Safran Meyhane

Yes, I know which restaurants you visit, or are guided to visit when you come to Istanbul. But I recommend you to pay a visit here one night and taste the real Turkish side dish (which we call «meze» here) freshly cooked by the owner Ercan and her wife Asiye, who will meet you personaly at the door and will shake hands with you no doubt, before steering you to the table! (BTW, be sure to make a reservation beforehand, as it is always full.)
Don’t expect to have a menu here but don’t hesitate, you can trust Ercan about the bill. No cheating at all!
You can go to the kitchen together with Asiye and choose what you want from the pot itself! But my favorites are the stuffed vine leaves with traditional yogurt and –if it is the season– stuffed and fried anchovies, of course together with a glass of raki or if you can’t dare, beer is OK, too!