Emek Restaurant

Emek restaurant was the first restaurant I try when I move to galata city near the tower it is amazing and feels like home, I love the meat bolls and the soup feels like home made food because of the taste I when there like twice just to try many Turkish local food and the service is super they are the only restaurant that cook with balance salt taste the food is not very salty like most Turkish food are so if ur at galata city I recommend you here emek.

We spent a week in Istanbul and this was the best place we ate at. Located just near Galata Tower, this local Turkish restaurant offers delicious, authentic food with generous portions at great prices. The place is simple and clearly popular between locals (which says a lot). The staff were friendly and welcoming. Everything we tried was absolutely delicious. At the end of the meal, they even brought us a delicious dessert, such a lovely detail. The only small downside is that the menu is only in Turkish, but the waiters are super helpful and more than happy to explain the dishes and show you the different options.

We seemed to be the only tourists in this establishment. Upon seeing that we appeared a little lost, a kind staff came over to say he could show us the food on offer. We ended up getting the chicken wings (and reordered them because they were so good!), beef goulash and the rice. The tea for some reason is especially fragrant here! Glad to have stumbled upon this place - very clean, very friendly and warm service, and excellent food. What a gem!

The best food we’ve had so far in Istanbul—authentic local flavors that we really enjoyed. The waiter was very welcoming and took the time to show us the dishes so we could choose easily. They even offered us complimentary tea. The price is actually higher than other reviews so i post here my bill and dishes for preference. Highly recommended!

Cozy little place, decent food. Excellent service. Hidden gem. Their Sekerpare dessert is very nice.

Local dishes, quality and amazing food. Portions are huge and it’s not so expensive. It’s not for tourists so you’ll have a difficult time communicating in English. But with some hand gestures you can get along. Staff are very friendly and helpful.

Some backlane restaurant we stumbled upon and they have very warm hearty local dishes. Had some meat dish with pilav rice and ended it with their RICE PUDDING. A must-have cold rice pudding to end your meals with. Highly recommended especially if ure having it during the summer. My hats off to the guys behind the kitchen doors and not to forget the warm welcome by the lovely old gentleman waiter who tried his best to converse with us. Lovely meals and time we had.

Very kind staff and delicious local food, buffet style! 100% recommend :)