Benusen Restaurant
Historic Authentic Local Favorite
Benusen
Kadıköy
$$
The çarşı's oldest working meyhane, pouring since 1974, topik in the case and fasıl kept upstairs.
Restaurant Editor's Pick
Karaköy Lokantası
The turquoise-tiled Karaköy institution, lokanta by day, meyhane by night, Bib Gourmand 2026.
Reviewed by Mes Prestiges Editorial Team Last reviewed September 2026
Karaköy |
$$$ Upscale for Restaurant
| Mon-Sat 12:00-16:00 (Lunch), Mon-Sat 17:30-00:00 (Dinner), Sun 16:00-00:00 (Dinner)
| Last reviewed: Sept 2026 Karaköy Lokantası has anchored Kemankeş Caddesi since the early 2000s behind its turquoise-tiled facade, running as an esnaf lokanta at lunch and turning into a full meyhane service at night. The Michelin guide keeps it on the Bib Gourmand list, and the evening meze service, tarama with toasted bread, crispy beef filo, levrek with mustard remoulade, explains why. It is the room where Karaköy's shipping-office past and its gallery present eat at adjacent tables. Among the district's meyhanes it is the institution the others get measured against.
Editor's Tip
Lunch is the lokanta, dinner is the meyhane; they are different meals and both worth having. Book for the evening service and start with the tarama; the crispy beef filo is the table's second unanimous order.
Reviews and critic notes
All reviews and visit notesFood and drink
- Al Mulla liked the mantı and range of meze, but found the mains limited. His second visit fell short of his first.
- Critic’s note: The Food Advocate · Author: Dr. Habib Al Mulla · Published:
Atmosphere and noise
- CaveatThe writer found the dining room busy and noisy during his 2024 dinner visit.
- Critic’s note: The Food Advocate · Author: Dr. Habib Al Mulla · Published:
Booking and seating
- Reservations are for dinner only, with groups limited to six. Tables are held for 15 minutes after the booked time.
- From the venue: Karaköy Lokantası
Critic and guide sources
- MICHELIN Guide
- Karaköy Lokantası · The Food Advocate
Author: Dr. Habib Al MullaPublished:
Guest perspectives
Read individual guest reviews on the linked source websites.
Venue pages
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Karaköy Lokantası, reservations, hours, dress code, and price range.
Where is Karaköy Lokantası?
Karaköy Lokantası is located in Karaköy, Istanbul, Kemankeş Mah., Kemankeş Caddesi No:57, Karaköy, Beyoğlu.
What are the opening hours of Karaköy Lokantası?
Karaköy Lokantası is open Mon-Sat 12:00-16:00 (Lunch), Mon-Sat 17:30-00:00 (Dinner), Sun 16:00-00:00 (Dinner).
What is Karaköy Lokantası best for?
Karaköy Lokantası is especially popular for Long Dinner, Business Lunch, Friends.
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What's Nearby
2 Restaurant, 2 Cafe, 2 Bar · 6 places nearby, by straight-line distance
Distances are approximate straight lines, not walking routes. Check directions between stops.
