Straddling two continents, Istanbul is one of the largest cities in the world. Easy to tell, this buzzing city offers a whole lot to see, and also, a whole lot to eat.
To get a perfect mix of food adventures and amazing views over the Bosphorus and other iconic landmarks, head to one of the Istanbul rooftop restaurants.
Our list of the 5 best rooftop restaurants in Istanbul ranges from luxurious and elevated venues, to more charming and authentic ones.
Located at the superb The Bank Hotel Istanbul, Serica Restaurant offers an elevated setting to enjoy Istanbul from above.
Set above the up-and-coming district of Karaköy, the elegant rooftop restaurant features a stylish and sleek interior dining room with open kitchen and panoramic windows, as well as an outdoor terrace stretching around the venue.
Through the windows inside, and out on the alfresco terrace, you get beautiful views over the Old City.
Serica's story is based on the lands of this geography, which is the cradle of different cultures, whose roots and origins reach back to centuries.
Chef Yiğit Alicioğlu says that the geographically marked local materials existing in these lands are the subject on the plates, and describes his adventure from soil to plate with his menu.
The Serica Restaurant menu, which takes the texture of each dish from the farmer, the color from the soil, and the taste from the chef's methods, re-presents flavors with up-to-date methods, while preserving its existing cultural richness.
While experiencing the fresh Aegean, the rich Black Sea, the cult Central Anatolia and the multicolored Southeast in this menu, you sense that the only climate is to protect the existing unique lands.
SERICA
Azapkapi, Bankalar Cd. No:5, Karakoy, 34321 Beyoglu/Istanbul
Daily: Dinner
Modern Turkish
Spago is a stylish rooftop restaurant and lounge by famous Chef Wolfgang Puck, set on top of the fantastic hotel The St. Regis Istanbul.
Floating above the Nişantaşı district, one of the most prestigious areas of Istanbul, the rooftop mixes indoor and year-round outdoor seating, and comes with some amazing views over Bosphoren and the close by Maçka Democracy Park.
The rooftop menu is drawn from a seasonal, modern concept, taking guests on a culinary adventure through a new eclectic fusion of dishes mixed with American, Asian and Italian influences.
With a signature farm-to-table philosophy, the menu features Puck's famed wood-oven pizzas, appetizers, handmade pastas, a wide selection of entrées as well as seasonal cuisine with influences from all around the world.
Complementing the food you find an uncompromising selection of Californian and international wines, as well as signature cocktails, high-end spirits and fine champagne.
SPAGO
Mim Kemal Öke Cad. No:35 Nişantaşı - Şişli, Istanbul 34367
Daily: Lunch / Dinner
American, Asian & Italian
Located on the top floor of the fashionable Marmara Pera Hotel, Mikla opened in October 2005, and has pretty much from the start been seen as one of the very top restaurants in Istanbul.
Urban, sleek and stylish, the rooftop restaurant is funky retro with chrome 70’s and 50’s furniture, and offers amazing views that stretch to the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace.
In 2012, Mikla launched its visionary ‘New Anatolian Kitchen’, an approach where traditional and true ‘noble’ products are treated with utmost respect while being transformed with a blend of new and ancient techniques.
The dishes are filled with carefully sourced and selected ingredients, from Istanbul and throughout Turkey. Choose from the three course prix fixe a la carte menu, or if you feel more adventurous, a 7 course tasting menu.
Present on 'The Worlds 50 Best Restaurant' list since 2015, Mikla is sure to offer you an elevated and special experience.
MIKLA
The Marmara Pera, Meşrutiyet Caddesi 15, 34430, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Daily: Dinner
‘New Anatolian Kitchen’
Found right next to the famous Istiklal Street, the exceptional RUZ Hotels comes with a beautiful rooftop bar & restaurant, called Simone.
With bar on the 5th floor, the most elevated spot here is the 6th floor restaurant, blending panoramic interior seating with outdoor terraces, all surrounded with breathtaking views over Istanbul, including a close look on the majestic Galata Tower.
The Simon menu is inspired by the Mediterranean cuisine and consisting of flavors specially prepared for the season. Try some of the delicious pizza, or go for some fresh pasta.
The food is served from the good and nutritious breakfast, through sunny lunches and charming dinners, in a lovely and laid back atmosphere.
Visit for a glass of wine or crafted signature cocktails with amazing sunset views, or make new memories around the dinner table.
SIMONE
Asmalı Mescit, General Yazgan Sk. No:6, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
Daily: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Mediterranean
While not the highest rooftop restaurant in Istanbul, Seven Hills Restaurant still offers some of the most special views, over the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum and the Bosphorus.
This means great photo-ops, but Seven Hills Restaurant is also popular for its cuisine, atmosphere and location in the heart of Istanbul.
Seating 80 indoors and 120 on the outdoor terrace, the rooftop menu features the best fish brought in fresh daily from the Marmara Sea, along with both local Turkish and international dishes.
Open from the Turkish Organic Breakfast to late dinner, Seven Hills Restaurant comes with a great atmosphere and friendly service, and it is a spot easy to spend hours and just enjoy the vibes and views.
SEVEN HILLS RESTAURANT
Cankurtaran Mah., Tevkifhane Sok. No: 8, 34400, Sultanahmet – Istanbul
Daily: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Seafood / Turkish
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