Pandeli: Istanbul's Legendary Michelin-Listed Restaurant Above the Spice Bazaar

Around the turn of the century, Pandeli, the son of a Greek shepherd from Niğde, moved to Istanbul and began what would become a legendary culinary career. After odd jobs as a dishwasher and a barber's apprentice, Pandeli started selling piyaz (bean and onion salad) and köfte (meatballs) near where he would later open his eponymous restaurant. After half a century of running eateries across Istanbul, Pandeli opened his current restaurant on the upper floor above the entrance of the Spice Bazaar — a location allocated to him by order of the state after his previous restaurant was looted during the 6-7 September pogrom of 1955.

Today, with chef Abdullah Sevim at the helm, Pandeli is revered as one of the city's most iconic culinary spots, serving traditional Turkish dishes at their absolute best. Michelin seems to agree, having awarded the restaurant the Bib Gourmand title back in 2022. Pandeli's hünkar beğendi — slow-cooked lamb served on a bed of charred eggplant purée — remains unparalleled, and the famous eggplant pie topped with a leaf of döner kebap is still one of our favourite dishes in the city. Round it off with the oven-baked quince, slathered with thick syrup and clotted buffalo cream. Bear in mind that no alcohol is served here, and as Pandeli is only open until 7pm, the best time for a reservation would be lunch.

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