Zübeyir Ocakbaşı Istanbul
A late find, a new favorite
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.
Find your way with 238 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul
Homemade Aromaterapi
Natural and vegan products
"Homemade Aromaterapi" is a small, beautiful shop in Kuzguncuk, Istanbul. Come here for cold-pressed essential oils, cleansers, soaps, toothpaste & more!
by
Cemre
Sandal
Kuzguncuk
A neighborhood with unique beauty
"Kuzguncuk" in Istanbul is a uniquely beautiful neighborhood with old colorful houses, mansions and friendly shopkeepers - a sense of connected community.
by
Cemre
Sandal
Chandeliers in Hagia Sophia Mosque
Enlightenment
The "Chandeliers in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia" have their own little recent story which is good to remember whenever you pay a visit... Lighting is key!
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Lil Bake
Lovely spot for a sweet snack
Lil Bake is a small, lovely spot in the heart of Moda, Istanbul. My favorite used to be the pistachio Paris breast, until I tasted their croissants...
by
Cemre
Sandal
Vogue Restaurant Bar
Molecular cocktails & sushi
"Vogue Restaurant Bar" is one of Istanbul's higher end spots. The food is great, but I would recommend the signature (molecular) cocktails. How about...
by
Emre
Kamar
Banyan
High-end Asian fusion in Ortakoy
"Banyan" is my bar/restaurant of choice in Istanbul's Ortaköy for a drink or dinner after work. In their terrace you'll feel as if you're on a ship's deck.
by
Emre
Kamar
Forno Balat
Friendly cafe in the Golden Horn
"Forno Balat" in Istanbul has amazing breakfast -- the best scrambled eggs and open-buffet and homemade jams I've tasted in Turkey.
by
Emre
Kamar
Grand Bazaar
Fat round evil eyes
"Grand Bazaar" is my place to buy the best Istanbul souvenir: round, fat evil eyes! Just don't forget to bargain...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Norm Coffee
Such a cozy spot
"Norm Coffee" Istanbul makes me feel as if I'm in a spaceship travelling to a coffee planet every time! It's just one of my favorite spots in the city.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Turkish Tea
Enjoy a glass of tea
Turkish Tea is had after each meal, and it's a reflection of hospitality. When in Istanbul, have it at small local tea houses in Sultanahmet.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
The Letter Opener
A gorgeous gift
"The Letter Opener" is one of the best souvenirs to get for friends back home when you're in Istanbul and I recommend you get them from Grand Bazaar.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Heading to Istanbul?
238 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
✓ 238 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:
