The 10 Best Modern Meyhanes in Istanbul
Ten restaurants that rebuild the meyhane table through contemporary cooking, good produce and lively but balanced rooms. These addresses stay connected to tradition while making space for new plates, wine and cocktails alongside rakı.
Can ArelMeyhane & Seafood Editor
How was this list selected?
Meze quality, originality, seasonality, drink pairings, service and the ability to sustain a long shared table were considered together. This is not a ranking of traditional fish restaurants.
The order is based on current Choose Istanbul editorial judgement, not advertising or user-review scores.- Asmalımescit, Beyoğlu
Dudu Istanbul
For a lively group dinner where the terrace view, nostalgic music and shared plates carry the table into late evening.
- What to eat or drink
- Vişneli yaprak sarma, prawns cooked in Trabzon butter and a balanced selection of cold meze.
- When to go
- Reserve the terrace around sunset; open daily 19:00–02:00. Confirm the booking through the official phone or WhatsApp line.
- Kuruçeşme, Beşiktaş
Civarda Kuruçeşme
For a group dinner or celebration where the shared table gradually gives way to a much more energetic late-evening atmosphere.
- What to eat or drink
- Bademli zaho, Tekmilli fava, crispy mantı and Civarda Ege böreği for the table.
- When to go
- Reserve around sunset from Tuesday to Sunday; the official hours are 18:00–02:00 and Monday is closed.
- Kuruçeşme, Beşiktaş
Alaf 2 TEK, Kuruçeşme
Choose it for the atmosphere and a focused kitchen.
- What to eat or drink
- Alaf 2 Tek’s listed snacks include kebabs, sea urchin, tulum cheese, wax-coated mullet roe, İzmir-style stuffed mussels and kokoreç.
- When to go
- Book for busy evenings and confirm current hours before setting out.
- Karaköy, Beyoğlu
Bonn Karakoy
For a Golden Horn-facing meyhane evening, a group table or dinner and entertainment in one plan.
- What to eat or drink
- A balanced selection of cold meze, one hot dish and either raki or wine for the table.
- When to go
- Book around sunset for the view or later for the music. Closed Monday; open Tuesday-Sunday 18:00-02:00.
- Galata, Beyoğlu
Firuze, Şişhane
Choose it for the view and a focused kitchen.
- What to eat or drink
- Antakya meze such as mutabbel, muhammara, kibbeh and hummus, with dishes served alongside rakı.
- When to go
- Book for busy evenings and confirm current hours before setting out.
- Karaköy, Beyoğlu
Mahkeme Lokantası, Karaköy
Choose it for the atmosphere and a focused kitchen.
- What to eat or drink
- Turkish dishes by day and meze in the evening, including cinnamon-scented pilaki and contemporary meze.
- When to go
- Book for busy evenings and confirm current hours before setting out.
- Kadıköy, Kadıköy
Hane, Kadıköy
Choose it for the atmosphere and a focused kitchen.
- What to eat or drink
- Regional meze and lighter options such as herbed thick cacık, purslane salad and baked mücver.
- When to go
- Book for busy evenings and confirm current hours before setting out.
- Asmalımescit, Beyoğlu
Cemiyet Meyhane, Asmalımescit
Choose it for the atmosphere and a focused kitchen.
- What to eat or drink
- Regional meze including hibeş with Bozkır tahini, crushed olives with zahter and pomegranate, and oven-roasted lamb’s head; vegetarian hot starters are listed separately, including aubergine söğürme, cheese saganaki and sautéed greens with cheese sauce.
- When to go
- Book for busy evenings and confirm current hours before setting out.
- Yeniköy, Sarıyer
Lokanta Limu, Sarıyer
Choose it for the atmosphere and a focused kitchen.
- What to eat or drink
- Creative meze, grilled dishes, seafood such as sea bass ceviche, and the chef’s house recipes.
- When to go
- Book for busy evenings and confirm current hours before setting out.
- Teşvikiye, Şişli
Ahali, Teşvikiye
Choose it for the atmosphere and a focused kitchen.
- What to eat or drink
- Seasonal cold and hot meze for sharing, and wood-fired dishes; listed highlights include paçanga bites and a rib roll.
- When to go
- Book for busy evenings and confirm current hours before setting out.
