What is köfte, and where to eat it on Istanbul’s Asian side
Köfte are Turkish grilled meatballs, Istanbul’s everyday favourite. At Filizler we have been making them since 1994, from Gönen beef prepared at our own butcher’s kitchen and grilled to order.
What makes Filizler köfte
- The meat: Gönen beef, prepared at our own butcher’s kitchen.
- No additives: nothing unnecessary goes in besides the meat.
- Grilled to order over high heat: seared outside, juicy inside.
Köfte at Filizler
Filizler started in Tuzla in 1994. The köfte are prepared at Filizler’s own butcher’s kitchen and sent to the branches, then grilled to order. The types and current prices at the Üsküdar branch:
6-piece Filizler
635 TL
Steak Meatballs
900 TL
Butcher's Meatballs
655 TL
Mixed Meatballs
870 TL
Filizler Üsküdar · prices in Turkish lira, from the live menu
See the full menuBranches
- Üsküdar — Salacak waterfront, facing the Maiden’s Tower; 08:00–22:30, breakfast.
- Pendik — spacious room, large car park; 08:00–22:30, breakfast.
- Tuzla — the original 1994 branch, 6 min from the pier; 10:00–23:00.
Frequently asked questions
What is köfte?
Turkish grilled meatballs. At Filizler they are made from Gönen beef at our own butcher’s kitchen, grilled to order and served with mashed potatoes, rice and charred peppers.
What is “4’lü Filizler”?
A plate of four mini burgers on the Filizler menu; there is also a six-piece version.