Pandeli was an Istanbulite with Greek origin who had started his ‘humble’ restaurant when he was very young in Eminonu around 1901. He opened Pandeli Restaurant in 1926 by the seaside in Eminonu which became a big success as the writers, bureaucrats and the politicians of his time paid frequent visits to the restaurant. One of his most famous visitors was Ataturk.
Pandeli on the far left
A reception at Pandeli Restaurant in 1930s where Ataturk takes center stage
The restaurant tragically was burnt down during the 6-7th of September 1955 riots against the minorities that left Pandeli heart broken who decided to leave the business but was convinced to move his restaurant to its current location in Misir Carsisi (the Spice Market) by the political leaders of the time.
Spice Market in Eminonu built in 1664
Pandeli passed away in 1967 and the restaurant business was kept by his son who continued his father’s legacy.
Audrey Hepburn was among the visitors to Pandeli. Her portrait is a reminder of this elegant lady’s visit to the restaurant in 1960s
The restaurant still lives in the same location, Although it was closed down for a period, it has reopened and with us again with all the beauty of its blue tiles, high domes, beautiful chandeliers, wonderful view, delicious Turkish cuisine and kind staff.
It is a restaurant that transports you to another era when life was slower, people were kinder and life was to be savoured.
So when you visit Misir Carsisi (the Spice Market) in Eminonu, do yourself a favour and drop by Pandeli for lunch overlooking the Golden Horn and the pigeons in front of the New Mosque which is ironically 350 years old. Enjoy the Pandeli’s Turkish specialties, listen to the sounds of Istanbul and give yourself a moment of peace away from the chaos of modern Istanbul.
View from Pandeli Restaurant
