Zarifi Restaurant

A meyhane for the 2000s, this popular joint in the Istiklal Street area fuses the best of the traditional old taverna with modern-day partying.

The restaurant has a capacity for 205 seated. Book a table here on a Friday or Saturday night and choose between the over 80 Jewish, Greek, Armenian and Arab-inspired local dishes, then kick back with the after-dinner crowd for a night of music and dancing that will take you well into the small hours. It’s worth noting that Zarifi is primarily a winter location.

The music in Zarifi ranges from Greek music to jazz, Balkan, Turkish classical and gypsy dance to sevdalinka’s (love songs of Bosnia). The music is played in 3 parts: dinner music, slow entertainment music and modern entertainment music. The davul (a large double-headed Turkish drum) show is the meyhane’s take on Turkish nightlife, and as the night goes on, visitors become lost in the Turkish rhythm and can’t keep themselves from heading to the dance floor.

After midnight it transforms into an elite club with a DJ performance. Reservations need to made days in advance for dinner and it's almost impossible to get in around midnight for even only a few drinks. There are different evening programs in Zarifi, so check before you go whether it is to your liking.

Prices are above average but are nevertheless worth it for this club/restaurant. If you want to enjoy dinner and then feel the Turkish and world rhythms for a night, then head to Zarifi.