Best of Istanbul
The best ocakbaşı kebab in Istanbul
Start with Adana Ocakbaşı in Kurtuluş for adana kebab, Zübeyir Ocakbaşı in Beyoğlu for kebabs from the open grill and Ali Ocakbaşı for ocakbaşı grill and mezes. Here are all 4, with what to get at each.
- Adana OcakbaşıKurtuluş · Ocakbaşı kebab
Get: Adana kebab; grilled sweetbreads
Open since 1978 and known for generous portions at sensible prices.
- Zübeyir OcakbaşıBeyoğlu · Ocakbaşı kebab
Get: Kebabs from the open grill
A lively multi-floor grill house with open fires on every level.
- Gaziantep Burç OcakbaşıGrand Bazaar
Get: Eggplant kebab and Adana kebab
Its two best sellers are the eggplant and Adana kebabs, grilled to order.
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Where is the best ocakbaşı kebab in Istanbul?
Chef Amazing’s picks start with Adana Ocakbaşı (Kurtuluş), Zübeyir Ocakbaşı (Beyoğlu) and Ali Ocakbaşı. All 4 places are on this page with what to get, where they are and a map.
What should I order?
At Adana Ocakbaşı, get adana kebab; grilled sweetbreads. At Zübeyir Ocakbaşı, get kebabs from the open grill. At Ali Ocakbaşı, get ocakbaşı grill and mezes. At Gaziantep Burç Ocakbaşı, get eggplant kebab and Adana kebab.
How does Chef Amazing pick these?
From Chef Amazing’s city guide and lists for Istanbul: the places critics, chefs and locals keep recommending, checked and kept current, with what to order at each. Nobody pays to be on them.
More in Istanbul
Places change: check hours before you go. Pins come from addresses and OpenStreetMap and can be a little off. Updated October 25, 2026.