Tarihi Sultanahmet Köfteci, Istanbul

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Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi is one of the most historic eateries near to some of the most historic tourist attractions of Istanbul.

Most tourists visiting Istanbul for the first time are likely to be staying in Sultanahmet – the area boasting Sultanahmet Camii (the Blue Mosque), Aya Sofya, Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern (aka Yerebatan Sarnıcı).

And, of course, wherever there is a glut of tourists, it naturally follows that there is a glut of expensive souvenir shops, bars and restaurants.

It’s a fact of life wherever you are in the world – and Sultanahmet is no exception.

Eating Out In Sultanahmet

But that doesn’t mean people on a budget need to avoid these areas like the plague. And it also doesn’t mean you have to pay ridiculous prices for a decent fill of Turkish food.

For a sit-down meal and a large bottled Efes (a rarity in Istanbul), we found Palatium to be reasonable and perfectly chilled.

And, of course, they have their added bonus of a little secret underworld, too.

It’s along the Divanyolu Caddesi, the main road leading from Sultanahmet towards Beyazıt, where you’ll find bars and restaurants with prices to make you develop a bad case of watery eyes.

But, even here, you can find places to fill your tummy without decimating the insides of your wallet.

Decent Köfte

Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi is one such place.

We went there for the first time in October hoping for a simple, cheap (for Sultanahmet) meal.

And, although it wasn’t as good as the amazing köfte we ate at Edirnekapı’s Durak Rumeli Köfteci (nothing will ever beat that – it was the situation we were in), it was certainly a decent köfte at a reasonable price.

We sat in a 1920s-style eating area and ordered our köfte. The waiter soon arrived with a generous serving of 6 meaty köfte with a side of 3 large, pickled chillies and a basket of thick wedges of fresh bread.

It definitely filled a corner for us. We also ordered a plate of piyaz because we just can’t resist.

Köfte without piyaz just isn’t köfte for us.

Sultanahmet Tarihi Köftecisi is not the cheapest food you’re going to find in Istanbul.

But to be able to sit in prime tourist land, a stone’s throw from three of the most famous historic buildings in the world, the price and the quality got a thumbs up from us.

Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi, Istanbul – More Info

• Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi is at 12, Divanyolu Caddesi, Sultanahmet.
• Each plate was served with a side of pickled chillies and a basket of fresh bread.

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