Rahmi Usta 1962 Merkezefendi'nin İlk Köftecisi, Traditional köfte restaurant in Zeytinburnu, Turkey
Rahmi Usta 1962 is a meatball restaurant in Zeytinburnu that focuses on handmade köfte. The meatballs are prepared according to a family recipe and served with several traditional side dishes.
The family began making meatballs in Inegöl in 1917 before the next generation opened this location near Merkezefendi Mosque. The business has kept the original cooking methods and family traditions since then.
The place serves köfte with zeytinyağlı piyaz, a bean salad dressed with olive oil, and ayran made from buffalo yogurt. These combinations reflect how locals have eaten in this neighborhood for generations.
The restaurant is centrally located in Zeytinburnu and easy to reach on foot. Portions are generous and prices are moderate for the quality and neighborhood.
The dessert combines irmik halva with Maras ice cream, blending two classic Turkish sweets into one dish. This unexpected pairing shows how the restaurant connects tradition with local tastes.
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