Istanbul's Florya district sits pretty close to the Marmara Sea, and it's got this cool mix of old-school Turkish vibes and modern stuff. You know how some places just feel different? This area's like that. Right in the middle of all this sits Beyti restaurant. It's been around since 1945, which is pretty crazy when you think about it. The place isn't just some random restaurant either. It's got this whole story behind it that makes you feel like you're eating somewhere special.

Key highlights:
- Famous for creating the Beyti kebab that's now served worldwide
- Michelin Guide recognized restaurant with over 75 years of history
- Hosts everyone from movie stars to prime ministers in 12 different dining rooms

PROFILE

Beyti Güler started this place when he was young, and now he's 94 years old. Can you believe that? The guy basically invented a whole type of kebab that bears his name. His sons Cüneyt and Ahmet help run things now. It's still a family business, which is pretty cool in a world where everything's becoming corporate. The restaurant moved from Küçükçekmece to Florya in 1983. That's when it really became the fancy place it is today. They're members of some fancy international food organization called Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Sounds impressive, right?

AMBIENCE

Walking into Beyti feels like stepping into someone's really nice Turkish grandpa's house. There are little fountains at the entrance and sculptures in the garden. The place has 12 different dining rooms. Twelve! That's more rooms than most people have in their entire house. Everything's decorated with this nostalgic Turkish charm that makes you want to take pictures. But not in an Instagram-fake way, more like genuine history. The main dining room can fit 500 people, but it doesn't feel crowded or loud. They've figured out how to make big spaces feel cozy.

MUST-TRY

Obviously, you gotta try the Beyti kebab. It's literally named after the owner, so you know it's gonna be good. The lamb gets marinated for days with onion juice, vinegar, and olive oil. Then they let it rest for like 12 days total before cooking it. Su Böreği is another thing people go crazy for. It's this Turkish water pastry that's apparently the best version anyone's ever had. Imam bayildi is this eggplant dish that's cooked just right. The eggplant melts in your mouth and the tomatoes and peppers taste amazing.

FOOD

Everything here is about meat, especially lamb. If you're vegetarian, this probably isn't your place. They use oak charcoal for grilling, which gives the meat this smoky flavor you can't get from regular grills. The chefs really know what they're doing. The mixed grill lets you try different types of meat at once. You get döner, köfte, shish kebab, and the signature Beyti all on one plate. Quality is insane here. They pick their meat carefully and prepare everything with methods that haven't changed in decades.

SERVICE

The waiters here don't just bring you food and disappear. They actually serve food to your plate and change your cutlery between courses. English-speaking staff makes things easy for tourists. You don't have to worry about language barriers or pointing at menu items. The service feels effortless, like they're reading your mind. Your water glass never gets empty, and they anticipate what you need before you ask. Some of the staff have been working here for years. There's this headwaiter named Hussein who apparently makes every table feel like VIPs.

PRICING

This isn't a cheap place, but it's not trying to be. You're paying for quality ingredients and decades of experience. For what you get, the prices are actually reasonable. Especially when you consider you're eating at a place that's been serving celebrities and politicians for 75 years. The portions are generous too. You won't leave hungry, that's for sure. Wine list is pretty good if you're into that. They've got both local Turkish wines and international options.

SUMMARY

Beyti isn't just a restaurant, it's like a piece of Istanbul history you can actually eat. The food lives up to the hype, which is saying something. Sure, it's fancy and a bit expensive, but sometimes you want to eat somewhere that feels special. This place definitely delivers on that. The fact that they've been doing the same thing for 75 years and still getting rave reviews says a lot. They're not trying to reinvent the wheel, just making it really, really well. If you're in Istanbul and want to try Turkish food at its best, this should be on your list. Just don't expect to walk in without a reservation.

FAQs

Do I need a reservation?
Yeah, you should definitely make a reservation. This place is popular with both locals and tourists, and they can get pretty busy especially on weekends.

Is there parking available?
Yes, they have their own private parking lot. They also offer valet parking, which is pretty convenient in a busy city like Istanbul.

What should I wear?
It's a nice restaurant so you probably don't want to show up in shorts and flip-flops. Business casual or smart casual works fine. Nothing too formal required though.