What food is complimentary vs charged extra at Istanbul restaurants?

At the social café (soс. café), unexpected charges for extras were not an issue — they don't bring unrequested items to the table.

In regular Istanbul restaurants, it's common to receive mezes, a small salad, bread, and yogurt alongside your main dish — and these are sometimes not charged. However, this varies by place.

As a general rule in Istanbul: bread is usually free, and sometimes greens or tea. Anything else brought to the table without being ordered — mezes, appetizers, yogurt — is likely chargeable. Always confirm with the waiter upfront.