A Sultanahmet institution famous for its spectacular rooftop terrace overlooking the Golden Horn, Galata Bridge, and Asian shore. Hamdi serves excellent southeastern Turkish cuisine including kebabs, pides, and stews. A must for the views as much as the food.
Hamdi Restaurant has occupied its corner building steps from the Galata Bridge and Eminonu waterfront since 1972, growing from a modest kebab shop into one of Istanbul's most recognized dining institutions. The draw is twofold: the quality of the southeastern Turkish grill cuisine and the spectacular multi-level rooftop terrace that overlooks the Golden Horn, Galata Bridge, and the Asian shore of Istanbul. The kitchen excels in the tradition of Gaziantep and Urfa cuisine — spice-forward kebabs made from hand-minced lamb, lahmacun (flatbread with spiced meat), and a range of appetizers including muhammara (red pepper and walnut paste), ezme (tomato and herb salad), and hummus prepared in the Turkish style. The beyti kebab — minced lamb wrapped in flatbread and sliced — is a signature that has become emblematic of the restaurant. The view from the upper terrace is among the most photogenic in the city, encompassing the silhouettes of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia on the distant skyline. The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner, and lunch provides the best combination of light, views, and a slightly more relaxed pace. Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-in at popular times can mean a significant wait.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 11am-11pm
- Reservations
- True
Location
Tahmis Cd. No:17, 34116 Eminonu, Fatih/Istanbul
Highlights
- Spectacular rooftop terrace overlooking the Golden Horn and Galata Bridge since 1972
- Southeastern Turkish grill tradition featuring hand-minced lamb kebabs and lahmacun
- Beyti kebab — the house signature of minced lamb wrapped in flatbread — a must-order
- Panoramic view of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque silhouettes from the upper terrace
Tips for visiting
- Reserve a rooftop table by name when booking — ground-floor seating misses the view entirely
- Lunch offers better natural light for photography and a slightly less frenetic pace than dinner
- Start with the cold meze spread — muhammara, ezme, and hummus — before ordering grills
- The restaurant fills quickly in tourist season; arriving exactly at opening time is the best walk-in strategy
Accessibility
The restaurant spans multiple floors with elevator access to the rooftop terrace. Wheelchair users can access the rooftop dining area via the elevator. Staff are experienced in assisting guests with mobility requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hamdi a tourist restaurant or do locals eat here?
Hamdi has a loyal local following, particularly for business lunches, alongside a significant tourist clientele. Kitchen quality has remained consistent across decades.
What is the signature dish at Hamdi?
The beyti kebab — hand-minced lamb wrapped in lavash and sliced — is the most iconic dish. The adana kebab is equally celebrated.
Is Hamdi halal?
Yes — Hamdi serves halal food and does not offer alcohol. Ayran, soft drinks, and Turkish tea are available.
How do I get to Hamdi from Sultanahmet?
A 10-minute walk along the seafront from Sultanahmet reaches the Eminonu area, or take the T1 tram one stop to Eminonu.