Lacivert Restaurant on the Bosphorus

One of the best things about eating out in Istanbul is the amazing variety and quality of seafood in Turkey. Here are the top seafood restaurants in Istanbul, selected Ugur Ilgar, founder of LuxuryIstanbul. Because these restaurants are extremely popular with locals, make sure you reserve in advance.

LACIVERT (Address: Körfez Caddesi No: 57/A Anadoluhisari, Istanbul, Tel: +90 216 413 37 53)

Lacivert Restaurant is located on the Bosphorus underneath the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. Splash out and enjoy a fine dining experience in this atmospheric restaurant, which is on the ground floor of a historic mansion, on the Asian side of the city. The terrace is a great place to relax, soak up the ambience and enjoy spectacular views of the busy river and the impressive Rumeli fortress. They have a boat that runs between the Rumeli Fortress and the restaurant, but do check for the times. Sunday mornings: open buffet brunch between 11:00-14:00.

POSEIDON (Address: Kücük Bebek, Cevdet Pasa Cd. No: 58 Bebek, Istanbul, Tel : +90 212 263 3823)

Poseidon is a terrific seafood restaurant that also serves tasty “mezes” right on the Bosphorus in the beautiful Bebek area. Take a seat by the water, and watch the yachts glide by. The large deck is virtually suspended above the Bosphorus and has gorgeous views of Bebek bay.

BEBEK BALIKCI (Address: Cevdet Pasa Cad. No:26/A Bebek, Istanbul, Tel:  +90 212 263 3447)

Bebek means “baby” in Turkish and the name comes from the neighborhood. Enjoy the experience of eating fish with an unforgettable taste of a drink at “Bebek Balikci”, watching the magnificent view of the Bosphorus. This is a wonderful place to have lunch or dinner. It is a favorite among local and international celebrities. Although a bit expensive (150 EUR for two persons), the quality of the fish, the location and the atmosphere make this restaurant absolutely worth it.

SULTANAHMET FISH HOUSE (Address: Prof. K. Ismail Gurkan Caddesi No: 14, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Tel : +90 212 527 4441)

Serves mostly Aegean and Mediterranean cuisine, with a variety of fish, shellfish and crustaceans. They do serve Turkish kebab or vegetarian dishes, if your dining companions are not crazy about seafood. It is located in the historic heart of Sultanahmet and very close to the famous Cagaloglu Turkish Baths.

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Going to Istanbul? Check out all of our hotel and restaurant recommendations on Mapplr’s Istanbul page.

Zuma: sophisticated Japanese izakaya in Istanbul

If you are craving Asian food in Istanbul (yes, it happens sometimes), then check out these three outstanding places chosen by Ugur Ilgar, founder of LuxuryIstanbul, a luxury travel company that organizes tailor-made holidays and special tours.

HAKKASAN (Address: Buyukdere Cad. No: 206 Kanyon AVM  Levent, Istanbul, Tel : +90 212 319 8888)

Hakkasan is located on top of the movie theater dome in Kanyon Shopping Mall. Hakkasan Istanbul was created by the founder of Wagamama Restaurant in London. It serves Asian-fusion cuisine in an eclectic, sophisticated environment. The renowned, multi-million pound interior was designed by the French designer Christian Liaigre who has fused distinctly modern aesthetic with traditional Chinese motifs. The restaurant gained a Michelin star rating in 2003.

VOGUE (Address: Spor Cd. Bjk Plaza A Blok No: 48 Kat:13 Akaretler / Besiktas, Istanbul, Tel : +90 212 227 4404)

Recently enovated, Vogue’s clean and stylish interior design enhances the stunning views of Istanbul from  the roof of Bjk Plaza. Their special sushi menu with its 70 original alternatives is fantastic! Superb wine selection over 200 wines and the finest cigar selection to accompany your after-dinner enjoyment. Olive oil and house wine specially produced for Vogue are a must. Open buffet brunch is available on Sundays.

ZUMA (Address: Salhane Sk No:7 Ortakoy, Istanbul, Tel :+90 212 236 2296)

Zuma offers a contemporary representation of the informal Japanese izakaya. Zuma brings the authentic flavours and textures of Japanese cuisine and delivers them zuma-style. The restaurant has been designed to capture the spectacular views of the Bosporus sea. The sake bar and lounge are terrific places to hang out with friends.

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Going to Istanbul? Check out all of our hotel and restaurant recommendations on Mapplr’s Istanbul page.

Looking for a restaurant in Istanbul where the young, hip and fashionable congregate? Here’s our list of the hottest places in the city:

REINA (Muallim Naci Cad. No:44 Ortakoy, Istanbul, Tel: +90 212 259 59 19)

Pearl of the Bosporus and one of the most popular in the city. The Mediterranean and Turkish dishes are as famous as the entertainment. Comparable to any of Michelin-starred places.

SORTIE (Muallim Naci Cad. No:14 Ortakoy, Istanbul, Tel: +90 212 327 85 85)

In Sortie you will find several fine restaurants with a magnificent Bosphorus scene. After dinner you move to the dance floor and enjoy the lounge music which echoes over the Bosphorus.

ULUS 29 (Address: Ulus 29 Ahmet Adnan Saygun Caddesi, Ulus Parki ici No:1 Istanbul, Tel: +90 212 358 29 29)

Located between the first and second Bosporus bridges, overlooking the Anatolian side with one of the most stunning Bosporus views. The menu of Ulus 29 covers a variety of cuisines, from a wide sushi selection to fresh lobster, plus in-house traditional classic food. Ulus 29 has a terrace bar in the summer months and serves as both bar and lounge restaurant. The DJ at the Terrace bar livens up after dinner. (During May and September serves as a restaurant / During September and  May serves as a restaurant & club).

ANJELIQUE (Muallim Naci Cad. Salhane sok. No: 5 Ortakoy, Istanbul, Tel: +90 212 327 28 44)

Anjelique Istanbul is a place to chill out and enjoy the views of the Bosphorus. The restaurant is lively and the menu offers Mediterranean food as well as sushi.

360 ISTANBUL (360 Istanbul Istiklal Caddesi Misir Apt. No:311 K:8 Beyoglu, Istanbul, Tel : +90 212 251 10 42)

Offers an amazing view of the Bosporus. At midnight the dining room and lounge explode as a full-on club with occasional live musical performances, international DJs and pop celebrities. The lounge part is sophisticated and riendly and the club part is basically one large dance floor with bars on the side and pretty good music being played.

LUCCA (Cevdetpasa Cd. No:51/B Bebek, Istanbul, Tel : +90 212 257 1255)

Modern café-bistro-bar, delicious food, Lucca’s prize-winning cocktails, pleasant atmosphere and good service. Lucca is especially known for its signature creative cocktails such as Satsuma Vodka, its addictive tapas prepared by the Spanish Executive Chef Willy Moya, weekend breakfasts and brunches, pre-night out dinners, and the upbeat crowd.

SUPPERCLUB (Muallim Naci Cadd. 65 34467 Ortakoy, Istanbul, Tel : +90 212 261 1988)

Don’t come to supperclub if you’re in search of a traditional restaurant or if you are afraid of new experiences. However, if you’re looking for an unusual dinner experience in an unexpected place and want to discover the creative corners of your personality, then come to Supperclub. The open kitchen, as we know it from Amsterdam, is introduced here too.

BLACKK (Muallim Naci Cadd. 71 34467 Ortakoy, Istanbul, Tel : +90 212 236 7256)

Blackk serves as a resto-lounge, club and Levendiz Greek Tavern. Great views over the Bosphorus. Design: Rococo style with edgy touches of modernism.

AL JAMAL (Al Jamal Taskisla Cad. No:3 Macka Demokrasi Parki ici Istanbul, Tel : +90 212 231 0356)

Al Jamal has become a favorite among Istanbul’s jet set. Delicious food, incredible interior design and colorful shows. Experience fabulous belly dancing performances with superb Middle Eastern style food and outstanding service. Feel like a sultan in a harem. Fabulous interior design, mix of Western and Mediterranean music.

CHANGA (Siraselviler Caddesi 47 Cihangir, Istanbul, Tel : +90 212 252 7064)

Located in a 103-year old distinguished Art Nouveau townhouse, Changa has been serving dinner (except Sundays) since 1999. Under the supervision of renowned chef Peter Gordon, Changa’s kitchen presents modern Mediterranean style dishes utilizing fusion techniques.

MIKLA (The Marmara Pera Mesrutiyet Cd. No: 15 Beyoglu, Istanbul, Tel : +90 212 293 5656)

After several years, Mikla is still drawing crowds to its Scandinavian style dining room in the Marmara Pera Hotel. Supervised by Swedish-Turkish chef Mehmet Gür, Mikla’s sky bar is perfect for a romantic night out.

MIMOLETT (Siraselviler Caddesi 55/A Cihangir / Beyoglu, Istanbul, Tel : +90 212 245 9858)

Mimolett Istanbul presents the refined tastes of Mediterranean cuisine with its own interpretation and special sauces. The restaurant takes its name from traditionally produced Mimolette cheese. Mimolett was established in 2009 by Chef Murat Bozok who has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants for many years.

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I would like to thank Ugur Ilgar for providing Mapplr with this list of hip restaurants. Ugur is the founder of LuxuryIstanbul, a luxury travel company that organizes tailor-made holidays and special tours (shopping, history, archaeology, art and more). His firm can advise you on which hammam to visit and make a reservation for you.

Making its debut this month, the Istanbul EDITION Hotel by Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) is a luxurious lifestyle hotel located in the luxury district of Istanbul.  There are a total of 78 rooms, all of which are designed to please leisure and business travelers. The rooms are 420 square feet (39 square metres) and combine stunning design with exceptional comfort and luxury.  Each room has an entrance vestibule, bedroom area, work station and seating area with wall-to-wall windows overlooking the city. There are different styles of rooms to choose from: superior, loft, deluxe loft, and more. The Superior Rooms include a teak floor terrace and are decorated in warm, natural tones to create a serene, understated luxurious environment. For ultimate luxury and privacy, there is 2,800 square foot (1800 square metre) Penthouse Suite that has breathtaking views of the city; it is a richly decorated private retreat which can also be used as an event space for private gatherings.

If you are having cocktails with friends or business associates, be sure to head to the Gold Bar which is said to transport guests to an “exotic, sequestered world”.  It is finely decorated with a dark-wood interior and a 6-metre aquarium filled with tropical fish to evoke a relaxing and intimate space.  The bar itself is inspired by traditional Turkish tea rooms and is a great place to have relaxing conversations. To continue the night, the hotel has a nightclub that is one of Europe’s most exclusive clubs and has excellent music along with a very stylish atmosphere.

Fans of Cipriani, rejoice! They have opened a restaurant at the Istanbul EDITION. The first Cipriani was opened in 1931 by Giuseppe Cipriani near Piazza San Marco in Venice and since then is known for simple elegance combined with excellent food and atmosphere.

The 20,000 square foot (1800 square metre), 3-floor spa, ESPA, is quite extraordinary and offers guests an incomparable experience filled with state-of-the art design inspired by Turkish traditions. The spa integrates beauty, health, and wellness and has the traditional hamman, the focal point of any genuine Turkish Spa. It has a very calming combination of marble and bronze and an atmosphere of opulence. A pool and modern fitness center complete this luxurious spa experience.

My only quibble with the Istanbul EDITION is its location, which is far from most of the places that visitors would want to explore. I like the Beyoglu district of Istanbul, which is not in the touristy Sultanahmet area (where the Blue Mosque and other tourist destinations are located) but is close enough so you can walk or take a tram. The Istanbul EDITION is quite a distance from Beyoglu and Sultanahmet, which means you have to take a taxi to visit most of the places that would be of interest to someone who is exploring Istanbul.

The Istanbul EDITION
Buyukdere Caddesi No 136 Levent
Istanbul, Turkey 34330
+90 212 317 7700

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Recommended reading:

Travel Guide to Istanbul

Top Turkish hammams in Istanbul

Top restaurants serving Turkish cuisine in Istanbul

More favorite restaurants in Istanbul

Ciya Sofrasi: fabulous Turkish food in Istanbul

Mapplr’s favorite restaurants in Istanbul

Mapplr’s favorite hotels in Istanbul

All of our Istanbul posts

Cagaloglu Hammam in Istanbul

If you are in Istanbul, you must pay a visit to a Turkish hammam (a traditional Turkish bath). A Turkish bath is exactly the perfect thing to do after a tiring day of sightseeing. This tradition has been passed down from the Romans to the Byzantines to the Turks. The Islamic emphasis on personal cleanliness and purification resulted in hundreds of baths being built throughout Istanbul over the centuries starting around 1400. Traditional Turkish baths have separate sections and entrances for men and women. It has always been intimately bound up with everyday life — a place where people of every rank and station, young and old, rich and poor, townsman or villager, could come freely and gossip.

On the top of the dome of every Turkish bath you will usually find a lantern for illumination. There is a sirvan in the camegah with rooms for undressing. The sogukluk is entered through a double door from the camegah. The domes are supported by arches and columns. In the center one finds a marble Gobektasi, surrounded by halvets in the four corners and three sofas in between. The sofas are covered with semi-domes.

Among the most well known visitors to Istanbul’s hammams are Kaiser Wilhelm, Franz Liszt, Florence Nightingale, King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, Tony Curtis, John D. Rockefeller, Richard Harrison, Omar Sharif, Harrison Ford, John Travolta, Cameron Diaz, and Kate Moss.

A typical hammam experience

A usual session lasts an hour to 90 minutes, but you’re welcome to stay as long as you desire. You can rest on the platform as long as you like before completing your bath. Beautiful tile work, hot, steamy rooms, a wonderful gentle massage, a long sauna and vigorous loofah scrubbing are all part of the hammam experience. Big fluffy towels, more soap lather than you’ve ever seen, lavender soap and a rub down with oils complete the treatment.

Take your  first bath on the day you arrive. It will relieve the stress and tension of travelling and may just be the best cure for jetlag.  You will sleep like a baby.

Top Hammams in the Old City

The most well known hammam and the one most frequented by celebrities is Cagaloglu Hammam (built in 1741 with separate sections for men and women). Cemberlitas hammam (built in 1584) is another jewel not far from Cagaloglu hammam. Both are in the Sultanahmet district.

If you are going with your husband or boyfriend and want to bathe together, go to the Suleymaniye hammam, which does not have separate men’s and women’s sections. It is open to families and couples only. Single males or females will not be admitted.

If you want a truly historic hammam that dates back to the 15th century, go to the Gedikpasa hammam, one of the oldest in the city.

Hammam in the Beyoglu district

If you are staying in or near Beyoglu, go to the Galatasaray Hammam (built in 1481) which is quite popular with residents of this district. It is open for group events such as dinners with an orchestra or belly dancing. There are separate sections for men and women.

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I would like to thank Ugur Ilgar for providing a history of the Turkish bath, as well as his list of favorite hammams in Istanbul. Ugur is the founder of LuxuryIstanbul, a luxury travel company that organizes tailor-made holidays and special tours (shopping, history, archaeology, art and more). His firm can advise you on which hammam to visit and make a reservation for you.

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Recommended reading:

Travel Guide to Istanbul

Top restaurants serving Turkish cuisine in Istanbul

More favorite restaurants in Istanbul

Mapplr’s favorite hotels in Istanbul

Photo by Angus McDiarmid

One of the greatest pleasures of visiting Istanbul is eating Turkish food. Turkish cuisine ranks among the top five in the world because of the variety of ingredients used in their dishes, the inventiveness of the way they are prepared, the exquisite and unusual mix of flavours, and the artistry of their presentation. The origins of Turkish cuisine date back to the golden age of the Ottoman Empire (1453-1566) when Istanbul was the center of culinary culture. This brought new kinds of fruits, vegetables and spices into the territories of the Empire and encouraged top chefs to develop new cooking techniques.

Turkish cuisine includes beef, lamb or chicken, as well as all kinds of seafood. The most common methods of preparation are grilling or roasting, which produce the famous Turkish kebaps. Meals in traditional Turkish restaurants start with a large selection of cold starters named meze. You can choose between fresh vegetables in olive oil, salads, white cheese, yogurt with herbs, sweet melon and many others. Hot appetizers include soups, pastry, and cheese rolls. As a main dish you can choose meat kebab or Doner Kebab (lamb stewed in tomato sauce and served with yogurt). Desserts are irresistible: baklava-type or pastry sweets (flour dipped in rich syrup), and milk pudding. At the end of your dinner it is highly recommended that you drink a Turkish coffee which is very strong and flavourful.

So what are the best restaurants for traditional Ottoman gourmet cuisine in Istanbul? I asked Ugur Ilgar, founder of LuxuryIstanbul, a luxury travel company that organizes tailor-made holidays and special tours (shopping, history, archaeology, art and more) for his tips on where one should go for the very best in Turkish food. Below are his suggestions.

(1) ASITANE

It is located near the Chora Church in Edirnekapi. Asitane lies in the shadow of the mighty Chora Church which is one of the most important and well maintained buildings of the Byzantine era and serves imperial Ottoman cuisine, incorportating Central Asitan, Anatolian, Middle Eastern and Balkan flavours. The restaurant’s dishes reflect the eclectic nature of the Turco Ottoman neighbourhood. I would recommend to try “Gerdaniye, Lor cheese, Mutancana and Helatiye as dessert”

Address:

Kariye Camii Sokak No: 6 34240 Edirnekapı, Istanbul
Tel: (212) 635 7997
http://www.asitanerestaurant.com

(2) FERIYE

Once a 19th century Ottoman police station, Feriye constitutes one of the rare examples of 19th century classical Ottoman architecture. The restaurant has fantastic views onto the Bosphorus. The menu is mostly Ottoman cuisine; it was selected as“The Best Turkish Cuisine” by 100 world-famous gourmets.

Address:
Çırağan Cad. No: 40 Ortaköy – 34347 İSTANBUL
Tel : 0 212 227 22 16 – 227 22 17 – 236 25 22 – 236 25 23
http://www.feriye.com/english/index.asp

(3) CIYA SOFRASI

Located in the Fish Market district of Kadiköy, Çiya like its name, brings to mind high mountain peaks and mountain flowers. The creators will take you on a journey rich in “dishes from a broad geographical space, spanning from Mesopotamia to the Ottomans, from the Balkans to the Caucasus and from Asia to the Arabian Peninsula.”

Address:
Caferağa Mah.Güneşlibahçe Sk. No:43 Kadikoy(Asian Side Istanbul)
Tel: (216) 330 31 90
http://www.ciya.com.tr

[Editor's Note: Mapplr reviewed the amazing Ciya Sofrasi on a trip to Istanbul.]

(4) HACI ABDULLAH

The adventure of Haci Abdullah Restaurant started in 1888 and still survives as culinary knowledge has been passed down through the decades from master to apprentice. Haci Abdullah Restaurant is a great symbol of Beyoglu’s history, and Ottoman hospitality still survives here. Visiting Beyoglu (a delightful neighborhood in Istanbul) without stopping at Haci Abdullah is to miss the heart and soul of Beyoglu. Haci Abdullah recalls the memories of place, food and culture, many of which are fading. The menu is vast, so first-timers are advised to try the Special Haci Abdullah Plate, which includes four separate hot dishes. Haci Abdullah is the ultimate culinary destination for foodies wishing to satisfy their curiosity about authentic Turkish cuisine.

Address:
Aga Camii, Atif Yilmaz Cad. (Old Sakizagaci Cad.)
No: 9/A 80070
Beyoglu / Istanbul
Tel: +90212 293 85 61 – 293 08 51
http://www.haciabdullah.com.tr/wp-content/English/

(5) KONYALI TOPKAPI PALACE RESTAURANT

Konyali has been serving celebrity royalty for more than 100 years. They reflect traditional Turkish cuisine with a wide selection of appetizers and desserts. Some of the specialties of the house are low temperature oven baked tandir lamb, aubergine caviar, borek and orange baklava. The Bosphorus views are priceless.

Address:
In the Topkapi Palace Museum
Sultanahmet / Istanbul
Tel: 0212 513 96 96
http://www.konyalilokantasi.com/english/eindex.html

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Suggested reading: Mapplr’s Travel Guide to Istanbul

Few hotels in the world can match the Pera Palace in Istanbul for its history and grandeur. Opened for the first time in 1895 to accommodate passengers on the Orient Express, the hotel received guests such as Ataturk, the father of modern Turkey; Greta Garbo (who reportedly stayed for 21 days); and Agatha Christie, who is said to have written parts of “Murder on the Orient Express” in Room 411. With the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the decline of the Orient Express, the hotel began to deteriorate and it was not until 2006 that it was closed for a 23 million Euro renovation. It has reopened this year to much excitement among people who love visiting Istanbul, which has become a very popular weekend/short break destination among Europeans.

To emphasize its historic connection to famous writers, movie stars, and heads of state, the Pera Palace offers guests the Agatha Christie room (No. 411), the Greta Garbo corner rooms, the Ernest Hemingway corner suites, and even the King Edward VIII and Franz Joseph Presidential Suites for those who have imperial ambitions. Room rates start at 250€ per night. A few rooms and suites have good views over the Golden Horn.

The hotel is located in the bustling Beyoglu district which is famous for its lively night life as well as its fantastic restaurants and cafes. I recently posted my favorite restaurants in Istanbul, some of which (Leb-i-Derya and Refik Meyhane) are very close to the Pera Palace:

Mapplr’s favorite restaurants in Istanbul

More favorite restaurants in Istanbul

I have also posted a list of favorite hotels in Istanbul and an Istanbul travel guide.

Pera Palace Hotel
Meşrutiyet Caddesi No:52
Tepebaşı Beyoğlu
34430 Istanbul, Turkey
+90 212 377 40 00
Email the hotel to inquire about a booking.

The House Hotel Nisantansi has 45 rooms spread over a five-storey building with interiors designed by the Autoban Design Group. Subdued neutral tones, an air of retro chic and understated luxury make the House Hotel a wonderful place to stay. Rooms range in size from 25 square metres to 45 square metres, and all of them have free Wi-Fi. The Terrace Junior Suite King and the Terrace Deluxe King Room have private terraces on the roof top.

From the hotel to the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar, you can take public transport or a taxi. It’s a good thing this hotel is not in the Sultanahmet district (where the main tourist sights are located). As I mentioned in my Istanbul travel guide, you do not want to stay in Sultanahmet because it is very noisy and touristy.

Room rates at the House Hotel Nisantasi start at around 200 EUR per night. During the winter months, the rates could be lower.

The House Hotel Nisantasi

Abdi İpekçi Cd. No:34 Nişantaşı Şişli

Istanbul

+90 212 224 59 99

Email the hotel to inquire about a booking.

The A’jia Restaurant has a lovely terrace right on the water, although if you prefer to eat inside, the dining room is elegant and inviting.

Room rates start at €210.

A’jia Hotel

Ahmet Rasim Pasa Yalisi, Cubuklu Caddesi 27

Istanbul, Turkey

+90 216 413 9300

Find out more and book online

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Read Mapplr’s Travel Guide to Istanbul: where to stay, where to eat, and what to see.

I would like to draw your attention to a multimedia presentation in the New Yorker about Turkish food by Elif Batuman. The piece focuses on Turkish chef Musa Dağdeviren and his restaurant Çiya Sofrasi, which happens to be my favorite restaurant in the city (see Mapplr review of Çiya Sofrasi).

Çiya Sofrasi is not in the main tourist area of Sultanahmet. You have to take a ferry to Kadikoy, then find your way around the narrow streets where vendors sell fish, vegetables, bread, and pastries. We had to ask two different people for directions once we got to the neighborhood. Fortunately, everyone seems to know Çiya Sofrasi.