7 Restaurants With The Best Views In Istanbul

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

Yıldız, Çırağan Cd. No:32, 34349 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye

Akdeniz Bosphorus views
Akdeniz Bosphorus views. PHOTO NADIA CHO

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.

Akdeniz terrace
Akdeniz terrace. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Akdeniz roasted pumpkin
Akdeniz roasted pumpkin. PHOTO NADIA CHO

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 Jumbo garlic prawns
Akdeniz Jumbo garlic prawns. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Akdeniz by Esra Muslu
Akdeniz by Esra Muslu. PHOTO NADIA CHO

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!

Akdeniz Butterfly Seabass
Akdeniz Butterfly Seabass. PHOTO NADIA CHO

360 Istanbul

Tomtom Mah. İstiklal Cad. No:163 K: 8, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

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 Beyoglu views
360 Istanbul Beyoglu views. PHOTO NADIA CHO
360 Istanbul creative mezzes
360 Istanbul creative mezzes. PHOTO NADIA CHO

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.

360 Istanbul rooftop
360 Istanbul rooftop. PHOTO NADIA CHO
360 Istanbul lamb rack
360 Istanbul lamb rack. PHOTO NADIA CHO
360 Istanbul signature cocktails
360 Istanbul signature cocktails. PHOTO NADIA CHO

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.

360 Istanbul dining room
360 Istanbul dining room. PHOTO NADIA CHO

16 Roof at Swissotel The Bosphorus

Vişnezade, Acısu Sokaği No:19, 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye

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.

16 Roof Dolmabahce Mosque views
16 Roof Dolmabahce Mosque views. PHOTO NADIA CHO
16 Roof Strawberry Crash
16 Roof Strawberry Crash. PHOTO NADIA CHO
16 Roof sushi and cocktails
16 Roof sushi and cocktails. PHOTO NADIA CHO

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.

16 Roof Swissotel the Bosphorus
16 Roof Swissotel the Bosphorus. PHOTO NADIA CHO
16 Roof Bosphorus Passion
16 Roof Bosphorus Passion. PHOTO NADIA CHO
16 Roof dragon roll
16 Roof dragon roll. PHOTO NADIA CHO

Firuzende Galata

Bereketzade, No:5, Büyük Hendek Cd., 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

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.

Firuzende Galata
Firuzende Galata. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Firuzende Galatadining room
Firuzende Galatadining room. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Firuzende Galata Fatih views
Firuzende Galata Fatih views. PHOTO NADIA CHO

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.

Firuzende Galata Bosphorus views
Firuzende Galata Bosphorus views. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Firuzende Galata Golden Horn views
Firuzende Galata Golden Horn views. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Firuzende drinks
Firuzende drinks. PHOTO NADIA CHO

Mimar Sinan Teras Cafe

Demirtaş, Fetva Ykş. No:34, 34134 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

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.

Mimar Sinan Terrace
Mimar Sinan Terrace. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Mimar Sinan Golden Horn views
Mimar Sinan Golden Horn views. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Mimar Sinan
Mimar Sinan. PHOTO NADIA CHO

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

Mimar Sinan Suleymaniye Mosque view
Mimar Sinan Suleymaniye Mosque view. PHOTO NADIA CHO

Resto Galata Terrace

Yavuz Sinan Mah.Ragıp Gümüşpala Cad, Resto Galata Terrace, Unkapanı Cd. No:69 kat 4, 34134 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

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.

Resto Galata Terrace Ataturk Bridge
Resto Galata Terrace Ataturk Bridge. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Resto Galata Terrace views
Resto Galata Terrace views. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Resto Galata Lounge
Resto Galata Lounge. PHOTO NADIA CHO

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 

Resto Galata Turkish tea
Resto Galata Turkish tea. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Resto Galata Baklava with ice cream
Resto Galata Baklava with ice cream. PHOTO NADIA CHO

Baraka Balat Cafe

Balat, Sancaktar Ykş. No:40, 34807 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

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 Bosphorus views
Baraka Balat Cafe Bosphorus views. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Baraka Balata Cafe
Baraka Balata Cafe. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Baraka Balata Cafe art
Baraka Balata Cafe art. PHOTO NADIA CHO

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.

Baraka Balat Cafe coffee
Baraka Balat Cafe coffee. PHOTO NADIA CHO
Nadia Cho

Communications Associate

As the empowered female behind the blog: International Women of Mystery, Nadia reps Team JST traveling the world in search of exclusive features on hidden gems and cool hotspots. You can find her exploring metropolitan cities or lounging on tropical beaches.

Jetset Times in your inbox

Sign-up for our newsletter

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and European users agree to the data transfer policy.