Demeti Meyhanesi Restaurant
Cozy Hidden Gem Romantic
Demeti Meyhanesi
Cihangir
$$
Cihangir's first meyhane with Bosphorus balcony views
Restaurant
Refik
Legendary Beyoğlu meyhane (1954-2020) — now closed
Reviewed by Mes Prestiges Editorial Team Last reviewed May 2026
A legendary Beyoğlu meyhane from 1954 until its closure in September 2020. For 66 years, Refik was the quintessential Asmalı Mescit tavern — a beloved gathering place for artists, musicians, and intellectuals, serving 30+ meze varieties prepared with recipes unchanged for generations. The walls covered in photographs told stories of the regulars who called it home.
Editor's Tip
A Beyoğlu institution since 1954. Order the meze tray and let them keep bringing dishes.
Insider Guide
Must Order
Whatever mezes are freshest today
Pro Tips
- Founded 1954 by Refik Arslan (1923-2011)
- Walls covered in photographs of 70 years of artists and regulars
- Order the meze tray and let them keep bringing
At a Glance
- Established
- 1954
- Capacity
- 60 · medium
- Cuisine
- turkish modern, mezze
- Average Spend
- 800 TRY / per person
- View
- Street Scene
Signature Dishes
- Rotating meze tray
- Traditional hot mezes
Signature Drinks
- Raki
Insider Tips
Must Order
Whatever mezes are freshest today
Pro Tips
- Founded 1954 by Refik Arslan (1923-2011)
- Walls covered in photographs of 70 years of artists and regulars
- Order the meze tray and let them keep bringing
- Founded 1954 by Refik Arslan (1923-2011)
- Walls covered in photographs of 70 years of artists and regulars
- Order the meze tray and let them keep bringing
Must Order:
Whatever mezes are freshest today
Pricing Guide
Per Person
800 TRY
Range: 500 - 1,200
Couples Dinner
2,000 TRY
Range: 1,200 - 3,000
Group of Four
4,000 TRY
Range: 2,500 - 6,000
Budget Calculator
Party Size
Food & drinks —
Total —
Atmosphere
Music
ambient, none
Traditional atmosphere without live music
Volume Level
moderate
Conversation friendly
Capacity
60 guests
medium venue
Dress Code
casual
Ambiance: warm lighting, traditional turkish style
Views & Setting
View Type
Street Scene
View Quality
Limited
Indoor
Food & Drinks
Cuisine
turkish modern, mezze
Food Quality
****/5
Bar Program
basic cocktails
limited wine list
Must-Try Dishes
- Rotating meze tray
- Traditional hot mezes
Signature Drinks
- Raki
Vegetarian Friendly
Reservations
Policy
Recommended
Weekday
Same day often works
Weekend
Few days
phone
The Crowd
Age Range
35-60
Vibe
quiet refined
Mix
80% Locals, 15% Tourists
localsartists
Recognition & Quality
Consistency
reliable
Value for Money
*****/5
Local Opinion
beloved
Established 1954 | independent
Getting There
Parking
Not available
Difficulty: challenging
Transport
Taxi: convenient
Tell your driver: Sofyali Sok in Beyoğlu
Staff speaks: Turkish
Service style: friendly casual
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Refik — reservations, hours, dress code, and price range.
Where is Refik?
Refik is located in Beyoğlu, Istanbul — Sofyali Sok. No:10, Beyoğlu.
How do I make a reservation at Refik?
Reservations at Refik are recommended but not required. Book Same day often works ahead for weekdays and Few days for weekends. Reservation channels: phone.
What are the opening hours of Refik?
Refik is open 12:00 - 00:00.
What is the dress code at Refik?
The dress code at Refik is casual.
What type of cuisine does Refik serve?
Refik serves turkish modern, mezze cuisine.
How much does Refik cost?
The average spend per person at Refik is around 800 TRY. Prices typically range from 500 to 1200 TRY.
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