With the stunning Bosphorus River running through three different sides of landmass, Istanbul has nothing but views on views.
There’s no shortage of restaurants, bars and rooftops on every corner displaying a different iteration of Istanbul’s skylines from every angle. We’re here to give you the low-down on all the restaurants with the best views in Istanbul where you can feast both your eyes and your stomach!
Akdeniz by Esra Muslu at Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

When it comes to the best views in Istanbul, it’s extremely hard to beat the glamorous promenade right on the Bosphorus River at Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul. And at the hotel’s Mediterranean restaurant, Akdeniz by Esra Muslu, you can get front row views of the promenade and the Bosphorus. Whether you’re seated outside on the romantic terrace or inside the elegantly appointed restaurant, you’ll get to enjoy stunning views of the glittering Bosphorus when dining at Akdeniz by Esra Muslu.


The menu consists of dreamy modern Mediterranean dishes with a tendency to be shared. There’s a plethora of scrumptious plates to start with like oven-roasted pumpkin with yogurt and tahini sauce with pine nuts and pomegranate or jumbo prawns with garlic butter and Ezine cheese. Our favorite was the roasted beetroot marinated with orange and balsamic with dukkah. The restaurant also offers the most gorgeous Butterfly Seabass lightly seasoned with garlic, lemon and prawn butter, as well as a juicy Dry-Aged entrecote with green apple and chermoula sauce. Akdeniz by Esra Muslu also hosts a fabulous brunch buffet on the weekend.


Akdeniz by Esra Muslu offers a sumptuous dining experience while overlooking the most stunning Bosphorus views at Ciragan Palace Kempinski, which are a must-see for any visitor to Istanbul. Make a reservation for that special night when you want a gorgeous meal with views to match!

360 Istanbul
360 Istanbul is one of the most legendary spots in the city where trendy patrons come to dine, drink and party while soaking in 360 views of Beyoglu and the Bosphorus. From the top of the swanky rooftop terrace, you can catch panoramic views of everything between Taksim and the curve of the Golden Horn.


360 Istanbul is a forever trendy restaurant and bar which turns into a club with live shows and DJs at night. The venue is known for hosting the most legendary New Year’s Eve parties in the entire city. Dining at 360 is a must as the menu offers tons of delicious dishes, many of which are familiar mezzes with an international twist. The duck and lentil samosas which you dip in a tangy tamarind and dried fig preserve are addictive, as are the crisp shrimp puri spheres with tarama aioli. Plus, you can’t leave without trying the zucchini flower dolmas with radish and dill yogurt are a house signature. For mains, there’s a long list of 360 Legends to choose from, which include beautifully prepared upmarket items like the 360 Lamb Rack Confit, Slow Roasted Cherry Duck and Glazed Octopus with Sumac Molasses.



Whether you’re looking for a swanky ambience for dinner and drinks, or a hopping club spot to party all night, 360 Istanbul is an essential stop during any trip to Istanbul.

16 Roof at Swissotel The Bosphorus
16 Roof is the swish rooftop at the top of Swissotel The Bosphorus, where the double-deck rooftop feels like it’s suspended in air. From 16 Roof, you get extensive views of the eastern end of the Bosphorus facing the Asian side on one side, then the bright lights of the cityscape leading to Dolmabahce Mosque on the other.



The rooftop restaurant bar is a vibe with sexy mood lighting and DJs spinning eclectic beats into the evening. The menu offers tasty sushi rolls, our favorites being the Ceviche and Volcano rolls, as well as a range of snacks and finger food. The signature cocktail menu is divine with a long list of refreshing and colorful drinks to die for. There’s an entire list of signature martinis like the Bosphorus Passion with Absolut, passion fruit and lime, or the Strawberry Crash with gin, strawberry, basil and balsamic. Everything is fresh, fragrant and guaranteed to make your tastebuds tingle. Climb up to 16 Roof for a chic and scenic night out at the top floor at Swissotel The Bosphorus.



Firuzende Galata
If you want views of Galata Tower, there’s no place better to get them than Firuzende. The outdoor rooftop at Firuzende literally puts you next to Galata Tower. The tower is so close to the rooftop that you feel like you can practically touch the stones the make up the tower. Not only do you get the full-frontal view of Galata Tower, but you also get sweeping views of the Bosphorus facing Galata Port and the hills on the Asian side. The views somehow get even better when you go inside the dining room to the restaurant side. If you’re lucky enough to snag a table by the window at Firuzende, you’ll get jaw dropping floor-to-ceiling views from Ataturk Bridge to the entire skyline of Fatih and the mosques on the Suleymaniye side.



Those who want a sit-down meal should definitely reserve a table inside for the panoramic views, while the outdoor rooftop is better for those stopping by for a drink. The restaurant offers an eclectic menu of fresh international fare and the vibrant drinks on the cocktail menu are perfect for a midday pitstop with views.



Mimar Sinan Teras Cafe
On the Suleymaniye side, it’s very difficult to top the views at Mimar Sinan Teras Cafe. Mimar Sinan Teras Cafe is located right under the majestic Suleymaniye Mosque. From the open-air terrace, there are unfettered views of Suleymaniye Mosque in its entirety, as well as everything along the curve of the Golden Horn, including Ataturk Bridge, Galata Tower and Camlica Tower on the Asian side.



As you can imagine, nothing beats enjoying a full breakfast spread or coffee right next to Suleymaniye Mosque. Mimar Sinan Teras Cafe has an all-day menu of standard Turkish plates, mezzes and snacks to enjoy. If the terrace is too cold, the indoor dining room downstairs is also lovely with wide panoramic windows of the same views. Mimar Sinan Teras Cafe is a local gem for those times when you want to sit down to a Turkish meal or coffee with some of the most epic views you’ll ever see in Istanbul! SEE ALSO: 18 of the Best Things to Do in Istanbul

Resto Galata Terrace
Resto Galata Terrace is perfect for popping into on your way to or from exploring all the mosques and attractions on the Fatih side. Located on the main road which leads to Eminonu Port and the Spice Bazaar, from Resto Galata Terrace there’s views of both Galata and Ataturk Bridge as well as Galata Tower on the Karakoy side.



To get to the restaurant, you must enter Eyup Sultan Turkish Delight sweet shop from the main road and take the elevator up to the second floor. From there, you’ll enter a colorful lounge with comfy divans and wide-set windows looking out to the views. You can dine in and order a wide variety of Turkish plates like kebabs, burgers and grilled fish and meats. Or you can simply stop by to have some tea and drinks, or even smoke some hookah if you’d like. We highly recommend ordering the baklava if you’re craving a snack, as the waiter will stack ice cream in between crispy layers then sprinkle some fresh pistachios on top. Definitely the most delightful surprise that will make those views extra sweet! SEE ALSO: Istanbul Neighborhood Breakdown


Baraka Balat Cafe
Baraka Balat Cafe is the cutest pit stop for those days when you manage to take the ferry over to Balat. The multi-story cafe is cozy and inviting, with cool graffiti art and homey decor on the inside and a cute, intimate rooftop up top. The cafe is located right below Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, one of the most salient attractions in Balat. From the rooftop you can see the stunning and interesting red orthodox church up close. And when you look further out, you can see the blue ribbon of Bosphorus and the colorful rustic buildings which Balat is known for.



Baraka Balat Cafe serves coffee, tea, juice and light snacks. You can order delectable homemade cakes to go with your coffee or croissants loaded with eggs, ham, chocolate or fruits. When you’re ready to pop into a cozy cafe after a day of exploring Balat, Baraka Balat Cafe is the only place you need to know for tasty cafe fare and views.
