We Visited the 14 Best Rooftop Restaurants & Bars in Istanbul

Istanbul truly comes alive from above. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail while watching the sun dip behind the Hagia Sophia, enjoying a romantic dinner with Bosphorus views, or dancing under the stars at many rooftop bars, the city’s skyline offers an unforgettable setting.

From luxurious fine dining to cozy hidden gems, there’s a rooftop spot for every taste and occasion.

Our guide will help you discover the best rooftop restaurants and bars in Istanbul, whether you’re looking for panoramic city views, lively nightlife, or a quiet escape. We’ll also share insider tips on when to visit and how to make the most of your experience.

Best Rooftop Restaurants in Istanbul for a Stunning View

Whether you prefer Michelin-starred fine dining or a more casual setting, tese our pics combine delicious cuisine with some of the best views in the city.

🍽️ Fine Dining with a View

✔ Mikla

📍 Address: The Marmara Pera, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:15, Beyoğlu, Istanbul

Mikla is one of Istanbul’s most prestigious fine-dining restaurants, known for its Michelin-starred menu blending Turkish and Scandinavian flavors.

The rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, making it a top choice for a luxurious dining experience. Each dish is crafted with precision, using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create a modern twist on Anatolian cuisine.

✔ Michelin-starred fine dining with an innovative menu.
✔ Panoramic rooftop views over Istanbul’s skyline.
✔ Perfect for special occasions and gourmet food lovers.

✔ Neolokal

📍 Address: SALT Galata, Bankalar Cd. No:11, Karaköy, Istanbul

Neolokal offers a modern take on traditional Turkish and Anatolian cuisine, emphasizing sustainability and locally sourced ingredients.

With floor-to-ceiling windows and a stunning rooftop terrace, it provides incredible views of the Bosphorus and Istanbul’s historical skyline. The seasonal tasting menu and artistic plating make for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

✔ Innovative Anatolian cuisine with a modern twist.
✔ Beautifully designed space with breathtaking views.
✔ A must-visit for foodies looking for something unique.

✔ Tugra Restaurant

📍 Address: Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Çırağan Cd. No:32, Beşiktaş, Istanbul

Tugra Restaurant provides a royal dining experience inside the historic Çırağan Palace, serving authentic Ottoman cuisine in an opulent riverside setting.

The romantic terrace overlooking the Bosphorus makes it one of the most elegant places to dine in Istanbul. Signature dishes like Hünkar Beğendi (Sultan’s Delight) and Testi Kebabı (Clay Pot Kebab) take you on a culinary journey through the Ottoman era.

✔ A fine-dining experience inside a historic palace.
✔ Authentic Ottoman cuisine with traditional recipes.
✔ Breathtaking Bosphorus views, perfect for a romantic dinner.

🥘 Casual & Trendy Rooftop Dining

✔ Sunset Grill & Bar

📍 Address: Kuruçeşme Mah. Yol Sk. No:2, Ulus, Istanbul

Sunset Grill & Bar is one of Istanbul’s most stylish rooftop restaurants, offering a blend of Turkish, Mediterranean, and Japanese cuisine.

Perched on a hilltop in Ulus, it boasts stunning panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the city skyline. The elegant setting, world-class sushi, and extensive wine list make it a top choice for a sophisticated night out.

✔ Upscale dining with a diverse menu.
✔ Fantastic wine and cocktail selection.
✔ Bosphorus views from one of the highest points in the city.

✔ Spago Istanbul

📍 Address: St. Regis Hotel, Mim Kemal Öke Cd. No:35, Nişantaşı, Istanbul

Spago Istanbul, by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, is one of the city’s most exclusive rooftop dining spots.

Located in the luxury St. Regis Hotel, the restaurant serves a high-end international menu with a focus on creative dishes and fresh ingredients. The stunning rooftop terrace provides an uninterrupted view of Istanbul’s skyline, making it ideal for a glamorous dinner or sunset cocktails.

✔ A world-renowned chef’s signature restaurant.
✔ Stylish rooftop setting with a vibrant atmosphere.
✔ Innovative international cuisine with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

✔ The House Café Ortaköy

📍 Address: Salhane Sok. No:1, Ortaköy, Istanbul

The House Café Ortaköy is a casual yet stylish rooftop café offering great food and a fantastic view of the Bosphorus Bridge.

It’s a perfect spot for a relaxed lunch, coffee, or an evening meal by the water. The cozy seating, fresh ingredients, and well-crafted cocktails make it a great choice for a laid-back dining experience.

✔ A beautiful riverside setting with a laid-back ambiance.
✔ A mix of international and Turkish flavors.
✔ Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a casual evening out.

Best Rooftop Bars in Istanbul for Cocktails & Nightlife

For those looking for a fun night out with drinks and a view, Istanbul’s rooftop bars offer signature cocktails, vibrant music, and a lively atmosphere.

Whether you prefer a stylish cocktail lounge or a bar with live music, these are some of the best rooftop bars in Istanbul.

🍸 Cocktail Lounges & Stylish Bars

✔ 360 Istanbul

📍 Address: Istiklal Cad. Misir Apt. No: 163, Beyoğlu, Istanbul

360 Istanbul is one of the city’s most iconic rooftop bars, offering breathtaking panoramic views, handcrafted cocktails, and a trendy atmosphere.

By day, it serves as a sophisticated dining spot, while at night, it transforms into a vibrant club with live DJs, performances, and a buzzing crowd. Whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset drink or a high-energy party, this place delivers.

✔ Unmatched panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline.
✔ A trendy mix of fine dining, cocktails, and nightlife.
✔ Live entertainment and DJ performances on weekends.

✔ Monkey Istanbul

📍 Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Tophane İskele Cd. No:16, Karaköy, Istanbul

Tucked away in Karaköy, Monkey Istanbul is a hip rooftop bar known for its creative cocktails, laid-back vibe, and fantastic sunset views. With a stylish and modern ambiance, it’s a great place to unwind with friends while enjoying expertly crafted drinks and live DJ sets. The relaxed yet trendy atmosphere makes it one of the best places to start a night out in Istanbul.

✔ A great rooftop spot for sunset drinks.
✔ A stylish but unpretentious setting.
✔ Excellent cocktails and a cool crowd.

✔ Alexandra Cocktail Bar

📍 Address: Arnavutköy, Bebek Arnavutköy Cd. No:50, Beşiktaş, Istanbul

If you’re looking for an intimate and stylish cocktail experience, Alexandra Cocktail Bar is one of the best-kept secrets in Istanbul. Located in Arnavutköy, it offers a cozy, sophisticated setting with stunning Bosphorus views. Known for its inventive cocktails and skilled mixologists, Alexandra is the perfect place for a relaxed yet elegant night out.

✔ A chic, intimate setting with a great ambiance.
✔ Fantastic mixology and unique signature cocktails.
✔ Stunning Bosphorus views in a quieter neighborhood.

🎵 Bars with Live Music & DJ Sets

✔ Leb-i Derya

📍 Address: Şahkulu, Kumbaracı Ykş. No:57, Beyoğlu, Istanbul

Leb-i Derya is a classic Istanbul rooftop bar, offering great cocktails, a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, and panoramic views over the city and the Bosphorus. Whether you’re sipping wine under the stars or enjoying live music performances, this place is perfect for a laid-back yet stylish evening.

✔ One of Istanbul’s most scenic rooftop bars.
✔ A lively but cozy setting with great cocktails.
✔ Perfect for both date nights and casual hangouts.

✔ Nardis Jazz Club (Rooftop Edition)

📍 Address: Kuledibi, Galata Kulesi Sok. No:8, Galata, Istanbul

A must-visit for jazz lovers, Nardis Jazz Club offers an intimate rooftop setting with live jazz performances. The club attracts local and international jazz musicians, making it one of the best spots in Istanbul to enjoy live music in a cozy, candle-lit environment. Pair your evening with a smooth glass of wine or a classic cocktail, and you’ve got the perfect night.

✔ The best rooftop jazz bar in Istanbul.
✔ A cozy, intimate setting with top-notch live music.
✔ A hidden gem for those who appreciate good jazz and great drinks.

Hidden Gems – Lesser-Known Rooftop Restaurants & Bars

For those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed or unique rooftop experience, these hidden gems offer fantastic food, drinks, and stunning views without the tourist crowds.

✔ Balkon Restaurant & Bar

📍 Address: Asmalı Mescit, Şehbender Sk. No:5, Beyoğlu, Istanbul

Balkon is one of the best budget-friendly rooftop bars in Istanbul, offering stunning views of the Golden Horn and affordable drinks. The casual, easy-going vibe makes it a great place to relax with friends while enjoying light snacks and refreshing cocktails.

✔ Affordable drinks with fantastic views.
✔ A casual, no-fuss atmosphere—great for groups.
✔ Less touristy compared to other rooftop spots.

✔ Litera

📍 Address: Şahkulu, Yeni Çarşı Cd. No:32, Galata, Istanbul

Litera is a hidden gem among Istanbul’s rooftop restaurants, offering delicious Turkish mezes and seafood dishes. Compared to the more commercial rooftop spots, Litera provides a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for a laid-back dining experience with gorgeous city views.

✔ A more peaceful alternative to the busy rooftop bars.
✔ Delicious mezes and seafood specialties.
✔ Perfect for those who prefer a relaxed dinner with a view.

✔ Zuma Istanbul

📍 Address: Ortaköy, Muallim Naci Cd. No:44, Beşiktaş, Istanbul

For those who love Japanese cuisine and sleek modern interiors, Zuma Istanbul offers a luxurious rooftop dining experience. Specializing in sushi, robata-grilled dishes, and elegant cocktails, Zuma provides a high-end yet relaxed atmosphere with breathtaking Bosphorus views.

✔ One of the best Japanese rooftop restaurants in Istanbul.
✔ A sophisticated setting with top-quality sushi and cocktails.
✔ A sleek, modern aesthetic with an open-air rooftop terrace.

Best Time to Visit Rooftop Restaurants & Bars in Istanbul

When planning your rooftop experience in Istanbul, timing makes all the difference. Whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset meal, a lively nightlife scene, or a relaxed evening with fewer crowds, here’s when to go:

🌅 Sunset Hours – The Golden Moment

✔ The best time to visit for dining with a breathtaking view.
✔ Experience Istanbul’s skyline in warm, golden light, perfect for photography.
✔ Many rooftop restaurants offer early dinner specials and quieter atmospheres before the nightlife picks up.

💡 Best Rooftop Spots for Sunset:

• Mikla – Michelin-starred dining with unparalleled sunset views.
• Sunset Grill & Bar – The name says it all—perfect for a golden-hour dinner.
• Alexandra Cocktail Bar – One of the best Bosphorus-facing rooftops for a sunset drink.

🌙 Nighttime – Romantic Dinners & Vibrant Nightlife

✔ As the city lights up, rooftops transform into romantic escapes and lively hotspots.
✔ Many venues feature live DJs, jazz performances, and dancing.
✔ The perfect time for a luxurious fine-dining experience or late-night cocktails.

💡 Best Rooftop Spots for Nightlife:

• 360 Istanbul – A dining-to-clubbing experience with a buzzing rooftop scene.
• Monkey Istanbul – Chic, trendy, and great for cocktails with music.
• Leb-i Derya – Live music, good drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere.

📅 Weekend vs. Weekdays – Beating the Crowds

✔ Weekdays (Monday – Thursday):

• Better for a peaceful experience, with fewer crowds and shorter wait times.
• Ideal for romantic dates, business dinners, or quiet drinks.

✔ Weekends (Friday – Sunday):

• Best for those who enjoy a vibrant, social atmosphere.
• Some venues may have live music, themed nights, or DJ performances.
• Reservations are essential for popular spots, as they get booked quickly.

💡 Tip: If you want the best of both worlds, visit on Thursday or Sunday evenings—lively but not overwhelmingly crowded!

Local Tips for the Best Rooftop Experience

Maximize your rooftop dining and nightlife experience in Istanbul with these expert tips:

✔ Make a Reservation – Many rooftop venues, especially fine-dining restaurants, require bookings in advance—especially for sunset hours and weekends.

✔ Dress Smart – Some high-end rooftop venues have a smart-casual or formal dress code, so avoid casual sportswear or flip-flops.

✔ Check the Weather – Istanbul’s rooftops are best enjoyed on clear days. Some venues have heated or enclosed sections, but open-air rooftops may close due to bad weather.

✔ Ask for the Best Seats – If possible, request a table near the edge of the terrace for unobstructed views. Some places charge extra for premium seating, so check in advance.

✔ Consider Transportation – Most rooftop spots are located in Beyoğlu, Karaköy, and Beşiktaş, which are well-connected by public transport. If you plan to drink, opt for a taxi or ride-hailing service (BiTaksi, Uber) instead of driving.

✔ Explore Different Areas –

• Beyoğlu & Karaköy – Best for trendy cocktail bars and vibrant nightlife.
• Ortaköy & Beşiktaş – Ideal for Bosphorus-facing restaurants with romantic views.
• Sultanahmet & Fatih – Perfect for historic rooftop settings and scenic dinners.

💡 Final Tip: If a rooftop restaurant is fully booked, check nearby alternatives—some of Istanbul’s best views come from lesser-known spots!