Hamdi

Hamdi is one of the oldest restaurant in Istanbul. So with that history in food industry, as a customer, I was expecting much more quality of food. Everything we had eaten was great whatsoever but price point and the reputation, there had to be more. The waiters were amazingly friendly and proffesional. I have attached the food pictures we had. Try them for sure if you ever visit here.

3x5 stars! My third visit in 10 years and the food, service, ambiente is absolutely fantastic! Our waiter was very nice and attentive.

The location and view were outstanding. I was seated by the window on the second floor, which made for an amazing experience. The food itself was a bit underwhelming, but the service was good. Since I had a great window seat, there were moments where I felt slightly encouraged to leave earlier, but overall it was a very satisfying restaurant experience.

It is an old Turkish restaurant that is located so central in old Eminönü and with a nice view. Definitely: ıf you are here, you want to try Turkish tastes, let me get you through: -Lahmacun: It is an absolute Turkish classic and well done. If you like it spicy, but not too much, tell them to put less because they put a lot normally and I think it absorbes other tastes.) -Ali Nazik Kebab (Lamb meat kebab skewers): This is also traditional, it was lacking salt but no problems again well done. Detailed information for the curious: ‘Alinazik kebab, or simply Ali Nazik,[1] is a home-style Turkish dish which is a specialty of the Gaziantep province of Turkey.[2] It is made from smoked and spiced eggplant, grilled and then pureed, topped with cubes of sauteed lamb, previously seasoned and marinated. (Wikipedia)’ -And of course Ayran which is again a traditional tastes that we Turkish really like. ‘Ayran[a] (/aɪˈrɑːn/ eye-RAHN) is a cold savory yogurt-based beverage that is consumed across Central Asia, the Balkans, and the Middle East.[1] The principal ingredients are yogurt, water and salt (Wikipedia)’ Overall, it was not the best traditional Turkish food but so nice and tasty. As a con I can tell that, the lighting is bright and white which I find uncomfortable and kills some energy of the talk and joy. We paid around 50 dollars for two. (2026 Jan)

Nice restaurant but very expensive. U can find cheapest places with the same quality. Very close to Yanı Camii

While Hamdi Restaurant boasts a prime location and an excellent Urfa kebab, the overall experience is undermined by lackluster dishes, questionable billing practices, and aggressive service charges that are not mandatory in Turkey. Hamdi Restaurant, situated just steps from Istanbul’s iconic Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar, is often recommended for its panoramic views and reputation for Turkish kebabs. However, my recent visit left much to be desired—apart from the Urfa kebab, which was genuinely flavorful and well-prepared, the rest of the menu failed to impress. The appetizers and other kebab varieties lacked the freshness and depth expected from such a renowned establishment, making them simply not worth the price. The dining experience was further soured by the restaurant’s approach to billing. A bottled water was poured without asking, into four glasses at the table, but the bill reflected a charge for three full bottles at 70 lira each—a misleading and excessive practice. Upon confronting the waiter he said we charge per glass 🥵 On top of this, a 10% service tax was automatically added, and, remarkably, staff still insisted an additional tip in the folder at the end of the meal. This combination of hidden costs over priced food and overt solicitation for gratuities left a distinctly negative impression.

Visited with a group of 6, including a celiac and another person allergic to sunflower oil. Everyone was very helpful to make sure they could choose safe options. Their lahmacun and patlican kebap (aubergine kebab) were incredible. They source their aubergine from Birecik region, nation's best for this dish. Also their lahmacun is Antep style and in my experience one of the best I've ever had in Istanbul. They also have a good enough wine selection with both local and French/Italian options The view is also iconic

The staff member named Muhammad was very rude and disrespectful. The service was extremely disappointing and not worth the money paid. I do not recommend this place at all

We enjoyed the finest Turkish cuisine from lahmacun to lamb sheesh and on top baklava the dessert. We visit this fine restaurant every year.

very good place to eat. We had a Alinazik Kebab, it was absolutely delicious. staff was very lovely as well and gave us recommandation for dessert, we had Kunefe, which was nice and very different.