Yakup 2: appetizing display of meze selection

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Yakup 2

★ 4.1 · 926 reviews Istanbul Opened Opening date unknown

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A smoky, crowded Beyoğlu tavern

Yakup 2 is a fixture of the Asmalımescit tavern run, a wide, noisy room that fills with a mixed crowd of locals, artists and regulars working through meze and rakı late into the night. The meze trolley and grilled fish are the standard order.

It has none of the polish of the newer places nearby and trades instead on its long-running, crowded energy. It is one of the most reliably lively rooms on the street.

What guests say

Reviews by Google

Oskar # 10 reviews · Local Guide 8 April 2026

We had a great dinner with a group of five people in the restaurant. The food is great, and the service is exceptionally kind and thoughtful. They frequently come to your table to check on you in a very fast and fulfilling any wishes. Unfortunately, most people in the restaurant were smoking, inside as well as outside, and the terrace was a little warm. However, looking past that, I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone passing by in search of a local, authentic dining experience.
musixv s 50 reviews · Local Guide 8 April 2026

Amazing food great service a must go hot humus with beef was incredible..unexpected as hot but so good ...
Tara 209 reviews · Local Guide 11 February 2025

We had an amazing group dinner at Yakup2. The atmosphere of this restaurant is so lovely! The mezza were delicious and the service was really impeccable even though the place was packed. It was a cold evening but the balcony was still warm with many heaters working. I can't wait to be back! Also would recommend walking down Istiklal while you're there.
Borga Dincler 9 reviews 21 December 2023

If you are looking for an authentic Istanbul tavern/meyhane, this is the place! One of the oldest in town. Food and service as it should be, ask for specialties. You can observe regulars, usually living in the neighborhood, or people from the art scene of Istanbul. This makes the overall experience unique.
Justin McGlacom (The Minarchist Militia) 42 reviews · Local Guide 19 September 2022

Absolutely amazed by the food and service. Very nice terrace restaurant. My wife and I were so lucky to have stumbled on this place as we were walking around Istanbul seeing the sights. The food was so good, but it was the service that I was most impressed with. 5 stars for sure! If you happen to go here, try the pastrami hummus, it was to die for!