Zekeriyaköy offers a life lived close to nature in northern Istanbul. Held by forest and bordering the Black Sea, the district holds both a quiet retreat and a lively social scene. Its restaurants and cafés reflect the neighbourhood's independent character, and for shopping the local parades are more than adequate.
After more than ten years advising on property here, I know Zekeriyaköy's social fabric well. Within the Keller Williams Türkiye team, what I offer clients is not only a house but this way of living. Here is the guide.
Restaurants: Where to Eat
Zekeriyaköy's restaurants are woven into the natural setting. The range runs from Italian to Turkish cooking, and at weekends these places fill up.
Brio Italian Restaurant stands out for its stone walls and open garden. The pizzas, pasta and meat dishes are excellent, and it works well for larger groups; the garden is where you feel the calm of Zekeriyaköy most.
Fincan Brasserie is open through the day, from breakfast to dinner and on to cocktails. Pasta, salads, fish and meat cover most tastes. Address: Zekeriyaköy, 1. Cd. No: 43, Sarıyer.
- Gusina İstanbul: known for wood-fired pizza, with a warm atmosphere.
- Muma Burger House: the place to go for a good burger.
- Tike Zekeriyaköy: Turkish cooking and kebabs, with excellent winter gardens.
- Begonia Garden: a boutique restaurant with poolside seating.
These make ideal stops after a walk in the forest, and the proximity to the Black Sea keeps fresh fish on the menu.
Cafés and Brasseries
Zekeriyaköy's café culture matches the neighbourhood's unhurried rhythm. Small cafés cluster around the sports clubs, and there is plenty of choice from a morning coffee to an evening cocktail.
Fincan Brasserie is a favourite among the breakfast regulars, with dishes drawn from several cuisines. Its signature cocktails make it popular in the evening too.
Places such as Ahali 279 and Malila Zekeriyaköy suit speciality coffee and something light. At weekends the centre of Zekeriyaköy takes on a genuine buzz.
- Kudeta: highly rated, with good service.
- Letafet: a mix of American and Turkish dishes.
- ORA: a modern café on 1. Cadde.
Set among the woods of Sarıyer, these cafés round off a walk. The sea breeze does the coffee no harm either.
Independent businesses are what give the social life here its character.
Shopping: Local Parades and Independent Shops
For shopping in Zekeriyaköy, the local parades and independent shops cover most needs. Places such as Garanti Koza Çarşısı hold everything from daily essentials to gifts.
Zekeriyaköy Çarşı offers a wide range, from fast food to supermarkets. Beside Yedigün Market, in Acarlar Sitesi, there are local specialities such as Mirhani Gaziantep.
The independent shops are the place for handmade goods and fashion, and shopping close to the sports clubs is convenient.
- Garanti Koza Çarşısı: Eğrisel B Blok, with a range of shops.
- Zekeriyaköy Çarşı 7/d: for quick errands.
- Local boutiques: forest-inspired interiors and original pieces.
These parades make shopping in northern Sarıyer straightforward, and with forest and sea both close, a picnic afterwards is entirely possible.
Between its natural setting and its social amenities, Zekeriyaköy is easy to live in. Its restaurants, cafés and shops are a large part of that.
If you would like advice on property in Zekeriyaköy and the surrounding area, please get in touch.