Restaurant is situated adjacent to the Spice Bazaar and is accessible to both Sultanahmet and Taksim Square. Hamdi Arpaci, who came to Istanbul from Sanliurfa in the late 1960s, began his company as a street vendor in Eminonu and now owns the five floors of the building where he serves his clients. Hamdi Restoran’s menu has 17 distinct kebab options, including Birecik kebab and opium poppy kebab.
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Located in Eminönü, Hamdi Restaurant is one of the go-to-addresses for an authentic kebab experience in Istanbul. Opened nearly 20 years ago, the place is famous for its delicious kebabs as well as its magnificent view. If you also wish to taste delicious food against the backdrop of the beautiful silhouette of Istanbul, we would definitely recommend you to try Hamdi Restaurant.
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The restaurant, founded by Hamdi Arpacıklı, expresses great effort and success. Hamdi, who came to Istanbul in 1960 and became a street seller, was immediately known for his delicious kebabs. Hamdi, who made and sold kebabs on the same street corner in Eminönü for seven years, finally rent a floor of the apartment standing just behind the sales counter with the money he saved.
Turkey’s best kebab restaurants
Located just steps from the Egyptian Bazaar in Eminonu, Hamdi Restaurant isn’t just a stop on the way to the bazaar but a destination itself. Specializing in southeastern cuisines, it affords a magnificent view of the Golden Horn, the Galata Tower and Eminonu. Since window-side tables are in high demand, making a reservation in advance is highly recommended.
11 Best Kebab Restaurants in Istanbul in 2024 – Turkey Things
Hamdi is more of a tourist establishment, located in a historic neighborhood close to the main sights of Istanbul. This restaurant was opened in 1960 and is located at the top of a building, next to the Spice Bazaar, with an amazing view of the city. It is lavishly decorated and sprawls across three floors with plenty of seating available on each floor.
Best Kebab shops in Istanbul ► Seed Educational Consulting
Six-story restaurant overlooking Eminönü Square and the Golden Horn, Hamdi is a must-see when visiting the Sultanahmet due to its huge sign and ownership of an entire building.Whichever way you order it, you won’t be disappointed with the food served at Hamdi.Remember to book and ask for a table at the window so you can enjoy the beautiful landscape.
Hamdi Kebap - Istanbul Tour Studio – Istanbul Guide
Chef Hamdi Arpacı, the founder of Hamdi Restaurant, was one of several kebab masters who migrated from the city of Şanlıurfa in the 1960s to seek his fortune in the big city. He first opened a small counter at the corner of a parking lot situated next to the New Mosque in Eminönü, which transformed into the little kebab dynasty he manages today.
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Hamdi Restaurant sits right near the shores of the Bosporus Strait separating Europe from Asia. It’s near many of Istanbul’s main sights like the spice market and all the ferry boats. The restaurant has been at that location from its beginnings in the 1960s as a kebab stand to the internationally acclaimed fine dining establishment it is today.
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Started as a food street vendor, Hamdi Arpacı who came from Urfa and opened his first food stand at a parking lot located next to Eminonu. He offered delicious kebab to the public and became popular for his Urfa Kebab. The increase in his popularity made him establishes the Hamdi Meat restaurant on the corner of the same parking lot.
İstanbul'da Lahmacun Yiyebileceğiniz En İyi 10 Mekan
Daha önce bol fıstıklı künefesi sebebiyle mercek altına aldığımız mekan, şimdi çeşit çeşit lahmacunları ile radarımızda. Malzemesi bol, acılı, acısız, hafiften sarımsaklı lahmacunlardan açlık durumunuza göre büyük ya da küçük alabilirsiniz. Yanına gavurdağı salatası da aldınız mı emin olun o öğün bir ziyafete dönüşecektir.
Where to Eat in Istanbul
For a sitdown kebab meal with a great view try Hamdi, which is listed in most guidebooks but also recommended by my Turkish friends. It is at Kalcin Sokak in Eminonu (Sirkesi) close to the New Mosque and it has a view of the Golden Horn and the Galata Bridge. Unlike many kebab places they serve alcohol.
Halal Hotels in Istanbul | Halal Holidays
The best halal restaurants in Istanbul includeHayat Cafe, Asitane, Mozaik Café,Hamdi Restaurant, 360Istanbul Restaurant, Bab-i Hayat Restaurant, Istanbul Modern, etc. There are restaurants and cafes around the Taksim Squareand in the Grand Bazaar where visitors can find delectable halal food.
İstanbul’da Efsane Künefenin 11 Adresi
İstanbul künefe yerleri listemizin son sırasında Hamdi Restaurant yer alıyor. Görüntüsüyle büyüleyen Galata Kulesi’nin manzarası eşliğinde önce yemek ardından da tatlı yemek isterseniz Hamdi Restaurant tam size göre!. Bu mekanın hem yemekleri hem de künefesi adeta damak çatlatan cinsten!
Restaurants in Istanbul
This is a good-quality kebab restaurant that has gained an elevated status because of its location (next to the Spice Bazaar) and view (across the Golden Horn towards Galata Tower). It has become incredibly popular with tourists and locals, so it's advisable to make a reservation,…
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Hamdi Restaurant is at the bottom of our Istanbul künefe places list. If you want to have a meal first and then dessert, accompanied by the view of the enchanting Galata Tower, Hamdi Restaurant is just for you!. Both the food and the künefe of this place are palate-breaking!
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Located in Eminönü, Hamdi Restaurant is one of Istanbul’s most famous kebab restaurants. Here, you can eat delicious kebabs with a view of both the Galata Tower and the New Mosque. The most famous dishes of Hamdi Restaurant are pistachio kebab, lahmacun, and kunefe.
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You can enjoy all the famous Turkish kebabs in this restaurant. This restaurant is located next to the Egyptian Bazaar and in addition to an unforgettable meal, you can also see an unforgettable view. Be sure to visit Hamdi Restaurant for kebab in Istanbul.
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Hamdi Restaurant Eminönü is one of the restaurants that tops our list of Istanbul restaurant recommendations. It is located in the Eminönü district of Istanbul province. Hamdi Restaurant Eminönü is known for its dishes that best reflect Turkish cuisine.
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Hamdi – probably the best location of the bunch, on the sixth floor overlooking Eminönü Square and the Golden Horn. If you want a table overlooking the view on the balcony, reserve in advance. Be sure to get the kebab with pistachios, it’s moreish.
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Hamdi Restaurant in Istanbul offers extraordinary views of the Golden Horn. Specializing in southeastern cuisines, a signature dish is the testi kebabi, which is made with veal, tomatoes, onions, garlic, pepper, oregano, tomato paste and butter.
The BEST Kebab in Istanbul: 15 Restaurants to Find the Best One!
While you’re over visiting the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşı) you can try out Hamdi. This restaurant was started as a street vendor by Hamdi Arpaci in the 1960s. It is now a 5-floor restaurant where people enjoy all kinds of kebabs in Istanbul.
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Located near the Spice Bazaar, this renowned establishment offers a delightful kazandibi as part of their traditional meze selection. Its delicate flavor and smooth texture are sure to leave you wanting more.
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Her one restaurant recommendation was for Hamdi, an Istanbul restaurant that is close to the Eminönü ferry docks. “They had a pistachio kebab that I cannot stop thinking about,” Alison told me.
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