Karaköy Gümrük
A 120-year-old Ottoman customs house where signed craftsman bricks were found hidden in the walls during restoration
Housed in the former Ottoman Customs Directorate building designed by Greek architect İoannis Karagiannis between 1894-1905, Karaköy Gümrük transforms a four-storey neoclassical landmark into a vibrant meyhane and bar. Owner Yaşar Kartoğlu, also behind the beloved Ara Kafe, spent a year restoring the building, uncovering signed craftsman bricks during renovation. Chef Stavriani Zervakakou creates a daily-changing menu of seasonal Turkish-Mediterranean dishes using ingredients from Bodrum farms and the Feriköy organic market. The upper floors display old Istanbul photographs by Ara Güler, adding layers of nostalgia to an already storied space. The building was originally known as Küçük Cedid Han and served as the port customs office during Istanbuls peak maritime trade era.
Plan your walk around Karaköy Gümrük