A visit to Topkapi Palace is a journey through centuries of Ottoman grandeur, from glittering imperial treasures to serene courtyards overlooking the Bosphorus. But after hours of exploring royal chambers and palace kitchens, you’re bound to work up an appetite of your own. Fortunately, the historic Sultanahmet district is brimming with exceptional dining options just steps away from the palace gates.
From elegant rooftop restaurants with sweeping views of the Hagia Sophia and the sea, to cozy traditional eateries serving authentic Turkish kebabs, meze platters, and freshly baked pide, there’s something for every taste and budget. Whether you’re craving a leisurely lunch steeped in Ottoman flavors, fresh seafood by the waterfront, or a quick bite between sightseeing stops, the best restaurants near Topkapi Palace promise a memorable culinary experience to complement your day of exploration.
From elegant rooftop terraces to cozy local eateries, the area offers an impressive range of dining options. Whether you’re craving traditional Turkish flavors or international cuisine, you’ll find standout spots just steps from the palace grounds.
Rating: 4.8/5
Cuisine: Traditional Turkish and Mediterranean
Specialties: Mixed meze platters, grilled lamb chops, chicken shish kebab, fresh pide, baklava
Average cost: €20 to €30 per person
Address: Hoca Paşa Mahalle Nöbet Hane Caddesi, Serdar Sk. No:13, 34112 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 850m away
Rating: 4.9/5
Cuisine: Contemporary Turkish
Specialties: Lamb tandır, beef testi kebab, seasonal mezes, hünkar beğendi, kunefe
Average cost: €25 to €35 per person
Address: Hoca Paşa, Dervişler Sokağı No:7 D:2, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 750m away
Rating: 4.9/5
Cuisine: Turkish & Ottoman-inspired
Specialties: Mixed grill platters, seafood dishes, Ottoman-style stews, Turkish breakfast spread, rice pudding
Average cost: €20 to €30 per person
Address: Sultan Ahmet, Akbıyık Cd. No:79/A, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 650m away
Rating: 4.9/5
Cuisine: Turkish & International
Specialties: Adana kebab, grilled sea bass, creamy mushroom chicken, meze selection, Turkish delight desserts
Average cost: €20 to €30 per person
Address: Cankurtaran, Akbıyık Cd, Cankurtaran, akbıyık Sultanahmet No:33, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 450m away
Sample authentic flavors rooted in centuries of Ottoman culinary heritage. From sizzling kebabs and hearty stews to freshly prepared meze, these restaurants serve classic dishes in atmospheric, old-world settings.
Rating: 4.9/5
Cuisine: Ottoman & traditional Turkish
Specialties: Testi kebab (pottery kebab), lamb tandır, hünkar beğendi (lamb with smoked eggplant purée), stuffed vine leaves, baklava
Average cost: €25 to €35 per person
Address: Sultan Ahmet, Akbıyık Cd. No:70, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 550m away
Rating: 4.8/5
Cuisine: Turkish & Ottoman-inspired
Specialties: Mixed meze platters, Ottoman-style casseroles, Iskender kebab, grilled kofte, künefe
Average cost: €20 to €30 per person
Address: Hoca Paşa, Darüssade Sk. No 10, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 750m away
Rating: 4.6/5
Cuisine: Classic Turkish
Specialties: Adana kebab, lamb shish, traditional Turkish breakfast, meze platters, rice pudding
Average cost: €18 to €28 per person
Address: Cankurtaran, Akbıyık Cd. NO:51, 34450 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 450m away
Rating: 4.7/5
Cuisine: Turkish & Mediterranean
Specialties: Grilled sea bass, shrimp casserole, mixed grill platters, chicken shish, chocolate soufflé
Average cost: €20 to €30 per person
Address: Cankurtaran, Tevkifhane Sk. No:18, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 300m away
Elevate your meal with refined cuisine paired with sweeping views of the Bosphorus. Expect beautifully plated dishes, attentive service, and unforgettable sunset backdrops that make the experience as memorable as the menu.
Rating: 4.9/5
Cuisine: Mediterranean & Turkish fusion
Specialties: Grilled octopus, lamb chops, mezze selection, fresh salads, tiramisu
Average cost: €30 to €45 per person
Address: Sultan Ahmet, Torun Sk. 3a, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 500m away
Rating: 4.8/5
Cuisine: Turkish & International
Specialties: Lamb shish, seafood pasta, mixed grill, mezze boards, pistachio baklava
Average cost: €28 to €40 per person
Address: Sultan Ahmet, Torun Sk. no : 3 D:101, 34400 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 500m away
Rating: 4.9/5
Cuisine: Mediterranean with Turkish influences
Specialties: Seafood risotto, grilled king prawns, lamb kebabs, bruschetta, panna cotta
Average cost: €30 to €45 per person
Address: Sultan Ahmet, Akbıyık Cd. No:75, 34140 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 600m away
Exploring Istanbul’s historic heart doesn’t have to break the bank. These affordable spots serve generous portions of delicious local favorites, perfect for a satisfying meal between sightseeing stops.
Rating: 4.9/5
Cuisine: Turkish seafood & grill
Specialties: Grilled sea bream, Adana kebab, mixed grill platters, shrimp casserole, cold meze selection
Average cost: €18 to €28 per person
Address: Cankurtaran, Akbıyık Cd. 13A, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 350m away
Rating: 4.9/5
Cuisine: Turkish & Mediterranean
Specialties: Mixed fish platter, lamb chops, chicken shish, calamari, baklava
Average cost: €20 to €30 per person
Address: Cankurtaran, Mimar Mehmetağa Cd. No:33 D:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 550m away
Rating: 4.9/5
Cuisine: Turkish home-style cooking
Specialties: Traditional Turkish breakfast, gözleme, grilled kofte, vegetable casseroles, apple tea
Average cost: €15 to €25 per person
Address: Hoca Paşa, Nöbethane Çk. No:3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 800m away
Take a breather with freshly brewed Turkish coffee, flaky pastries, or light snacks in cozy café settings. Ideal for a mid-sightseeing pause, these cozy spots offer the perfect place to recharge.
Rating: 4.9/5
Cuisine: Turkish & café-style international
Specialties: Traditional Turkish breakfast platter, menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs), chicken shish, pasta dishes, Turkish coffee
Average cost: €15 to €25 per person
Address: Cankurtaran, Cankurtaran Cd. 20/A, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 450m away
Rating: 4.8/5
Cuisine: Mediterranean & International
Specialties: Grilled sea bass, steak plates, mezze selection, signature cocktails, cheesecake
Average cost: €25 to €40 per person
Address: Cankurtaran, Seyit Hasan Sk. no:8, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 400m away
Rating: 4.7/5
Cuisine: Traditional Turkish
Specialties: Mixed grill platter, lamb kebab, stuffed eggplant, lentil soup, baklava with Turkish tea
Average cost: €18 to €28 per person
Address: Cankurtaran, Akbıyık Cd. No17A, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 350m away
Dine above the city on scenic terraces overlooking domes, minarets, and the shimmering sea. These rooftop venues pair panoramic views with flavorful menus for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Rating: 4.9/5
Cuisine: Turkish & Mediterranean
Specialties: Mixed grill platters, grilled sea bass, lamb chops, cold meze selection, chocolate soufflé
Average cost: €25 to €40 per person
Address: Hoca Paşa, Hüdavendigar Cd. No:4 Kat:5, 34112 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 650m away
Rating: 4.8/5
Cuisine: Seafood & Turkish
Specialties: Grilled sea bream, calamari, shrimp casserole, seafood pasta, baklava
Average cost: €30 to €45 per person
Address: Cankurtaran, Akbıyık Cd. No:3, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 270m away
Rating: 4.9/5
Cuisine: Mediterranean & International
Specialties: Beef steak, grilled salmon, mezze platters, pasta dishes, tiramisu
Average cost: €30 to €45 per person
Address: Orient Express Hotel, Hoca Paşa, Hüdavendigar Cd. No : 24, 34120 sirkeci/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 700m away
Rating: 4.9/5
Cuisine: Turkish & International
Specialties: Lamb shish, Adana kebab, seafood platters, seasonal salads, kunefe
Average cost: €25 to €40 per person
Address: Cankurtaran, Bayram Fırını Sk. No:3, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 500m away
Rating: 4.8/5
Cuisine: Turkish & Mediterranean
Specialties: Mixed meze boards, grilled chicken, sea bass, signature cocktails, baklava
Average cost: €25 to €40 per person
Address: The Byzantium Hotel Teras, Cankurtaran, Akbıyık Cd. No:29 D:Kat, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 400m away
Rating: 4.8/5
Cuisine: Traditional Turkish
Specialties: Turkish breakfast spread, lamb kebab, chicken shish, lentil soup, rice pudding
Average cost: €20 to €35 per person
Address: Cankurtaran, Tevkifhane Sk. no:12, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 350m away
Traveling with kids is easy thanks to welcoming restaurants with relaxed atmospheres and crowd-pleasing menus. Spacious seating, varied dishes, and friendly service make these spots ideal for a comfortable family meal.
Rating: 4.5/5
Cuisine: Turkish seafood & grill
Specialties: Mixed grill platters, grilled sea bream, lamb chops, shrimp casserole, meze selection
Average cost: €20 to €30 per person
Address: Cankurtaran mahallesi Akbıyık Caddesi, Adliye Sk. no:9/a, 34400 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 290m away
Rating: 4.8/5
Cuisine: Turkish seafood
Specialties: Grilled sea bass, sea bream, calamari, seafood casserole, seasonal fish of the day
Average cost: €25 to €40 per person
Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ahırkapı Cd No:36 34122, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 700m away
Rating: 4.8/5
Cuisine: Seafood & Turkish
Specialties: Fresh oysters, mixed seafood platter, grilled salmon, shrimp dishes, baklava
Average cost: €25 to €40 per person
Address: Cankurtaran, Akbıyık Cd. No:22, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Find on maps
Distance: 300m away
Yes, rooftop spots like Queb Rooftop Restaurant, Ararat Terrace Restaurant & Rooftop, Seafront Lounge Rooftop Restaurant, and No. 7 Rooftop Restaurant offer panoramic views of the Bosphorus, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque, making them ideal for sunset dinners after your palace visit.
Reservations are recommended, especially for rooftop venues and dinner service during peak tourist months, as tables with views tend to fill up quickly.
The area is known for traditional Turkish and Ottoman dishes, fresh seafood, grilled kebabs, and meze platters, alongside Mediterranean and international options.
Yes, most restaurants in the area offer vegetarian mezes, vegetable casseroles, lentil soups, and clearly marked vegan dishes to accommodate different dietary preferences.
Prices typically range from €15 to €25 per person at casual cafés and local eateries, €20 to €35 at mid-range Turkish restaurants, and €30 to €45+ at rooftop or fine-dining venues with premium views and seafood specialties.
Many restaurants in Sultanahmet are welcoming to families, offering relaxed atmospheres, spacious seating, and kid-friendly menu options.
Lunch hours are convenient right after sightseeing, while early evening is best for enjoying cooler weather and sunset views from rooftop terraces.
Topkapi Palace & Harem Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide
Istanbul Super Combo: Topkapi Palace + Hagia Sophia + Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets
Topkapi Palace & Harem Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
Combo (Save 7%): Topkapi Palace + Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide
Combo (Save 13%): Topkapi Palace & Harem Skip-the-Line Tickets + Bosphorus 4-Course Dinner Cruise
Exclusive: Topkapi Palace & Harem + Hagia Irene Entry Ticket