A Greek-style meze that appears on Istanbul's Greek-influenced tavern menus. The cheese should be crispy outside and creamy inside. At İmroz, it arrives piping hot and is meant to be eaten immediately.
Tips from diners
Order saganaki early — it's perfect with the first glass of rakı.
Creamy whipped feta cheese dressed with olive oil and paprika.
Tips from diners
Order this with fresh bread to scoop it up.
Green bell peppers filled with rice, herbs, and spices, served warm.
Tips from diners
A lighter option than the fried mezes — good for pacing through a long evening.
A selection of marinated fish and squid served cold as a meze.
Tips from diners
Book ahead for weekend evenings — Nevizade is Istanbul's liveliest tavern street.
Whole squid charred on the grill, served with lemon.
Tips from diners
Sit in the courtyard during summer — it fills with a mix of locals and curious tourists.
Founded in the 1940s, İmroz is thought to be one of the first meyhane on Nevizade Sokak, the street that became Istanbul's tavern district. The legendary owner Yorgo Okumuş (Yorgo Baba) took over in the 1970s and famously banned music — 'no radios, no music, just talking.' The outdoor courtyard fills on summer evenings with regulars who've held their tables for decades.
Yorgo Baba, the legendary owner, famously banned music — his philosophy was that rakı and conversation don't need a soundtrack.
Unlike many meyhanes, İmroz has no music — it's one of the few places on Nevizade where you can actually hear your tablemates.
The outdoor courtyard is the best seat in summer — arrive by 8 PM to claim a table.
Come on a weekday evening for a more local crowd — weekends fill with tourists seeking the 'authentic' meyhane experience.
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