Inside the 5-century-old Grand Bazaar, Havuzlu Restaurant offers a classic lunch stop in one of Istanbul’s most historic settings. Founded in 1959, it is the first and largest restaurant in the bazaar, making it a familiar address for both locals and visitors who want a proper Turkish meal between shops, workshops, and covered market streets.Its name, Havuzlu, means “with a pool” or “with a fountain” in Turkish. The restaurant takes its name from the small fountain in front of it, which was once seen as a charming novelty inside the bazaar. That detail still gives the place a sense of character: it feels central, old Istanbul, and closely tied to the daily rhythm of the Grand Bazaar.The menu focuses on classic Turkish and Ottoman-style dishes. Lamb shish kebab is one of the reliable choices, prepared with marinated pieces of lamb grilled until tender. Expect upper-end prices compared with simpler local restaurants, partly because of the location, history, and convenience inside the bazaar.For a complementary experience, go upstairs after your meal. Just above Havuzlu, you’ll find Vasil Bey 1882, a coffee shop founded by an Istanbul Greek owner. It serves Turkish coffee, Greek coffee of freddo espresso, making it one of the unique places in the bazaar where different coffee traditions meet under the same roof.