Şehzade Cağ Kebap

This is so good foodgasm level great that we came back 3 times in a row. I'm currently pregnant and hate lamb but this has absolutely no smell and the taste is absolutely heavenly. Soft, juicy, smoky, even the fat melts in your mouth in an explosion of flavour (the best part!). Usual portion is 2 skewers, but on the 2nd day we were absolutely starving and ordered extra portion hahaha. I'll be dreaming about this for a while now. Small place and super crowded especially during busy lunch hours so if you want a more calm dining experience avoid the hectic hours. Has seating outside, inside downstairs and upstairs. Superb absolutely top class.

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.

SOOO VERY GOOD, another one of a good tourist trap, it's a joy in Istanbul that most of these are good, and not crowded?? At least you get a seat off the bat! Ordered their trademark, and added turkey salsa ( THESE THINGS ARE AMAZING, also you need add a little of those black vinegar to spice it up). The meat is well charred and juicy, how is this combination possible? Staff are quite friendly and attentive but definitely can be slightly improved. Also got the pilaf which wasn't the best but still yum! Trademark is defo the meat!!! Must eat in Istanbul for sure!

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.

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.

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!

The kebabs here are truly one of a kind. With the perfect balance of lamb meat and fat, they melt in the mouth effortlessly. For anyone familiar with Peshawari or Afghani cuisine, the taste is strikingly similar to Afghani boti — rich, smoky, and deeply satisfying. The restaurant was bustling with energy during our visit, so we ended up sitting outside. Despite the crowd, the food more than made up for the wait, leaving us with a memorable dining experience.