Looking for the best restaurants near Hagia Sophia in Istanbul? The area around Hagia Sophia is one of the city’s most convenient places to combine sightseeing with a proper Turkish meal, with restaurants ranging from rooftop dining and seafood to Ottoman palace cuisine and classic köfte. Three particularly useful choices are Seven Hills Restaurant, just a few minutes from Hagia Sophia and known for its rooftop views of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque; Matbah Restaurant, a short walk away and focused on Ottoman palace recipes; and Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta 1920, a historic spot on Divanyolu serving its famous Turkish meatballs. These three also give you different dining experiences rather than three versions of the same tourist restaurant.
For more Istanbul restaurant guides, neighbourhood recommendations and places to explore, bestplacefinder is also a useful starting point.
| Restaurant | Best For | Cuisine / Style | Approx. Walk from Hagia Sophia | Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seven Hills Restaurant | Rooftop dining & views | Turkish, Mediterranean & seafood | Around 3–5 minutes | Tevkifhane Sok. No:8, Kat:3 |
| Matbah Restaurant | Ottoman cuisine | Ottoman palace cuisine | Around 3–4 minutes | Caferiye Sok. No:6/1 |
| Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi | Classic Turkish lunch | Köfte & Turkish grill | Around 5–7 minutes | Divanyolu Cd. No:12 |
1. Seven Hills Restaurant
Seven Hills Restaurant is one of the most famous restaurants in the vicinity of Hagia Sophia, especially for those seeking to experience Turkish cuisine from a vantage point offering a view of the historic peninsula. It is located on the third floor on a terrace of Seven Hills Palace Hotel on Tevkifhane Sokak and its official website emphasizes its view of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Marina.
Seven Hills is a popular destination for travelers because of its setting. The rooftop offers a view across Sultanahmet and the domes and minarets of the city as well as the Bosphorus and Marmara coasts. The terrace is also a very atmospheric place during the sun rises and sunsets when the historic skyline can change with the light.
The cuisine is Turkish and Mediterranean with seafood being a key component. The restaurant says that fresh fish comes from the Sea of Marmara and the menu is composed of cold and hot meze, salads and soups, meat dishes, desserts and breakfast. This is the added versatility that Seven Hills offers over a restaurant that is only designed for dinner service.
There is also breakfast provided and the restaurant currently has mixed Turkish breakfast on offer along with their food menu. This allows visitors to visit the Seven Hills in the morning, and again for lunch and dinner.
Position significance because rooftop often a central experience. A table towards the outside of the terrace offers another perspective from an indoor table, and the visitors who come in search of Hagia Sophia views can specify this when making a reservation.
What Do You Order at Seven Hills?
If you are going for a “classic” Turkish meal, begin with some meze and then try the grilled fishes or other main course options. The restaurant also has a breakfast option, as well as salads and desserts, so it is suitable for various hours.
Why Visit Seven Hills?
In particular, Seven Hills is ideal when the view is a crucial element to enjoyment. It’s situated in the bustling heart of the city, Sultanahmet, and it offers seating on the rooftop as well as sightlines of some of the city’s most iconic monuments.
Seven Hills Restaurant Details
Address: Cankurtaran Mahallesi, Tevkifhane Sokak No:8, Kat:3, Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul, Türkiye
Phone: +90 212 516 94 99
Opening hours: 08:30–23:00 daily according to the restaurant’s current information.
Website: sevenhillsrestaurant.com
Instagram: @sevenhillsrestaurant
2. Matbah Restaurant
Among the restaurants in the vicinity of Hagia Sophia, Matbah Restaurant is an interesting option if you are interested in trying out some Ottoman dishes. It sits on Caferiye Sokak, between Hagia Sophia and the historic Caferağa Medrese, with its official website indicating that the restaurant is about 191 metres away from Hagia Sophia.
Matbah’s concept is quite unlike a normal Turkish restaurant. The kitchen is based on recipes of the meals served in the Ottoman Imperial court, in which the “Old world” ingredients and methods are used to recreate the historic recipes. The restaurant advertises its menu as being made up of exclusive dishes once served at the court of the Ottoman sultans.
The menu is more special than the typical kebab and meze offered anywhere around Sultanahmet. Mixing meat, fruit, nuts, vegetables, dried fruits and aromatic spices was also a popular technique in Ottoman cuisine, producing flavors that are not as prevalent in the modern Turkish restaurant today.
It even matches the cuisine concept of the setting. Matbah has separate sections such as Winter Garden overlooking Zeynep Sultan Mosque and Caferağa Medrese as well as a brighter ground floor Sultan’s Lounge inspired by the royal gardens of the Ottomans.
When travelling to multiple historical attractions on the same day, the restaurant is very convenient. Matbah can be accommodated in the sightseeing itinerary as it’s within walking distance from the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace and Sultanahmet Square.
This is what you should eat at Matbah?
It would be better to find one of the restaurant’s traditional dishes, which are in the style of Ottoman cuisine, than choose a general Turkish dish. The concept shines through in the historic recipes that feature lamb, veggies, dried fruit, nuts and traditional spices – and these can vary according to the menu.
Why Visit Matbah?
The emphasis of Matbah is especially for those who prefer food with an Ottoman connection to Istanbul and travel. It is quite different from the casual eateries around Sultanahmet, with its location, historic recipes and garden style dining spaces.
Matbah Restaurant Details
Address: Caferiye Sokak No:6/1, 34122 Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul, Türkiye
Phone: +90 212 514 61 51
Opening hours: 09:00–22:30 daily according to current listings.
Website: matbahrestaurant.com
Instagram: @matbahrestaurant
3. Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta 1920
If you’re looking for something simpler and more traditional, Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta is on the historic main street, Divanyolu Caddesi, in Sultanahmet. It’s name is a testament to its long history, and the restaurant is currently listed in the main location at Divanyolu Caddesi No:12 in Sultanahmet.
Here it is dealt with the köfte, a classic Turkish meatball prepared with seasoned minced meat and grilled. This is a very simple Turkish meal, as opposed to the more elaborate experience of the Ottoman restaurant at Matbah.
The basic accompaniments for a traditional köfte meal are typically just peppers, piyaz, a variety of breads and beverages, with the grilled meat taking center stage. There are also other Turkish delicacies served in the restaurant, but the most famous reason for the restaurant is its köfte.
It is another benefit because of its location. The restaurant is easily accessible from Divanyolu, one of the main streets of the historic centre and is accessible via a tram.
Less formal than Seven Hills or Matbah. It’s a good option for those traveling and looking to get a good bite to eat at Turkish eateries between attractions, before committing to a significant afternoon at the table.
The restaurant is currently listed to be open every day, but may have slightly different hours for each listing.
So, What Should You Order at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi?
The clear choice is house köfte, preferably served with piyaz and a traditional alcoholic beverage like ayran. If you are still hungry after the main dish, Turkish desserts such as semolina halva may also be available.
Why Visit Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi?
It is a great alternative when you want to enjoy the classic köfte meal of Turkey in the centre of Sultanahmet, yet you don’t want to opt for a formal rooftop restaurant or destination restaurant.
Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Details
Address: Alemdar Mahallesi, Divanyolu Caddesi No:12, Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul, Türkiye
Phone: +90 212 520 05 66
Opening hours: Approximately 10:30–22:30 daily according to current listings.
Website: sultanahmetkoftesi.com
Instagram: @tarihisultanahmetkoftecisi1920
What Makes the Area Around Hagia Sophia Good for Food?
Hagia Sophia sits in the centre of Istanbul’s historic peninsula, surrounded by some of the city’s most important attractions. That concentration of landmarks has also created a dense restaurant scene, ranging from rooftop terraces and historic restaurants to quick Turkish eateries.
The biggest advantage is convenience. After visiting Hagia Sophia, you can reach the Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and Sultanahmet Square on foot, with restaurants located along the same walking routes.
The dining atmosphere also changes depending on the street. Restaurants closest to the major monuments tend to focus heavily on visitors, while streets leading towards Sirkeci and the Grand Bazaar offer more traditional lokanta, kebab and köfte options.
What Type of Restaurant Should You Choose Near Hagia Sophia?
The three restaurants above suit different itineraries.
Seven Hills Restaurant makes the most sense when you want food with a major Sultanahmet view, especially from a rooftop terrace.
Matbah Restaurant is a stronger match when you are interested in Ottoman history and historic palace cuisine rather than a standard Turkish restaurant menu.
Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi is more suitable for a quick and classic Turkish meal, particularly when you want köfte between sightseeing stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best restaurants near Hagia Sophia?
Seven Hills Restaurant, Matbah Restaurant and Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi are three nearby options with distinctly different styles: rooftop Turkish and seafood dining, Ottoman palace cuisine, and classic Turkish köfte.
Which restaurant has the best view of Hagia Sophia?
Seven Hills is specifically designed around its elevated Sultanahmet panorama and has views towards Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque from its rooftop terrace.
Which restaurant near Hagia Sophia serves Ottoman cuisine?
Matbah Restaurant specialises in recipes inspired by the Ottoman imperial court and is located only a short walk from Hagia Sophia.
Where can I eat Turkish köfte near Hagia Sophia?
Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta 1920 on Divanyolu Caddesi is a long-established restaurant specialising in Turkish köfte.
Can I find a rooftop restaurant near Hagia Sophia?
Yes. Seven Hills Restaurant has a rooftop terrace with views over Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Sea of Marmara.
Which restaurant is good for a quick lunch near Hagia Sophia?
Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi is a practical choice for a relatively straightforward Turkish meal, while Matbah is better suited to a longer meal centred on Ottoman dishes.
Is Matbah within walking distance of Hagia Sophia?
Yes. Matbah’s official location page lists Hagia Sophia at approximately 191 metres from the restaurant.
Is Seven Hills Restaurant open for breakfast?
Yes. Seven Hills currently offers a mixed Turkish breakfast and opens in the morning. Its current official information lists daily service from 08:30.
Which restaurant near Hagia Sophia is best for traditional Turkish food?
The answer depends on the style of Turkish food you are looking for. Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi focuses on classic köfte, while Matbah specialises in historic Ottoman recipes and Seven Hills combines Turkish and Mediterranean dishes with seafood and rooftop dining.
Can I walk to these restaurants from the Blue Mosque?
Yes. All three are in the wider Sultanahmet area and can be incorporated into a walking route that includes the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
Do I need a reservation?
For Seven Hills, reservations are useful when you specifically want terrace seating. Matbah also accepts reservations, while the more casual Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi generally has a simpler walk-in format.
