İnciraltı Meyhanesi

The jewel of the Asian side. A classic meyhane with non-Muslim roots in its cuisine. Unassumingly tucked in a street in Beylerbeyi with its backgarden, İnciralti has the feel of an old timey trattoria.
What makes this place special is the respectful and welcoming service, as well as the excellent food.

What to order: My favorite meze combo is, ezme hiyar, papaz yahnisi, balik tursusu. Definitely try the charred crispy meaty uykuluk here. The deep fried brains with mustard is another rare delicacy providing textural delight. The ciğer tava also is tender and well cut. For dessert I suggest the crispy candied pumpkin with tahini sauce, though not on par with Çiya’s, still a great finish. And the güveçte helva, gooey, hot and delicious. A heavy dessert for a meyhane night in my opinion but of course to each their own, live and let helva.

What to know: Their homemade complimentary liqueur (usually made from satsuma or sour cherry) goes very well with the cafe-de-partie.
The back garden is great for summer. But during winter I prefer the cosier upstairs where you occasionally meet sailors, heartbroken newly weds, filmmakers and who knows else.