Çukur Meyhane — Local services in Beyoğlu

Terrible experience – avoid this place

I had one of the worst dining experiences of my life at Çukur Meyhane. Not only was the food bad and the service careless, but we also faced openly racist behavior from a friend of the staff towards my partner, who is Black, even barking at her!! The staff were complicit and dismissive, and when we tried to address the situation, they just smiled and said “I don’t speak English” instead of helping.

This experience completely ruined part of our stay in Istanbul. No effort was made to support us or create a welcoming atmosphere.

Do yourself a favor and do not...

Seriously excellent place. We made an effort to speak Turkish and it was greatly appreciated. The atmosphere, the low key decor and it's subterranean feel gives it a unique character. Slightly off the tourist radar, so if you live by the guidebook - give this one a miss... if you're an adventurer then roll on in!

Rather than try and order, we asked for - and trusted - the recommendations from the staff and the food was exceptional. Plus they serve Bomonti.

All in all...

Cukur is an authentic meyhane, one of the best near Istiklal. It's not about being fancy or being seen but about GREAT fresh and delicious mezze and hanging out with friends over raki. I have come here for years and the prices are still reasonable. I love the fresh patates, beet mezze, giritli mezze and levrek hardal. Everything is delicious really!They usually manage to find me a table even when it's busy and the service is great. A staple of my...