Şehzade Cağ Kebap

Truly a local gem! The çağ kebab here is amazing — tender, juicy, and full of smoky flavor. The food is not only delicious but also very affordable. We loved it so much we actually came back twice in one day because we couldn’t get enough of that delicious meat! Highly recommend for anyone wanting real local taste in Istanbul.

was an excellent experience from start to finish. The food was delicious, fresh, and full of authentic flavor, making it a real treat for anyone who loves Turkish cuisine. The meat was perfectly grilled, tender, and juicy, served with tasty sides and fresh bread. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the restaurant had a warm, welcoming atmosphere that made the meal even more enjoyable. Everything was clean and well presented. Overall, it was a great place to try and I would definitely give it a 5 out of 5 for both food and service.

Delicious food and truly authentic vibes. I’ve been here several times and tried other in Hoca Pasa. This one stands out by far. Best flavor, minimal wait, and great service. It’s lively and a bit noisy, but still totally fine for conversation. The energy adds to the charm rather than distracting from it. A place that feels alive without crossing into chaos. Good balance between buzz and comfort.Highly recommended for anyone craving real taste and atmosphere.

It’s not for everyone. I noticed a few tourists waited in line to be seated but left after looking at the menu — probably because they didn’t find the usual French fries, mayo, or burgers. If that’s what you’re looking for, this restaurant isn’t for you. They only have about 8 or 9 dishes on the menu, and it’s a bit on the expensive side. You’ll also be sharing a table with strangers, which might not appeal to everyone. The food itself was good — the meat was a bit fatty, but still delicious overall.

We found this place by accident. My spouse liked how the meat looked on the spit so we sat down, and then the crowds came. Poor guy across the street selling the same thing had zero business, has been in business longer according to their signs, and had his employees sit at the tables to try and draw in business. It didn't work the entire time we were eating. ATMOSPHERE: The tiny restaurant has covered sidewalk seating only and is great for people watching. They're located near the spice market. We did have a peddler with her child come up to the tables asking for money while she played the accordion. MENU: Kebabs! FOOD: Red Bean Lentil Soup It was orange in color and tasted very good. A medium savory with a nice amount of lentils and more soup, not too thick either. Lamb Cag Kebab The cag style of kebab is an old school way of cooking the meat horizontally on the spit rather than vertically. Well it was THE BEST we've had in Istanbul! Super tender and tons of natural flavor. It came with sides of yogurt, spicy couscous and lava, which we made into a burrito and devoured it. SERVICE: All the guys were friendly and food delivery was quick. OVERALL: Excellent food, normal prices. They even won an award on Trip Advisor!

There was a line by 7pm very popular but moved quite quick. Everyone knows to eat and go. I got 2 portions of the lamb. It was delicious, flavourful and fresh! I could have eaten a 3rd portion. Also people around me got extras. The ingredients are fresh and their spicy condiment is delicious.

Tucked into a narrow alley just south-west of Sirkeci station, this modest eatery holds a reputation that far outstrips its size. The set-up is simple: a few tables outside, an upstairs and downstairs inside, and one thing only on the menu – cağ kebap. Unlike its more common döner cousin, this Erzurum speciality is roasted horizontally on a spit. From my seat, I could watch the usta carve generous slices, their aroma filling the small dining room and drifting out onto Hocapaşa Sokak. The ritual is as much part of the meal as the food itself. Flatbread, chili paste, crisp salad, and thick buffalo yoghurt arrive alongside the kebap. I did the dürüm thing – layering, rolling, biting in – and suddenly everything made sense. The cool salad checked the heat of the paste, the yoghurt softened the spice, and the kebap itself, tender and perfectly seasoned, sang through it all. I raised my hand for another portion without hesitation. It was a complete harmony of flavour, the kind of meal that makes you stop and simply smile. A perfect 10/10.

I really enjoyed this little place on the corner. I saw it because it was on Gary Nevilles Instagram and thought I would go there with my partner. I am glad I did as the food was really very good, some of the best I had during my stay in Istanbul. The menu was limited to just the Cag Kebap but I loved that about this place, many other places do pizzas and burgers and ice cream, stay in your lane and know what you do well, which this place does. The reason for 4 stars and not 5 is because of the price, it's just on the steeper side but this is in keeping with the rest of the city so comparitively speaking it may be there or there abouts but we paid 1500TL for 6 skewers, the spicy tomato dip and 2 soft drinks. I could get cheaper than this at home. While I will never doubt the quality, it just puzzles me how it stays at this price when competition is everywhere. The rate of inflation for tourists seems to be eye-wateringly high over the last 1-2 years and this is just a great microcosm. So that cost this place a 5-star rating for me which is a shame but I have to be objective.