Sofyali 9

Tables here are hot property on a Friday or Saturday night, and no wonder. This gem of a place serves up some of the best meyhane food in all of İstanbul, and does so in surroundings that are as welcoming as they are attractive. It’s a bit like eating in a close friend’s home, except here you’re offered a large array of meze and a wealth of grills and fresh fried fish along with the bonhomie. The köpeoğlu (eggplant and tomato with yoghurt and garlic) and semizotu (green purslane with yoghurt and garlic) are among the best we’ve ever eaten and the kaşaril börek (cheese pastries) and kalamar (fried calamari with garlic sauce) are damn fine, too. Regulars swear by the Anavut ciğeri (Albanian fried liver).