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. Here you find both luxurious and elevated venues, as well as more charming and authentic ones.
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Here's our list of the 6 best rooftop restaurants in Istanbul.
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
Found on the 12th floor of DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul - Moda, on the Asian side of İstanbul, Hood Rooftop Restaurant & Bar invites guests to experience the perfect blend of breathtaking views and exquisite flavors.
Equipped with a retractable roof, and almost seamlessly blending interior and outdoor seating, the beautiful rooftop is open all year round.
Have a seat by the elegant dining tables, or in one of the comfy lounge sofas, and enjoy amazing panoramic views over Istanbul and the sea, stretching from Princes' Islands to the Bosphorus Strait.
While taking in the vistas, you can sample the delicious food menu, filled with distinguished flavors from world cuisine, as well as authentic tastes.
There are soups and fresh salads, hot & cold appetizers, handmade pastas and risotto, and filling mains invluding 'Dry Aged Ribey', 'Grilled Salmon' and 'Chicken Thighs Roulade'.
Drink-wise, Hood offers a carefully curated selection of wine by both glass and bottle, specially crafted cocktails filled with flavor and elegance, as well as international beers and premium spirits.
With a warm and sophisticated atmosphere, Hood is a prime spot for special evenings above Istanbul.
HOOD
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
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
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
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
Hans has visited over 500 rooftop bars, 200 rooftop pools and 300 rooftop restaurants since 2015. This vast experience has made Hans a true rooftop expert, and one of the most knowledgeable in the field. Today, numerous of travel magazines, bloggers and media websites contact Hans to get his expertise on rooftops.
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