Filizler Köftecisi

Restaurant with a Maiden’s Tower view: where to eat in Salacak

The shore that faces the Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) head-on is Salacak, on the Asian side in Üsküdar. The tower stands on a tiny islet about 200 m offshore, and behind it lies the skyline of the Old City. This guide explains where to sit and how to get there.

Restaurant with a Maiden’s Tower view: where to eat in Salacak

Where the view is best

The Salacak waterfront road runs flat between the Üsküdar ferry pier and Harem. The tower sits roughly in the middle; walk north or south and the angle turns sideways.

Filizler Üsküdar is on this stretch, at Harem Sahil Yolu No:61. The tower is straight in front of the tables, to the south-west — about 280 m across the water.

What you see from the table

  • The Maiden’s Tower and the mouth of the Bosphorus in front.
  • Across the water: Topkapı Palace and the minarets of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
  • To the right: Galata and the Beyoğlu hills.
  • Commuter ferries and large ships passing all day.

When to go

Morning light hits the tower from the front — the cleanest time for photos. Breakfast at Filizler Üsküdar starts at 08:00.

At sunset the tower becomes a silhouette. In December and January, seen from Filizler Üsküdar, the sun sets right behind the tower and Seraglio Point; towards Galata in spring and autumn, and behind the Beyoğlu hills in June. Weekend sunsets are the busiest time; call ahead for a table: +90 216 342 00 00.

Getting there from the Old City

  • Marmaray: from Sirkeci to Üsküdar is one stop under the Bosphorus; from Üsküdar station it is ~11 minutes’ walk along the shore.
  • Ferry: from Eminönü, Karaköy or Beşiktaş to Üsküdar pier, then ~15 minutes’ walk.
  • From Harem bus terminal: ~19 minutes on foot, ~3 minutes by car.

What’s on the menu

Köfte (Turkish meatballs) and grills, breakfast in the morning. The menu is online in 12 languages; current prices from the Üsküdar branch:

  • 4'lü Filizler4 adet mini hamburger450 TL
  • 6'lı Filizler6 adet mini hamburger635 TL
  • FilizburgerÖzel hazırlanmış hamburger575 TL
  • Kasap KöfteGeleneksel Türk usulü ızgara köfte655 TL
  • Kaşarlı KöfteKaşar peynirli ızgara köfte655 TL
  • Acılı KöfteAcı soslu ızgara köfte655 TL
  • Karışık KöfteÇeşitli köfte çeşitlerinden oluşan tabak870 TL
  • Special FilizlerÖzel hazırlanmış et tabağı1.495 TL
  • Steak KöfteSteak usulü hazırlanmış köfte900 TL
  • Kaşarlı Steak KöfteKaşar peynirli steak usulü köfte1.000 TL

Filizler Üsküdar menu, prices in Turkish lira; updated from the restaurant’s live menu.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I eat with a view of the Maiden’s Tower?

On the Salacak waterfront in Üsküdar, directly across from the tower. Filizler Köftecisi Üsküdar is on this road at Harem Sahil Yolu No:61, open 08:00–23:00; the tower is about 280 m across the water from its tables.

How do I get to Salacak from Sultanahmet?

Take the Marmaray from Sirkeci one stop to Üsküdar (under the Bosphorus), then walk about 11 minutes south along the shore. Or take a ferry from Eminönü to Üsküdar and walk about 15 minutes.

More guides

Updated: