Friday lunches have become a little tradition for me and my colleagues. During the week, we usually eat at the Skyland food court in Sarıyer Vadi Istanbul or bring food from home to enjoy a quick and practical lunch at the office. But on Fridays—our so-called “Free Fridays,” when the workload is lighter and time feels more flexible—we like to step outside and explore restaurants within walking distance. This week, our choice was Sadıkoğlu Döner, a well-known spot for its savory döner and lahmacun.
Sharing our Friday lunch tradition with my colleagues at Sadıkoğlu Döner, just a short walk from our office in Vadi Istanbul. Great food, cozy vibes, and even better company!
The restaurant is only a short walk away from our office in the Skyland building, which makes it very convenient. As soon as we walked in, we noticed its warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior was bright, with large windows letting in natural light and rustic lamps hanging above the tables, giving the whole place a cozy touch. It felt like a welcoming change of scenery from our usual office environment, and I could tell right away that it would be a pleasant lunch break.
We started our meal with vegetable soup. Four of us decided to give it a try. Personally, I didn’t enjoy it as much—it was thick and creamy, almost like baby food puree. Although I appreciated the effort, it wasn’t exactly my taste. Luckily, the main dishes more than made up for it!
When it came to the main course, our table was full of variety. I went for the lavash döner wrap, which was served with a side of crispy homemade potato chips. The döner was tender, flavorful, and wrapped in a thin lavash bread that made every bite feel light yet satisfying. One of my friends ordered a döner plate topped with finely sliced fried potatoes, which looked very appetizing. It was served in a stylish bowl, with döner pieces generously layered over the potatoes and garnished with a drizzle of sauce.
The rest of my colleagues opted for lahmacun, which was the real highlight of the day. To be honest, we all went there with lahmacun in mind, but some of us changed plans at the last minute. Still, I couldn’t resist taking a few bites from their plates. The lahmacun was thin, crispy, and bursting with flavor from the spiced minced meat topping. What impressed me most was the lahmacun topped with döner slices. It was a perfect fusion of two Turkish classics—the juicy döner layered over the crispy lahmacun, balanced with fresh onions, parsley, and tomato slices. One of my friends skipped the toppings while another ordered it “the full way,” complete with everything. Both versions looked equally tempting, and both got thumbs-up from the table.
As we ate, the table was filled with side dishes like pickled peppers, fresh bread, lemon slices, and dips. It created that familiar Turkish dining atmosphere where everyone shares, mixes, and customizes their plates. The lively conversation, laughter, and the mix of aromas made the whole lunch feel more than just a meal—it was an experience.
What I love about lunches like this is not just the food itself, but the shared joy of stepping away from the office, slowing down, and enjoying time with colleagues. Food has a way of bringing people together, and this lunch was no exception. We talked about work, but also about weekend plans, family stories, and just enjoyed the moment. I think that’s what makes eating out special—it’s as much about the company as it is about the taste.
In the end, we all left the restaurant happy and satisfied. Despite the soup not being my favorite, everything else was delicious, especially the lahmacun with döner. It’s the kind of dish I would gladly go back for. The service was quick, the prices were reasonable, and the overall experience was enjoyable.
If you ever find yourself in Sarıyer or near Vadi Istanbul, I would definitely recommend stopping by Sadıkoğlu Döner. Whether you’re a döner lover, a lahmacun fan, or just looking for a cozy lunch spot with colleagues or friends, this place has something to offer. Also during the tea time we have wonderful friend :)
Food is always better when shared, and that’s exactly what we did—shared plates, shared laughter, and a shared appreciation for good Turkish flavors. Fridays are now something I look forward to even more, knowing that a delicious lunch like this might be waiting just around the corner.
