Zübeyir Ocakbaşı Istanbul
A late find, a new favorite
Emre from Istanbul
My ex boss is from Gaziantep which is the Kebab Mecca of Turkey. He's had the best kebabs since his childhood and now he singles out Zubeyir as his favorite place for a kebab.
Thanks to him I discovered this place recently and went 2 times in 2 weeks. A bit of bad news for me as I am on a strict diet and my eating habits need to change 180 degrees. Zubeyir is the only place where I forgot about my diet schedule.
There is a limited menu of Mezzes and each of them are made with the best ingredients. All worth a try. After mezzes, the lamb shish is a must have. Very well marinated and tender. Their suggestion is Beyti (kebab) and ribs. All grilled on a coal barbecue in the middle of the room as you can see in the picture. You can even sit next to it and watch the chef prepare and cook your kebab. It is literally grilled half a meter from you while you are drinking your rakı.
When I went there, I was surprised by the high number of tourists enjoying their kebabs. I guess this place is promoted on many websites and guides. This does not mean that it is a touristy place as they are doing their kebabs in the eastern way.
Finally the location is extremely convenient. Just walking distance from Taksim Square!
A must-try experience which is now my wife's personal favorite.
Istanbul Spotter Emre
About this spot
Our Istanbul City Guide
Find your way with 253 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 Istanbul
Lokal Makers Shop
Slow shopping in Istanbul
At the heart of Local Makers Shop's philosophy lies a commitment to slow shopping, a celebration of the artisanal, and an embrace of handmade designs.
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
3rd Culture Store
Design store in Istanbul
From hand-painted items by women in India to collections that promote a global and inclusive design, they truly showcases the beauty of cultural exchange.
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Perili Köşk
The haunted mansion
Perili Köşk Istanbul houses the Borusan Contemporary Art Museum. Some call it the haunted mansion because it was incomplete for years. I love the views!
by
Yucel
Babadag
Boter Kalamış
Coffee & bake shop
Boter Kalamış in Kadiköy, Istanbul, is a bakeshop in one of my favorite spots. I love getting a buttery pastry & a coffee and sitting in the park nearby
by
Yucel
Babadag
Sour and Sweet Artisan Bakery
Sourdough heaven
Sour and Sweet Artisanal Bakery in Istanbul makes US-style sourdough creations. Great for filling my stomach before hitting the Caddebostan seaside...
by
Yucel
Babadag
Akıntı Balık
Just one foot from the Bosphorus
Akıntı Balık is a fish restaurant in Istanbul. It has a view over the Bosphorus and that makes it really special. They have good Turkish mezes...
by
Yucel
Babadag
Guten Morgen
Berliner in Kadikoy
Guten Morgen in Istanbul is a very quiet, simple place to have a coffee together with a delicious coffee, despite its busy location. Perfect in summer!
by
Yucel
Babadag
Corner Irish Pub
Good beer, cosy atmosphere
Corner Irish Pub is hidden really close to Istiklal St in Istanbul. They have very good beer varieties, burgers and a cosy inner atmosphere.
by
Yucel
Babadag
Istanbul Modern
Art museum
Istanbul Modern Art Museum is the city's first modern art institution opened by a private enterprise. Apart from everything else, don't skip on the cafe.
by
Yucel
Babadag
Sakura Cafe
Japan in Moda
Sakura Cafe in Istanbul's Moda is a small and cozy cafe that's very quiet compared to the rest of the busy neighborhood. They have great coffee and cakes
by
Yucel
Babadag
Brekkie Croissant
Handmade by the racoon
Brekkie Croissant & Cookie is the new breakfast place in Moda, Istanbul. I just love their croissants – they make the dough over 3 days, French style!
by
Yucel
Babadag
Şeyhmuz Kebap
Traditional way
Şeyhmuz Kebap is a good alternative in Istanbul's Old City area. All the meat there is prepared with a special traditional method from the Mardin region.
by
Yucel
Babadag
Heading to Istanbul?
253 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
✓ 253 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 Istanbul
Our team loves Istanbul
Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul
As featured on:
