Best Meyhanes in Istanbul

Istanbul’s Best Meyhane’s (traditional Ottoman/Turkish taverns or pubs)

Tarihi Cumhuriyet Meyhanesi Beyoglu

Its unknown when the Tarihi Cumhuriyet was established although it was renamed Cumhuriyet during the declaration of the Turkish Republic in 1923.  This venue has changed hands several times since but it has always managed retain its originality and is today a symbol of Beyoglu.  The meyhane is set out over three floors and has a menu offering 100 different varieties of meze (starters) every day, many of which are specials made up using seasonal herbs that are grown around the Aegean area.  They also host live music from traditional fasil bands at weekends.
Address: Balik Pazari Sahne Sok., No: 47, Beyoglu Phone: +90 212 249 6055

Haydarpasa Mythos Meyhane Kadikoy

This meyhane is particularly special as it is located inside the building of the beautiful and historic Haydarpasa Train Station. Their mezes (starters) are Greek and Aegean and they use the freshest and seasonal ingredients that come from the Aegean region.  They also offer delicious sea food such as grilled octopus, shrimp and calamari along with different meat dishes and have traditional fasil bands playing live music at weekends.
Address: Historical Haydarpasa Station, Rihtim, Kadikoy Phone: +90 212 337 0979

Safa Meyhane Yedikule

Safa sits in Yedikule, one of Istanbul’s most historical neighbourhoods, and has been established for over 100 years. Due to its beautiful classical decoration and delicious mezes on offer Safa is one of the most popular places to offer the meyhane culture. There are many varieties of meze starters all freshly prepared daily and Safa’s house speciality is spiced mutton and liver.  Due to its popularity it is highly recommended prior reservations are made to ensure a table.
Address: Yedikule Mah., 34107 Fatih Phone: +90 212 585 5594

Refik Meyhane Beyoglu

This venue was named after its founder Refik Aslan who established it in one of Istanbul’s most popular districts, Asmalimescit in historical Pera.  What began as a very small restaurant in 1954 offers visitors today over 30 varieties of meze starters and also has grilled meat and seafood dishes on the menu.
Address: Asmalimescit Mah., Sofyali Sk., No.6/8 Tunel, Beyoglu Phone: +90 212 243 2834

Kuleli Meyhane Samatya

Kuleli sits in Samatya, one of Istanbul’s historical centres and is the oldest establishment in this area.  Kuleli offers a wide range of fish and seafood cuisine and due to its popularity it is highly recommend reservations are made, particularly at weekends.
Address: Buyuk Kuleli Sokak No. 38, Samatya  Phone: +90 212 587 9438

Kor Agop Meyhane Kumkapi

Kor Agop is located in Kumkapi which is an area known for having numerous meyhane and fish restaurants and this is the oldest to be found here and was established in 1938.  Kor Agop’s popular house specialties include a fish soup with a special sauce, a lung stew and hot beans.
Address: Ordekli Bakkal Sokak No. 7, Kumkapi Phone: +90 212 517 2334

Yakup 2 Meyhane Beyoglu

One of the most popular restaurants in the Beyoglu area Yakup 2 is famous for its special hors d’oeuvres (mezes).  Other popular dishes are the spiced mutton liver, mushrooms cooked in butter and pastrami in curled paper. As the Yakup 2 is very popular prior reservations are essential to guarantee a table.
Address: Asmalimescit Mh., Asmalimescit Cd., No. 35, BeyogluPhone: +90 212 249 2925

Hatay Meyhanesi Bostanci

The Hatay has been established for over 50 years and is a popular meeting place for the famous writers of Turkish literature and hosts autograph and talking sessions.  The Hatay is also famed for its delicious mezes (starters) and their steamed dishes and hummus are also very popular dishes.  Due to its popularity prior reservations to guarantee a table are highly recommended.
Address: Bagdat Cad., No. 256, Bostanci Phone: +90 216 361 3357