Matbah Restaurant

Came here at the recommendation of a local and noticed it was a Michelin Guide recommendation and then also noticed the positive reviews online. The reviews here are correct. The price and quality of the food was superb. Fast friendly service. Felt very comfortable as a foreigner. Credit card payment with no problems. I would anybody recommend.

A wonderful experience! I visited a Michelin star restaurant for the first time and it felt great! The food was amazingly delicious, but more impressive was the attitude of all the staff, especially the hostess Sevgi. She made us feel like royalty! I recommend with both hands and send special greetings to Sevgi! 🧡🧡🧡

Yesterday, we visited Matbah in the Sultanahmet area for lunch, prompted by a social media promotion and the fact that the restaurant was a Michelin guide recommended restaurant. I thought it must be worth a visit! Starting with the positives: the service was excellent. The staff were very sweet and courteous, and the service was quick. The seating area was beautiful, though the views were not as glamorous as advertised. Our table wasn't shaded on a hot day, but the staff happily switched on the fans when we asked. Now, onto the food: For appetizers, we ordered the stuffed vine leaves with sour cherries, which were good. The special hummus was unique in flavor, with a coarse chickpea paste infused with cinnamon—very interesting, though it didn't resemble traditional hummus in texture or taste. For the salad, we had the shepherd's salad with walnuts, which reminded me of a salad we call Sharmula in Libya. For the mains, we ordered the lamb shank with Begendi. This review is biased since I’m not a big fan of lamb in Turkey due to its strong flavor, but for meat lovers, it would likely be a joy—the meat was tender and fell apart easily. We also had the Kirde Kebab, which wasn't bad but had a few chewy pieces of meat. The veal kebab with fragrant herbs was the best of the dishes for my taste, though I would have preferred the grilled vegetable skewer to be cooked through better. Would I come here again? Overall, it was an okay experience for us, but I can't say we will repeat it. However, I can't stress enough how sweet the waiters were, and they even gave us a lovely gift as we were leaving.

Service great, location central and room was beautiful. Though only 3 stars as I was out away at a table outside the main room, which was not set and the cloth was dirty. Though the ambiance completely changed when I experienced the service from the smiley and helpful staff.

Everything was lovely. The Sailors roll was my favorite. Our server Sevgi was so kind and such a joy, she made us want to come back to visit her. We went for Ramadan so the 5 course meal was more than enough food and such a great experience. Arrive at dusk for the best views!! Best Turkish coffee I’ve ever had

One of the best taste experiences i've ever had so far. I very much loved the special humus which had cinnamon inside and on top, like nothing i've ever had so far. The cheese borek with honey, at first i was not so sure whether it's a good idea but i had my tongue decide on it rather than my brain, and turned out so delicious! The rest on the appetizer plate was nice but nothing special. The main course which was called lamb casserolle, was a little bit of a taste rollercoaster. It had all sweet and sour fruits inside and my favorite was the fig which was so buttery, and the meat inside cooked at the right amount. I didn't take a picture of the baklava i had in the end, but tbh it was not very good, i've had way better baklavas before. All in all, i would deffinitely go back and try their other main courses.

**Review of Maybah Restaurant, Istanbul** 1 Michelin Star Restaurant We visited Maybah Restaurant in Istanbul on June 21st at noon. The restaurant is an outdoor venue under a roof, providing a semi-open dining experience. The weather was warm and humid, adding a touch of authenticity to our surroundings. From a nearby loudspeaker, we could distinctly hear the call to prayer, enhancing the cultural ambiance. Maybah is conveniently located within a 5-10 minute walk from the Cistine Basilica and Hagia Sophia Mosque, making it an ideal spot for tourists exploring these iconic landmarks. The bar in the dining area is adorned with beautiful blue Turkish facade tiles, a striking feature that adds to the restaurant's aesthetic appeal. Classical violin music played softly in the background, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere. The dining area is equipped with five large fans, effectively circulating the air and keeping us comfortable despite the warm weather. At this hour, the restaurant was pleasantly quiet, with a light crowd that matched our preference for a relaxed dining experience. The cost of dining at Maybah is approximately $60 per person, a fair price for the quality of food and ambiance provided. Overall, Maybah Restaurant offers a unique and enjoyable dining experience, perfect for those seeking a blend of cultural and culinary delights.

Great experience. Awesome food prepared according to centuries old traditional recipes. Our waitress Sevgi was exceptionally nice. Friendly, cordial, and attentive service and a refreshing tea on the house in the end. Beautiful dinner. The wine is a bit pricey.

Came here for dinner and very glad we did. The place was relatively empty as it was the middle of the week and off season. We opted for the course set, well worth the price. There's no need to choose, every thing on the menu is included and very tasty. You will leave very satisfied and full. The staff are all very friendly and explained all the dishes.

Good service and good food. Patio seating was nice with comfortable breeze. Their beef in cantaloupe was unique with a little spice.

Came here for lunch with a tour group and this was the chosen place by the guide. What a fantastic place! Everything was delicious. Absolutely everything.

I found this place on the Michelin Guide for Istanbul. I was interested in their curated and historical menu. They did not disappoint. For appetizers we ordered one from their cold menu and one from their hot. "Zeytinyagh Enginar / Stuffed Artichokes in Olive Oil" From the 17th Century. And "Ball Gemici Böregi / Sailor's Roll With Honey" From the 15th century. If you were to pick one or the other, I would choose the Böregi. Both were good but the Böregi was more special. For main courses we had the "Bostan Patlicaninda Reyhanli Bildircin / Quail in Garden Eggplant with Basil Sauce" From the 17th Century. And the "Kirde Kebabi / Kirde Kebab" from the 18th century. Both were delicious. For dessert we split the "Bal Helvasi / Honey Halva" from the 15th Century. This dessert was incredible and, in my opinion, rich enough to be shared. This is not to mention all of the complimentary items we were brought, including a pomegranate juice, an olive tapenade, an eggplant and yogurt dip, and two Turkish teas with our dessert. The service was quick and kind and the atmosphere was especially beautiful. I would absolutely recommend making a reservation, enjoying the history, and eating like a sultan!

The service was amazing and the ambiance was so relaxing! We got the meal, hummus, and shepherd salad...all incredible. The nicest waitstaff and I really enjoyed the concept of old Ottoman cuisine.

Hidden gems like this make me so excited!! In search of authentic old Ottoman cuisine, we stumbled on Matbah on our first day. But they weren't open for another hour and we were too hungry to wait. Today we hiked from the north walls to Topkapi to have dinner here. I recommend reservations, but we're we early enough to catch a table right away. Their story is posted in my pictures, check it out. Let's start with it can be a little tricky to find. It's nestled in a hotel that appears to be townhouses, near the wall of Topkapi Palace. The dining room is bright are airy. It looks over a garden and the rooftops of nearby historic buildings. The service, fantastic. Escorted to the table and my chair pulled out and help seating. Escorted to the restroom, directions would have been tough. Overall 5 star service. The plates were hard to choose from. The chef started with pomegranate sherbet (totally not what Americans think it is, but very refreshing), then a roasted red pepper, eggplant and walnut dish with just a bit of heat. We ordered Balli Gemici Boregi, a wonderful flaky pastry filled with seven Turkish cheeses. Heaven with the local Syrah we ordered. Babaganus was bright, light, and creamy soft. Mmmm. My Dana Kebabi exceeded expectations. Fabulous flavors from the cinnamon and cardamom but not overpowering. And so tender. The saffron rice was the perfect side. The presentation of the Bostan Patlicaninda was talented. Pieces of quail and a sauce of eggplant, pepper paste, honey and basil in a nest of fire roasted eggplant. We HAD to have dessert but we're getting full, so we split the baklava ice cream sandwiches. Petite, flaky and just the right sweetness. The ice cream center was a nice bonus. Two appetizers, two mains, a dessert, a bottle of wine and service fee - just under $100. Incredible. Food created to perfect, fantastic service and setting, for that price is an unbelievable experience. The sun had set by the time we finished. We walked the path up the small hill and enjoyed the Sophia and Blue Mosque in the moonlight. The fountain put on a wonderful light show. Parking very limited. I suggest walking. It's a lovely stroll.

Excellent experience. They opened with a small glass of pomegranate flower juice and a bit of bread and babaganouche (I really can't spell that!). The appetizers and main courses were delicious. The pastry cheese starter I would highly recommend. Definitely give this place a try!

Great authentic ottoman cousine with great service. We were offered complementary tea or coffee, as well as handmade jewelry as a gift. Just wow. Highly recommend this restaurant.

We had an amazing dinner at Matbah! Everything was perfect: the service, the ambience, and especially the food. We loved the Sailor's Roll appetizer and the free tapenade appetizer they brought, as well as the pickled beets and hummus. My husband got the lamb shank and I got the lamb and apricot casserole; both were absolutely delicious! And it was totally affordable as well, which is saying a lot for a fine restaurant. Do yourself a favor and get a meal at Matbah!

After a long day of travel it was a wonderful respite. Staff was conversant in English and welcoming. My wife had the sea bass and I had the lamb shank, both were excellent. The view and atmosphere were quite nice. Prices were fair for all that was offered.

You must try this restaurant. The food is world class. Prices are good value for the food. The meal was also large so filled us up. House wine was also good. Inside the restaurant is very nice. We went for lunch and we were the only ones here.

We arrived after spending the afternoon in the museum. They start you with a pomegranate welcome drink which is delicious because it's not very sweet. We ordered the stuffed eggplant and meatballs for appetizers. They were delicious and a good size for two people. The olive/tomato dip they give you with your bread is also delicious. I had the sautéed chicken set on top of eggplant purée with almonds. It was simple and delicious. My sister had the salmon which was cooked perfectly. We shared the baklava which so light and fresh. The staff was very attentive and helpful.

Matbah is a very nice place to have dinner. Atmosphere is really nice and staff is friendly. We were lone in the restaurant which was quite unsettling, that being said we were in Istanbul off season. Starters and main dishes were great surprises, Ottoman cuisine mixes a lot of flavors and spices (nothing too hot) and each plate is a discovery. Desert was really sweet, I'd advise to pass on those or maybe share one for several people.

What a unique dining experience at this Ottoman-themed restaurant: goose soup; a lamb dIsh; and a pumpkin dessert. The food was excellently prepared and the service was prompt and friendly. Every dimension of the meal was superior and the check was quite reasonable by American standards. I recommend this restaurant highly!

Started with a wheat and vegetable broth soup, very tasty, then Salors Roll with Honey for 19TL which was amazing. For main course we had kebab with a fantastic taste. The meat was delicious. This is real ottoman cuisine. Highly recommended.

This was perhaps one of the best meals I have had in such a long time! Yes, this place is a bit pricey, but the experience is definitely worth it! We made a reservation online and they responded within a couple of hours (super convenient if you're travelling here and want to get one set up internationally). The service was great and the food was incredibly delicious. The view was a little idealized from the pictures that were posted on yelp. Other than that, however, this is definitely one of my all time favorites. They have this awesome policy of any dish you did not like is on the house. But unfortunately for wallets, you probably won't be able to use that. Since everything is simply amazing. A couple of dishes I highly recommend are the lamb shank and the honey chicken. The shank is incredibly flavorful and by the time our family was finished, there wasn't anything left! The honey chicken was very light and fruity, but it may not be popular if you don't like sweet entrees. That being said, I generally don't go for sweet with the entrees, but I loved this one! As for desserts, I highly recommend the Baklava, Halwa, or the Helatiye. Okay, yeah so I probably just recommended almost every dish we had... But the food is just that great! If you're looking for a flaky pastry, baklava is your go to. Something savory/sweet? Halwa! And something light, refreshing for a perfect summer even won't? Helatiye!

It was one of the best meals we had while in Istanbul. Located on the rooftop terrace of a hotel, we chose it because it had good ratings and it was walking distance from our hotel. Great view from the rooftop and nice decor. Amazing service by the whole staff. It is kind of upscale setting. We order a bottle of wine that was great. All The food front he appetizers we had from entrées to dessert was fabulous. The maître d even gave me a little charm at the en of the meal. Nice touch. Style of food is authentic Ottoman Palace food and they try to stick with tradition. Istanbul is such a diverse city, so many restaurant to try and delicious food all around. I'd recommend this restaurant if you're in the area.

This place, though touristy, is an absolute experience for the wayward businessfolk and weary traveller. Even though it is somewhat pricey, when was the last time, as an American, you've eaten something that past Presidents have at their inauguration banquets, for example? Here you get to eat Traditional Ottoman food, served at historical moments in a Sultan's life. The menu is littered with short anecdotes about when certain dishes were presented--many items invented/cooked long long ago. The leg of lamb is superb, and don't be afraid to be adventurous on the menu. It was good enough for a Sultan! I should mention there's some live music (which may or may not be kitschy or charming--haven't decided) this is great for the atmosphere. Outdoor seating is available under heat lamps overlooking a picturesque mosque minaret and dome by the hotel. Note--if you're not here with guidance it's a little difficult to find, so ensure you have the map for it figured out (cabbies will not be able to drive over to the place). But, after you're done eating, they'll call a cab for you

We enjoyed an excellent late evening meal at Matbah. The dining room on the upper level is surrounded by windows and is white-tablecloth dressy. Started with the cucumber yogurt salad and the green salad. Mains were the Matbah Sarmasi (lavash wrapped veal and lamb combo with grilled eggplant) and the chickpea stew, which sounds pedestrian, but certainly wasn't. Portions were appropriate and seasoning was just right. Dessert was the honey helva and the dry figs stuffed with walnuts. The former was tasty, but the texture was not to our liking (personal taste). The latter was excellent - sweet but not cloying. All in, including a half bottle of wine, after dinner tea, and a glass of raki was $85 USD, including a 20 TL tip. Pricey for Istanbul but a great deal from our perspective. The Yelp details are incorrect about the jacket requirement. I'd call it dressy casual.

Start the evening at Sultanahmet Matbah Restaurant, if you want to taste Ottoman Cuisine while you are at Istanbul. Because they are one of the best Restaurant which serves Ottoman Palace Cuisine. My favourite starters; stuffed vine leaves, hummus, shrimp stew, grilled circassian cheese and sailor's roll. In the main course you need to taste stuffed melon which is coming from 15th century.

It was average food, really nice view on the rooftop restaurant. Kind of hard to get to from the grand bazaar and blue mosque area.

Excellent food, good service, nice intimate space. We tried to make reservations via email but didn't hear back from them. Since we were close to the area, we decided to stop by around 7:30pm on a Thursday night without reservations and were seated promptly. All the food we ordered were delicious and memorable. There were a couple of issues, first the oyster appetizer came with two oysters which they then proceeded to split between my BF and I. Also my BF ordered a lamb dish that was supposed to either be stuffed in an apple or a quince, so he requested quince. When it came it was served in an apple. He didn't send it back since it took awhile to get the dish. Otherwise the good were perfection (even the oyster). The pumpkin and fig dessert with kaymak was so divine we wished we didn't share. The bill with one app, two mains, one dessert, and a bottle of wine came to 220 tl. Fair price for the quality of food. The service was lovely, but we found this to be true in many places in Istanbul. If you're having a problem finding the restaurant, it's located in a small street behind Aya Sofya (you literally can leave through the back of the building and be across it.

Great open covered terrace restaurant with a limited view. We were seated right away and they greeted us with some hibiscus and added Lokum pieces next to our coffee. Excellent service. Menu offered included too many sweet plates for our taste, and we though it was quite expensive. But you should definitely try the "Kirde Kebabi"; it was amazing!

Went for lunch with Tauck tours so didn't have to pay but walking distant from topkapi And Hagia Sophia Service was pretty good for a big group Lunch was mediocre Some appetizers only one I knew was grape leaves but none outstanding salad dry and bland and main dish of some kind of chicken just ok Baklava was ok Gave it stars for nice rooftop dining and prompt service Maybe I was a little generous