Where to find cheap, non-touristy places to eat near Sultanahmet in Istanbul?

A curated list of budget cafes and cafeterias (no scenic views) is grouped by the Fatih, Laleli, Kumkapı, Aksaray and Sirkeci districts.

At Süleymaniye lokanta, try the desserts too — reviewers say they're tastier than at many pricier, fancier cafes.

For kebab and lahmacun, locals point to Ortaklar Kebab, Nasip Et Kebap, Mevlana Kebap Lahmacun Salonu and Zeynep Kebab House — cheaper than the touristy spots with a view.

For Uzbek food, try Han Atlas Uzbek and Laleli Özbek Restoranı in Laleli — hearty plov and bread portions at low prices.

For seafood without the markup, head to Kumkapı — Güven Kismet Fish House is recommended as a more affordable option in this seafood district.

Among self-service lokantas, Rumeli Vatan Lokantası, İmren Lokantasi Kadirga, Balkan lokantası, Pratik Self Servis and Buyruk Esnaf Lokantası are noted — a cafeteria-style setup with home-style Turkish food.

The cheapest option is municipal social cafes (İBB and Fatih Belediyesi Sosyal Tesisleri) in Sultanahmet and along the Golden Horn: İBB Sultanahmet Kent Lokantası and İBB Haliç Sosyal Tesisleri accept card only (including Istanbulkart transit card), while Fatih Belediyesi locations also take cash.

In Aksaray, for a filling meal try Gaziantepli Bahattin Usta and Afiyet lokantası — budget spots serving southeastern Turkish cuisine, away from the tourist trail.