Hazzo Pulo Pasajı which literally means the Hazzo Pulo Passage that connects İstiklal Avenue to Meşrutiyet Avenue in Beyoğlu is a delight to visit as it takes you back in time. The passage was built by the Greek merchant Hacopulo in 1871 and was the first shopping mall and the centre of fashion in İstanbul in the 19th century. Historians say that this passage has witnessed the meeting of Jön Türks (the Young Turks who were progressives in the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century plotting against the Sultan at the time).
The ‘passage’ has no roof so you can feel the rain dropping on you as you walk down the aisle between a range of eccentric shops in a rainy winter day. It hosts a range of colourful shops that sells books, hats and jewellery.
Hazzo Pulo restaurant’s interior
At the end of the passage on the Meşrutiyet Avenue end is a restaurant that takes its name from this beautiful passage and what makes it so special is that it is one of the few restaurants in Beyoğlu that could keep its tradition. Its owners, staff, decoration, menu and style have stayed the same for decades which is incredibly rare for a city like Istanbul where everything is in a constant flux of change.
Among the midst of sky rocketing prices, it has been able to preserve its reasonable prices but also its delicious tastes and kind service. The restaurant is definitely for meat and wine lovers. It also serves beautiful Turkish mezes (tapas).
I especially love the atmosphere of the restaurant which feels like an old castle with brick walls and dim lighting. The restaurant has two floors and I would definitely recommend the upper chamber if you are looking for something more cosy and quiet.
If you are in need of a cosy evening dinner with a confidante or the person ‘you have given your heart to’, Hazzo Pulo is the perfect place for you far from the madding crowd and the electrifying energy of Istanbu!
