Apr 29, 2025

Tarihi Karadeniz Döner Istanbul

One of the best döner

""Tarihi Karadeniz Döner" in Istanbul is the only kebab place in the area which has a queue, and this should tell you enough. A bit fatty, but so delicious."

One should not leave Istanbul without having had a proper döner. And Karadeniz Pide and Döner has made their mark on the genre with a huge following. The owner of the shop, Asım Usta starts serving his famous döner around 10:30am and it hardly lasts into the afternoon, so come early. It is the only kebab place in that area where there is always a queue. The line will be long, but it is worth the wait.

There is just one döner, but several ways to order: on a plate, with rice, dürüm (a wrap), pide (in a pita) or ekmek (in a fluffy white bread). You may also order the iskender kebab, which is the döner meat and freshly baked bread, cooked in a tomato and butter sauce with yoghurt.

This is more like a take-away place but you could eat it there while sitting on one of the stools. You can also grab an ayran (watery yoghurt drink). The ambience is average, cheap furniture, no interior design and it is jam-packed inside but the service is fast. Their döner is a little fatty for my taste, but extremely delicious.

One main downside: the meat is cooked with electric instead of wood coal here to be able to keep up with the high demand.

024-burger-1
Snacks

About this spot

Mumcu Bakkal Sokak 10

Per portion:

TL

23

Find your way with 236 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Istanbul guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul

Müz Botanik & Kahve

Muses dancing all around

"Müz Botanik & Kahve" in Istanbul is a plant shop, workshop space, cafe & design store in Istanbul. Just the name 'muse' was enough for me to fall in love.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Arzu

Damli

Apr 29, 2025

Bord İstanbul

Fine dining at the museum

"Bord İstanbul" is one of the city's best restaurants and it's right inside the naval museum. Everything's fresh, organic and seasonal here...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Arzu

Damli

Apr 29, 2025

Helvetia

Just like your mum's cooking

"Helvetia" in Asmalimescit, Beyoglu, Istanbul is one of my favorite spots to have quick lunch. I really like the cozy communal feeling of this place...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Arzu

Damli

Apr 29, 2025

Craft Beer Lab

Fancy a pint?

"Craft Beer Lab" in Istanbul is a brand new pub with a big beautiful garden and a huge selection of beers. I know where I'll be brining my friends now!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Seyda

Vardar

Apr 29, 2025

Sobremesa Coffee

Mi casa es tu casa

"Sobremesa Coffee" in Istanbul's Besiktas: great for meeting friends w/ coffee or working on the laptop. Its name is a Spanish word which is a perfect fit!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Seyda

Vardar

Apr 29, 2025

Nail Kitabevi & Cafe

Bookstore around the corner

"Nail Kitabevi & Cafe" in Istanbul is in a historical baroque, rococo-style building. I come here for peace of mind and a nice cup of coffee with my book!

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Vildan

Ay

Apr 29, 2025

Dem Kadıköy

Cheesecake heaven

"Dem Kadıköy" is cheesecake heaven in Istanbul. They've got more than 35 different types (!) and all of them are inspired by some Japanese tea on the menu.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Vildan

Ay

Apr 29, 2025

Firuze İKSV

Sunset dinner at the Golden Horn

"Firuze İKSV" in Istanbul is a beautiful place for meze, cocktail and raki with a modern twist. It has a stunning view over the Golden Horn - how lovely!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Arzu

Damli

Apr 29, 2025

Maezae

Local design store

"Maezae" is my must-visit place whenever I am in Istanbul's Karakoy. I can just spend hours and hours in this lovely, inspiring local design store...

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Seyda

Vardar

Apr 29, 2025

Jacqueline Cookies

The best cookies I've ever had

"Jacqueline Cookies" Istanbul: my favorite cookies, period, even though they're much more American than Turkish. Try the Extra Dark Chocolate & Pecan Nut.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Vildan

Ay

Apr 29, 2025

Misk

A lovely taste experience in a flower garden

"Misk" is one of my favorite places in Istanbul -- their beautiful flower arrangements and sense of decoration really pushes their moniker 'floral cafe'.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Arzu

Damli

Apr 29, 2025

Cuma Cafe

See you at brunch!

"Cuma Cafe" is my favorite spot for a long brunch or coffee & dessert in Istanbul. Their scrambled eggs w/ goat cheese on sourdough toast is a must-taste.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Arzu

Damli

Apr 29, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

236 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Istanbul?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

236 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Istanbul

Our team loves Istanbul

Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7291
Filters