Hello dear
Cukur Cigerci, located in the heart of Sisli, Istanbul, offers a unique culinary experience that celebrates the art of offal and traditional Turkish cuisine. Specializing in lamb organs, this cozy eatery provides a welcoming atmosphere with an attentive owner who genuinely cares for his guests. The menu features a variety of hearty soups and grilled mixed meats, showcasing flavors that would convert even the most hesitant diners. From silky lamb foot soup to expertly grilled liver, each dish is fresh, tender, and bursting with flavor. Guests consistently rave about the warm hospitality, making every visit a delightful culinary adventure.
About
Welcome to the culinary gem of Istanbul, Cukur Cigerci. Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Şişli, this charming eatery specializes in offal, bringing traditional Turkish flavors to the forefront with a contemporary twist. The moment you step into Cukur Cigerci, you are welcomed by the warm hospitality of owner Umid, who passionately curates an unforgettable dining experience.
The small, inviting space accommodates about ten to twelve guests, fostering a sense of intimacy that makes every meal feel special. Unlike typical dining experiences, Cukur Cigerci offers a unique menu that caters to adventurous eaters and those willing to expand their palates. Signature dishes like Yarım ekmek arnavut (TRY 120.00) and Kuzu kelle söğüş (TRY 150.00) showcase the quality and freshness of the ingredients, expertly prepared to highlight their exquisite flavors.
The reviews speak for themselves; patrons rave about the mixed liver dish, where the perfect balance of spices and savory notes is enhanced by a homemade chili sauce. For those who crave a more diverse experience, the restaurant’s mixed plate offers a delightful assortment of organs and cuts prepared masterfully, ensuring each bite is as satisfying as the last. One diner stated, "The soup is delicious," an undeniable testament to the chef's skill in crafting comforting and flavorful broths that will warm you from the inside out.
Vegetable lovers will find harmony in the dishes as well; the highlighted güveçte/ızgara ciger pairs succulent liver with flavorful eggplant, captivating your taste buds and showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to harmony in gastronomy. Customers leave raving about this hidden treasure, often feeling like they’ve stumbled upon an authentic experience in the heart of Turkey.
And let’s not forget the sweet endings. A perfect meal wouldn’t be complete without dessert, and the Hayrabolu Tatlısı (TRY 60.00) provides a delightful finish, often complemented by tahini and hazelnuts, ensuring your palate lingers on the treasures of Turkish sweets.
Cukur Cigerci stands out not just for its dishes, but for the genuine connection it fosters with its guests. The owner’s dedication to sharing stories and engaging in conversation enhances the dining experience, making it not just a meal, but an unforgettable journey through the flavors of Turkey. Whether you’re a local or a traveler exploring Istanbul, Cukur Cigerci promises an encounter that will transform your understanding and appreciation for offal, combined with the ever-appealing warmth of Turkish hospitality.
For those interested in venturing into new culinary territories, Cukur Cigerci is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of flavor and culture. Visit them at Cumhuriyet, Ergenekon Cd. No:123, or call +90 212 296 65 60 to start your transformative dining experience today!
“ The owner / chef is super welcoming and hospitable. He gave everyone free dessert on try-on menu and gathered feedback. Very attentive, very dedicated. The food is amazing!! I ordered the Mixed Liver (3rd one on their menu). It was delish! The chili sauce they make goes so well with the food, highly recommend to try that one too. ”
“ This place made a great change from the standard dishes we had been having. It specializes in in offal although there are other dishes on the menu. I am not usually an eater of non-standard cuts, but this place converted me. The soup is delicious. We had liver prepared in three separate ways, all very tasty. Next time I might go for a mixed plate that included kidney, heart and sweet breads. The owner is lovely and speaks good English. We were there on a cold rainy day in January, so no outside seating. The inside is small, seating maybe 10 or twelve. ”
“ This restaurant offers special dishes made with lamb offals (organs, head, and feet). They are all excellent. The owner speaks English and he was very welcoming. We had a bowl of silky smooth and tasty lamb feet soup. We also had a plate of grilled mixed meats including liver, heart, and kidney. SO DELICIOUS. The owner also gave us free samples of cow liver and a fried liver roll- again, all so tasty. Everything here are freshly made and the owner selects his meats to ensure tenderness. The prices are reasonable and we consider this meal a highlight of our trip. ”
“ I was surprised by the taste of this amazing dish, güveçte/ızgara ciger. Very high quality liver and amazing cooking. Very delicious. Its taste is so delicate and you don't get overwhelmed. Cooked perfect. Eggplant was also flavourful and compliments the taste of liver. ”
“ The owner Umid (I hope I spelt this right!) could see that we were confused tourists (haha!) and welcomed us in with delicious food and good conversation. We were not expecting to eat offal on our first night in Turkey, but in the end it was a "happy accident" as they say! He even gave us some beef tongue soup to take away, which was lovely. Thank you for the experience! :) ”
“ This is the second time we visit this place… I just can say… it’s soooo delicious. The owner is really friendly and he speaks English. So, 10000/10 ”
“ Had a great experience at this restaurant. The food is delicious, fresh and of great quality, after spending a week in Istanbul this was definitely the best meal we had. The soup 10/10, excellent broth prepared with multiple parts of the cow. We had the tongue, the liver, some chicken and a liver roll dish(I forgot the name) and would highly recommend all of them. We stumbled upon it in a less touristic area, and was lucky to get a table immediately. The owner (who’s super hospitable and speaks fluent English) introduced the menu to us, and even treated us a dish for free. The four of us were full and it was about 1200 liras. ”
“ The owner was incredibly warm and welcoming, and especially kind to foreign visitors. This restaurant specializes in delicious offal dishes. My mom ordered a dish but wasn’t quite used to the local flavors — the owner noticed this and, so thoughtfully, brought us an extra dish for free, saying he didn’t want her to leave hungry. It was such a touching gesture and one of the most unforgettable moments from our trip to Istanbul. Wishing the owner all the best and great success with the restaurant! ”