It is evening as I sit by the azure pool of the Çırağan Palace and I imagine this is how the Sultans from the past might have enjoyed their evenings. The present day Turks, are similar to their Ottoman forefathers, they live and love luxury. So if you want the crème-de-la-crème of luxury travel in Istanbul, then look no further then these spots I have lined up for you. Rub shoulders with celebrities, politicians, artists and the well heeled who come out to play in this city, which interestingly enough has one of the highest numbers of billionaires in the world.
A slice of opulence – eating out
International Cuisine
Sunset Grill and Bar
If you’ve ever wondered how it is to dine on an expensive piece of art, you have come to the right place. For those lucky enough, once you finish your sumptuous meal you’ll see the art of acclaimed Turkish contemporary artist Burhan Doğançay right there on your plate! And vying for your attention will also be the stunning views of the Bosphorus.
Click HERE and enjoy my previous post about this place.
Mikla
Mikla is chic; it’s the old and the contemporary all rolled into one. It’s an idea, born forth from rethinking the Anatolian kitchen. So think of rare ingredients from villages far flung, of old cooking techniques – all given its place in the modern times. Speaking of going back to the roots Mikla’s delightful Turkish-Scandinavian menu nods to the owner’s heritage.
Spago by Wolfgang Puck at St. Regis
Share a meal with Leonardo DiCaprio or well, the chef who caters to Hollywood’s royalty at the Academy Awards – it’s none other than Wolfgang Puck, chef extraordinaire who has brought his signature brand to Istanbul. And here you’ll find tasteful luxury that exudes from its interiors, the cuisine and all perfectly complemented against the stunning backdrop of the city.
Aqua Four Seasons
Enjoy views of the blue waters of the Bosphorus with some blues playing in the background at Aqua. And top up that with exquisite food from chef Sebastiano Spriveri’s twist on Mediterranean and Turkish classics, alfresco style.
Ioki Sushi
Ioki is a meeting of the occident and the orient in a rather rare manner. As connoisseurs of sushi will find out and relish – this most innovative fusion of Japanese, Turkish, and Peruvian culinary arts.
Turkish delights
Turkish Cuisine
Tuğra Restaurant
The word Tuğraa describes the Ottoman’s Sultans’ elegant calligraphic signature and it’s incorporated in the fine dinnerware of the restaurant. Not only that, the menu borrows from historic recipe archives of places like the Topkapi palace. And when you dine here you feel every inch a royal.
Borsa Restaurant
Istanbul’s iconic Borsa restaurant is where the who’s who have been coming for the authentic Turkish dining experience since 1927. What’s more, the menu has never stayed the same since then, with the regular addition of new innovative dishes.
Yeniköy Kaşıbeyaz Bosphorus
Yeniköy is arguably one of the top spots for the best meat in town. It holds sway over the city with its choice location along the seaside, organic food and classical meat dishes.
Park Fora (seafood)
Surround yourself with the blues of the Bosphorus and the greens of the Kuruçeşme Park when you dine here. Seafood aficionados will appreciate this elegantly designed restaurant that offer the freshest catch of the day with an ever-innovative menu.
Suda Kebab
Island dining between 2 continents is where it’s at – Suda Kebab is a great place for meat lovers, has unbeatable views and is also easy on your pocket. Highly recommended for summer visits.
Laps of luxury – poolside
For the ultimate splurge – Çırağan Palace Kempinski
Plunge into luxury in the sparkling pool of this former Ottoman Palace all year round. Why should summer have all the fun right? Enjoy the heated infinity pool in the wintertime where it has been said that you feel like you are floating on the Bosphorus.
Man-made island in the Bosporus: Suada Club
A boat ride. An island. 360 degree views of two continents. Chic cabanas. Seawater filled pools. You can go to t by the Sea Taxi , and it is very easy on your pocket. There is such a thing as having it all after all.
The bohemian high life: Soho House Istanbul
This is as exclusive as it gets. It’s a membership only place for artistic minds to mingle and invigorate with 87 unique rooms, a cowshed spa and two rooftop pools.
The Marmara Taksim Hotel
Unparalleled location in the heart of the business district, the fashionable Marmara Taksim hotel has an outdoor pool deck and spa with a Turkish hammam.
Sun and fun with the glitterati: Les Ottomans
One of the poshest hotels in the city, it is popular with international stars and boasts the only Vinotherapie spa in the country.
Clink flutes – drinking
Petit “O” Bar St. Regis
Experience art from the internationally acclaimed Turkish artist Bedri Baykam and take a swig of a Misty Mary, a twist on the Bloody Mary with the flavours of Anatolia and Istanbul in a glass.
Mandoline Terrace at Soho house Istanbul
If you fancy a drink at this former US consulate, it’s a really hip spot where the traditional meets the modern and easily one of the most charming places for a sundowner.
Mikla (Rooftop bar)
Mikla will always leave a lasting impression – its chic minimalism, great music, bountiful scented greens will make you crave for more. Not to forget magnificent 360 degree views that make you feel on top of the world.
Sunset grill and bar (Cocktail area)
A hotspot for business people closing deals and to unwind thereafter, the Sunset bar ticks all the right boxes. The ambience is stellar and you can enjoy a drink inside or outside the cocktail area.
La Mancha (Lounge)
Soak up the view and a cocktail at this popular bar in the Kuruçeşme district. Plus the bartenders mixing the cocktails are a treat to watch.
Meet the glitterati – nightlife
Ulus 29
Celebrity DJs are a regular fixture at Ulus29, from U2’s official DJ Matteo to DJ Sam Young. And not only the sound but you’ll also find one of the best views of Istanbul and of the jet set here.
After Sunset @ Sunset Grill & Bar
Best spot to mingle with upscale singles and for some terrific live music. The beautiful view of the skyline adds to the magical night ambience, especially on full moon nights.
Sortie
Open 12 months of the year, Sortie hosts 7 restaurants that will satisfy every craving. It’s also the perfect place to let your hair down and dance the night away.
Anjelique
A favourite with the jet set and model crowd, Anjelique is simplicity and pure class combined. The angled mirror designs of Mahmut Anlar seem to offer a different view of the Bosphorus from the inside.
Reina (closed since the attack in January 2017)
By now everyone has heard of the attack and sadlythe place is closed , however, it was my best night spot in the city. You would probably bump into Paris Hilton, Uma Thurman or Kevin Costner in this celebrity hotspot while dancing the night away and sipping on your cocktail. The queues are long but oh-so-worth-it.
The Morning after – Breakfast and Coffee
Lokma
Jumpstart your day with the best of Turkish and world-cuisine at this gorgeous spot in the Rumelian Fortress area.
The House Cafe
The House Cafe restaurants have been designed by the award-winning Autoban Design Office and are a favourite haunt of Istanbulites. Blending contemporary, traditional and industrial elements, these trendy spots never go out of style.
Kale Rumeli Hisari
The iconic Anthony Bourdain featured this cozy little spot in his show ‘No Reservations’. And the show did it justice, it might be mid-range but their breakfast is anything but and is one of the absolute best.
Click HERE and enjoy my previous post about this place.
Lucca
Famed for its 10.00 AM to 02.00 AM meals and music (their Brunch is special), dining in Lucca feels like hanging out at your cool friend’s stylish place. Fill up on the stunning view of Bebek and great lively bar scene.
Hudson
Start being in many Istanbulites books, Hudson attracts the high society in droves. It has a lively beat in the night but becomes a quieter spot for that perfect brunch in the day. It’s located in the posh district of Bebek.
Click HERE and enjoy my previous post about this place.
The hotels listed below offer a great breakfast spread but I also love to try different restaurants and cafes in the city.
Luxe abodes – Hotels
These hotels offer not only the best night’s sleep but also its luxurious facilities, restaurants and gardens will refresh your senses. Head there for a quick cocktail or hookah, or a pampering massage and I guarantee you that it will be an unforgettable experience.
Four Seasons Sultan Ahmet (Ottoman design)
This neoclassical building was once a Turkish prison but it’s been so beautifully converted that you never want to leave. It is the perfect mix of old world charm and modern amenities. Plus its location is just perfect; it’s at the heart of the city and offers views of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Four Seasons Bosphorus
Çırağan Palace Kempinski
This converted Ottoman palace is the only Luxury Imperial Palace Hotel in Turkey and also the only one accessible by car, yacht and helicopter. How is that for exclusivity?
St. Regis (modern design)
Every niche of this world-class hotel has been carefully thought out – it’s inspired living, taken form. There are many features to rave about, however I would like to highlight the exquisitely designed Bentley suite of which only 2 exists in the world.
Shangri-La
Converted form a former 1930s tobacco warehouse, Shangri-La is luxurious to a T and has an enviable location next to the famous Dolmabahçe Palace right by the water.
The Raffles
This modern beauty sits right at the hub of all major districts in Istanbul. It hosts the famed restaurant Arola where the Michelin starred chef Sergi Arola spins out amazing fare. Not to be missed.
Les Ottomans
Very few seaside mansions or Yali’s, remain in Istanbul and one of them has been converted into the very chic boutique hotel – Les Ottomans. It features only 10 suites and is a favourite with celebrities. Head here when you want to get away from the bustle of the city.
#Travelwithjam if you visited any of these places 🙂
Love ,
