Discover Istanbul’s most picturesque dining experiences! Whether you’re looking to plan a romantic date night, celebrate a special occasion, or have an important business dinner, these restaurants in Istanbul have the absolute best views of the city and Bosphorus.
For real, don’t worry about browsing through Google Maps or TripAdvisor. I’ve thoroughly researched the best restaurants with the best views in Istanbul so that these 7 picks will leave you with an undeniably breathtaking and unforgettable meal – enjoy!
1. Mikla
Current Google Maps Rating: 4.4/5 stars (2,039 reviews)
Current TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5 stars (2,083 reviews)
Ranked 86th best restaurant in the world by The World’s 50 Best, Mikla isn’t your average Turkish restaurant. If you’re looking for flavorful Anatolian cuisine and a stunning view, no need to look further.
The restaurant operates with the motto: “No Farmer, No Food, No Future”, meaning they source ingredients from farmers and not huge suppliers. Perched on the rooftop of The Marmara Pera Hotel, Mikla has legitimately stunning views of the Bosphorus and surrounding city. It’s known for its modern cuisine, which has earned them a coveted Michelin star.
“Forward thinking but deeply rooted and above all delicious.”
The New York Times
Menu Options
Because Mikla uses seasonal vegetables, their menu changes every day based on what products they receive. To accommodate all guests, Mikla offers a 3 course prix fixe a la carte menu or a 7 course tasting menu. If you don’t eat animal products, there’s also a 7 course vegan tasting menu that’s equally delicious. As if that wasn’t amazing enough, the chef sends you a few bites before and after. To complement your dinner, you can also sip on a beautiful cocktail or a smooth glass of wine.
Price Range
If you’re a foreigner, you’ll be happy to know that, even though Mikla is fine dining, their prices won’t break your bank! The 3 course menu is 2400 Turkish Liras ($124 USD as of publishing) and the 7 course menu is 3400 Turkish Liras ($175 USD as of publishing). Cocktails range from 440 Turkish Liras to 480 Turkish Liras ($23 USD to $25 USD as of publishing) and wine ranges from 285 Turkish Liras for a glass to 990 Turkish Liras ($15 USD to $51 USD as of publishing). These prices include tax and, just a heads up, they automatically add a 12% gratuity charge (so you don’t need to give an extra tip).
Fine dining tasting menus of similar beauty and flavor cost WAY more in the U.S. and Europe, so Turkey is a super affordable place to enjoy tastes you might not otherwise be able to.
Dress Code
Mikla is fine dining, so I’d recommend dressing up to match the restaurant’s dress code. For women, that could mean a nice dress or trousers and a fancy top. For men, that could mean a dress shirt with slacks or black jeans.
Location
The restaurant is actually at the top of The Marmara Pera Hotel. To give you an idea of exactly where it is, it’s right next to the famous Istiklal Street and Beyoglu neighborhood. Walking, Mikla is 10 minutes away from Galata Tower and 15 minutes from Karakoy. It’s very centrally located.
After dinner, consider checking out other fun (and safe) things to do at night in Istanbul!
Decided Mikla is the way to go? For easy access, you can book your reservation here.
2. 360 Istanbul
Current Google Maps Rating: 4/5 stars (4,807 reviews)
Current TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5 stars (3,778 reviews)
Located at the very top of very historical Mısır Apartment, 360 Istanbul offers panoramic views of Istanbul and the beautiful Bosphorus. The restaurant has won several international awards and its cuisine incorporates both global and Turkish flavors. It’s also wheelchair accessible if someone in your group uses a wheelchair. On the weekends, the restaurant turns into a dance club with live DJs.
Menu Options
The menu at 360 Istanbul features a wide variety of dishes to suit a diverse set of tastebuds. They offer a traditional a la carte menu with mezes (similar to Spanish tapas), main courses with all kinds of protein options, and unique flavorful desserts. Not a fan of meat? Don’t worry, you can find a selection of vegetarian dishes too. There’s also a solid selection of premium sashimi, nigiri, and sushi rolls!
When it comes to drinks, they have a HUGE menu of different options. Ranging from drinks with literally every type of alcoholic spirit to luxurious red and white wines, everyone will definitely be able to easily find their perfect drink.
Price Range
For dinner, dishes range from 95 Turkish Liras to 1400 Turkish Liras ($5 USD to $72 USD as of publishing). I know that’s quite a big range, so to give you a better idea of prices, the average price of a dish is about 450 Turkish Liras ($23 USD as of publishing). Desserts are either 135 Turkish Liras ($7 USD as of publishing) or 175 Turkish Liras ($9 USD as of publishing). Cocktails are super affordable if you’re a foreigner starting at 250 Turkish Liras ($13 USD as of publishing). Just a heads up, a cover charge of 25 Turkish Liras ($1.30 USD as of publishing) per person and a gratuity charge of 10% is added to your bill.
Dress Code
To maintain its contemporary atmosphere, 360 Istanbul expects a smart casual dress code for diners. Nice jeans should be okay to wear, but try to pair it with dressy shoes and a nice top; shorts and sandals aren’t allowed.
Location
360 Istanbul is located on the famous Istiklal Street, so it’s in a very safe area. It’s coincidentally super close to Mikla! Walking, 360 Istanbul is 15 minutes from Galata Tower and 20 minutes from Karakoy.
Decided 360 Istanbul is the way to go? For easy access, you can book your reservation here.
3. Vogue Restaurant & Bar
Current Google Maps Rating: 4.4/5 stars (1,729 reviews)
Current TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5 stars (704 reviews)
Vogue Restaurant & Bar Istanbul is owned and operated by the actual owners of Vogue Magazine, Condé Nast! How cool is that?! It features a chic rooftop terrace bar and panoramic city views. If you’re a fashionista, you’ll LOVE that the restaurant is lined with iconic images from the archives of Vogue Magazine, including cover shots from the world’s most famous models and photographers.
Menu Options
The restaurant features an eclectic mix of cuisines – mostly modern global tastes. There’s soups, salads, starters, pastas, risottos, main courses with different proteins, sushi, and desserts. You can’t go wrong, I promise.
Price Range
Vogue Restaurant & Bar is relatively affordable for foreigners! You can expect to pay at least 200 Turkish Liras ($10 USD as of publishing) per person for dinner. That’s so budget-friendly for the quality, atmosphere, and views you’re getting!
Dress Code
The dress code is smart casual to fancy dress. Shorts, sandals, and sportswear aren’t acceptable here. In fact, they’ll actually stop you from eating dinner if your outfits aren’t up to par. I definitely recommend dressing up so that it’s a nice night to remember for years to come (plus you’ll want to post the photos you take and/or share with friends and family).
Location
Not super centrally located, Vogue Restaurant & Bar is in Besiktas. It’s right next to the super famous and historical Dolmabahce Palace. And it’s definitely not walkable from Galata Tower or Karakoy. If your hotel is close to Istiklal Street, then you’ll need to take a taxi to this restaurant. But it’s not that far away (about 15 minutes by car) so a taxi wouldn’t be that expensive. If your hotel is near Nisantasi, then you’re in luck – it’s only a 5 minute walk away.
4. Leb-i Derya (now Endam Istanbul)
Current Google Maps Rating: 4.3/5 stars (1,737 reviews)
Current TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5 stars (257 reviews)
Located near the major Istiklal Street and Beyoglu district, Endam serves a fusion of Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines. It features gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Bosphorus so you get a clear picture of the city (it’s even more beautiful at night).
Menu Options
You definitely won’t leave this restaurant hungry. Choose from 20 cold starters, 10 hot starters, salads, and 18 main courses ranging from grilled octopus to risotto. For those with a sweet tooth, you can try crispy pumpkin, a dried fig dessert, or even a chocolate soufflé.
Price Range
You could expect to pay about 140 – 200 Turkish Liras per person. This can change regularly though due to frequent changes in currency exchange rates. If you’re spending USD, your dollar will go very far these days!
Dress Code
The dress code at Endam is smart casual/business casual.
Location
Just a 2-minute walk from Istiklal Street, Endam is pretty centrally located. If your hotel/Airbnb is close to Istiklal Street, you can easily and quickly reach this restaurant. It’s also easily reachable if you’re staying around Galata Tower (just a 10-minute walk). The restaurant’s located on the top floor of the building, giving you extraordinary views.
5. Feriye Restaurant
Current Google Maps Rating: 4.4/5 stars (3,684 reviews)
Current TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5 stars (525 reviews)
Feriye Restaurant (Feriye Lokantasi in Turkish) serves up chic, international cuisine. It has beautiful outdoor seating that opens up to absolutely spectacular views of the Bosphorus. Feriye was restored by the Kabataş Education Foundation in 1995 and opened as Feriye Restaurant. A great bonus for diners: it’s totally accessibility-friendly. If you’re looking to eat here, be sure to make a reservation!
Menu Options
The restaurant serves a blend of traditional and modern Turkish dishes. There’s soups, plenty of starters, and a great selection of main courses. What’s special about this restaurant is you can order a dish designed for two people! Perfect for you and your friend, loved one, or family member. These include a large juicy fish and a gorgeous steak.
Price Range
Feriye Restaurant is on the pricier end of restaurants. You could easily expect to pay at least 200 Turkish Liras per person.
Dress Code
The dress code is more business casual, as the restaurant would be considered fine dining. For men, a dress shirt and slacks would be great and for women a classy dress or pants and shirt combo would work great.
Location
Located in the heart of Ortakoy, Feriye Restaurant is on ground level and sits directly beside the Bosphorus. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Istiklal Street, 20-minute drive from Galata Tower, and 25-minute drive from Topkapi Palace.
6. Queb Lounge Rooftop Restaurant
Current Google Maps Rating: 4.8/5 stars (1,993 reviews)
Current TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5 stars (596 reviews)
With a 360 degree view of central Istanbul, this restaurant is 100% unique! Their team also offers group and individual cooking classes if you’re hungry to make Turkish food back home. It has direct views of Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia and the Bosphorus from their open-air terrace. Imagine all of the lights at nighttime!
Menu Options
This has got to be one of the biggest menus ever! The restaurant serves a fully extensive menu: delicious cold and hot starters, raw dishes, kebabs, grilled items, chicken dishes, international dishes, steak, seafood, and vegetarian/vegan dishes. There’s definitely something for everyone.
If you’re looking for breakfast, the restaurant offers a luxurious Sultanahmet Mixed Breakfast for 700 Turkish Liras per person. That’s a full table spread of jams, cheeses, eggs, breakfast meats, olives, fresh fruit, and breads.
Price Range
Queb Lounge Rooftop Restaurant is on the pricier end of restaurants, similar to Feriye Restaurant. You could easily also expect to pay at least 200 Turkish Liras per person here.
Dress Code
Similar to Feriye Restaurant, the dress code is more business casual, as the restaurant would be considered fine dining. For men, a dress shirt and slacks would be great and for women a classy dress or pants and shirt combo would work great.
Location
Located right beside Sultanahmet Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace Museum, this rooftop restaurant offers magnificent views of the Bosphorus and these three important, historically significant buildings.
It’s about a 20-minute drive to or from Istiklal Street and 10-minute drive to or from Galata Tower.
7. Tuğra Restaurant
Current Google Maps Rating: 4.5/5 stars (660 reviews)
Current TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5 stars (596 reviews)
Tuğra Restaurant is unlike any other! It’s located inside a gorgeous 5-star hotel called Ciragan Palace Kempsinki that’s right on the Bosphorus. This building was actually genuinely used as a palace for the 32nd sultan of the Ottoman Empire in the 1800s. Its architecture is extremely beautiful and definitely Instagram-worthy – no doubt about it.
The word ‘Tuğra’ describes the Ottoman sultans’ calligraphic signature, used like letterhead or imperial seal, and the restaurant has specially designed plates incorporating this elegant motif. This is impressive: It was recently rated among recommended restaurants in the Michelin Guide. And they operate from a sustainable farm-to-table approach, meaning ingredients are predominately locally grown.
If you have little ones, this restaurant is NOT for you! They don’t accept guests under 12 years old here.
If you’re celebrating an anniversary or birthday, this restaurant IS for you. Between the palace, gourmet food, and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, this is the place you’ll want to celebrate.
Menu Options
The restaurant features purely Turkish dishes. Led by head chef Emre Inanır, the kitchen serves Ottoman and traditional Turkish dishes in a fine dining setting.
There’s a regular a la carte menu and a tasting menu. The tasting menu includes gems like vegetable pâté, crawfish, lamb, and a traditional Ramadan dessert. As of publishing, this tasting menu costs 3,250 Turkish Liras per person.
In the a la carte menu, you can order whatever you want! Choose from hearty soups, authentic cold starters, hot starters, several main entrees, and delicious desserts.
Price Range
On the pricier end of restaurants, you could expect to pay at least 245 Turkish Liras per person. Likely, your bill will end up in the 4-figures in Turkish Liras – but I can safely bet it’ll be worth it!
Dress Code
This restaurant is classified as fine dining and requires smart casual clothing.
Location
Just ~10 minutes away from Istiklal Street by car, Tuğra Restaurant is relatively close to the heart of Istanbul. It’s definitely not walkable, as that would be a 1-hour journey. The restaurant is right next to two luxurious hotels: Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus and Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At The Bosphorus.
Istanbul is undeniably a city with stunning views and delicious food. With experiences and grub fit for everyone, there’s little you won’t find in beautiful Istanbul. Choose any of these restaurants for your next dining experience in Istanbul and I promise you won’t be disappointed!