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 237 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The "Pera Museum" is for you if you're into art from the life of Istanbul and the Ottoman world between the 17th and early 20th century...
by
"The Shoe-shine boys" is a very typical Istanbul sight. Having your shoes painted and polished is a nice experience, just be careful who does it for you!
by
The "Fenerbahçe Steamboat" has carried passengers across Istanbul's Bosphorus over 55 years. Now you can see this historical ship in Rahmi Koc Museum.
by
"Holy Fragrance" sellers sit just outside mosques and provide refreshing perfumes. I would recommend the ones in Istanbul's Beyazit and Yeni mosques.
by
"Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant" is one of the restaurants that serve haricot beans just outside Suleymaniye in Istanbul. Great service, worth the money...
by
The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.
by
"Grand Bazaar" is my place to buy the best Istanbul souvenir: round, fat evil eyes! Just don't forget to bargain...
by
"Udonya" is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Istanbul. I can recommend it when you feel you've had enough of Turkish cuisine!
by
"Kontraplak" is a 'clean' Istanbul record shop, especially for its selection of second-hand vinyl. The owner, Okan, is very open-minded and will help you...
by
The Istanbul "Naval Museum" is one of the best museums in Turkey - no, I think it's one of the world's most exceptional, and we're lucky to have it.
by
The Istanbul "Archaeology Museum" is just huge. As someone who always visits these museums, these ones (there's actually three!) are a must.
by
237 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 237 Insider Tips