Meze By Lemon Tree
Meze by Lemon Tree is a small meyhanes of no more than seven tables situated opposite the Pera Palace Hotel. Run by Chef and owner Gençay Üçok, whose dream it was to open a place like this since his student days, this is the place to experience a refreshing twist on a familiar concept. Gone are the troubles of navigating through long lists of standard dishes. Instead, all of the vegetable and seafood starters on offer are prepared according to seasonal availability. True to the basic ingredients of Turkish cuisine, their combinations are often innovative and accompanied by an impressive wine list.
Address: Mesrutiyet Caddesi 83B, Sishane/Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey. +90 212 252 8302
Jash Istanbul
Tucked away on a quiet street in the city’s hip Cihangir neighborhood, this homey venue – adorned with gold-leaf wallpaper, redbrick walls, candles and chandeliers – serves Armenian-style variants of traditional Turkish mezze dishes. Enjoying a longstanding reputation for the authentic nature of its fare, Jash, which means ‘food’ in Armenian, offers diners a wide range of fresh salads and hot and cold starters, including the highly recommended yayamin: a potato patty prepared with grated potato, and topik: a chickpea and potato mash with onions, tahini and currants.
Address: Jash Istanbul, Cihangir Caddesi 9, Cihangir, Istanbul, Turkey.+90 (0)212 244 3042
Salkim Meyhanesi
Salkim Meyhanesi is arguably better known by its nickname ‘the car-wash meyhane’, due its location above a now defunct car wash. Salkim Meyhanesi is a small, no-frills venue, serving old-school meyhane and hefty glasses of traditional raki. It is run by a group of brothers hailing from Turkey’s eastern city, Van, whose Anatolian influence finds its way into a stream of local mezze dishes including pan-fried liver and grilled fish.
Sofyali 9
Known for its convivial atmosphere and friendly service, Sofyali 9 is a popular classic meyhane particularly busy at weekends. Waiters move from table to table carrying trays of cold starters to choose from, while hot ones are ordered individually from the menu. Due to a distinct Aegean influence, highlights tend to be from the seafood section, including the grilled octopus, curried fish, and the fried calamari. Booking in advance is essential.
Address: Sofyali Sokak 9, Asmalimescit/Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey. +90 (0)212 245 0362
Duble Meze Bar
Duble Meze Bar is an upmarket venue with a classy atmosphere and great views over the Golden Horn. Set atop Palazzo Donizetti Hotel in Asmalimescit, they serve classic meyhane dishes with a modern twist, including hummus with sauteed mushrooms and roasted peanuts, and a signature a savory shrimp ceviche. Aside from Sunday and Monday nights, the place hosts a resident DJ usually playing lounge Turkish music. When it gets late, the music gets louder signalling it’s time for a proper party, dancing and all, to kick in.
Address: Mesrutiyet Caddesi No 85 Palazzo Donizetti, 34400 Istanbul, Turkey. +90 212 244 0188