For the best restaurants in Şişli, choose Mahir Lokantası for a casual Turkish lunch in Osmanbey, Kiva Bomontiada for Anatolian meze and a shared dinner, or Aila for modern Turkish cooking at Fairmont Quasar Istanbul. This BestPlacesFinder guide covers three restaurants across the Şişli district, with practical details to help you match the location, menu and atmosphere to your plans.
| Restaurant | Best for | Full address | Restaurant contact | Official website | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahir Lokantası – Osmanbey | A casual Turkish lunch | Cumhuriyet Mah., Tavukçu Fethi Sokak No:28/B, 34380 Şişli, Istanbul, Türkiye | +90 507 763 21 23, listed by Michelin | @mahirlokantasi | — |
| Kiva Bomontiada | Anatolian meze and a shared dinner | Tarihi Bomonti Bira Fabrikası, Merkez Mah., Birahane Sokak No:1/A, 34380 Şişli, Istanbul, Türkiye | +90 212 296 20 08, direct branch number | @kivarestoran, brand account | kivarestoran.com |
| Aila | A modern Turkish occasion dinner | Fairmont Quasar Istanbul, Büyükdere Caddesi No:76/B, Mecidiyeköy, 34394 Şişli, Istanbul, Türkiye | +90 536 288 41 42, restaurant reservations | Not independently confirmed | ailarestaurant.com.tr |
Mahir’s location and contact follow Michelin’s listing. Kiva’s address and telephone come from its official branch page; Aila’s reservations number appears on its own website and in Michelin.
1. Mahir Lokantası – Turkish Classics in a Lively Lokanta
The easiest option here in Osmanbey for Turkish lunch is Mahir. Michelin says it is an active restaurant that can have a line in front of them when they open and it is advisable to arrive at the beginning of the service. It’s not about the view or a fancy dinner, it’s about the cooking itself. Play it when you’re craving for Turkish classics and don’t mind a boisterous space.
Be sure your map is oriented to Tavukçu Fethi Sokak in the neighbourhood of Şişli. Additionally, Mahir’s service is available at a location outside of the district, so that searching on the restaurant name alone may not give the correct branch.
So, what should you have at Mahir?
A good place to start is Lahmacun. Michelin mentions a one prepared with lamb, Urfa chilli and fresh herbs, and stuffed vegetables filled with meat, rice and herbs. Don’t take everything that’s available online for granted, ask about the food that’s available on the day.
Lahmacun is like a cooked dish for two people, which is a good means of exploring different sides of the kitchen.
Mahir caters for solo eaters, couples and guests who want their meal to be their highlight of the visit. In this short list, it’s also the easiest to go with for a traditional lunchtime meal.
Practical information
- Address: Cumhuriyet Mahallesi, Tavukçu Fethi Sokak No:28/B, 34380 Şişli, Istanbul, Türkiye.
- Restaurant contact listed by Michelin: +90 507 763 21 23.
- Instagram: @mahirlokantasi.
- Website: No currently accessible official website was confirmed.
- Listed hours: Monday–Saturday 12:00–22:00; Sunday closed.
- Directions: Get directions to Mahir Lokantası, Osmanbey.
The social account is corroborated by restaurant listings and an independently embedded account post. Confirm opening hours before a time-sensitive visit.
2. Kiva Bomontiada – Regional Flavours at the Historic Brewery
Kiva caters to any guest who appreciates an evening centered around Anatolian tastes and dishes to enjoy with others. The Şişli restaurant is located in Yapı Kredi bomontiada and the historic Bomonti brewery complex. It has its own description which highlights the seasonal regional cuisine, meze and charcoal barbecue meat, to be enjoyed with wine and rakı.
That way, they look good for friends or a group looking for a longer meal time. When booking select the Bomontiada branch (Kiva also has a location at Galataport in Beyoğlu).
What will be your order at Kiva?
Begin with a question on the seasonal meze and then make a decision on the main course, perhaps a charcoal grill. This is the relevant menu link on the official website for Bomontiada, which is the one you will use.
As the size of the current pdf is too large to be fully analysed during the research, individual dishes and prices are not given as confirmed here. Use the existing branch menu to place your order and inquire about the sizes of the portions.
Kiva is an evening option as per the current published schedule, opening at 16:00. Book for a larger party, a special meal or a specific reservation. It’s a great choice if dinner is part of an evening in Bomonti, thanks to the regional cuisine and the Bomontiada setting.
Practical information
- Address: Tarihi Bomonti Bira Fabrikası, Merkez Mahallesi, Birahane Sokak No:1/A, 34380 Şişli, Istanbul, Türkiye.
- Direct Bomontiada phone: +90 212 296 20 08.
- Instagram: @kivarestoran — independently listed brand account.
- Website and reservations: Kiva.
- Menu: Select “Yapı Kredi Bomontiada Menu”.
- Opening hours: Sunday–Thursday 16:00–00:00; Friday–Saturday 16:00–01:00.
- Directions: Get directions to Kiva Bomontiada.
Branch details and hours follow Kiva’s official contact page. The brand Instagram handle is supported by independent editorial coverage; older directories also reference a different branch handle.
3. Aila – Modern Turkish Cooking at Fairmont Quasar Istanbul
Aila is best suited in this shortlist for a modern tureen of Turkish dishes, in a more formal setting. It is located in the interior of Fairmont Quasar Istanbul in Mecidiyeköy and is a contemporary presentation of the traditional Anatolian flavours. Michelin highlights the high ceilings, the marble and the dark wood, and the importance of spices and the origin of ingredients.
Select it when the restaurant is a focal point in your evening, for example, a celebration, or dinner with guests. The difference between Mahir and the other is more in the setting and style of eating than the overall national cuisine.
What would you like to eat at Aila?
The hotel emphasizes the hot and cold meze, the wood-fired cooking at an ocakbaşı, butter-poached sea bass and grilled lamb. The following are just some examples of what it says in the restaurant description; please refer to the current dinner menu for availability.
To plan the menu, a few meze and then a fish or meat main are a good strategy. If allergies exist and preferred preparation, discuss with the team when reserving.
The hotel also mentions that there is an outdoor courtyard for ideal weather. If you’re dining outside on your date, ask if it’s possible to ensure seating.
Practical information
- Address: Fairmont Quasar Istanbul, Büyükdere Caddesi No:76/B, Mecidiyeköy, 34394 Şişli, Istanbul, Türkiye.
- Aila reservations contact: +90 536 288 41 42.
- Hotel switchboard: +90 212 403 85 00, shared with other hotel services.
- Instagram: No separate restaurant account was independently confirmed.
- Restaurant website: Aila İstanbul.
- Menu and hotel restaurant page: Aila at Fairmont Quasar Istanbul.
- Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 16:00–23:00; Sunday closed.
- Directions: Get directions to Aila.
The reservations mobile is published by Aila and corroborated by Michelin. The hotel’s contact page confirms that its landline is shared across several services.
Where Should You Eat in Şişli?
Şişli is a district, so the most useful restaurant choice depends on where you are staying and the kind of meal you want. These three addresses cover Osmanbey, Bomonti and Mecidiyeköy, rather than one short restaurant street.
Check the route from your hotel before booking and allow enough time to reach the correct branch. For this shortlist, the distinction is clear: Osmanbey for Mahir’s lunch service, Bomonti for Kiva’s evening sharing format, and Mecidiyeköy for Aila’s hotel restaurant setting.
If your plans centre on Teşvikiye or Nişantaşı, see our separate Nişantaşı restaurant guide for a different selection.
How to Choose the Right Şişli Restaurant
Start with your meal time. Mahir opens at midday under its published schedule. Kiva and Aila advertise opening from 16:00.
Choose the format. Pick Mahir for a casual meal, Kiva for meze and conversation, or Aila for a more formal dinner.
Check the branch. Mahir’s Pera location and Kiva’s Galataport location are outside Şişli. Use the addresses in this guide.
Confirm the total. Ask about portions, drinks, service charges and any minimum spend before ordering or booking.
Discuss dietary and access needs. Confirm ingredients, kitchen substitutions, steps and seating arrangements directly when these affect your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best restaurants in Şişli for Turkish food?
Mahir Lokantası suits a casual Turkish lunch, Kiva Bomontiada suits Anatolian meze and a shared dinner, and Aila suits modern Turkish cooking in a more formal hotel setting.
Are Osmanbey, Bomonti and Mecidiyeköy included in this Şişli guide?
Yes. This guide covers the wider Şişli district. All three published restaurant addresses are within Şişli.
Which restaurant is best for lunch?
Mahir is the clearest lunchtime choice: Michelin lists opening from 12:00 Monday–Saturday. Kiva Bomontiada and Aila currently advertise opening from 16:00.
Which restaurant should I choose for a special occasion?
Aila is the strongest fit for a more formal dinner. Kiva is an alternative when the priority is a sociable shared meal. Contact either restaurant about group size and seating requirements.
Are these restaurants open on Sundays?
Kiva Bomontiada advertises Sunday service from 16:00. Mahir is listed as closed on Sunday, and Aila’s official pages also state Sunday closure. Recheck holiday schedules directly.
Do I need a reservation?
Book for an occasion dinner, a larger group or a particular table at Kiva or Aila. Michelin notes queues at Mahir, so contact the restaurant about arrangements or plan an early visit.
Can vegetarians eat at these restaurants?
Confirm suitable dishes directly. Meze may contain dairy, eggs, stock or meat toppings, and vegetable dishes are not automatically vegan. Ask whether the kitchen can provide a complete meal that meets your requirements.
How much should I budget for dinner in Şişli?
Compare current menus for the meal you intend to order. Shared meze, drinks and premium mains can change the total substantially. Ask about service charges, portions and booking conditions rather than relying on old online price bands.
Which Şişli Restaurant Should You Choose?
Choose Mahir Lokantası for a Turkish lunch, Kiva Bomontiada for an evening of Anatolian meze, or Aila for modern Turkish food in a more formal setting. Confirm the branch and service time, then choose the meal that fits your day.
