Karaköy Lokantası
Restaurant · Kemankeskaramustafapasa ·
Ottoman food, mezze, vibrant atmosphere, tiled interior
Ottoman food, mezze, vibrant atmosphere, tiled interior
"Intensely flavoursome tarama with toasted bread, crispy deep-fried courgette with yoghurt, sea bass elevated by a spicy mustard-based remoulade… With a selection of over 80 mezze, a whole host of sharing platters and other traditional dishes, you're spoilt for choice. The chef uses top-quality ingredients and avoids unnecessary complexity. His dishes pack a punch, with subtle Greek influences appearing throughout. This bustling establishment with its quiet terrace has earned its popularity. Delicious food and great value for money!" - Michelin Inspector
"A popular restaurant known for serving some of the best mezze, including dishes like mince-stuffed zucchini, artichokes in olive oil, and lamb stew."
"With a wide wine menu alongside a variety of dishes, this meyhane appeals both to those who want a classic rakı table and to others who prefer pairing wine with seafood and red meat; signature plates such as fish pastrami and cabbage rolls with chestnuts stand out, and the experience unfolds in an extremely contemporary, stylishly designed ambiance that reflects the spirit of Istanbul." - MICHELIN Guide
"This popular eatery won over the inspectors with many superbly executed mezze and a menu that offers an exceptional quality‑price ratio." - The MICHELIN Guide
"A modern tradesmen restaurant by day and a meyhane (tavern) by night, Karaköy is popular among white-collar workers, artists, writers, and lovers of good food from Istanbul and abroad. At lunch, diners choose from a daily menu, while at night they line up to choose mezes from a display case. Options often include olive oil-braised artichokes, fried liver, spinach roots cooked with olive oil, kidney bean salad, crispy fried zucchini, calamari, octopus, and seasonal fish. Reservations are only offered for dinner and tables can be hard to come by, so reserve a week in advance or try your luck walking in for lunch." - Tuba Şatana