A beloved modern Turkish meyhane in Karakoy with an excellent menu of creative meze, fresh seafood, and grilled meats. The beautifully tiled interior and warm atmosphere have made this one of Istanbul's most celebrated restaurants. Reservations essential.
Karakoy Lokantasi is one of Istanbul's most celebrated modern meyhanes, occupying a beautifully tiled dining room on Kemankes Caddesi in the Karakoy neighborhood of Beyoglu. The restaurant reimagines the classic Turkish tavern format, offering a refined selection of creative cold and hot meze alongside impeccably fresh seafood and expertly grilled meats. Signature dishes include the smoked eggplant meze with pomegranate molasses, sea bass carpaccio, and the restaurant's iconic octopus braised with olives and capers. The interior — adorned with traditional Ottoman-era tiles and warm wooden accents — strikes a balance between authentic and contemporary, creating an atmosphere that is both festive and intimate. Service is professional and knowledgeable. The wine list leans heavily toward Turkish producers, with an excellent selection of Aegean whites that pair beautifully with the seafood-forward menu. Raki is well-stocked. Karakoy Lokantasi opened in 2008 and quickly earned a devoted following among Istanbul's culinary community, becoming a benchmark for the new generation of meyhane-style dining that values both provenance and presentation. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner on weekends, when tables are typically booked weeks in advance.
Good to know
- Hours
- Mon-Sat 12pm-11pm
- Reservations
- True
Location
Kemankes Cd. No:37A, 34425 Karakoy, Beyoglu/Istanbul
Highlights
- Creative cold meze starring smoked eggplant with pomegranate and sea bass carpaccio
- Beautifully tiled dining room with Ottoman accents in the Karakoy neighborhood
- Expertly curated Turkish wine list emphasizing Aegean white wines
- Octopus braised with Kalamata olives and capers — a signature must-order dish
Tips for visiting
- Book at least two weeks ahead for weekend dinner; weekday lunch is more accessible
- The cold meze selection changes seasonally — ask the waiter what arrived fresh that day
- Pair fish dishes with a glass of Urla Beyaz or another Aegean white wine
- Lunch service is slightly quieter and the same kitchen quality at lower pressure
Accessibility
The restaurant is located on the ground floor with step-free access from the street. Restrooms are on the same level. Wheelchair users can be seated at suitable tables; advance notice is advisable.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should reservations be made?
Reservations for weekend evenings should ideally be made two to three weeks in advance. Weekday lunches and early dinners are significantly easier to book.
Is Karakoy Lokantasi suitable for vegetarians?
Yes — the cold and hot meze selection includes several excellent vegetarian options, and the kitchen is happy to assemble a meze-only meal.
What is the dress code?
Smart casual is the norm. The restaurant attracts a well-dressed local crowd but does not enforce a formal dress code.
Is the menu available in English?
Menus are available in Turkish and English, and staff speak sufficient English to explain dishes.