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Restaurants · Malatya, Malatya

Mezze ve Meyhanesi Sultanahmet

  • CuisineMeze / Anatolian
  • CategoryMeyhane
  • VibeLively meyhane, conversational and sociable, evening rakı and mezze atmosphere
  • Rating★ 4.1
  • Price₺200–₺500/person (~$5.60–$14)

Mezze ve Meyhanesi Sultanahmet on Cumhuriyet Bulvarı in central Malatya operates as a meyhane — a Turkish dining establishment distinct from the standard lokanta or kebab house, characterised by an emphasis on an extended succession of cold and hot mezze eaten at a conversational pace, traditionally accompanied by rakı (anise-flavoured spirit). The venue's name references İstanbul's historic Sultanahmet quarter, positioning the restaurant within the Bosphorus meyhane tradition rather than the more austere Eastern Anatolian dining culture of the surrounding city.

Mezze ve Meyhanesi Sultanahmet

Mezze ve Meyhanesi Sultanahmet on Cumhuriyet Bulvarı in central Malatya operates as a meyhane — a Turkish dining establishment distinct from the standard lokanta or kebab house, characterised by an emphasis on an extended succession of cold and hot mezze eaten at a conversational pace, traditionally accompanied by rakı (anise-flavoured spirit). The venue's name references İstanbul's historic Sultanahmet quarter, positioning the restaurant within the Bosphorus meyhane tradition rather than the more austere Eastern Anatolian dining culture of the surrounding city.

The cold meze selection is the kitchen's most accomplished section. Haydari — strained yogurt beaten with dried mint, garlic, and olive oil — is the opening course essential to any meyhane progression: rich, thick, and herb-fragrant, it functions as both a starter and a palate-cleanser. Patlıcan salatası — smoked aubergine salad, the aubergines roasted over direct flame until the skin blackens and the interior collapses, then mixed with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil — is the kitchen's signature cold preparation. Şakşuka, a preparation of fried courgette and aubergine pieces in a sweet tomato and pepper sauce served at room temperature, rounds out the cold selection with a hearty, vegetable-centred option.

Among the hot mezes and mains, balık güveci — fish casserole sealed in a clay pot with tomato, onion, garlic, and fresh herbs and baked until the fish is just cooked — is the kitchen's most elaborate preparation and recommended as a main course alongside the meze progression. Rakı is available as the traditional meyhane spirit; the beverage list also includes wine. The meyhane experience is designed for groups: multiple meze plates are shared across the table and replenished as the evening advances, and the pace is set by the table rather than the kitchen.

Evening service from approximately 18:00 is the primary operating period; reservations are recommended and can be made by calling +90 422 213 5566. Tables fill progressively on Friday and Saturday. Prices in the ₺200–₺500 range per person reflect the alcohol service, multiple meze rounds, and the extended dining format.

Signature dishes

  • Haydari (yogurt with herbs)
  • Şakşuka (fried vegetable meze)
  • Patlıcan salatası
  • Balık güveci

Good to know

Known for
Cold and hot mezes, raki pairings
Hours
Daily 12:00–23:00
Reservations
Recommended evenings; +90 422 213 5566

Location

Cumhuriyet Bulvarı No:11, 44000 Malatya, Turkey

38.3553, 38.3109 View on map

Highlights

  • Haydari: strained yogurt with dried mint, garlic, and olive oil, the meyhane's essential cold opener
  • Patlıcan salatası: flame-roasted aubergine salad, the kitchen's most carefully prepared cold meze
  • Balık güveci: fish and herb casserole sealed in a clay pot, the kitchen's main hot course highlight
  • Rakı available as the traditional meyhane spirit alongside a selection of wines
  • Meyhane format: extended evening dining across multiple rounds of shared mezze at a social pace

Tips for visiting

  • Meyhane dining is best experienced over two or more hours; ordering progressively rather than all at once
  • Reserve by calling +90 422 213 5566 for Friday or Saturday evenings, when tables fill early
  • Begin with haydari and patlıcan salatası; move to şakşuka before ordering hot meze rounds
  • Balık güveci should be ordered early as the clay-pot preparation takes longer than the meze items
  • Lunch service is available but the meyhane experience is substantially better in the evening hours

Accessibility

The restaurant is on the ground floor of a Cumhuriyet Bulvarı building with standard pavement access; a step at the entrance is possible. Interior seating is arranged for group dining with table spacing suited to the meyhane format. No formal accessibility provisions are listed.

Frequently asked questions

What is a meyhane?

A meyhane is a Turkish social dining establishment centred on shared mezze plates eaten slowly over several hours, traditionally accompanied by rakı; it is a distinct format from a kebab house or lokanta and is primarily an evening venue.

Is alcohol served?

Yes — rakı and wine are available; the meyhane format is specifically structured around the pairing of cold mezze and spirits, which is central to the dining tradition the venue represents.

Can vegetarians dine at Mezze ve Meyhanesi Sultanahmet?

The cold meze selection includes several vegetarian dishes including haydari, patlıcan salatası, and şakşuka; the hot sections lean toward fish and meat, but a satisfying vegetarian meal can be composed from the cold meze list.

How far in advance should reservations be made for weekend evenings?

Calling two or three days ahead for a Friday or Saturday evening table at +90 422 213 5566 is advisable; the restaurant is popular with both Malatya locals and visiting diners on weekends.