Travel video guide
Where to Eat in İstanbul: All 5 Spots + Addresses
This guide turns EN SEVDİĞİMİZ OCAKBAŞI MEKANLARI - TOP 5️⃣ - Ayaküstü Lezzetler from Ayaküstü Lezzetler into a practical restaurant map with 5 saved spots around Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş, and Kadıköy. The mapped places include a restaurant stop. Use it to understand the places, dishes, and trip context before saving the map in Varedelo.
What the creator captured
Ayaküstü Lezzetler was particularly stunned by the quality of the kebab at Önder Ocakbaşı, ranking it among the top three in Turkey. They praised the master's traditional training from Yüzevler and noted the exceptional texture and flavor of the lamb-only meat. The creators were so impressed by the 'bulgur-like' consistency of the kebab that they considered it a top-tier destination for authentic Adana cuisine in Istanbul.
What this map is good for
- Planning a restaurant stop or short itinerary in Beyoğlu.
- Comparing food stops from a creator or saved local map before you commit time in the city.
- Saving 5 mapped spots into Varedelo so the list stays usable on the ground.
- Using the original video as context, then turning it into a clean place-by-place map.
Featured spots on this map
- Zübeyir Ocakbaşı/Taksim
Restaurant in Şehit Muhtar Mahallesi Bekar Sokak No::28, Şehit Muhtar, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye, Şehit Muhtar, Beyoğlu, İstanbul, Türkiye
Price level: High
Hours: Hours available - Alef Ocakbaşı
Restaurant in Fenerbahçe, Dr. Faruk Ayanoğlu Cd. No:13/B, 34726 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye, Fenerbahçe, Kadıköy, İstanbul, Türkiye
Hours: Hours available - Adana Ocakbasi
Turkish Restaurant in Ergenekon caddesi, Telefoncular Sokağı Karşısı, Bozkurt, Baysungur Sk No:2, 34375 Şişli/İstanbul, Türkiye, Bozkurt, Şişli, İstanbul, Türkiye
Price level: Medium
Hours: Hours available - Emre Mermer Ocakbaşı
Restaurant in Fatih Sultan Mehmet mahallesi Atatürk caddesi. 6 Armutlu, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, 34470 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Türkiye, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, Sarıyer, İstanbul, Türkiye
Hours: Hours available - Önder Ocakbaşı
Restaurant in Vişnezade, Süleyman Seba Cd. No:48 A14, 34330 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye, Vişnezade, Beşiktaş, İstanbul, Türkiye
Hours: Hours available
Food notes from the video
- Adana kebab
- Kuzu şiş (lamb shish)
- Fındık lahmacun
- Tablacı salatası
- Yağlı kara
- Şalgamlı turp
- Balon ekmek
- Peynir ve tereyağı
Experiences captured
- Visited Alef Ocakbaşı in Fenerbahçe
- Experienced match day crowd atmosphere
- Observed traditional Adana kebab preparation
- Visited Önder Ocakbaşı in Beşiktaş
- Met with Master Önder and partner Gökçe
- Dined in a spacious garden setting
Planning notes for Istanbul
Istanbul is a transcontinental city located on the Bosphorus Strait, serving as a geographical link between Europe and Asia. Historically, it functioned as the capital for the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. The city was founded as Byzantium by Greek settlers in approximately 657 BCE, renamed Constantinople in 330 CE by Emperor Constantine.
Must-try foods nearby
- Simit
The quintessential Istanbul street food, this circular bread is encrusted with toasted sesame seeds and typically dipped in grape molasses (pekmez) before baking for a distinct. - Balık Ekmek (Fish Sandwich)
A historic staple of the Eminönü waterfront, this sandwich features freshly grilled mackerel or white fish served in half a loaf of crusty bread with onions, lettuce. - Cağ Kebabı
Often called the horizontal ancestor of the döner, this Erzurum-style kebab consists of marinated lamb stacked on a horizontal spit and cooked over a wood fire. - Midye Dolma
These stuffed mussels are a legendary late-night snack, filled with aromatic rice seasoned with cinnamon, black pepper, and currants. - Mantı
Often described as Turkish ravioli, these tiny hand-folded dough parcels are typically filled with minced meat and topped with a triple threat of garlic yogurt, melted butter.
When to go: The best time to visit Istanbul is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild and pleasant for exploring. Summer (July and August) can be hot, humid.
Local tips
- Purchase an Istanbulkart for seamless and discounted access to all public transportation, including the iconic Bosphorus ferries.
- Always remove your shoes before entering a Turkish home or a mosque to show respect for local cleanliness and traditions.
- Accepting an offer of tea is a significant sign of hospitality and a key way to build rapport with local shopkeepers and residents.
- Verify that the taxi meter is turned on before starting your journey or use reputable ride-hailing apps to avoid common overcharging scams.
What travelers are noticing
- Panorama: Dreams and Places exhibition at the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
- Soundscape Festival 2026 at Life Park
- The 'CANNES!' photography exhibition at the Ara Güler Museum
Extra place context
- Zübeyir Ocakbaşı
For an authentic 'ocakbaşı' (fireside grill) experience, Zübeyir in Beyoğlu is the local gold standard. Diners sit around a large copper-hooded charcoal grill where masters prepare expertly seasoned Adana kebabs, 'çöp şiş' (lamb skewers).
food
Official tourism resource
The official travel guide for Beyoğlu, a vibrant cultural district in Istanbul, provided by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Planning questions
Where did Ayaküstü Lezzetler eat in İstanbul?
This guide maps all 5 spots featured in the video, with names, addresses, and neighborhoods, so you can plan where to eat in İstanbul.
What are the must-try foods in İstanbul?
Creator picks from the video include Adana kebab, Kuzu şiş (lamb shish), Fındık lahmacun, Tablacı salatası. Open the map in Varedelo to see which spot each one is at.
Can I save these spots to use on my trip?
Yes. Open the map in Varedelo to save every spot, get directions, and revisit the guide from your phone while you travel.
Use it on your trip
Save this restaurant map before you go
Keep the mapped spots, creator context, food notes, and planning details together. Varedelo turns the page into a phone-friendly map you can revisit when you are choosing where to go.