Tarihi Meshur Sultanahmet Köfteçisi
The Tarihi Sultan Ahmet Koftacesi restaurant is a great place for authentic Turkish kebabs. It has been around since 1920 and its walls are adorned with letters of appreciation from famous people who have dined there – including Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan who was the mayor of Istanbul when he visited. The specialty of this restaurant is ‘koftas or koftacesi” – minced beef that is barbequed lightly in skewers and served within minutes of your getting a table at this busy restaurant.
Located in the famous Sultan Ahmet area, about 50 meters from the entrance to the Basilica Cistern and a couple of minutes walk from the Blue Mosque and the Aya Sophia, this area is the epicenter for millions of tourists that come to Istanbul every year. The delicious kebabs melt in your mouth. Some fresh baked bread, a spicy dressing and salad accompany the kebabs. For those who do not want to eat beef, they also serve lamb skewers – watch out for the deceptive cubes of grilled fat – which will arrive a few minutes late as they are made to order.
Whether you are there during lunch hour or feel hungry in the evening, Tarihi Sultan Ahmet Koftacesi is a great place to get a bite. It is not a fancy eating place. It has good freshly made kebabs and is inexpensive.
Type: Turkish
Tel: 212-513-1438
Address: Divanyolu Cad. 12/A, Sultanahmet, Eminonu
Timings: Daily 1200-2200
