One of Istanbul's oldest and most beloved restaurants, Pandeli has been serving Turkish cuisine at its upstairs location at the Spice Bazaar since 1901. The beautiful Art Nouveau interior with blue Iznik tiles and the traditional menu of Ottoman classics make this a historic dining experience.
Pandeli is one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in Istanbul, serving Turkish cuisine since 1901 from its upstairs location above the entrance arch of the Egyptian Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) in Eminonu. The restaurant was founded by Pandeli Condoyanni, a Greek immigrant from Thrace, and has occupied the same blue-tiled rooms overlooking the bazaar for more than 120 years. The interior is a remarkable survival: arched ceilings clad in hand-painted Iznik-style blue and white tiles, antique wooden furniture, and windows that look down onto the Spice Bazaar entrance below. The menu is classical Turkish with Ottoman inflections — lamb dishes braised with dried fruits, stuffed vine leaves, eggplant preparations, and the restaurant's most famous dish: izmir kopoglari, a rich tomato-braised bean stew with fried eggplant. Fish and seafood dishes change with the season. Pandeli serves lunch only (closing around 4pm), making it a natural destination for visitors exploring the Spice Bazaar and Eminonu. The bill is modest relative to the setting and historical resonance. Reservations are advisable, particularly on weekdays when lunch can be surprisingly busy with a local office crowd alongside visitors.
Good to know
- Hours
- Mon-Sat 12pm-4pm (lunch only)
- Reservations
- True
Location
Misir Carsisi No:1, 34116 Eminonu, Fatih/Istanbul
Highlights
- Operating since 1901 in the same blue-tiled rooms above the Egyptian Spice Bazaar
- Iznik-tiled dining room — one of the most historic restaurant interiors in all of Istanbul
- Izmir kopoglari — tomato-braised beans with fried eggplant — the legendary house dish
- Lunch-only service creating a natural pairing with a morning in the Spice Bazaar
Tips for visiting
- Reserve in advance — the restaurant's fame means it fills quickly despite limited lunch hours
- Enter via the Spice Bazaar's main gate on the Golden Horn side; Pandeli is up the stairs immediately inside
- Order the cold appetizer spread before any main — seasonal starters are consistently excellent
- The restaurant closes around 4pm; plan lunch no later than 1:30pm for a relaxed experience
Accessibility
Access to Pandeli requires climbing a flight of stairs from the Spice Bazaar entrance. There is no lift. The restaurant is not wheelchair accessible, and visitors with significant mobility limitations should note this constraint before planning a visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pandeli open for dinner?
No — Pandeli serves lunch only, typically from noon to approximately 4pm, Monday to Saturday.
How do I find the entrance to Pandeli?
Enter the Egyptian Spice Bazaar from its main Golden Horn-facing gate. Pandeli's stairs are immediately on the right just inside the entrance.
Is there an English menu?
Yes — menus are available in Turkish and English.
Is Pandeli expensive?
Pandeli is moderately priced relative to its historic status — a full lunch with appetizers and mains costs approximately 800–1,200 TL per person.