Wine + dine Istanbul: top 5 bars and restaurants

Istanbul trinkets

Turkey delivers on all fronts, especially the food one. This destination is enjoyed by all the senses but without a doubt, taste comes out on top. Baklava, steaming hot bread, Turkish Delight, kofte, Turkish coffee … there’s always a reason to stop, sit and indulge as the locals do. Eating is a way of life in Turkey, particularly in Istanbul.

Eating is a way of life here.

To truly take in this thriving city, you have to embrace it. And I can assure you my husband and I did just that, taking the approach that a full Turkish belly was one we’d deal with … in the future.

Glowing pomegranates on every corner.

If you’re planning a Turkish holiday, or simply dreaming (we don’t blame you!), here are my top five Istanbul bar and restaurant tips to help you on your way.

1. Gaya Bar Rooftop – Swissotel The Bosphorus
As the Asian and European sides of the city come to life as the sun sets, Gaya Bar Rooftop is the place to be – and be seen. Located at the 16th floor of the Swissôtel The Bosphorous, the rooftop bar is minimalist and modern in style, leaving the view (and not to mention gorgeous crowd) to speak for itself.

Fisherman lining the Bosphorous.

The menu is extensive and more European than an authentic Turkish experience. It’s an exy dining experience but the quality and service are of a standard to match your credit card bill. A word of warning – the bill will be significantly higher should you indulge in Gaya’s extensive signature cocktails. In saying that, I highly recommend you do as its well worth it!

Where: Gaya Rooftop: 16 floor of the Swissotel The Bosphorus – Bayildim Cad. No.2 Macka, Besiktas, Istanbul

2. Leb-i-Derya Kumbaracı

If you ask the locals around Istanbul where to go for a dose of spoiling and a spectacular rooftop view, you’ll be directed to Leb-i-Deyra time and time again. Something to keep in mind: there are two Leb-i-Deyra venues which can be confusing for tourists. Leb-i-Deyra Kumbaracı was one of the first rooftop bars in Istanbul and out of the two, gets my recommendation.

This bar can be a tricky one to find but well worth the hunt. Here are a few tips: walk up the well known Istiklal Caddesi towards Tünel and keep an eye out on your left for a small side street on your left called Kumbaracı Yokuşu. Once you’re on the street, look for Leb-i Derya’s logo on one of the houses. Then it’s a case of making your way to the sixth floor and up another flight of stairs.

Cheers!

From the top, the view of both the city and the Bosphorous is stunning and proved to be the perfect location for an afternoon glass of rose. The terrace outside is small so get there early to nab a seat. I can assure you it will be one of the best in Istanbul! Do keep in mind however that drinks are pricey. If you’re not after an expensive night out, I recommend calling in for a beverage or two and then kicking on to dinner elsewhere.

Where? Leb-i-Deyra Kumbaracı: Kumbaracı Yokuşu 57/6 Tunel, Beyoğlu, Istanbul

The view from Leb-i-deyra Kumbaracı.

3. Cosy Bar and Pub, Sultanahmet

Several people sent us off on our holiday with the tip to always look “up” when wandering Istanbul as often the city’s best secrets will be found on a rooftop. Cosy Bar and Pub is a fine example of just that. It appears just as the name suggests, warm and inviting – and offered the promise of an amazing view. We were willing to climb the stairs and take their word for it and we weren’t disappointed.

The Blue Mosque, Istanbul.

The view of the Blue Mosque from the top was magical. There’s something truly unique about enjoying a refreshing Efes (Turkish beer) as the enchanting sound of the Muslim prayer call echoes across the city. That combined with delicious meze and great service from a friendly, young waiter provided all we needed for a very enjoyable, relaxed afternoon. Although we planned only a quick break, the view was so impressive, we ended up staying for several hours.

Where? Divanyolu Caddesi 66, Sultanahmet

4. Sensus Wine Bar & Cheese Boutique, Istanbul

The owner of boutique hotel chain, Dila Suites kindly recommended this wine bar to us, insisting we must visit his favourite local hang outs; Sensus Wine Bar & Cheese Boutique. Tucked away in a small side street near the Galata Tower, this centrally located venue is a must for any wine lover interested in tasting a local drop.

The bar is lined wall to wall with Turkish wines from across the country and at first site, can appear quite overwhelming. We decided to park ourselves at the bar and learn the ropes from the bar tender whose enthusiasm and generosity for wine made our night. Before buying a glass, he gave us an informative run down on the wine and the region it came from and in some instances, gave us a taste to ensure it matched what we were after. If you can, I highly recommend sitting at the bar over a table as chatting to the bar tender is an experience in itself.

Each glass went down a treat, matched perfectly with a devine seasonal, Turkish cheese platter. A word of warning, no matter how much you love cheese, the large cheese platter (five cheeses and limited crackers) is a challenge to get through with only two people. We gave it a good shot but dinner afterwards was a struggle!

Where? Sensus Wine Bar & Cheese Boutique: Büyükhendek Caddesi 5, Kuledibi, Istanbul

5. Tophane Nagile Cafés

Tophine Nagile Cafe.

A visit to Istanbul wouldn’t be complete without a glass of Turkish tea enjoyed with shisha in hand over game of backgammon. If you’re wondering where to do so, head to Tophane and follow the smell of sweet tobacco. We spent many an afternoon relaxing as the locals do in one of the many cafes behind the Nusretiye Mosque.

Shisha in hand over game of backgammon

Backgammon boards are available on mass as are TV screens playing a variety of sport. The café owners will beckon you in as you walk past but as always, the best way is to simply ignore them and make your own choice. In terms of backgammon, shisha, tea and snacks, all the cafes are very much the same so we made our decision simply on what chairs looked the most appealing! Do be wary of the “free” tea and nuts that the waiters bring around. If you eat or drink them, you are likely to cop the bill for them on your way out even though you never ordered them.

Rosehip tea at a Nagile Cafe Tophane.

Where? Street off Necatibey Caddesi, Tophane, Istanbul

Have you been to Turkey and have some great tips yourself? Please, do tell! We’d love to hear from you.

Take me there!
Tempted to make your 2014 escape a Turkish one? Check out the hottest flights to Turkey and once you’re locked in, here are some ideas as where to stay once you’re there.