What’s better than eating outside? Eating outside with stunning views of the Bosphorus, and Istanbul skylines.
Discover the best Istanbul restaurants with a view, which makes the perfect setting for a romantic date, or a place to relax with a glass of wine to celebrate this amazing city.
At these restaurants, you will not only enjoy the food, but also the view, be it of a city skyline at night or a spectacular view of the Bosphorus. The eyes have it at these top restaurants in Istanbul with a view.
Sunset Grill and Bar
Istanbul’s first restaurant to add a sushi bar, Sunset Grill & Bar isn’t just any upscale restaurant in the city. Executive chef Hüseyin Arslan and chef Hiroki Takemura form a force that creates some of the best Turkish, Mediterranean and Japanese dishes in town. If you have cause for celebration, Sunset is the place for it, with a great menu and astounding views of the Bosphorus.
Sunset Grill & Bar
Adnan Saygun Caddesi Yol Sokak No. 2 Ulus Parkı, Ulus; +90 212 287 03 57
Mikla
Situated atop the Marmara Pera, Mikla undoubtedly offers the most spectacular panorama of the city, sweeping from the Golden Horn to the Bosphorus and the historic peninsula. Mikla’s lauded prix-fixe menus which feature organic and ethically sourced ingredients in a range of culturally diverse dishes. The hotel’s rooftop bar makes great pre-dinner drinks and the views from here are even more spectacular.
Mikla at the Marmara Pera
The Mamara Pera, 15 Mesrutiyet Caddesi, Beyoglu; +90 212 293 5656
Vogue Restaurant
With its panoramic view of the Bosphorus and exquisite Istanbul city-views, Vogue Restaurant has been among Istanbul’s most select and cherished venues since the day of its opening. Vogue Restaurant presents a select menu of tastes from the world cuisine, including the flavors of the Mediterranean, over 70 varieties of sushi and a comprehensive wine list.
Vogue Restaurant
Akaretler spor cad. no:92 BJK plaza a blok k:13 Beşiktaş, Istanbul; +90 212 227 44 04
Ulus 29
Ulus 29 is an Istanbul classic, with great food, proper cocktails, stunning views of the Bosphorus and a wild club scene. In the upscale neighborhood of Ulus, far from the crowds of Taksim or the tourist spots of Sultanahmet, this trendy restaurant/bar/club serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine fusing international selections with Turkish specialties.
Ulus 29
Adnan Saygun Caddesi Ulus Parkı İçi, Ulus; +90 212 358 29 29
Reina
Reina with its magnificent Bosphorus view, is continuing to host its guests with delicious dishes and peerless atmosphere. Reina offers 6 fine dining restaurants, with gorgeous views of the Bosporus and impeccable service. Choose from Park Şamdan, Köşebaşı, Dragon, Ninja Sushi, Blue Topaz and Reina Restaurant.
Reina
Muallim Naci Cad. No:44, Ortaköy, Istanbul; 0212 259 59 19
Suada
Suada gives a unique experience of glamorous Istanbul. Set in the middle of the Bosporus with a 360 degree panoramic view of Istanbul. Suada offers 6 fine dining restaurants where you can sip world-class cocktails and nibble on the finest sushi at Itsumi, taste local delicacies at Suda Kebap and Aslan Restaurant, fine Italian at Mezzaluna, fish delicacies of G Balık, or international cuisine at 360istanbul Suada.
Suada
Galatasaray Adası, Kuruçeşme, Istanbul; +90 212 263 7300
Anjelique
Anjelique Istanbul is a place for fun, chill-out and full enjoyment with fascinating view of Bosphorus and decoration. Both a world restaurant and nightclub, Anjelique is situated in a three-story seaside mansion in Ortaköy. With a sweeping view of the Bosphorus, its sea level floor serves Asian cuisine while the middle and top floors feature delicious Mediterranean dishes. After dinner, it turns into one of Istanbul’s most famous nightspots; the fun goes on until dawn with different music on every floor.
Anjelique Istanbul
Muallim Naci Cad. Salhane sok. No:5, Ortakoy, Istanbul; +90 212 327 2844
Safran
Safran Restaurant on the top floor of the Intercontinental Hotel offers incredible rooftop views of the palaces and mosques glittering on the Bosphorus. Live classical Fasıl music adds the finishing touch to an authentic atmosphere. Academie Internationale de la Gastronomie awarded Safran Restaurant, offers the finest in Turkish and Ottoman cuisine with spectacular views of the Bosphorus in this elegant, and sophisticated setting.
Safran restaurant at the Intercontinental Hotel
Asker Ocagi Cad. No:1, Taksim, Istanbul; +90 212 368 44 44
Tuğra Restaurant & Lounge
Tuğra Restaurant and Lounge is “One of the 50 Most Romantic Places in the World”, located on the first floor of the original Çırağan Palace. Rich Ottoman décor, live classical Turkish music and the ever-stirring backdrop of the Bosphorus. For the full effect, ask for a table on Tuğra’s summer terrace, lit by the moon, a candle and the Bosphorus Bridge. The ultimate Ottoman dining experience …
Tuğra Restaurant & Lounge at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski
Ciragan Caddesi 32,34349 Istanbul; +90 212 236 7333
La Maison
La Maison is an Istanbul classic and has a highly admired reputation that rightly gained over the years with French – Mediterranean cuisine and the wine list in perfect line with the menu. The surroundings of the restaurant with a wide glittering Bosporus view, romantic atmosphere and the timeless music offers you and unforgettable day.
La Maison
Müvezzi Cad. No:43 Çırağan, Istanbul; +90 212 227 4263
Aqua
With a picturesque terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, Aqua restaurant serves up fine Mediterranean cuisine, with Italian specialities and signature dishes like fish and lamb accompanied by an impressive array of fine wines.
Aqua at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
Çırağan Cad. No. 28, Istanbul; 90 (212) 381 40 00
360 ISTANBUL
The multi award winning 360istanbul is set in a penthouse perched on a 19th century apartment building overlooking the old embassy row in Beyoglu. It commands a 360 breathe taking landscape view of Istanbul all the way from the up close steeple of St Antoine’s Church and across the Bosphorus strait to the Hagia Sophia Mosque and out to the Sea of Marmara. 360 is open for lunch and dinner, offering a twist on the modern Turkish meze fused with international cuisine.
360 ISTANBUL
Istiklal Caddesi Misir Apt K:8, Beyoglu, Istanbul; +90 212 251 1042
360Istanbul East
360Istanbul East is located on the Asian side in Kadıköy, a spin-off concept of 360 Istanbul. The restaurant, bar and club is perched on top of the Hilton Doubletree, it commands a breathtaking landscape view of Kadıköy, old Istanbul, The Marmara Sea and Moda. The building looks like a modern version of the Flatiron building in New York.
360Istanbul East
Caferaga Mah. Albay Faik, Sozdener Cad. No: 31, Kadıköy; +90 216 542 43 50 – 51
Frankie Istanbul
Located on the top floor of The Sofa, Frankie Istanbul is one of Istanbul’s finest dining experiences, offering an elegant and vibrant ambience, gracious service and an exciting mix of innovative Mediterranean cuisine and local flavours. The restaurant includes a stylish bar, a lounge area with daily DJ performances and a separate smoking lounge with spectacular city views.
Frankie Istanbul at the Sofa Hotel
Tesvikiye Caddesi 41-41/A K.8 Nisantasi, Istanbul; +90 212 230 66 66
Le Fumoir
Le Fumoir is one of the best French restaurants in Istanbul, locate inside the Georges Hotel in Galata. Le Fumoir is ideal for lunch or dinner and there’s soft jazz playing in the background. Their elegant rooftop terrace offers a stunning view of Bosphorus and Golden Horn.
Le Fumoir at the Georges Hotel
Serdar-ı Ekrem Cd, Beyoğlu, Istanbul; +90 212 244 2423
Tapasuma
Tapasuma, located on the Çengelköy shore of the enchanted city of İstanbul where East meets West. Located in a restored nineteenth century Ottoman distillery. Executive Chef Gökay Çakıroğlu builds upon the best of seasonal fish dishes with a unique twist on modern Turkish and Mediterranean cuisines. Ideal for intimate dining or a get-away to watch the İstanbul sunset, Tapasuma offers an unforgettable experience in a cozy atmosphere with its exceptional location overlooking a view that has no equal.
Tapasuma at Sumahan on the Water
Kuleli Caddesi No.43 Çengelköy, İstanbul; +90 216 401 1333/34
Fumée Restaurant
With a spectacular view of the Bosphorus, lunch-goers and diners can admire the view from Fumée’s beautiful open terrace or the modernist dining room with a distinctive Milanese flair. Chef Pınar Taşdemir’s carefully selected, lovingly prepared, and seasonally changing menu also demands attention and features Turkish-French fusion that does not shy away from bringing in elements from various different cuisines.
Muallim Naci Caddesi No.64/D, Kuruçeşme; T: (0212) 257 02 93
Chilai
Chilai bistro & lounge is the all-in-one venue where you can pursuit different pleasures facing the beautiful view of the Bosphorus. Decorated with a minimal touch and wooden details, jazzy and funky house music and a fine dinner selected from Chilai’s executive chef Hazer Amani’s menu.
Chilai
Cevdetpaşa Caddesi No. 60, Bebek, Istanbul; +90 212 263 63 15
Leb-i Derya
Leb-i Derya offers a fantastic meal and drink with an even more fantastic view. While not the highest rooftop dining spot in Galata, the venue arguably possesses the most romantic panorama of the city spanning the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Asian side from its vantage point nestled on the hillside above the Bosphorus. Leb-i Derya’s menu consists of Turkish and non-Turkish items, reflecting a culinary mix that echoes the restaurant’s view from Europe onto Asia.
Leb-i Derya
Kumbaraci Yokusu No. 57, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 (0) 212 293 4989
Lacivert Restaurant
Lacivert Istanbul is located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus and has the most romantic view of the Istanbul Strait. Lacivert “Dark Blue” Restaurant has been serving since 1999. Hop across for a coffee if you like, or stay for lunch or dinner. The view is spectacular especially at night; see the second bridge towering overhead.
Lacivert Istanbul
Körfez Cad. No: 57/A Anadolu Hisarı; +90 216 413 42 24
Ferahfeza
Ferahfeza is trendy spot in the ever growing Karaköy neighborhood. The restaurant has an excellent location on the top floor with a view of Sultanahmet from its terrace and the Galata Tower from the bar area in the back. A very modern decor gives way to an upscale feel with a menu of Mediterranean cuisine.
Ferahfeza
Kemankeş Caddesi No.31 Kat: 5, Karaköy, Istanbul; +90 (0212) 243 51 54
Topaz
With a superb view of the Bosphorus, this fine dining venue has a minimalist decor, floor to ceiling windows, bar & lounge designed by Koray Özgen. The restaurant is designed to be an oasis of tranquility with sharp lines and open space, setting off the view of the Bosphorus. There is Ottoman, International & Mediterranean cuisine on offer and 2 tasting menus as well as an extensive wine list.
Topaz
Inönü Caddesi No. 50, Gümüşsuyu; P: (0212) 249 10 01
Poseidon
Popular with Istanbul’s beautiful people, the large deck area at this Bebek seafood restaurant floats above the waters of the Bosphorus, offering superb views of Bebek Marina — the ideal setting in which to enjoy simple, fresh calamari, sea bass and whatever the catch of the day happens to be.
58 Küçük bebek Cevdetpasa Caddesi, Bebek; +90 212 287 9531
Zuma
Many food-savvy globetrotters will have sampled Zuma’s cosmopolitan twist on traditional Japanese izakaya cuisine, there are branches in London, Hong Kong, Dubai, Miami and Bangkok, but the Istanbul outpost is special. Located beside the waters of the Bosphorus and boasting a sake bar and lounge, a private jetty for guests arriving by boat, as well as a 140-seat water-side terrace, the setting is stunning, even by Istanbul’s high standards.
Zuma Istanbul
7 Salhane Sokak, Ortakoy; +90 212 236 2296
Divan Brasserie Beyoğlu
Divan Brasserie Beyoğlu is a new aerial rooftop eatery, residing on top of a renovated han that also harbors Koç University’s Research Center for Anatolian Civilizations. With a terrace overlooking the Bosphorus and the historic old city this restaurant is a good choice for extended luncheons and romantic dinner dates. Divan Brasserie’s menu is a journey through Mediterranean cuisine and international classics.
Divan Brasserie Beyoğlu
Tom Tom Mahallesi, İstiklal Caddesi Merkezhan No.181, P: (0212) 243 24 81
5.Kat, Besinci Kat
The 5.Kat (5th Floor) restaurant in Istanbul sees both sides of Istanbul, Bosphorus and the Topkapi Palace. Spreading its wings all the way from the modern bosphorus Bridge to historic Sultanahmet, the sweeping view from the Fifth Floor’s terrace is one of the most breathtaking in the city.
5.Kat
Soğancı Sokak No: 7 Kat 5, Cihangir İstanbul; +90 (0)212 293 37 74
Banyan
Great Asian food on a huge terrace overlooking the water at the fishing village turned cafe and bar enclave of Ortakoy. Live jazz at sunset. Banyan is a ‘dream come true’. It is a dream built by a couple (Asli & Cem) who have a strong passion for food and desire to create.
Banyan
Muallim Naci Caddesi, 3 Salhane Sokak, Ortaköy, Istanbul; +90 (0)212 259 9060
Raika
Raika serves a great variety of Anatolia’s regional and ethnic specialties in an innovative and creative style all its own. The restaurant, located at The Marmara Taksim, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the city from its terrace floor.
Raika
The Marmara Taksim Kat: 20 Taksim İstanbul; +90 (0)212 243 37 73
Mia Mensa
Mia Mensa is one of the most popular and classical Italian restaurants in Istanbul, right by the Bosphorus. Located at Kuruçeşme between the two bridges with a charming view and secret garden.
Mia Mensa has been opened since 1994 and serves seven days a week for both lunch and dinner. it is popular to keep enjoying at Bar & Lounge until 02:00 am in the summer time.
Mia Mensa
Muallim Naci Cad. 64/C Kuruçeşme, Istanbul; + 90- 212 263 42 14
SurPlus
SurPlus Restaurant is a modern fine dining Turkish restaurant located on the top floor of an old Ottoman dungeon. SurPlus offers stunning views in every direction, you’re assured a panorama of Istanbul’s oldest sites. If you look for some excellent cuisine, this is the place to be: you will experience a great view from this restaurant, excellent service and great food!
Surplus Restaurant
Ragıp Gümüş Caddesi No. 54, Eminönü; +90 (0212) 520 10 02
LOKMA
With the best view of the bosphorus in Rumelian Fortress area, LOKMA offers a rich breakfast for people who like to start the day happy and energetic and also with the different selections from Turkish and World Cuisine allows you to enjoy a lunch or a dinner across the view of Bosphorus.
Lokma
Yahya Kemal Cad. No:18 Rumelihisari – Istanbul; +90 (212) 265 7171
What better way to absorb the sights and sounds of Istanbul than from one of the many Istanbul restaurants with views? Do you agree with the choices? Use the comments box below or tweet your suggestions.
