Best of Istanbul
The best meze and rakı table in Istanbul
Start with Karaköy Lokantası in Karaköy for eggplant salad, muhammara, charred octopus, fish pastrami, Asmalı Cavit in Asmalımescit, Beyoğlu for A traditional meze spread with rakı and Münferit in Beyoğlu for calamari on squid-ink couscous. Here are all 5, with what to get at each.
- Karaköy LokantasıKaraköy · Meze and rakı table
Get: Eggplant salad, muhammara, charred octopus, fish pastrami
A dockside modern meyhane with a deep wine and rakı list that suits mixed groups.
- Asmalı CavitAsmalımescit, Beyoğlu · Meze and rakı table
Get: A traditional meze spread with rakı
A classic Beyoğlu meyhane for the long, convivial rakı dinner.
- MünferitBeyoğlu
Get: Calamari on squid-ink couscous; seasonal mezes
A contemporary meyhane on a sloping side street with inventive small plates.
- 9 Ece AksoyAsmalımescit, Beyoğlu
Get: Seasonal hot and cold starters, olive-oil dishes
A corner meyhane known for seasonal mezes and a good rakı list.
- Sofyalı 9Beyoğlu · Meze and rakı table
Get: Grilled okra; eggplant with octopus
One of the city's long-established meyhanes.
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Ask Chef for morePlan my Istanbul food tripThe best meze and rakı table in Istanbul: questions people ask
Where is the best meze and rakı table in Istanbul?
Chef Amazing’s picks start with Karaköy Lokantası (Karaköy), Asmalı Cavit (Asmalımescit, Beyoğlu) and Münferit (Beyoğlu). All 5 places are on this page with what to get, where they are and a map.
What should I order?
At Karaköy Lokantası, get eggplant salad, muhammara, charred octopus, fish pastrami. At Asmalı Cavit, get A traditional meze spread with rakı. At Münferit, get calamari on squid-ink couscous; seasonal mezes. At 9 Ece Aksoy, get seasonal hot and cold starters, olive-oil dishes.
Which neighborhood is best for meze and rakı table in Istanbul?
Most of these are in Asmalımescit, Beyoğlu and Beyoğlu. The map on this page shows every one, numbered like the list.
How does Chef Amazing pick these?
From Chef Amazing’s city guide and lists for Istanbul: the places critics, chefs and locals keep recommending, checked and kept current, with what to order at each. Nobody pays to be on them.
More in Istanbul
Places change: check hours before you go. Pins come from addresses and OpenStreetMap and can be a little off. Updated October 25, 2026.