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Fatih is a district of Istanbul, Turkey. It contains some of the most important tourist sites in the city and also has some great restaurants mixed in.
This post includes restaurants in the western part of Fatih only. Also, this post does not include Yüksel Uygur Restaurant, and the Aksaray branch of Hatay Medeniyetler Sofrası.
Kebapçı Mahmut
If you’re looking for a good steak or some unique specialties from Southeastern Anatolia, head to Kebapçı Mahmut. Ignore the strange Texas cowboy theme favored by the waiters and focus on the delicious food.
We went with a group of four and started with lentil soup (mercimek çorbası) and some meze dishes. Our main course was chicken baked in a salt dome and lamb cooked in a clay pot. They were brought table-side, set on fire, and expertly prepared in front of our eyes. Everything was delicious and my guests enjoyed the unexpected show.
Siirt Şeref Büryan
In the Zeyrek neighborhood, under the shadow of the Aqueduct of Valens, is Siirt Şeref Büryan. It’s considered the best place in Istanbul to get büryan kebab.
Büryan is lamb cooked over coals in a deep hole in the ground. This makes the meat very tender and gives it a delicious fatty flavor. It’s served on top of pide bread, and you don’t need to add anything to the meat to make it taste better. It’s that good on its own!
Barba Vasilis
Barba Vasilis is a Greek taverna in Fener, just a block from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. We arranged a lunch there for a group of 23 and enjoyed both the service and food. Our group also loved the chance to write their names on the wall.
For lunch, we had several meze dishes including grilled octopus followed by a choice of chicken, beef, or fish as a main course. Dessert was a type of halva with ice cream.
Faro Caffé
Also in Fener, just a few steps from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, is Faro Caffé. They offer a full menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a good variety of both international and Turkish food.
We stopped in for coffee and gözleme and were satisfied with the quality, price, and friendly service. Sitting in the outdoor terrace is enjoyable.
Kuleli Meyhane
For a nice experience at a meyhane, check out Kuleli Meyhane on Samatya Square (Samatya Meydanı) in Samatya. I visited with a group of friends while exploring the area and we had a delicious lunch. Service was excellent and friendly.
