There are restaurants we go to because we're hungry. And then there are restaurants where we say beforehand: today we're doing exactly this. An appointment, a reservation, maybe dressing up a bit nicer. And looking forward to it.
These are restaurants in Istanbul we don't just visit casually: Barnathan, Nusr-Et, rooftops & special places where the whole experience counts.
For me, that has nothing to do with "you have to blow money on holiday." It's about: this experience is worth the money to me today. You'll find the whole food overview here.
Barnathan — a view, history, and that OMG feeling
Barnathan is probably one of the best examples. We don't just happen to pass by and say, "oh, we're hungry." We plan Barnathan. Because there I want to sit, look, enjoy, take photos. And have this feeling: OMG, look at Istanbul.
The Barnathan Roof sits on the historic Barnathan Apartment from 1892. From the terrace you can experience the Galata Tower, the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus together. And that's exactly a restaurant where I say: yes. Today we treat ourselves to this. Not because we want to spend as much money as possible. But because I want this whole package.
- Address: Şahkulu Mahallesi, Tımarcı Sokak No:1, Beyoğlu
- What we like there: the view of the Galata Tower, Golden Horn and Bosphorus from the historic building
- Good for: a deliberately planned, special occasion
- Price feel: €€€
- Our tip: reserve
- Website: Barnathan Roof
You'll find more on Barnathan and other addresses nearby in our Karaköy & Galata guide as well.
Nusr-Et Etiler — feeling like a star for a moment
On our first Istanbul visit, we of course wanted to experience the well-known things. On the second one too. And at some point we ended up at Nusr-Et Etiler. And to this day I say: amazing.
Of course it's not the restaurant we go to every other evening. But that service! You feel like you have ten waiters around you. 😂 For one evening you really do feel a little like a star. And then, of course, there's the meat, the presentation, the whole show.
But I also think this is important: you don't automatically have to order the most expensive cut of meat on the menu. Check the menu beforehand. Decide. And if it fits for you: enjoy it. We went back there again later for special occasions. And that's exactly what I see Nusr-Et for these days.
- Address: Nisbetiye Cd. No:87, Etiler / Beşiktaş
- What we like there: the service, the presentation, the whole experience
- Good for: a special occasion, not your everyday restaurant visit
- Price feel: €€€
- Our tip: check the menu beforehand — you don't have to order the most expensive dish
- Website: Nusr-Et Etiler
Galata Rooftop Ocakbaşı — sometimes a view is simply part of it
Rooftops are naturally more touristy. So what? 😂 Sometimes I just want to see Istanbul from above. The only difference is: I don't want to pick just any rooftop because "rooftop" is written on the door. For me, the view, the food and the atmosphere have to fit together. And when I'm in Galata: I want my Galata Tower.
- Website: Galata Rooftop
- What we like there: a direct view of the Galata Tower
- Price feel: €€€
Orient Express Restaurant — special restaurants don't always have to be special because of luxury
This point matters to me. "Special restaurant" doesn't automatically mean: gold, champagne, expensive. For me, a restaurant can be special because of its history. And that's exactly why the Orient Express place belongs in this category. Sirkeci, station, history, farewells, arrivals, literature. That can capture me just as much as a fantastic view.
You'll find more on this and the current status in our guide to Sultanahmet, Sirkeci & Eminönü.
What actually makes a restaurant special for us?
Not automatically the price. For me it can be:
Service
Like at Nusr-Et.
View
Like Barnathan or a good rooftop.
History
Like the Orient Express.
A dish
That you still mention years later.
An occasion
Birthday, anniversary, first Istanbul trip. Or simply: "today we want something nice."
Our principle: deliberate instead of automatic
On our first Istanbul visit, we ourselves were more focused on tourist hotspots. Of course. You want to see everything, experience everything, try everything. On the second visit, still a bit too. But by the third or fourth time at the latest, that changes. Then not every evening has to be a "must-see restaurant." Then, at some point, it becomes: "Where do WE want to eat today?" And that, for me, is the nicer way to travel.
Once Barnathan. Once pilav. Once Nusr-Et. Once lentil soup. Once rooftop. Once lahmacun. And at some point my husband says again: "You only live once." Yes. But unfortunately our credit card only lives once too. 😂
Frequently asked questions
What makes a restaurant in Istanbul special?
For us, not automatically the price, but service, the view, history, or a dish that stays in your memory for a long time — for example at Barnathan, Nusr-Et, or the Orient Express Restaurant.
Do you have to order the most expensive dish at Nusr-Et Etiler?
No. We check the menu beforehand and decide deliberately — even cheaper dishes there offer the full experience with service and presentation.
Should you reserve for special restaurants?
Yes, especially at Barnathan and similarly popular addresses, we'd recommend it, particularly on weekends.
We have personally visited every restaurant described in this guide. Any collaborations or paid placements are clearly marked as such. Our personal opinion remains independent of that.
– Amra
