Istanbul’s Best Rooftop Restaurants

Positioned at great heights above the streets in Istanbul, the city’s top-notch rooftop restaurants come as a rare feature offering a dining experience that merges history and modernity. From sweeping views of the glistening Bosphorus, a stunning sight of plentiful ancient mosques at sunset, these elevated places entice you to relish fine dishes as you admire the awe-inspiring skyline of the city. Enjoying drinks as the night falls over the city and its bright lights come on or eating several courses while facing Hagia Sophia, the best rooftop restaurants in Istanbul not only guarantee good food but a whole different experience.

Istanbul’s Much-Preferred Rooftop Restaurants: A Glance

1. Seven Hills Restaurant:

The Seven Hills Restaurant positioned in Sultanahmet, is one of the idyllic places for dining in Istanbul as it has striking sights of the Blue Mosque, the gorgeous Hagia Sophia and the Bosphorus at large. Though not the highest terrace in the city, it has the best effects in terms of photo taking and the surroundings. The terrace has a capacity of 120 and serves a fresh catch of the day from Sea of Marmara, Turkish and international cuisine. It is open for an organic Turkish breakfast to a late dinner service, making it a great place for enjoying wonderful tastes, warm service and the history of Istanbul.

Location: Cankurtaran, Istanbul, Turkey

Timings: 8:30 am up to 11 pm

Cuisine: Turkish, Seafood

2. Simone:

Overlooking Istanbul’s illustrious skyline that includes Galata Tower is the Simone Rooftop Restaurant positioned at the last floor of the elegant RUZ Hotels nearby the Istiklal Avenue. This two levels installed on the sixth floor feature enclosed areas and open balconies with a 360-degree vision. Off season recipes incorporate various Mediterranean style pizzas to freshly made pastas. Offering all-day service, Simone provides relaxing and leisurely decor for breakfast, lunch as well as dinner. Enjoy a great meal with the selection of wines or the signature cocktails while the sun goes down over the Bosphorus. Nothing beats those moments and the experience of a fashionable rooftop like Simone.

Location: Asmali Mescit, Istanbul, Turkey

Timings: 8 am up to 12 am

Cuisine: Mediterranean

3. Mikla:

Having been inaugurated in 2005, Mikla positioned atop the stylish Marmara Pera Hotel in Istanbul has been one of the key dining places in Istanbul. With slender retro furnishing and out of this world sights reaching from Hagia Sophia to the eminent Topkapi Palace, it provides a stylish and a lasting impression. Worth noting, the restaurant is famed for its eclectic ‘New Anatolian Kitchen’ and at Mikla, the Turkish and Scandinavian elements are blended together with regards to the seasonally available fresh produce. Having made it to the list of ‘The World 50 Best Restaurants’ in 2015, Mikla a much-loved rooftop restaurant in Istanbul guarantees a prized culinary experience along with cherished views.

Location: The Marmara Pera, Istanbul, Turkey

Timings: 6 pm up to 2 am

Cuisine: Anatolian Kitchen

4. Spago Istanbul:

Spago Istanbul, in the upper floor of the lavish St. Regis Istanbul positioned in Nisantasi, offers exemplary cuisine coupled with mesmerizing sights of the Bosphorus and the incredible Maçka Democracy Park. The dramatic rooftop has been created by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck and has indoor as well as an outdoor area which is open throughout the year. The menu alludes to seasonal dishes from American to Asian & Italian farming styles including but not limited to hand rolled pasta, wood fired pizzas & other ethnic cuisines within the criteria. Providing the drinks are wines local to California and abroad as well as signature cocktails and luxury champagne. Focused on a stylish setting and high standards of cooking art, time spent in Spago, one amongst the much-adored rooftop restaurants in Istanbul is certain to be an upscale one, situated in one of the prime neighborhoods of Istanbul.

Location: Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey

Timings: 3 pm up to 2 am

Cuisine: Italian, Asian, American

5. Hood Rooftop Restaurant:

Positioned on the upstairs 12th tier of DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul – Moda, it provides a breathtaking sight from one perspective, all the way from Princes’ Islands to the lovely Bosporus all-year-round. The retractable roof integrated into the restaurant also connects both the indoor & outdoor areas providing a modish and warm space. The offering comprises several cuisine types including fresh made pastas to risottos, as well as Dry Aged Ribeye to Grilled Salmon before drinks including fine wines, craft cocktails and high premium spirits. Hood whether at opulent tables set up or warm lounge sofas guarantees a stunning culinary experience complemented by the panoramic view of amazing Istanbul and all its fascinating offer.

Location: Caferaga Mahallesi, Istanbul, Turkey

Timings: 3-11pm

Cuisine: International

6. Serica Restaurant:

Serica Restaurant captures rewarding aspects as far as the sights of the Old City & Karaköy are concerned. The interior is sleek and current with features such an open kitchen and huge windows as well as an outdoor terrace, which combine to enhance the atmosphere. Eminent chef Yiğit Alicioğlu’s diverse menu draws predominantly on local produce cultivated in distinct parts of Turkey and competently infuses modern techniques to recreate Mediterranean & Turkish cuisine. Each plate has a narrative that echoes of the Aegean/Black Sea regions, Central Anatolia and further east geographies. Typically, Serica offers a culinary escapade that embraces cultural flourishes in great style but in an elegant and up to date setting.

Location: Azapkapi, Istanbul, Turkey

Timings: 6:30 up to 11 pm

Cuisine: Turkish

7. 360 Istanbul:

From its vantage point in a conservation building on Istiklal Avenue, 360 Istanbul delivers spectacular sights that encircle the city. Positioned in Beyoğlu, this acclaimed master restaurant changes from a trendy dining place that serves lunch to a club in the evening for patrons who prefer a more active environment. The food served combines both Turkish and other cuisines such as fresh fish to grilled steaks. The cocktail bar has an impressive range of drinks in order to accompany the meals served. 360 Istanbul is an experience worth every penny looking for modern interior design with great food and sights of the Bosporus, the lovely Golden Horn and the splendid skyline.

Location: Istiklal Caddesi, Istanbul, Turkey

Timings: 12 pm up to 2 am

Cuisine: International, Turkish

8. Sunset Grill & Bar:

In the Ulus Park that overlooks an impressive foreground, the Sunset Grill & Bar, set on a hill, provides the perfect place for a meal accompanied by jaw-dropping sights of the dipping sun. This high-end terrace restaurant is an eyeful with the sight of the Bosphorus Bridge and the other side of Istanbul: the Asian continent. Celebrated for its varied cuisine, the restaurant fuses both local and foreign dishes with Mediterranean fishes, fresh sushi, and Turkish cold plates, for example. The exquisite wine list and the skillfully designed cocktails add a great touch to the culinary experience whereby the venue is ideal for a quiet romantic dinner or a raucous festivity alike. All in all, Sunset Grill & Bar is an indispensable place for pleasurable memories with its soft decor and striking views outside.

Location: Kurucesme Mahallesi, Istanbul, Turkey

Timings: 12 pm up to 12 am

Cuisine: Sushi, steaks

Conclusion

The skyline of Istanbul is magnificent and most restaurants positioned on the rooftop terraces provide the patrons with incredible views of this skyline, offering food from both modern and traditional cuisines. Be it the desire for a luxurious fine-dining setting, hanging out with friends, or having a romantic dinner during a sunset, there is no cause for alarm. Everybody must also know that eating in one of these restaurants in Istanbul is an experience that should be treasured when exploring the city especially with the picturesque sights of the Bosporus and the superb old town. Also, why winter is the perfect time to visit Turkey becomes crystal clear owing to the comfortable setup of the places as well as the wonderful sunsets in winter.

FAQs

Q1. When to explore Istanbul’s rooftop restaurants?

Evenings are just right, particularly around dusk, to take pleasure in magnificent sights as Istanbul lights up making the setting highly magical.

Q2. Name Istanbul’s top-notch rooftop restaurants.

•  Banyan
• Sunset Grill & Bar
• Mikla
• 360 Istanbul

Q3. Are reservations a must?

Reservations at Istanbul’s rooftop restaurants is suggested more so during peak tourist months and weekends.

Q4. What cuisines are offered at these eating places?

• Fine dining
• Asian fusion
• Seafood
• Mediterranean

Q5. Name Turkey’s Top couple-friendly rooftop restaurants.

• Banyan
• Sunset Grill & Bar
• Mikla