Hamdi Restaurant

The restaurant has a nice view and the food tastes great. I like it very much.

Hamdi Restaurant in Istanbul is a highly regarded restaurant renowned for its authentic southeastern Turkish cuisine and prime location. Originally founded by Hamdi Arpacı, a native of Urfa, the restaurant's humble beginnings earned widespread acclaim and widespread popularity due to its delicious cuisine. Located near the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) and Eminönü Pier, the restaurant offers stunning views of the Golden Horn, Galata Tower, and Eminönü, with window seats being particularly sought-after. 🍤 [Specialty Dishes]: Hamdi Restaurant's cuisine focuses on southeastern Turkish flavors, and is renowned for its various kebab dishes. 1. Testi Kebabı: This is the restaurant's signature dish. Tender beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, peppercorns, oregano, tomato sauce, and butter are placed in a clay pot, coated in dough, and grilled over charcoal. Crack the pot open upon arrival, and the steaming aroma fills the air. The meat is tender, juicy, and uniquely flavorful. 2. Haşhaş Kebabı: Made with tender chopped beef and lamb mixed with chili peppers, salt, and pepper, it offers a spicy and savory flavor with a long aftertaste. 3. Meatballs and Mixed Meatballs: The lamb is rich but not overpowering, and the mixed meatballs are flavored with unidentified beans, adding a rich texture. They are often served with ekmek (grilled naan). 4. Other Options: The restaurant also offers appetizers such as Yogurtlu Yuvalama (roasted eggplant with yogurt), Birecik Kebap (similar to Adana Kebab but with a different seasoning), and Mercimek Çorbası (spicy lentil soup). For dessert, Hamdi Spesiyal (a bread pastry with pistachio powder) is a standout, but Turkish desserts are generally sweet. ⛲[Restaurant Environment]: Hamdi Restaurant is located on a high floor of a building, offering excellent views, especially from the rooftop terrace, which offers sweeping views of the Golden Horn and Galata Bridge. The restaurant's interior is decorated in classic Turkish style. It's recommended to make reservations in advance and request a window or rooftop table for the best views. 👩[Restaurant Service]: The restaurant's staff are mostly experienced, senior men. While service can be delayed during busy periods due to the large number of guests, many patrons have a positive impression of their service. 💴[Average Cost]: According to search results, main courses at Hamdi Restaurant cost around $15 USD. Other sources suggest average costs of around 50-70 Turkish lira per person (note that these prices are older and subject to exchange rate and price fluctuations, so they are for reference only). Overall, prices are likely to be average to above average for similar restaurants in Istanbul. 🧡【Tips】: Reservations: The restaurant is very popular, especially the window seats and rooftop seats, so reservations are highly recommended. Nearby Attractions: 1. Spice Market (Egyptian Market): The restaurant is just a short walk from the Spice Market. After dinner, you can stroll around and experience the rich Middle Eastern atmosphere and buy a variety of spices, dried fruits, and souvenirs. 2. Yeni Mosque: The restaurant is right next to the Yeni Mosque, so you can visit it while you're there. 3. Eminönü Pier: The restaurant is within walking distance of the pier, which is the starting point for experiencing Istanbul life and catching ferries across the Bosphorus. 4. Galata Bridge: Standing on the bridge, you can enjoy the scenery and people fishing on both sides of the strait, making it a great place to take some classic photos. 5. Ordering Tips: Turkish cuisine may be low in vegetables, so you can order a salad to go with it. Turkish desserts are very sweet, so order one to savor slowly with tea. 6. Transportation: Take tram line T1 to Eminönü station, then walk to the restaurant. #TurkishFoodRecommendations