Where is the best meze in Istanbul?

Based on diner recommendations, the best meze in Istanbul is at Giritli. We compared 10 restaurants serving meze.

How much does meze cost in Istanbul?

Meze prices in Istanbul range from TRY50.00 to TRY140.00 across 10 restaurants.

All Dish Comparisons in Istanbul

Best Meze in Istanbul

10 restaurants compared

Price range: TRY50.00 – TRY140.00

Avg recommendation: 83%

Top 5 Meze in Istanbul (Quick Answer)

Based on diner recommendations across 10 restaurants:

Giritli, TRY50.00 (Sultanahmet)
Khorasani, TRY90.00 (Sultanahmet)
Pandeli, TRY85.00 (Eminönü)
Karaköy Lokantası, TRY95.00 (Karaköy)
Hamdi Restaurant, TRY140.00 (Eminönü)

Scroll down for detailed comparisons, prices, and diner tips for each restaurant.

All 10 Restaurants Compared

Giritli

Sultanahmet·$$$

Cretan Pickles

TRY50.00

House-pickled vegetables: cucumber, peppers, and small onions in vinegar brine.

Tip: Usually arrives automatically as part of the spread. Eat them while drinking—they're designed as a rakı appetizer.

Khorasani

Sultanahmet·$$$

Hummus with Yogurt

TRY90.00

Creamy chickpea puree layered with tangy yogurt and topped with melted butter and pine nuts.

Tip: Start with this while you decide on your main. It's lighter than kebab and gives you time to build appetite.

Pandeli

Eminönü·$$$

Dolma

TRY85.00

Grape leaves stuffed with fragrant rice, berries, pine nuts, and a dash of vinegar.

Tip: Order dolma as your first course. It primes the palate for the heavier mains and cools things down.

Karaköy Lokantası

Karaköy·$$$

Fava Bean Purée

TRY95.00

Silky white bean purée with olive oil and a whisper of garlic, served warm as a starter.

Tip: Order as a shared starter with meze. It's creamy and goes with everything else you'll order.

Hamdi Restaurant

Eminönü·$$$

Hummus with Roasted Meat

TRY140.00

Creamy chickpea puree topped with spiced minced meat, pine nuts, and melted butter.

Tip: Order meze to start—the variety lets you try different flavors before the main kebab arrives. Hummus is a good anchor.

Pandeli

Eminönü·$$$

Courgette Flower with Feta

TRY95.00

Delicate squash blossoms filled with feta, deep-fried until golden, and served with yogurt dip.

Tip: Only available in summer months when courgette flowers are in season. If on the menu, don't skip it.

#788% recommend

Giritli

Sultanahmet·$$$

Girit Mezesi (Cretan Meze)

TRY120.00

Cold Cretan mezze: bitter olives, dried herbs, walnuts, garlic, and goat cheese.

Tip: Order this as soon as you sit down. It pairs beautifully with the first glass of wine or rakı.

#885% recommend

Karaköy Lokantası

Karaköy·$$$

Mezze Selection

TRY115.00

Rotating daily selection of small plates: charred vegetables, marinated seafood, and cheese dishes.

Tip: Order 4-5 different meze for the table and share. The display case shows what's available—point at what looks good to you.

#982% recommend

Feriye

Ortaköy, Beşiktaş·$$$$

Seasonal Meze Selection

TRY95.00

Rotating daily selection of small plates: charred vegetables, marinated preparations, and cheese dishes.

Tip: Order several meze to start and share. They showcase the kitchen's technique across different preparations.

#1075% recommend

Sunset Grill & Bar

Ulus, Beşiktaş·$$$$

Turkish Meze Selection

TRY110.00

Rotating daily selection of small Turkish plates: charred vegetables, marinated preparations, and cheese.

Tip: Order several to start and share. They're solid but not the highlight of the menu.