Where is the best pilaf in Istanbul?

Based on diner recommendations, the best pilaf in Istanbul is at Khorasani. We compared 6 restaurants serving pilaf.

How much does pilaf cost in Istanbul?

Pilaf prices in Istanbul range from TRY30.00 to TRY90.00 across 6 restaurants.

All Dish Comparisons in Istanbul

Best Pilaf in Istanbul

6 restaurants compared

Price range: TRY30.00 – TRY90.00

Avg recommendation: 89%

Top 5 Pilaf in Istanbul (Quick Answer)

Based on diner recommendations across 6 restaurants:

Khorasani, TRY55.00 (Sultanahmet)
Pandeli, TRY90.00 (Eminönü)
Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi, TRY40.00 (Sultanahmet)
Yanyalı Fehmi Lokantası, TRY58.00 (Kadıköy)
Kuru Fasülyeci Ali Baba, TRY30.00 (Fatih)

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

All 6 Restaurants Compared

Khorasani

Sultanahmet·$$$

Bulgur Pilaf

TRY55.00

Fluffy bulgur cooked in broth with tomato and herbs.

Tip: Order this with your kebab—the tangy herbaceous flavor balances the rich grilled meat.

Pandeli

Eminönü·$$$

Pilaf with Black Sea Anchovies

TRY90.00

Buttery rice pilaf studded with small anchovies and herbs.

Tip: A light option if you're eating alone or want a smaller plate. Order it as a main with a meze or two.

Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Sultanahmet·$

TRY40.00

Buttery rice pilaf cooked in broth.

Tip: Order pilaf with your meatballs. It absorbs the meat juices and adds substance to the meal without extra cost.

Yanyalı Fehmi Lokantası

Kadıköy·$$

Inner Pilaf

TRY58.00

Rice pilaf cooked with lamb liver, heart, and spices in the Ottoman style.

Tip: If organ meats intimidate you, try the inner pilaf first here — it's the most delicate preparation in Istanbul. The liver is cooked down to a paste that flavors the rice without being gamey.

Kuru Fasülyeci Ali Baba

Fatih·$

TRY30.00

Buttery rice pilaf cooked in broth until fluffy.

Tip: Pilaf is automatic with the beans. It's designed to be a unit—beans and pilaf together, not separately.

#689% recommend

Kanaat Lokantası

Üsküdar·$$

Uzbek Pilaf with Lamb and Carrot

TRY58.00

Rice pilaf layered with shredded carrot and tender lamb, a Central Asian specialty on the Istanbul menu daily.

Tip: Order Uzbek pilaf with yogurt on the side. The cooling yogurt contrasts with the warm, savory rice and meat. This pairing is traditional and transforms the dish.