Zübeyir Ocakbaşı
A charcoal-grill restaurant near Taksim where diners eat around an open grill, with lamb chops and skewers receiving the highest praise.
Located at 28 Bekar Street in Beyoğlu, about a five-minute walk from Taksim Square, this is a classic fireside grill restaurant (ocakbaşı) where diners can sit around the open charcoal grill and watch the chefs cook. The lamb chops are the most highly praised, while the shish kebabs, chicken skewers, and Adana kebab are also frequently recommended, accompanied by a selection of cold appetizers (meze). It is often fully booked in the evening, so calling ahead for a reservation is recommended, though walk-ins are sometimes accommodated if you are lucky. The average cost is about 2000 TL per person. There are other branches with the same name in other districts; this entry refers to the Beyoğlu location.
Opening hours
Daily approx. 12:00–24:00 (some sources list from 11:00 on weekends)
Nearby sights
- İstiklal Avenue & Taksim Square
- Pera Museum
- Istanbul Modern
- Galataport
- Galata Tower
- Galata Bridge & Eminönü
- Bosphorus Strait Cruise
- Dolmabahçe Palace