Sofyalı 9 Restaurant

There is something easy about loving nostalgic meyhanes like Sofyalı 9. They are modest, lack the flair of their modern or “new gen” counterparts but are rich in a type of feeling endemic to their atmosphere. Sofyalı 9 encapsulates that whiff of reminiscence of a time that never was with its white tablecloths, professionally dressed old waiters and squeaky narrow chairs. The place has been around forever, so have the staff and the decent meze recipes.

What to order: Go for the mezes you like. You will be presented with a tray of display to choose from. In the hot appetisers I would recommend the octopus laying on top of the aubergine purée, it is well-cooked and a match made in heaven, probably not octopus heaven.

What to know: Good spot for a low importance night out, or a quick meyhane stop, though the prices are not too modest. Its central location and glass windows looking out at the streets of the once-nightlife central Asmalımescit make it ideal for people-watching too.