Safranbolu Restaurants

A little history about this place : Safranbolu Cinci Han which was established on the historical Silk Road leading from China to Anatolia Land. Cinci Han was built by Safranbolu notable Karabaszade Huseyin efendi in 1645. Its architect is unknown, but it is supposed that it was built by Mimar Kasim who was one of the main architects in that period. The Cinci Han was used as Caravan serai until 20th century when the Silk Road began to lose its importance. During the 20th century Cinci Han was used as a warehouse in which tradesman stored their belongings. Towards the end of the 20th century Cinci Han lost this feature. Its expropriation was completed by the government between 1984-1987. Following a series of varying enterprises, its restoration was completed by DKB A.S. and began successful Tourism Activities, becoming the Cinci Han Hotel- in 23 April 2004.Now you can enjoy the local food in this caravan serai ( palace ).Fantastic atmosphere to eat )))

Favorite Dish: local borek

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In the heart of Safranbolu is the old kervansaray, Cinci Han. Built around 1645, this beautiful building is now operated as a hotel and restaurant. The restaurant is in a beautiful, huge collonaded room covered with arches and domes that was supposedly the old stables for the merchants and caravans who would use the han/kervansaray. In beautiful condition, like the entire complex, it offers a wide range of excellent Turkish cuisine at very reasonable prices, particularly compared to places where most foreign tourists go, like Istanbul or Kusadasi. This seems to be because it caters mostly to Turkish tourists, who make up, indeed, most of the tourists who actually some to Safranbolu. We aboslutely love this place and cannot recommend it highly enough. It is one of our favourite places anywhere in Turkey.

According to the story I heard, the han takes its name from a cinci, who supposedly kept at bay the cins or spirits/demons. However, he was corrupt, they got rid of him and built a han on the spot.

Favorite Dish: Everything we've had is excellent, including the vegetable guvec (casserole), and the sizzling lamb kebap platter

Felt so hungry after an 8-hour trip from Istanbul, so in the cold of the night I went out to search for a resto. I found this one at Carsi's main square, behind the Hamami, along the main road.

One of (or maybe only) the best resto in the area. Big dining salon upstairs, nicely decorated, attentive cheerful waiters, clean restrooms, and great tasting meals. I ordered the Mixed grill or sumthin' (bits of chicken, beef, mushroom, etc.. in butter) served in a big metal platter, delicious rice and fresh garden salad, at just around 15YTL..or less.

Favorite Dish: Mixed Grill.... delicious.

I wasn't too happy with what I ordered - roast meat, which was marketed as one of their specialities. It was dry and tasted like paper.

Service was good, though.

Favorite Dish: None.