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Istanbul Grilli
Restaurant

Istanbul Grilli

5/5👍 Recommended

Fredrikinkatu 29, 00120 Helsinki, Finland

Great Turkish restaurant in the middle of Helsinki

Photos

Our Review

Casual Turkish restaurant in central Helsinki known for its authentic charcoal-grilled meats and a lunchtime buffet; offers kebabs, skewers, fish dishes, vegetarian/vegan options and Turkish desserts and tea. We have been visiting the restaurant multiple times during our Helsinki visit and it never disappoints.

About this place

Istanbul Grilli is a casual Turkish grill restaurant in central Helsinki specializing in authentic charcoal-grilled meats and traditional Turkish cuisine. The restaurant is known for its affordable lunchtime buffet featuring warm dishes, fresh vegetables, homemade bread, and soup, as well as an extensive à la carte menu of kebabs, grilled skewers, and fish dishes available throughout the day.

Key Highlights

  • Authentic charcoal-grilled meats and fish, the restaurant's signature specialty
  • Weekday lunch buffet (10 AM–4 PM) at €9.90 and weekend buffet (11 AM–6 PM) at €11, including coffee and tea
  • Diverse menu with Turkish starters (hummus, cacik, sarma), grilled specialties like lamb skewers, and traditional desserts such as baklava
  • Vegetarian, vegan, and halal-certified options available
  • Casual, welcoming atmosphere with friendly service and free WiFi

Tips for visitors

  • Visit during lunch hours (weekdays 10 AM–4 PM, weekends 11 AM–6 PM) for the best-value buffet experience
  • The restaurant is open until 10 PM weekdays and 10 PM weekends, making it suitable for both lunch and dinner
  • Reservations recommended for groups; contact +358 50 463 3727 or check their Facebook page
  • All food is certified halal; the restaurant also holds an alcohol license (A-rights) for those interested in beverages
  • Located on Fredrikinkatu in central Helsinki with credit card acceptance and air conditioning

Context

Istanbul Grilli represents the Turkish culinary tradition in Helsinki, offering authentic street-style Turkish food with an emphasis on traditional charcoal-grilling techniques and Mediterranean flavors adapted for the Finnish market.

Detailed Ratings

Service

5/5

Cleanliness

4/5

Value

5/5

Food

5/5

Dining Experiences