Top 10 Rooftops in Istanbul
Rooftop restaurants are unquestionably the nicest venues to spend a pleasant evening or day time in Istanbul. In recent years, it has been observed that superior places with a view have opened above skyscrapers and hotels. These areas, which are becoming spring and summer attraction points, become lively at sunset.
The Bank Roof Bar
Historic buildings on the Karaköy-Galata railway are being renovated one by one and brought back into operation. Formerly Voyvoda, now known as Bankalar Caddesi, is one of the areas with the most of these buildings. The Bank Hotel is housed in one of the most notable structures on the street. The role of gastronomy in tourism has grown in recent years, and the hotel now houses two prominent locations on its upper levels. Serica Restaurant is a gourmet dining establishment inspired by the eating and drinking traditions of the Silk Road civilizations. The Bank Roof Bar, on the other hand, is a significant terrace bar that draws sophisticated tourists as well as locals with its view, signature drinks, and atmosphere.
Simone
The view is obviously one of the most attractive elements of Simone Istanbul, which has quickly earned many regulars. The view of Pera on one side and the Golden Horn on the other is a different Istanbul beauty from every corner. Spending time in the venue while watching the sunset against the Galata Tower is a unique delight. It will be quite enjoyable to spend your hours with Simone Istanbul’s famous cocktails, especially when the sun sets in the afternoon; nonetheless, Simone is a spot that may be favored for any meal, at any time of day. We are confronted with a location that has a different vibe at each hour. It is advantageous to make a reservation for the popular setting, especially in the evenings when there are DJ performances.
16 Roof
16 Roof was created to dominate the view from all directions, with three cascading zones that are all open spaces and ascend above. While the restaurant layout is served by the entrance and higher level sections of the location, the top area provides a pleasant bar and lounge area. The lounge-bar portion, which is open between 17:00 and 02:00 and hosts DJ performances seven days a week, is probably the most entertaining spot to start the night with its vibrant atmosphere. The venue, which becomes vibrant in the evening, then transitions to supper mode, and the beat of the music grows again in the hours that follow.
Monkey
Monkey Bar, opened in the İKSV building, fills up in the afternoon, and the sunset hours are the most enjoyable time. Monkey has become one of the iconic places of Istanbul in a short time with its seating arrangement that leaves its guests alone with the view, cocktails and cool music playing. The pleasant terrace, which does not serve food, can also be considered as a cocktail-bar in a sense. The only bad thing about Monkey Bar is that it is closed in winter because it is not covered.
Duble Meze Pera
When Duble Meze Pera launched in 2013, it started a new trend in Istanbul. This style emphasized dining at a table while enjoying fine food and Turkish 90s pop music. The music playing in here is excellent, and the ambience is quite pleasant. Restaurant serves a set menu consist of mezzes, appetizers and a main course app 40$ per person (food is ok) So you can enjoy with dinner in addition to having fun here with 90’s Turkish Pop Music. It is best suited for crowded friend gatherings, celebrations and for tourists who want to see local entertainment.
Barnathan
Barnathan, is a place located in the heart of Galata, all day serving style brasserie-bar. The restaurant-bar is operating by Barnathan Hotel which opened in 2021. Barnathan Brasserie is located in the first floor of the hotel with a spacious patio. But definitely the terrace part of the place is more popular which has a stunning view of old city include Galata tower. Barnathan is opening at 08:30 with breakfast service and provides world cuisine dishes among the day. Also the place can visited as a cafe during the day. Barnathan Roof is opening in afternoon depends on season and mostly accept guests for dinner with reservation. Hotel is hosting some exhibitions in its particular floors during the year. Barnathan is one of the latest opening terrace in the town considered popular but not having regular guests.
Spago
Spago, the terrace venue at St Regis hotel, best fits the casual fine dining restaurant concept with its elegant and comfortable ambience. Spago’s signature dishes include Pizza with Salmon and Caviar, Butter Lettuce, and Organic Chicken. For bar guests, the snack bar serves sushi alternatives and street foods such as pizza, felafel, and spring rolls. Spago Istanbul’s bar & terrace is open daily from 3 pm to 2 am, and serves cuisine from 6 pm to 11 pm. After work, the patio bar is always busy, (live music some days) especially during summer time. Winter guests may also enjoy a lively downtown restaurant with a view-dominating seating layout.
Mangerie
Mangerie is one of the classic places in Bebek, has been popular in this district for many years. Mangerie is really makes happy with its sea view, watching ships and Bebek’s streets. This place has a calm and bohemian atmosphere adorned with very soft colors. If we talk about the menu, we can say that; you can spend time here from morning to evening. It’s a busy place at all hours and all meals. But our advice is; you should have breakfast here accompanied by the sun. The breakfast products are very fresh. Especially the pancakes are very delicious.
Seven Hill Sultanahmet
Seven Hill is a rooftop restaurant at Seven Hill Hotel, located in Sultanahmet. The food is not very good but it may be considered as an option to see a good city view. This place has a touristic vibe. Also there are many historical places in this area. If you are looking for a rest after discovering the amazing history of Istanbul, you can choose this place for a coffee.
Bebek Otel Roof
Bebek Otel Roof is one of the most popular rooftops at Bebek, which is crowded at every hour of the day. We advice you to do a reservation before going to this place. You can enjoy amazing view here all time of the day. Bebek Otel Roof serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also it’s has a great bar to enjoy after dinner. It’s an elegant place to dress to impress!
