Asmali Cavit (Asmalı Cavit)

An intimate old-school meyhane on Asmalımescit that locals actually love, not a tourist-trap tavern. Cavit runs the room, the meze are excellent, and you drink rakı slowly for hours. Yes, a friend sends you here. Caveat: tiny, so book ahead and it's closed Sundays.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Can I go just for drinks?

It's really built around eating and drinking together, meyhane-style. You can drink, but ordering meze is expected and honestly the reason to be there.

Is it good for a solo traveler?

It can be, if you're comfortable dining alone in a lively room. The staff are warm, but it's a social, table-of-friends kind of place, so a bar counter it is not.

Is Asmalı Cavit touristy?

Less than most places on this street. You'll see foreigners, but it's still a spot Istanbullus genuinely go to, which is exactly why it's worth it.

Is Asmalı Cavit expensive?

It's a proper sit-down meyhane, so a full evening with meze, a main and rakı adds up to a real dinner bill, not a snack. It's fair for the quality, but come knowing you're settling in for hours, not grabbing a quick bite.

How do I get there?

Take the M2 metro to Şişhane and walk about five minutes into Asmalımescit, or come down from Tünel. It's a pedestrian-friendly lane full of bars, so it's easy on foot once you're in Beyoğlu.

Do I need a reservation at Asmalı Cavit?

Yes, really. It's a small room and it fills up fast, especially Friday and Saturday. Call ahead the same day or a day before, particularly if you want a table for more than two.

Is it open on Sundays?

No, it's closed Sundays. It runs Monday through Saturday, roughly 5pm until midnight, so plan a weeknight or Saturday visit.

What should I order here?

Let the meze tray guide you and don't overthink it. The cold and hot starters are the real stars, and pairing them with rakı is the whole point. Ask Cavit or the waiter what's good that day.

Nearby in Ask Istanbul

• Pera MuseumMuseum0.13 km · 2 min walk
• Helvetia LokantaRestaurant0.19 km · 2 min walk
• Kafe AraCafé0.33 km · 4 min walk
• Brew LabCafé0.36 km · 5 min walk
• İstiklal Avenue (İstiklal Caddesi)Neighborhood0.45 km · 6 min walk