Where is the best kebab in Istanbul?

Based on diner recommendations, the best kebab in Istanbul is at Adana Ocakbaşı. We compared 23 restaurants serving kebab.

How much does kebab cost in Istanbul?

Kebab prices in Istanbul range from TRY18.00 to TRY680.00 across 23 restaurants.

All Dish Comparisons in Istanbul

Best Kebab in Istanbul

23 restaurants compared

Price range: TRY18.00 – TRY680.00

Avg recommendation: 92%

Top 5 Kebab in Istanbul (Quick Answer)

Based on diner recommendations across 23 restaurants:

Adana Ocakbaşı, TRY120.00 (Kurtuluş)
Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi, TRY130.00 (Sultanahmet)
Çiya Sofrası, TRY82.00 (Kadıköy)
Beyti, TRY580.00 (Florya)
NATO Lokantası, TRY165.00 (Karaköy)

Scroll down for detailed comparisons, prices, and diner tips for each restaurant.

All 23 Restaurants Compared

Adana Ocakbaşı

Kurtuluş·$$

Lamb Chops

TRY120.00

Charred lamb rib chops brushed with butter and herbs, grilled to a smoky crust.

Tip: Lamb chops here are expensive but worth it. The meat is tender enough to eat with a fork, and the charring is refined without being burnt. Order a few and share.

Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Sultanahmet·$

Lamb Shish Kebab

TRY130.00

Tender chunks of lamb on a metal skewer, charcoal-grilled with peppers and tomato.

Tip: Try this if you want something different from the famous köfte. Slightly pricier but the meat quality is excellent.

Çiya Sofrası

Kadıköy·$$

Pistachio Kebab

TRY82.00

Minced lamb kebab studded with crushed pistachio nuts for crunch and richness.

Tip: The pistachio kebab runs out by mid-afternoon. It's usually available but quantities are limited, so arrive before 1 PM if you specifically want it.

Beyti

Florya·$$$$

Adana Kebab

TRY580.00

Spiced ground lamb kebab formed onto a flat skewer and grilled.

Tip: This is more casual than other items on the menu — good if you want kebab but prefer something with more obvious seasoning and a DIY-style service.

NATO Lokantası

Karaköy·$$

Saç Kavurma

TRY165.00

Cubed meat seared on a traditional flat griddle until browned, tossed with peppers and onions.

Tip: Less famous than the döner but equally good—often overlooked by tourists. A solid choice if you want something seared rather than roasted.

Zübeyir Ocakbaşı

Beyoğlu·$$$

Kuzu Şiş (Lamb Skewer)

TRY27.00

Cubed lamb marinated and threaded onto metal skewers, cooked over the open coal fire.

Tip: Ask for two skewers — a single one goes fast once you start eating.

Zübeyir Ocakbaşı

Beyoğlu·$$$

Adana Kebab

TRY18.00

Spiced minced lamb kneaded with onions, garlic, and chili, molded onto flat metal skewers and cooked over charcoal.

Tip: Ask for the spicy version — the default is quite mild.

Öz Kilis Kebap

Fatih·$$

Oruk Kebab

TRY120.00

Ground lamb kebab with herbs and spices, cooked in a shallow pan until crispy.

Tip: If pan kebab is sold out, this is the next best option. The oregano gives it a slightly different character.

Khorasani

Sultanahmet·$$$

Lamb Shish Kebab

TRY280.00

Tender lamb chunks threaded on a skewer, charcoal-grilled until caramelized.

Tip: Excellent choice if you don't want the theater of the Testi Kebab. The lamb quality is the same, just simpler.

#10

Hamdi Restaurant

Eminönü·$$$

İskender Kebab

TRY240.00

Thinly sliced döner meat layered over pita bread with yogurt and spiced tomato sauce.

Tip: Sit at the counter to watch the doner spit and kebab grill in action—the visual is part of the experience.

#11

Hamdi Restaurant

Eminönü·$$$

Lamb Shish Kebab

TRY320.00

Tender chunks of lamb threaded on a skewer and charcoal-grilled until caramelized.

Tip: Good choice for shared eating—order two or three skewers per person. Generous portions.

#12

Beyti

Florya·$$$$

Yogurt Kebab

TRY620.00

Lamb kebab served over yogurt with tomato sauce and butter.

Tip: Good for sharing — the yogurt base makes it feel more like a composed dish than a simple grill. Different from the Beyti Kebab in technique and presentation.

#13

Khorasani

Sultanahmet·$$$

Adana Kebab

TRY240.00

Ground lamb kebab heavily spiced with red pepper and herbs, charcoal-grilled.

Tip: This is moderately spicy. If you don't like heat, ask for it milder. The kitchen will adjust.

#1498% recommend

Beyti

Florya·$$$$

Beyti Kebab

TRY680.00

Aged lamb loin wrapped in flatbread — the dish that gave Beyti its name.

Tip: This is the only dish you need to order — the menu is large but Beyti Kebab is why the restaurant exists. Order it and nothing else to fully understand what 80 years of refinement looks like.

#1596% recommend

Adana Ocakbaşı

Kurtuluş·$$

Adana Kebab

TRY95.00

Minced lamb with tail fat and spices, grilled over charcoal until the edges char and the inside stays pink.

Tip: Order pink — Ayhan will cook it until it's warm throughout but still rosy inside. This is the ideal doneness for this meat and fat ratio. If you prefer well-done, specify, but the staff will likely gently redirect you.

#1695% recommend

Zübeyir Ocakbaşı

Beyoğlu·$$$

Pirzola (Lamb Chops)

TRY24.00

Thick-cut lamb chops grilled over charcoal until the surface chars and the meat stays tender inside.

Tip: Book at least a week in advance — this place fills up fast and walk-ins rarely get a table within hours.

#1792% recommend

Hamdi Restaurant

Eminönü·$$$

Alinazik Kebab

TRY320.00

Charcoal-grilled lamb kebab served on a bed of creamy burnt eggplant puree.

Tip: Ask your server to make sure the kebab is cooked over charcoal, not on the flat top grill—it makes a visible difference.

#1892% recommend

NATO Lokantası

Karaköy·$$

Döner Kebab

TRY140.00

Seasoned lamb and beef roasted on a vertical spit daily, sliced and served on a plate with rice or bread.

Tip: Come before 1 PM or risk the döner selling out. By 2:30 PM most days it's gone.

#1991% recommend

Adana Ocakbaşı

Kurtuluş·$$

Lamb Liver Şiş

TRY110.00

Lamb liver skewered with tail fat and cumin, grilled over charcoal until just set.

Tip: If you've never had grilled liver, try it here. The fat keeps it moist and the cumin makes it savory without being gamey. The texture should be slightly firm outside and barely set inside.

#2091% recommend

Öz Kilis Kebap

Fatih·$$

Pan Kebab (Kilis Tava)

TRY110.00

Thin disc of ground lamb cooked in a shallow metal dish in a wood-fired oven until crispy.

Tip: Pairs perfectly with raw onions on the side and fresh parsley. The onion cuts the richness of the lamb fat.

#2190% recommend

Feriye

Ortaköy, Beşiktaş·$$$$

Rack of Lamb

TRY380.00

Perfectly cooked lamb ribs with aromatic spices, tender and flavorful with a crispy exterior.

Tip: Order medium-rare and trust the kitchen. The lamb is sourced well and the cooking is reliable.

#2288% recommend

Hamdi Restaurant

Eminönü·$$$

Urfa Kebab

TRY280.00

Ground lamb kebab seasoned with spices and charcoal-grilled until crispy on the outside.

Tip: This is cheaper than Alinazik but equally satisfying. Pair it with the fresh yogurt bread from their bakery counter.

#2388% recommend

Serica

Karaköy·$$$

Braised Veal Arm Kebab

TRY380.00

Slow-cooked veal arm served with seasonal vegetables and sauce.

Tip: This represents the chef's approach to Turkish cuisine — taking traditional ingredients and techniques and presenting them with modern refinement.