Aperatif Cafe

It feels silly to write a review in a country that is not Unilocal-​centric (shout out to Zomato), but I have no Turkish literary ability and thus, my praises on Zomato for the glory that is Aperatif would be more lost in translation than light in a black hole.
If you ever find yourself in Istanbul or just so happen to be studying abroad at Bogazici University, which is likely if you’re looking for something on Unilocal and Aperatif pops up in the «nearby restaurants» category– go! Or, more realistically, go everyday!!!
Turkish meze, hospitality and cay flow plentifully in this land of promise. And if you are an aforementioned foreigner in Istanbul looking for great Turkish food beyond the doner kebab you have been happily devouring, I promise you will find:
cacık (yogurt with cucumber and garlic)
köfte (MEATBALLS)
beans (^ end of my Turkish knowledge)
rice
eggplant
eggplant/​beef dish? (get it.)
hummus
amazing chicken and beef dishes
As well as tea and the friendliest servers you will ever meet and inevitably become best buddies with. You can go up and pick plates of different meze, or order from their menu, which also has all kinds of different, great Turkish breakfast items (menemen!!!).
All dishes are prepared fresh multiple times a day and portions are definitely ‘Murica sized, if you’re worried. Going to Aperatif everyday has been one of the highlights of studying abroad at Bogazici for the summer– on top of the other amazing cultural sites and insights I’ve been exposed to in this beautiful city.
Go eat, drink, enjoy free wifi and be merry!

the food is always delicious, but the staff is what keeps you coming back for more. it’s such a great atmosphere & there is no such thing as too much çay!