Top 10 Doner Kebab Restaurants You Must Try in Istanbul
Doner Kebab, perhaps the most popular street food in Turkey, has turned into an art form in Istanbul. However, mastery, meat quality, cooking method, spices used and even the freshness of the lavash are among the most important factors that determine this unique flavour. In a city as rich in gastronomy as Istanbul, the question of ‘where to eat the best doner’ is always on the agenda. In this article, we have compiled the 10 best doner restaurants in Istanbul, which both Istanbulites and tourists visiting the city should definitely try.
1. Karadeniz Döner Asım Usta - Beşiktaş
Located in the heart of Beşiktaş Çarşı, this small but crowded shop is known as the “holy shrine of döner”. Operating since 1973, Karadeniz Döner is a spot where queues are not missing with Asım Usta's unique recipe.
Address: Sinanpasa Mah. Mumcu Bakkal Sok. No:10, Beşiktaş, Istanbul
Taste Notes:
The doner is made entirely of beef and a special blend of spices. The portions are large and the meat is tender and juicy. Served between lavash or bread, the doner is often sold out by lunchtime.
User Review:
'The best doner kebab we've ever had. The price is a bit high but worth every penny. I stop by every time I visit Beşiktaş.'
2. Bayramoğlu Döner - Kavacık
Bayramoğlu Döner, which is memorable with the aroma of meat cooked in a wood fire, is one of the places that raised the bar for doner kebab in Istanbul. Be prepared for long queues, especially at rush hour.
Address: Rüzgarlıbahçe Mah. Cumhuriyet Cad. No:2, Kavacik, Beykoz, Istanbul
Flavor Notes:
The meat is thinly sliced, the lavash is fresh from the oven and served with roasted peppers. With the tomato sauce and yoghurt on the side, it's like a doner feast.
User Review:
'The meat is delicious, the lavash is hot and the service is fast. It is no coincidence that it is crowded even on weekdays.'
3. Tatar Salim Doner Restaurant - Ataşehir / Kadıköy
A modern interpretation of Tatar cuisine: Tatar Salim. A business that gained popularity in a short time with the principle of quality meat and fast service. It is one of the best answers to the question “where to eat good döner” on the Anatolian side.
Address: Küçükbakkalköy Mah. Vedat Günyol Cad. No:36/A, Atasehir
Taste Note:
Prepared with 100% beef, doner is also served in classic iskender style. The fat content of the meat is well-adjusted, and the service is hot and regular.
User Review:
'Great balance of beef and lamb. The pomegranate salad was also my favourite. I won't go anywhere else for good doner.'
4. Sürmene Döner - Küçükçekmece
One of the perfect examples of the Black Sea meat culture combined with the street flavours of Istanbul is Sürmene Döner. The quality never changes in this place, which has had loyal customers for years.
Address: Cennet Mah. Mahmutbey Cad. No:70, Kucukcekmece
Taste Notes:
Only beef is used. Doners are prepared on a tilted skewer, not upright, so that the fat and juice of the meat are distributed more evenly.
User Review:
'Doner kebab cooked just right. The master is very attentive. You feel that everything is natural and unadulterated.'
5. Münhasır Döner & Kebab - Beyoğlu
It is a shabby but delicious döner restaurant located around Taksim. Münhasır is ambitious not only for its doner but also for its wraps and kebabs.
Address: Asmalı Mescit Mah. Meşrutiyet Cad. No:105/A, Beyoglu
Taste Notes:
The quality of the meat is top-level. Lavash tastes homemade. The roasted tomatoes and hot peppers that come with the doner are a big plus.
User Review:
'The fat of the meat is just right, not too heavy. I recommend you to try it in Iskender style.'
6. Dönerci Engin Usta - Şişhane
Engin Usta's place is small, but it has a big impact on Istanbul's doner world. It usually has the atmosphere of an artisan restaurant but with a gourmet touch.
Address: Meşrutiyet Cad. No:107, Sishane, Beyoglu
Taste Notes:
The marinade of the meat is different. It differs from the classic doner with its light garlic flavour. Filling and balanced.
User Review:
'I visited the place twice in a week. I haven't eaten doner like this for years.'
Source: Chasing the Best
7. Dönerci Şahin Usta - Grand Bazaar
It is perfect for those who want to experience a real street döner restaurant in the historical atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar. The only problem is queues.
Address: Grand Bazaar Kalpakçılar Caddesi No:31, Fatih
Taste Notes:
No chicken doner, only meat doner. The service is fast, and the meat is cooked just right, a little greasy but great for those who like it.
User Review:
'Worth the wait. Really delicious but hard to find a place.'
8. Dönerci Celal Usta - Ümraniye
One of the rising stars of the Anatolian Side. It has the atmosphere of a family restaurant, but the doner kebab it serves is so assertive that many famous doner kebab restaurants can't be missed.
Address: Alemdag Cad. No:103, Umraniye
Taste Notes:
Apart from the flavour of the meat, the freshness of the lavash attracts attention. Side products are also very successful.
User Review:
'I went 2 days in a row. Same quality, same flavour every time.'
9. Metet Közde Döner - Kuzguncuk
A special place combined with the historical texture of Kuzguncuk. It offers a different taste profile with its doner kebab cooked in the embers.
Address: Icadiye Cad. No:40/A, Kuzguncuk, Üsküdar
Taste Notes:
Thanks to the cooking technique in embers, it gets a slightly sooty aroma. This is the most important difference that distinguishes the doner from others.
User Review:
'A unique place for those who want to experience doner in embers. Both historical and delicious.'
10. Ağababa Döner - Ümraniye
A warm, friendly and economical address for those looking for traditional doner kebab cooked on a wood fire. Affordable prices and delicious doner kebab together.
Address: Ataturk Mah. Alemdag Cad. No:212, Umraniye
Taste Notes:
Although it mostly appeals to workers and tradesmen, it has managed to reach a wide audience with its flavour. The fat and meat of the doner is balanced.
User Review:
'Simple, modest but very tasty. You should try the dürüm doner first.'
Source: Mekanlar.com
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