Here is our list covering the most popular meyhanes, or the traditional Ottoman / Turkish pubs or tavernes:
Tarihi Cumhuriyet Meyhanesi
It was renamed with the proclamation of the Turkiye Republic in 1923. The owners of the place changed several times but the place still stays the same. Cumhuriyet is one of the symbols of Beyoglu, serving its customers on three floors and around 100 varities of meze every day. You can taste the special herbal mezes on specific times of the year, prepared using herbs from the Aegean region. Live fasıl concerts are on every day.
Balik Pazari Sahne Sokak No: 47, Beyoglu
0212 249 60 55
Haydarpasa Mythos
What makes Mythos special is its location: It is in the beautiful Haydarpasa train station building. This historical place serves Aegean and Greek mezes and all the ingredients come from the Aegean region. Some specialties include grilled octopus, shrimps and calamari as well as meat dishes. Fasil is available at the weekends.
Historical Haydarpasa Station Rihtim, Kadikoy
0212 337 0979
Safa
Safa is located in one of the historical districts of Istanbul, Yedikule and has been open for more than a hundred years. With its classical decoration and mezes, Safa is one of the first places that come to people’s minds when the subject is meyhane culture. More than 20 meze varieties are prepared every day and the specialty is spiced mutton liver. It is advised to make a reservation since Safa is almost always busy with customers.
Yedikule Mahallesi 34107 Fatih / Istanbul
0212 5855594
Refik
The place is named after Refik Aslan, the founder. It was founded in one of the most popular neighborhoods in the Historical Pera, Asmalimescit. The place started as a small restaurant in 1954 and now more than 30 meze varieties are served. Main dishes include meat grills and fish.
Asmalimescit Mahallesi Sofyalı sokak No: 6/8 Tunel Beyoglu/ Istanbul
0212 243 28 34
Kuleli Meyhane
Located in one of the historical centers of Istanbul, Samatya, Kuleli is one of the oldest places in the district. The menu is rich with marian food and varieties and a reservation is advised especially at the weekends.
Buyuk Kuleli Sokak No: 38 Samatya
0212 587 94 38
Kor Agop
Kumkapi is famous for numerous meyhane and fish restaurants and Kor Agop is one of the oldest in the neighborhood. It was opened in 1938 and some of the specialties are fish soup with a special sauce, lung stew and hot beans.
Ordekli Bakkal Sokak No: 7, Kumkapi
0212 517 23 34
Yakup 2
Yakup 2 is one of the most popular restaurants in Beyoglu and it is famous for its hors d’oeuvres. Spiced mutton liver, butter and mushrooms and pastrami in curl paper are some special dishes. A reservation is essential.
Asmali Mescit Mahallesi, Asmali Mescit Caddesi No: 35, Beyoglu / Istanbul
0212 249 2925
Hatay Meyhanesi
Serving for more than half a century, Hatay Meyhanesi is one of the meeting points for the famous Pens of Turkish literature. Autograph sessions and talks are organized at the place and its kitchen is famous for the mezes. Steamed dishes and humus are two of the popular dishes and it is required to make a reservation.
Bagdat Caddesi No: 256, Bostancı / Istanbul
0216 361 33 57