Meyhanes with live music in Istanbul: a first-timer's guide
If you do one very Istanbul thing in the evening, make it a meyhane night. A meyhane is a Turkish tavern: a long table, a parade of small meze plates, rakı, and, in many places, live musicians who move from table to table. The night starts with conversation and ends with the whole room singing.
Go.
Meyhane 101
Meyhanes are about sharing. You order cold meze first (think aubergine, yogurt dips, white cheese and melon), then hot starters and often fish. The classic drink is rakı, an anise spirit mixed with water and ice, but nobody minds if you order wine or something soft.
Live music in a meyhane usually means fasıl: a small band with clarinet, violin, kanun (a zither) and darbuka playing Turkish classical songs and old favorites. It is meant to be sung along to.
Expect a slow pace. A meyhane dinner easily lasts three or four hours, and the music builds gradually. Arriving hungry and unhurried is the right approach; locals rarely leave before the band has played the songs everyone knows.
Classic or 'new generation'?
Classic fasıl meyhanes keep things acoustic and traditional. 'Yeni nesil' (new generation) meyhanes mix fasıl with Turkish pop and DJs, and by late evening people are dancing between the tables. Each has its charm; choose classic for a relaxed dinner, new generation for a big group night out.
The genre tags on each GIGO venue card are a good hint at which kind you are booking.
Beyoğlu: the historic heart
For a traditional table, try Krepen'deki Kadir'in Yeri or Akbabalı Meyhane. For a livelier night, Taksim Yeni Nesil Meyhane, Sil Baştan Cihangir and Hadi Karaköy Yeni Nesil Meyhane are popular. Barba Rasimo 1956 and Süreyya Teras add rooftop views.
After dinner, you can walk to a bar or club, which makes Beyoğlu ideal if you don't want the night to end.
Kadıköy and the Asian side
Kadıköy has a strong fasıl tradition: Ziyade Fasıl, Heybeli Sahne and BİBUSE Musiki Meyhanesi are known for it. Bittabi Caddebostan is a livelier option. Further along the coast, Maltepe has places like Nevâli Meyhane, Bir Bakan Meyhanesi and Beşçeşmeler Köyiçi, and Ataşehir has Mor Meyhane and Big Meyhane.
These are mostly local crowds, a great way to see how Istanbulites actually spend an evening.
Kumkapı: old Istanbul fish taverns
Near the old city, Kumkapı's fish taverns keep the classic scene alive, with musicians strolling between tables. Kumkapı Hünkar, Kumkapı Afrodit and Kumkapı Sütliman Fasıl Meyhane are on the list. It is easy to combine with a day of sightseeing in Sultanahmet.
On the western side of the city, Beylikdüzü's marina area also has several meyhanes with music.
Etiquette and practical tips
You book a table, not a ticket. Some venues have set menus or minimum spends on music nights; these change, so we don't list prices, but always ask when you book. It is also customary to tip the musicians if they play at your table or take a request.
Don't be shy about singing along or clapping. In a meyhane, enthusiasm counts more than knowing the words.
Finding a music night
Music is busiest on weekends, but many places play on weeknights too. The venue's own Instagram is the best source for the program; GIGO's Tonight and This week pages collect current events.
GIGO's data comes from community research and venue announcements, so confirm times and reservations before you go. Şerefe! Find the gig. Go.
Read more
This guide explains how meyhane nights work and where to find ones with live music. The venue list below is pulled live from the GIGO database, so it stays current.
Venues
1–10 / 45- Barba Rasimo 1956 | Yeni Nesil Meyhane | Restaurant | Roof | Beyoğlu
Barba Rasimo 1956 | Yeni Nesil Meyhane | Restaurant | Roof | BeyoğluPerformance › Live music · Live · DJBeyoğlu - Bittabi Caddebostan - Yeni Nesil Meyhane
Bittabi Caddebostan - Yeni Nesil MeyhanePerformance › Live music · Live · DJKadıköy
FAQ
What is a meyhane?
A meyhane is a traditional Turkish tavern serving meze, fish and rakı, often with live music. It is a social, sharing-style dinner that lasts the whole evening.
What music is played in a meyhane?
Usually fasıl: Turkish classical songs and old favorites played by a small band. 'New generation' meyhanes also mix in Turkish pop and DJ sets.
Do I need a reservation?
On weekends, yes, for most places with live music. Ask about set menus or minimum spends when you book.
Is it OK if I don't drink rakı?
Of course. Wine, beer and soft drinks are all normal; the experience is about the table and the music.
Is GIGO free?
Yes, GIGO is completely free and needs no account.