Grilled meatball junkies, unite!
Köfteci Ali Baba
Why locals love it
Established in 1982, Ali Baba is a cosy eatery serving some of the best grilled meatballs in Istanbul. The walls are plastered with photos of Turkish celebrities who have eaten here. It’s a fairly popular place not just at night, but also during the day.
Why you should visit it
There’s no better way to end a long and wild night out in Istanbul than with a quintessential late-night dining experience at a place where the grilled meatballs are often regarded as the BEST in Turkey. What more could you honestly ask for?
Special tip
Try the “piyaz” bean-based salad (the number one companion of Turkish grilled meatballs) and the semolina dessert for a happy ending.