Ottoman Chisinau
Authentic Turkish restaurant
Igor from Chisinau
Moldova’s cuisine represents a mix of neighboring cuisines like Russian, Ukranian, Romanian, and of course Turkish, like in any Balkan country. And if during your culinary trip you want to get to the essence of local dishes, there is no better place to do it than in Ottoman – a Turkish restaurant in the Botanica district.
A good sign is that its owners are Turkish expats, and also among visitors you can always meet people from the Middle East, not to mention that the chef is also Turkish. So you can be sure of the authenticity of all meals here, starting with the various grill kebaps and ending with the famous kunefe dessert. Oh, and of course the dolma – different stuffed vegetables -- which is the most obvious parallel to Moldavian “sarmale”. A nice little thing is the complimentary cup of Turkish tea served for every guest.
My personal favorite is the Adana kebap, a grilled kebap from minced lamb, served with a good portion of salad and bulgur. The taste was the closest yet to the ones I've had in Istanbul.
The interior is not really trendy, but the food is a real reason to come here.
Chisinau Spotter Igor
About this spot
Our Chisinau City Guide
Find your way with 87 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Chisinau
Myata Café & Bar
Best hookah in the center
"Myata Café & Bar" in Chisinau is a great café that's ideal for lunch, breakfast or just a good old hookah. I can even recommend the piña colada!
by
Nicoleta
Seretinean
Tasting Room Wine.md
A wine cellar with a history
"Tasting room wine.md" in Chisinau is the successor of the wine bar that existed at this spot in the 1880s. I come here when I want to try something new...
by
Igor
Socolov
La Dolce Italia
The best ice cream in town
"La Dolce Italia" is one of my favorite 'gelaterias' in Chisinau! Try the pistachtio and you'll really get a taste of Italy in Chisinau...
by
Igor
Socolov
Eli-Pili
Hookah and smoker friendly
"Eli-Pili" in Chisinau is a nice local with good service and excellent food (the pelimeni!). Here you can try Moldovan, Ukrainian & Russian food in a loft!
by
Nicoleta
Seretinean
Circus
A modernist masterpiece
The "Circus" of Chisinau, built in the '80s, has a unique Soviet modernist style; it is still worth seeing, despite it having been closed down...
by
Igor
Socolov
Keks
Bread and desserts
"Keks" in Chisinau is perfect for a family breakfast. My son really likes everything here, and you definitely have to try the waffles & the desserts...
by
Igor
Socolov
Invino
In vino veritas - the truth is in wine
"Invino" in Chisinau is said to have more than 10,000 bottles of exquisite wine in its permanent storage. Here I've had a great blind tasting experience...
by
Igor
Socolov
Folk's Croissant
Croissant abundance
"Folk's Croissants" in Chisinau makes croissants with 20 different varieties of fillings -- from grilled chicken to salmon to the classic banana chocolate.
by
Igor
Socolov
Rifle Monument
A WWII memorial
The "Rifle Monument" in Chisinau is dedicated to WWII and the devastation and loss of life it brought to Moldova. May 9th here is always sobering...
by
Igor
Socolov
The Ethnography Museum
Must see
"The Ethnography Museum" in Chisinau has a beautiful collection of objects, natural and manmade, that is about what it means to be Moldovan today...
by
Mihaela
Ciorba
Crosta
A breakfast with freshly baked bread
"Crosta" in Chisinau is the best manifestation of the new craft bakery trend that's appeared in the city yet. I love coming here for breakfast...
by
Igor
Socolov
Heading to Chisinau?
87 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 87 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Chisinau
Our team loves Chisinau
Get to know our other Spotters from Chisinau
As featured on:
