Most Loved Mezes at Kepos: A Flavorful Journey

In the heart of Ankara Çayyolu, every dish from the kitchen of Kepos Balık Evi pays tribute to the thousand-year culinary heritage of Anatolia and the Aegean. For us, meze is not just a starter—it’s an essential part of long tables shared with friends, laughter, and the beloved rituals of a traditional rakı gathering.

Among our most requested starters, the smooth and creamy fava broad bean delight and the expertly cured lakerda continue to be the essential pillars of a true Kepos table, representing the pinnacle of seafood craftsmanship.

So, which “signature flavors” do our regulars insist on seeing at their table every time they visit? Here’s a journey through Kepos’ most loved mezes:

1. Sarıkız: A Kepos Classic

Sarıkız combines roasted fresh vegetables with yogurt, garlic, and special spices, making it one of the table’s most “social” mezes. Its light tanginess and creamy texture make it the first choice for those seeking a refreshing yet satisfying start.

2. Girit Ezme: A Taste of the Aegean

The finest expression of cheese love! Girit Ezme blends quality cheeses with extra virgin olive oil, walnuts, and fresh herbs, creating a refreshing flavor feast that pairs perfectly with seafood.

3. Şevketi Bostan: From Nature to Table

Şevketi Bostan, one of Anatolia’s traditional and healing greens, is prepared in its most natural form in the Kepos kitchen. Served with a simple touch of olive oil and lemon, this meze is ideal for gourmets seeking freshness and lightness.

4. Fava: Traditional and Silky

The noblest form of fava beans… Served with olive oil and dill, our silky Fava topped with caramelized onions is a classic. A must-have on any rakı table, it brings the taste of the past to the present.

5. Şuşka: Balkan Fire

The dance of roasted peppers in olive oil! Şuşka, a guest from Balkan cuisine, excites the appetite with its mildly spicy and sweet aroma, reflecting the Mediterranean spirit in an original meze.

6. Sea Beans: Salt of the Sea, Taste of the Earth

This miraculous plant, grown in salty marshes, is served fresh with garlic and a tangy sauce. Its perfect harmony with seafood makes it a table favorite.

7. Mustard Marinated Sea Bass: A Modern Touch

Fresh sea bass fillets marinated with mustard and olive oil create a refreshing meze, perfect as a cold starter for seafood lovers at Kepos.

8. Çiroz: Traditional Tavern Culture

A dish that requires mastery… Dried fish grilled to perfection and combined with olive oil and lemon, Çiroz is a true classic of the rakı table. Seafood enthusiasts who love bold flavors cannot resist it.

While these dishes are modern favorites at our restaurant, their roots go deep into Anatolia's rich meze culture, reflecting centuries of culinary evolution and shared stories around the table.

You can make a reservation at any time to experience these special flavors firsthand.

Why Meze at Kepos Feels Different

At our Çayyolu Mutlukent location, these flavors are the result of dedication and discipline:

• Daily and Fresh: No meze is prepared a day in advance. Every morning, our chefs craft each dish from fresh ingredients.

• Live Music Pairing: On Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, the tunes of kanun and guitar elevate the taste of your mezes.

• Fireplace & VIP Rooms: For private celebrations or business dinners, enjoy your meze feast in a comfortable, exclusive atmosphere.
  

Choosing from such a diverse menu can be delightful yet challenging. To ensure your selection harmonizes perfectly with your evening, don't forget to check our expert recommendations for appetizers perfect for rakı.

Haven’t Tried Them Yet?

You are invited to Kepos Balık Evi to explore Anatolia and the Aegean’s most beloved mezes with a modern tavern twist. Let’s embark on this flavorful journey together.

For a deeper look at the role of mezes in a rakı and seafood feast, check out our Rakı and Seafood Dining Culture guide.

📞 Reservation: +90 312 235 67 31 📍 Address: Mutlukent Mah. Angora Bulvarı No: 66, Çayyolu/Ankara 📱 Instagram: kepos_balikevi