For those who are unfamiliar with Nispetiye Caddesi, Etiler’s famous patisserie Venu¨s Pastanesi generally serves as a point of reference, so it’s only fitting to describe Kebapçı Etiler as its new next-door neighbor. The man behind this new kebapçı is Nusret Gökçe, one of the best meat masters in the country and a social media sensation. Thanks to his Instagram feed, we know that his latest feat was preparing dinner for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at Nusr-Et’s Dubai location. His brand new eatery Kebapçı Etiler is a more modest affair than Nusr-Et; even the sign at its entrance was put up by Gökçe himself. Yet when it comes to kebap, he takes the same ambitious approach as he did in Nusr-Et.
During our visit less than a week after its opening, Kebapçı Etiler was already brimming with celebrities and Nusr-Et regulars. The restaurant’s outdoor area embraces Nispetiye Caddesi, while the spacious and modern interior incorporates a second floor designed for large groups and private gatherings. Despite the venue’s European flair, as soon as you enter you’ll notice the döner/kasap section where the meat masters prepare the orders and send them on to the open kitchen. The service crew is knowledgeable and friendly, and we hear Kebapçı Etiler will soon invite DJs to play in the bar section.
Based on the dishes we tried, we can safely say that Kebapçı Etiler is on its way to becoming a force to be reckoned with in the kebap scene. We recommend starting with meze, our favorites being the atom and antibiyotik. You can then sample the döner, a spice-free cut of pure meat served between two slices of pide to keep it warm, and wash it down with a glass of Adana şalgam, which can also be served with a spicy sauce for those who like a little heat. For your main course, try the Adana Kebap with a medium spice level, prepared by adding a minimal amount of bread. To complete the meal, look no further than the multi-layered Turkish delicacy katmer.