Boncuk is a typical meyhane of Istanbul, which is a traditional Turkish tavern, located in a building of four floors, with a terrace which is crowded on warm summer evenings. You have to try the dishes of the other diners in the meyhane which is quite normal being an excellent opportunity to try more of a specialty. Specialty here is fresh fish seasoned with basil, grilled liver and the more traditional cocktail of squid or shrimp generally accompanied with house wine. After 21:00 it is not uncommon to see some Turkish musicians if you are lucky and they are accompanied by the same customers of the tavern. In summer, reservations are recommended. Address: 19 Nevizade, (+902122431219).
Kircicegi at Ortaköy is unwittingly debasing by being a kind of a Turkish fast food. It ‘a great choice for the curious, who can choose from a rich menu, where certainty all the dishes are still beautifully cooked. Soups are excellent (try the lentil and tomato), focaccia, and of course the kebap (try the Manisa typical of the south-western Turkey). You can be served fast, good, but no alcohol is allowed there. Address: 41 of Muallim Naci Caddesi.
Refik is also a meyhane, a sort of tavern, one of the oldest and notes of Istanbul, opened by Aslan dad in 1954 and now it is run by his son, Aslan jr., In short, it is a meyhane family, frequented more by locals rather than tourists. At the time Dad was much sought after by the novelists, poets and intellectuals, immortalized in photographs hanging on the walls, for its vaguely bohemian. Simple, like our restaurants, to the sound of classic Turkish music, is the ideal place to eat making while chatting with friends. The dishes are always in season, fried liver and fresh fish dishes are the specialty of the house. Address: Sofyali S 10-12, I.
By Nikos K
