Lokanta No 19 Dining has been a quiet sanctuary on Faik Paşa Street in the heart of Cihangir since 2010, serving authentic Turkish home cooking with seasonal mezes that are proudly plant-forward and vegan-vegetarian friendly, curated daily by Chef Aylin. Located minutes on foot from Taksim Square, the restaurant sits in a neighbourhood of Levantine buildings and antique shops—from the street, it could pass for one of them.
The restaurant serves daily-prepared dishes displayed at the counter, allowing diners to see exactly what is available before ordering. This is not fine dining: it is honest, homemade cooking that changes day to day. The rotating menu usually includes vegetable stews, legumes, rice dishes, soups, and salads.
Quick Facts
| Address | Faik Paşa Cd. No:6, Kuloğlu, Beyoğlu, Istanbul 34433 Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps |
|---|---|
| District | Beyoğlu |
| Metro | Taksim (M2, 5 minutes walk south on Istiklal Street then west) |
| Admission | free |
| Best time to visit | Late autumn, winter and spring (October to April) bring cooler weather and lighter crowds. Summer (June to August) is hot; locals often skip dinner at lokantas and eat later in the evening. Weekday evenings (Tuesday to Thursday) are quieter than weekends. Arrive early (before 19:00) if you prefer a calmer meal; after 20:00 the space fills and becomes lively. The restaurant opens at 18:00, so 18:00–18:30 is the quietest window. |
| Recommended duration | 1–1.5 hours |
| Cuisine | Turkish |
| Reservations | Walk-ins welcome but advance reservation recommended during peak hours (especially evenings after 20:00 and on weekends). No pressure to book if arriving early. Contact +90 542 541 74 48 or email hello@no19.ist. Accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). |
| Website | no19.ist |
| Operating status confirmed | October 2026 |
Reservations and Ordering at Lokanta No 19 Dining
Reservations are welcome and recommended for groups of more than two or if arriving after 20:00, especially on weekends. Call +90 542 541 74 48 or email hello@no19.ist. Walk-ins are accepted daily and often succeed if arriving before 19:00 or between 15:30 and 17:30 (though the restaurant opens at 18:00, earlier times may be possible for groups by arrangement).
The restaurant is closed Mondays. Payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard) is accepted. No minimum spend. Turkish citizens and concessions receive different pricing; see the official website no19.ist for all ticket and pricing categories.
Why Visit Lokanta No 19 Dining?
You choose directly from the counter and eat the way locals do in Beyoğlu. Unlike tourist menus, you see what is actually available on the day. The food is prepared fresh with attention to seasoning and ingredient quality, which stands out in a city full of careless lokantas.
The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming. The place is especially loved by tourists. The sweetest regulars are the two fluffy cats who never leave the door, day or night. Staff speak English and are patient with questions about ingredients and dishes. For vegetarians and vegans, this is one of the most reliable places in central Istanbul.
Highlights of Lokanta No 19 Dining
Imam Bayaldı (Stuffed Eggplant)
Imam bayaldı is stuffed eggplant with peppers, tomatoes and onions. This classic Turkish dish shows up regularly and exemplifies the restaurant's approach: simple vegetables, cooked with care. The eggplant is soft but holds its shape, the filling fragrant with spices and herbs. Order it hot or at room temperature; both work.
Tip: Ask Chef Aylin if it is available on the day before ordering; availability depends on the morning's market.
Taze Fasulye (Fresh Beans)
Taze fasulye is cooked fresh beans with tomato. Green beans stewed until tender but not mushy, with tomato, onion and garlic. This humble dish is a measure of a cook's skill: the beans must be cooked through, the tomato flavour distinct, and the salt accurate. This version gets all three right.
Tip: It appears most days in summer and early autumn when fresh beans are at market; less common in winter.
Daily Salads and Cold Mezes
The cold dishes change daily and are displayed in bowls at the counter. All of the cold mezze was vegetarian. These are dips and prepared salads: hummus, muhammara (roasted red pepper paste), shepherd's salad, beetroot with yogurt, and seasonal vegetable preparations. They are bright, garlicky and alive with herbs.
Tip: Arrive early to see the full range before some dishes sell out; come before 19:30.
Slow-Cooked Meat Dishes (When Available)
Though the kitchen leans vegetarian, standout dishes include turmeric chicken and stuffed peppers. These appear in rotation, not daily. When they do, the meat is tender from long, low heat, and the spices are balanced—no heavy handedness. The restaurant has some meat dishes alongside a large vegetarian selection.
Tip: Ask what meat dish is on the menu before ordering; they are not guaranteed daily and supply is limited.
House Ceramics and Pottery
The restaurant has many skilfully made potteries for sale. Chef Aylin makes ceramics by hand. The bowls and dishes are functional and beautiful—earthy glazes, rough textures, handmade quality. You eat from her work and can take a piece home. The pieces are modest in price and make authentic Istanbul souvenirs.
Tip: Ask to see the pieces; they are displayed around the space. Pieces sell steadily, especially in high season, so favourite designs may not always be available.
Outdoor Seating and Neighbourhood Walk
The restaurant is in the heart of Cihangir, only minutes on foot from Taksim Square and Galatasaray. There is outdoor seating on the narrow street. The neighbourhood rewards exploration: Faik Paşa Caddesi is lined with antique shops, bookstalls, and galleries. You can walk to Istiklal Street, Galata or down toward the Golden Horn in under 15 minutes.
Tip: If the restaurant is full, grab a seat outside and watch the street; many locals work or shop nearby and the street is lively in the evening.
What to Order
- Imam Bayaldı (Stuffed Eggplant)
- Taze Fasulye (Fresh Beans with Tomato)
- Cold Mezze Selection (Hummus, Muhammara, Seasonal Salads)
- Turmeric Chicken (When Available)
- Stuffed Peppers
Atmosphere
Cosy, quiet, domestic. The space is small—a dozen tables at most, with close-packed chairs. The restaurant has a charming atmosphere, cozy and comfortable, almost home-y. Walls display art and ceramics. The kitchen is open and you watch the owner move between tables and the stove. By 20:00 it fills with a mix of Istanbul residents (expats, locals, artists) and curious visitors.
The lighting is warm and low. Music is quiet or absent. Service is unhurried—no rush. Two fluffy cats sit near the door. The noise level is conversational. You hear Turkish spoken at adjacent tables, some English at others. Smell: garlic, tomato, olive oil, herbs. It feels like dinner at someone’s home, which is the point.
History of Lokanta No 19 Dining
Lokanta No 19 Dining opened in 2010 as a quiet sanctuary on Faik Paşa Street in Cihangir. The restaurant was founded and is run by Chef Aylin, who cooks every day. The name reflects its simplicity: it is the 19th building (or the 19th door) on the street, no more, no less.
The location is in Cihangir, a neighbourhood of 19th-century Levantine townhouses, many now converted to art galleries, studios, and restaurants. Faik Paşa Caddesi remained relatively quiet until the 2010s, when young artists and food writers discovered it. The restaurant’s timing—opening just as the neighbourhood began to draw attention—was fortuitous. Unlike many places that followed, No 19 did not chase trend or tourism. It has stayed focused on cooking well, changing daily, and staying small.
The restaurant has become well known in Istanbul food writing, often cited as an example of honest home cooking and vegetarian-friendly Turkish cuisine. Its reputation spreads by word of mouth among long-term residents and repeat visitors. Chef Aylin’s ceramics, made in the kitchen’s spare hours, have become part of the restaurant’s identity—functional art that leaves with guests as memory.
How to Get to Lokanta No 19 Dining
By Metro: Take Line M2 to Taksim station. Exit onto İstiklal Caddesi (the main pedestrian shopping street). Walk south (away from Taksim Square) for about 2 minutes, then turn left (east) onto a small side street. Continue downhill; Faik Paşa Caddesi is one block down. The restaurant is on the left (north) side of the street, marked simply ‘No:19’. Total walk: 5–7 minutes from Taksim Metro.
By taxi or car: Give the driver the address: Faik Paşa Cd. No:6, Kuloğlu, Beyoğlu. Street parking is available on Faik Paşa Caddesi itself and on adjacent streets; spaces are tight but turnover is regular in the evening.
On foot from elsewhere: The restaurant is a short walk from Galatasaray Lycée (5 min), Istiklal Street (8 min), or the Galata waterfront (12 min). The Cihangir neighbourhood is walkable and not steep, making it accessible from many central districts.
Accessibility
The restaurant is on street level with step-free entry. Tables are close together and the space is compact; wheelchairs would fit with difficulty. No dedicated wheelchair toilet is mentioned. Outdoor seating has a slight slope but is navigable. No lift or disabled access beyond ground floor. Staff are accommodating and will assist guests with mobility challenges where possible.
Food Nearby
The Cihangir and Beyoğlu neighbourhood around Faik Paşa Caddesi has many restaurants, cafes and shops within walking distance. Nearby are traditional kebab houses, meyhanes (taverns with meze and raki), modern Turkish restaurants, and international options. The closest are on the cross-streets (Yüksek Kaldırım Cd., Tomtom Cd., and Kumbaracı Ykş.). Istiklal Street, two blocks uphill, has everything from fast food to high-end dining.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes (Cihangir is hilly and cobbled streets are common). In summer, bring water; there are no fountains on the immediate street. No special dress code; casual is fine. Note: the restaurant can be chilly in winter despite the cosy feel, so bring a light layer.
Photography Rules
Interior photography is permitted. Flash is unnecessary and often distracting in such a small, intimate space. Photographing other diners is not appropriate; ask before shooting people. Tripods are not practical in the crowded space. The best light for photos is during the golden hour just after sunset (around 18:30–19:00 in spring and autumn).
Family Suitability
Suitable for families with children aged 5 and up who are comfortable with unrushed, quiet dining. The menu includes simple vegetable dishes that appeal to children (beans, salads, rice). Babies and toddlers: the space is small and some tables are tight; buggies/strollers would be awkward. No high chairs are mentioned. The absence of a separate children's menu means kids eat what the kitchen has on the day, which may require flexibility. Staff are patient with children. Noise levels are low, so young children used to calm environments do well.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- Arrive hungry but not ravenous. Order a selection of cold mezes first (3–4 small bowls), then one or two hot dishes to share. This is how locals eat at lokantas. You do not order a main per person; instead, the table orders together and shares. It is more economical and the better way to experience the menu.
- Ask Chef Aylin what is best on the day. She will tell you which dishes came out of the kitchen fresh that morning and which have been sitting. Trust her judgment. She has no incentive to oversell and every reason to steer you toward the best option.
- If you are vegan, confirm ingredients with staff before ordering. While the menu is vegetable-heavy, some dishes may have butter, yogurt or fish stock. The kitchen is aware of vegan requests and will accommodate them, but communication is key.
- Go early (18:00–19:00) or late (21:00+) if you prefer space and quiet. Between 19:30 and 21:00 is peak; the restaurant can feel crowded and conversation is louder. If you come for peace, time it accordingly.
- Do not expect dessert. The restaurant does not serve it. Come for coffee at the end of the meal, or plan a stop at a nearby café or pastry shop if sweets matter to you.
- Winter menus are heavier (stews, lentil soups); summer menus are lighter and include fresh salads and courgette dishes. Plan return visits for different seasons to experience the full rotation. No single visit captures the whole kitchen.
Make an Outing of Your Visit to Lokanta No 19 Dining
Lokanta No 19 Dining is within walking distance of places that pair well with a meal. A simple way to build the outing:
Before or after your meal
Museum of Innocence – about 150 m away (~2 min walk) · typical visit: 1.5–2.5 hours8 min on foot from Tophane metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Istiklal Street – about 350 m away (~6 min walk) · typical visit: 1–2 hours12 min on foot from Tünel metro, Open 24 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Istiklal Avenue – about 350 m away (~6 min walk) · typical visit: 2-3 hours12 min on foot from Tünel metro, Open 24 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Time needed: plan about 5.5–9 hours for the whole outing, including the meal (roughly 1–1.5 hours), the places above and the walking between them.
Explore Nearby Lokanta No 19 Dining
Metro stations near Lokanta No 19 Dining
Tophaneabout 500 m away (~8 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Tünelabout 700 m away (~11 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Restaurants and cafes near Lokanta No 19 Dining
Hodan – about 150 m away (~3 min walk)9 min on foot from Tünel metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Yigit Sofram – about 150 m away (~3 min walk)8 min on foot from Fındıklı-Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Vegan Dükkan Lokanta – about 250 m away (~4 min walk)8 min on foot from Fındıklı-Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi metro, Open 12:00–20:30, closed MonMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Nicole – about 300 m away (~5 min walk)6 min on foot from Tünel metro, Open 18:30–23:30, closed MonMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Nightlife near Lokanta No 19 Dining
Flekk – about 250 m away (~4 min walk)9 min on foot from Tünel metro, Open daily 17:00–02:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Geyik Coffee Roastery and Cocktail Bar – about 250 m away (~4 min walk)7 min on foot from Tophane metro, Open daily 16:00–02:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Train stations and river piers near Lokanta No 19 Dining
Kabataş Ferry Terminalabout 1.1 km away (~17 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Karaköy Ferry Terminalabout 1.2 km away (~19 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Events and traditions near Lokanta No 19 Dining
Istanbul Music Festivalabout 900 m away (~15 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Istanbul Film Festivalabout 1.9 km away (~31 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Galata Tower: Tickets, Views and 700 Years of History4 min on foot from Şişhane metro, Open daily 08:30–23:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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Browse more: More in Beyoğlu · All Restaurants · All Turkish Cuisine
FAQ: Lokanta No 19 Dining
Is Lokanta No 19 vegetarian?
Not exclusively, but it is strongly vegetarian-friendly. The restaurant is not vegetarian, as they do have one or two dishes with meat. All of the cold mezze is vegetarian and at least half of the hot mezze options are also suitable for vegetarians. The menu changes daily, so availability of meat dishes varies.
Do I need to book ahead?
Not essential, but recommended for groups or for arriving after 20:00. Walk-ins are welcome and usually successful before 19:00. For groups of four or more, or on Friday and Saturday nights, advance booking is wise to guarantee a table.
What are the opening hours?
The restaurant opens Tuesday to Sunday, 18:00 to 22:00. It is closed Mondays. Note: dinner service only; there is no lunch service.
Is it expensive?
No. It is moderate for Istanbul's restaurant scene. A typical meal (meze and a main, shared) per person costs less than a tourist restaurant on Istiklal Street. No service charge is added; tipping is optional.
Can I see the menu online?
The menu changes daily based on what is available that morning, so there is no fixed menu to consult in advance. The official website no19.ist does not list specific dishes. Call ahead if you have dietary restrictions and want to confirm options for that day.
Is it good for a solo traveller?
Yes. Solo diners are welcome. Sitting at a small table alone is normal in Turkish restaurant culture. The quiet, intimate atmosphere makes it a comfortable solo dining spot. Staff are friendly and do not hurry you.
How is the food served?
You choose directly from the counter and eat the way locals do in Beyoğlu; dishes are displayed at the counter, allowing diners to see exactly what is available before ordering. Point to what you want, and staff plate it for you.
Is the restaurant on a main street or hidden?
It is on Faik Paşa Caddesi, a quiet but known street in Cihangir. Walking along Faik Paşa Caddesi, admiring the wonderful Levantine buildings, Lokanta No 19 can be mistaken from the outside for one of the many antique shops in the area. It is not hidden, but the storefront is modest.
Istanbul Vibes is a one-person project. A coffee keeps it going
Other restaurants nearby
- Vegan Istanbul (100 m) Google Maps
- Cihangir Lokantasi (100 m) Google Maps
- Kardesler Kebap & Cafe (100 m) Google Maps
- Az Çok Thai (100 m) Google Maps
- Cihangir Balik (100 m) Google Maps
Distances are straight-line, from OpenStreetMap data.
Local Dishes to Try Here
MezeMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Stuffed Eggplant (Karnıyarık)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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