Experts' Choice Award Karakoy Lokantasi
What the experts agree on
This Beyoglu institution morphs from a casual daytime tradesmen's spot into a lively meyhane by night, earning local devotion since 2000 for its daily-changing menu of exceptional mezze and traditional Turkish dishes at reasonable prices.
“This popular dual-format venue is a bustling daytime spot offering a changing menu of reasonably priced vegetable and meat dishes from the Turkish kitchen and a classy meyhane at night.”
– Fodor's
Time Out "At dinnertime, Karaköy Lokantası becomes one of the meyhanes in town with its outstanding meze. The fava bean purée is an excellent starter." Full review
Frommer's "Tradesmen's restaurant by day and meyhane by night. It opened in 2000 and became an instant hit with locals for its quality food and unique style. The menu changes every day." Full review
Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand
"With a selection of 80 mezze, a whole host of sharing platters and other traditional dishes...a popular place, where the quiet terrace and sea blue tiled wall are a feast for the eyes." Full review
Fodor's "By day, this sleek, airy restaurant with a large outdoor dining area offers a changing menu of reasonably priced Turkish vegetable and meat dishes. At night, it becomes a classy meyhane,..." Full review
Afar Magazine "An airy restaurant that specializes in hünkar beğendi (sultan's delight), an Ottoman-era delicacy featuring chargrilled eggplant topped with slow-cooked lamb"
Afar Magazine "A short walk away from the hotel are such neighborhood dining classics as Karaköy Lokantasi that serves fabulous meze"
Condé Nast Traveler "Later I go to lunch at the popular Karaköy Lokantası with Mina Dilber, a former journalist at CNN Turkey and the founder of the joyful clothing and lifestyle brand Anim. As we graze on..."
