Ayar Meyhanesi

Ayar Meyhanesi is a lively meyhane located on historic Hesapçı Sokak in the Kılınçarslan neighbourhood of Kaleiçi, standing out for its fresh fish, seafood, and rich meze spreads. Operating since 2017, the venue combines the classic rakı-fish experience with the historic charm of Kaleiçi, featuring street-side tables, a courtyard with a pool framed by stone walls, and an evening ambiance shaped by live Turkish music.

The experience typically begins with selections from the meze display. Cold options such as Ayar Ezme, Cretan paste, hibeş, fava, atom, marinated mackerel, marinated sea bass with basil, octopus salad, lakerda, and smoked mussels are followed by hot appetizers like fried calamari, grilled octopus, Spanish-style shrimp, shrimp casserole, and seafood sauté. Prepared with octopus, calamari, shrimp, mushrooms, garlic, parsley, and rakı, the Pirate Soup (Korsan Çorbası) stands out as one of the menu's most distinctive dishes.

In the fish section, alongside portioned sea bass, sea bream, and salmon, seasonal catches priced by the kilogram include red mullet, white grouper, dusky grouper, turbot, dentex, monkfish, and lobster. Guests can select their fresh fish directly from the display. For fish sold by the kilogram and off-menu seafood dishes, be sure to confirm the weight, price per kilogram, and estimated total cost before ordering.

Ayar is not merely a quiet fish restaurant focused solely on dining; it offers a vibrant, social meyhane evening driven by rakı tables, live music, bustling crowds, and attentive service. Those looking for an experience where live music takes a back seat can choose the outdoor tables along Hesapçı Sokak, while those wanting to stay close to the music and nighttime buzz can opt for the indoor dining hall or the courtyard area.