Quick answer
Istanbul's meyhane tradition is one of the world's great dining experiences — shared mezes, rakı, and meals that can last hours. Asmalı Cavit is the classic; Müşterek is highest-rated; Çukur Meyhane is Reddit's favorite.
- Best classic
- Asmalı Cavit — 4.6★ (1,077 reviews)
- Highest rated
- Müşterek Meyhane — 4.7★ (665 reviews)
- Reddit favorite
- Çukur Meyhane — 4.5★ (433 reviews)
- Last verified
- 2026-03
Top verdicts
- Asmalı Cavit: The epitome of a meyhane — impeccable mezes, timeless atmosphere.
- Müşterek Meyhane: Highest-rated in Istanbul. Intimate, cozy, incredible food.
- İnciraltı Meyhanesi: A portal to old Istanbul on the Asian side.
Istanbul's best meyhanes, ranging from $$ to $$$, offer a taste of traditional Turkish dining with shared mezes and rakı-fueled evenings. Asmalı Cavit, a classic meyhane in Asmalımescit, Beyoğlu, stands out as a top recommendation for experiencing authentic meyhane culture.
Going to a meyhane is what "going out" means in Istanbul. It's where families celebrate, friends reunite, couples linger, and the elderly reminisce. Since the 2010s, young Istanbulites have rediscovered the tradition — partly because inflation makes imported liquor expensive, but mostly because the concept just works.
We analyzed 80+ Reddit posts across r/istanbul, r/AskTurkey, and r/FoodTourism — cross-referenced with local guides and Forbes — to find the meyhanes locals genuinely love. No tourist traps, no sponsored picks.
Meyhane Map — Istanbul
1. Asmalı Cavit
How we built this list
We analyzed 80+ Reddit posts and 300+ comments across r/istanbul, r/AskTurkey, r/FoodTourism, and r/solotravel from 2022-2026. Venues were cross-referenced with local Istanbul food guides, Forbes, and The Guide Istanbul. All venues verified via Google Places API with current ratings, hours, and contact info.
1Asmalı Cavit
Classic MeyhaneVerdict: The epitome of a meyhane. Asmalı Cavit sits in a narrow alley in Asmalımescit and stands out with impeccable mezes, professional service with a dash of genuine warmth, and a timeless atmosphere that defines the Istanbul meyhane experience.
🕐 Hours
Mon5:00 PM – 12:00 AMTue5:00 PM – 12:00 AMWed5:00 PM – 12:00 AMThu5:00 PM – 12:00 AMFri5:00 PM – 12:00 AMSat5:00 PM – 12:00 AMSunClosed
What to order: Asmalı Cavit, a classic meyhane in Asmalımescit, Beyoğlu, is priced at $$ and boasts a 4.6★ rating from 1077 reviews. The tarama here is legendary — creamy, smoky, and perfectly balanced. The köfte is a signature departure from typical meyhane fare. Start with cold mezes like haydari, atom, and acılı ezme, then move on to the hot appetizers.
"Asmalı Cavit - Pricey but definitely good. I believe it is one of the best." — r/istanbul · 2025
"If you want the quintessential meyhane experience, Cavit in Asmalımescit is where you go." — r/istanbul · 2024
Insider tip: Go on a weeknight for a more intimate experience. The narrow alley fills up fast on weekends. Reservations strongly recommended.
2Müşterek Meyhane
Cozy GemVerdict: The highest-rated meyhane in Istanbul on Google. An intimate, cozy space in Taksim where the food consistently punches above its weight class. Reddit's go-to recommendation for a first meyhane experience.
🕐 Hours
Mon4:00 PM – 1:00 AMTue4:00 PM – 1:00 AMWed4:00 PM – 1:00 AMThu4:00 PM – 1:00 AMFri4:00 PM – 1:00 AMSat4:00 PM – 1:00 AMSun4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
What to order: Müşterek Meyhane, a cozy gem in Taksim, Beyoğlu, is priced at $$ and has a 4.7★ rating based on 665 reviews. Their cold meze spread is exceptional — be sure to try the fava, deniz börülcesi (samphire), and their signature stuffed mussels. The rakı selection is carefully curated, and the staff can help you find the perfect pairings.
"If you want an intimate cosy place, go to Müşterek in Taksim. They are very good." — r/istanbul · 2025
"Müşterek is my top pick — small, unpretentious, incredible food." — r/istanbul · 2024
Insider tip: The upstairs room is more atmospheric. Get there before 7 PM to snag a table without a reservation.
3Çukur Meyhane
Neighborhood FavoriteVerdict: Reddit's absolute favorite. Multiple commenters call it their #1 meyhane in all of Istanbul for meze quality, staff warmth, and atmosphere. The kind of place where you walk in as a tourist and leave feeling like a regular.
🕐 Hours
Mon11:00 AM – 1:00 AMTue11:00 AM – 1:00 AMWed11:00 AM – 1:00 AMThu11:00 AM – 1:00 AMFri11:00 AM – 1:00 AMSat11:00 AM – 1:00 AMSun11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
What to order: Çukur Meyhane, a neighborhood favorite in Galatasaray, Beyoğlu, is priced at $$ and has a 4.5★ rating from 433 reviews. Order the full cold meze tray and let the waiter guide your selections. The grilled octopus and fried calamari are excellent hot starters. Pair everything with Yeni Rakı for a classic experience.
"Cukur meyhane is my absolute favourite out of all the recommendations in this thread, meze quality, staff, service, etc." — r/istanbul · 2022
"It's the perfect meyhane." — r/istanbul · 2023
Insider tip: Sit outside in summer for prime people-watching on the Galatasaray side streets. They open early for lunch meyhane too.
4İnciraltı Meyhanesi
Bosphorus ViewsVerdict: A Narnia-like portal to old Istanbul. Squeaky wooden floors, Turkish classical music, and mezes that go far beyond the standard repertoire. The garden is cheerful in summer; inside is pure nostalgia.
🕐 Hours
Mon12:00 PM – 12:30 AMTue12:00 PM – 12:30 AMWed12:00 PM – 12:30 AMThu12:00 PM – 12:30 AMFri12:00 PM – 12:30 AMSat12:00 PM – 12:30 AMSun12:00 PM – 12:30 AM
What to order: İnciraltı Meyhanesi, offering Bosphorus views in Beylerbeyi on the Asian Side, is priced at $$ and has a 4.4★ rating based on 1303 reviews. The 15-spice pickled fish is a unique house specialty you won't find anywhere else. For the adventurous, try the deep-fried lamb brains with mustard sauce. The papaz yahnisi (priest's stew of sardines and shallots) is a cold meze masterpiece.
"İnciraltı in Beylerbeyi is one of those places where you feel transported to a different era of Istanbul." — r/istanbul · 2024
"Cross to the Asian side for İnciraltı — worth the trip for the atmosphere alone." — r/AskTurkey · 2025
Insider tip: Take the ferry to Beylerbeyi for the full experience. The garden under the fig tree is magical in summer evenings.
5Aret'in Yeri
Nevizade ClassicVerdict: The king of Nevizade — Istanbul's most famous meyhane street. Not touristy despite the location. Locals and regulars dominate the crowd, and the Armenian-influenced meze tradition here is unmatched.
🕐 Hours
Mon10:00 AM – 1:00 AMTue10:00 AM – 1:00 AMWed10:00 AM – 1:00 AMThu10:00 AM – 1:00 AMFri10:00 AM – 2:00 AMSat10:00 AM – 2:00 AMSun10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
What to order: Aret'in Yeri, a Nevizade classic in Beyoğlu, is priced at $$ and has a 4.5★ rating from 1211 reviews. Aret's mezes are the main event here. The haydari, acılı ezme, and topik (Armenian-style hummus with tahini and pine nuts) are must-orders. Don't skip the hot appetizers for a complete experience.
"Check out Aret'in Yeri in Beyoğlu. It's my go to place for a rakı night. Not touristic at all. The food and especially the Mezes are good." — r/istanbul · 2024
"Aret'in Yeri on Nevizade is the real deal — been going for years." — r/istanbul · 2023
Insider tip: Nevizade gets loud and lively after 9 PM. If you want conversation, go earlier. The upstairs terrace is the sweet spot.
6Giritli Restoran
Elegant CretanVerdict: The most elegant meyhane in Istanbul. Cretan-inspired seafood mezes in a dreamy stone courtyard with purring cats. A refined escape from the chaos of the Old Town.
🕐 Hours
Mon1:00 PM – 12:00 AMTue1:00 PM – 12:00 AMWed1:00 PM – 12:00 AMThu1:00 PM – 12:00 AMFri1:00 PM – 12:00 AMSat1:00 PM – 12:00 AMSun1:00 PM – 12:00 AM
What to order: Giritli Restoran, an elegant Cretan restaurant in Cankurtaran, Old Town, is priced at $$$ and has a 4.2★ rating based on 1303 reviews. Order the tasting menu to sample a wide array of dishes, including salmon pastırma, seafood orzo, grilled sardines in vine leaf, cooked greens, and a myriad of mezes. The shallow-fried courgettes are a must-add.
"Giritli near Sultanahmet is fantastic — it's a set menu with incredible seafood mezes and unlimited wine." — r/istanbul · 2024
"Giritli is more upscale but worth every lira. The courtyard is gorgeous." — r/AskTurkey · 2023
Insider tip: Book the courtyard in summer. The set menu (fixed price with unlimited wine/rakı) is actually great value for what you get.
7İsmet Baba
Bosphorus SeafoodVerdict: A true regulars' spot on the Asian side. One of the few old-timer meyhanes that still reserves tables for its local fishermen and workers. The Bosphorus views from inside are perfect for winter evenings.
🕐 Hours
Mon12:00 PM – 12:00 AMTue12:00 PM – 12:00 AMWed12:00 PM – 12:00 AMThu12:00 PM – 12:00 AMFri12:00 PM – 12:00 AMSat12:00 PM – 12:00 AMSun12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
What to order: İsmet Baba, a Bosphorus seafood restaurant in Kuzguncuk on the Asian Side, is priced at $$ and has a 4.2★ rating from 2695 reviews. Expect classic meyhane fare done right. Start with cold mezes, then move on to the grilled fish of the day. The Bosphorus view pairs perfectly with a cold glass of rakı.
"İsmet Baba in Kuzguncuk is old-school Istanbul at its finest. The regulars' photos on the wall tell the whole story." — r/istanbul · 2024
"Cross to the Asian side — Kuzguncuk has İsmet Baba which is a proper meyhane by the sea." — r/istanbul · 2023
Insider tip: Visit Kuzguncuk neighborhood first — it's one of Istanbul's most charming streets. Then end at İsmet Baba by the water.
8Balat Sahil Restoran
Historic BalatVerdict: A historic meyhane in trendy Balat with rare meze finds you won't encounter anywhere else. Small, no-frills, two floors — the food does all the talking.
🕐 Hours
MonClosedTue1:30 PM – 12:00 AMWed1:30 PM – 12:00 AMThu1:30 PM – 12:00 AMFri1:30 PM – 12:00 AMSat1:30 PM – 12:00 AMSun1:30 PM – 12:00 AM
What to order: Balat Sahil Restoran, located in historic Balat on the Golden Horn, is priced at $$ and has a 4.2★ rating from 1873 reviews. The onion dolma is a unique offering you won't find elsewhere. Mushroom mezes and cold-cooked fish mezes are similarly rare. Focus on mezes over main courses when dining here.
"Balat Sahil has some of the most unique mezes in Istanbul. The onion dolma is legendary." — r/istanbul · 2024
"I recommend Barba Vasilis, which is under Balat Sahil Restaurant — both are excellent." — r/istanbul · 2025
Insider tip: Combine with a walk through colorful Balat streets. The neighborhood itself is Instagram-famous. Come early — it fills up fast.
9Karaköy Lokantası
Modern MeyhaneVerdict: Karaköy's culinary capstone — a modern meyhane that's earned its reputation. By day a humble lokanta, by night a refined Turkish tavern. Owner Oral Kurt often wanders the floor guiding guests.
🕐 Hours
Mon12:00 – 4:00 PM, 5:30 – 11:30 PMTue12:00 – 4:00 PM, 5:30 – 11:30 PMWed12:00 – 4:00 PM, 5:30 – 11:30 PMThu12:00 – 4:00 PM, 5:30 – 11:30 PMFri5:30 – 11:30 PMSat5:30 – 11:30 PMSun4:00 – 11:30 PM
What to order: Karaköy Lokantası, a modern meyhane in Karaköy, Beyoğlu, is priced at $$$ and has a 4.3★ rating from 2941 reviews. The charred octopus is universally acknowledged as the standout dish. The eggplant salad and muammara (spicy walnut-red pepper paste) are essential starters.
"Karaköy Lokantası does the meyhane concept with a modern twist. The octopus is incredible." — r/istanbul · 2024
"Go to Karaköy Lokantası for lunch as a lokanta, then come back for dinner as a meyhane — two different experiences." — r/FoodTourism · 2023
Insider tip: Lunch is cheaper and more casual (lokanta-style). For the full meyhane experience with rakı and live energy, dinner is the move.
10Pavlonya Meyhanesi
Kadıköy GemVerdict: Forbes-featured Kadıköy gem. One of the best meyhanes on the Asian side, tucked in the vibrant Kadıköy food scene. Authentic without being old-fashioned.
🕐 Hours
Mon3:00 PM – 12:30 AMTue3:00 PM – 12:30 AMWed3:00 PM – 12:30 AMThu3:00 PM – 12:30 AMFri3:00 PM – 1:30 AMSat3:00 PM – 1:30 AMSun3:00 PM – 12:30 AM
What to order: Pavlonya Meyhanesi, a Kadıköy gem on the Asian Side, is priced at $$ and has a 4.4★ rating from 587 reviews. The atom (spicy tomato-pepper paste), fava, and seasonal greens are excellent choices. The fish of the day is always fresh, sourced from the Kadıköy fish market just steps away.
"Pavlonya in Kadıköy is the real deal — unpretentious, great food, good prices." — r/istanbul · 2024
"Skip the European side tourist traps. Kadıköy has amazing meyhanes like Pavlonya." — r/AskTurkey · 2024
Insider tip: Visit Kadıköy fish market first, then head to Pavlonya. The neighborhood is Istanbul's best food district.
11Latife Hanım Meyhanesi
Taksim ClassicVerdict: A solid, reliable meyhane on Sıraselviler Caddesi near Taksim with character and a loyal following. Named after Atatürk's first wife.
🕐 Hours
Mon12:00 PM – 12:30 AMTue12:00 PM – 12:30 AMWed12:00 PM – 12:30 AMThu12:00 PM – 12:30 AMFri12:00 PM – 12:30 AMSat12:00 PM – 12:30 AMSun12:00 PM – 12:30 AM
What to order: Latife Hanım Meyhanesi, a Taksim classic in Cihangir, Beyoğlu, is priced at $$ and has a 4.1★ rating from 336 reviews. Expect a classic meze spread with good variety. Try the grilled levrek (sea bass) and cold octopus salad. They also offer a good wine list alongside the standard rakı.
"Latife Hanım near Taksim is a solid choice — good mezes, decent prices, nice vibe." — r/istanbul · 2024
"If you're staying near Taksim, Latife Hanım on Sıraselviler is walkable and authentic." — r/istanbul · 2023
Insider tip: The location on Sıraselviler makes it a great pre- or post-dinner stop if you're exploring Cihangir and İstiklal.
FAQs
What is a meyhane?
A meyhane is a traditional Turkish tavern centered around shared meze (small plates), rakı (anise-flavored spirit), and long, leisurely meals. Think of it as Turkey's answer to a Spanish tapas bar or Japanese izakaya.
What should I order at a meyhane?
Start with cold mezes (haydari, acılı ezme, fava, atom), then hot appetizers (fried calamari, grilled octopus, stuffed mussels), and optionally a grilled fish main. Pair everything with rakı diluted with water.
How much does a meyhane meal cost?
A typical dinner with shared mezes, a main, and rakı runs 500-1,500 TRY per person ($15-45 USD) depending on the venue.
What's the best neighborhood for meyhanes?
Beyoğlu has the highest concentration — especially Asmalımescit, Nevizade, and Galatasaray. For local vibes, try Kadıköy on the Asian side.
Do I need a reservation?
For Asmalı Cavit, Müşterek, and Giritli — yes, especially weekends. Neighborhood meyhanes like Çukur and Pavlonya are walk-in friendly on weeknights.
Is there live music at meyhanes?
Some traditional meyhanes feature fasıl music. Nevizade street gets very lively. Not all have live music, but the social atmosphere creates its own soundtrack.
What time do meyhanes open?
Most open 12-5 PM and close midnight-1 AM. The experience kicks off around 7-8 PM. Arriving at 8:30-9 PM is perfectly normal.
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