Lokanta 1741

8 Restaurants From Which to Admire Istanbul’s Skyline

"A rooftop terrace that’s the perfect place in which to gaze deeply into your sweetheart’s eyes sets a romantic tone. Subdued lighting means romance is in the air in this secluded space; it’s also heated, so you can even sit here in autumn. This is a setting in which to truly savor a contemporary take on Turkish classics such as Kakavaia fish stew." - MICHELIN Guide

"This beautiful contemporary restaurant with a romantic roof terrace is right next to Cağaloğlu Hamam. It serves Turkish culinary classics, some dating back to 1741, with a modern twist. The chef sometimes introduces surprising textures and flavours but never loses sight of tradition. In the evening, they serve only a more sophisticated fine dining menu. Here, you can savour a zesty sea bass ceviche, as well as lamb brochettes with distinct barbecue notes and a punchy aubergine caviar. Oenophiles should definitely take the opportunity to explore the wine cellar." - Michelin Inspector

Türkiye: Ancient Roads, Diverse Culinary Traditions at Lokanta 1741, Pandeli, Aheste

"Set within İstanbul’s historic Suriçi and sharing Cağaloğlu Hammam’s 1741 building, this restaurant turns dining into a bathhouse journey—stone-walled chambers by the fireplace in winter, a summer terrace with a panoramic view of the domes, and an approach through a marble-fountained hall where you can also explore the still-active hammam. Begin with a glance at the terrace bar’s cocktail list—signatures like Külhanbeyi, Divanyolu, Kurna, and Bakrac embody the place—then expect a welcoming bowl of olive soup from Chef Durukan Özgen, inspired by the olive pomace once burned to heat the baths. The menu makes a diligent tour of the city’s diverse cultures, from kakavia cooked with verjuice (a Greek-style fish stew) to Circassian chicken, goose meat stuffed dumplings, and Armenian-style liver; Özgen adds small touches while preserving each dish’s essence, insists he prepares dishes that are “not minimal,” upholds authentic techniques, and sources primarily from Türkiye and neighboring regions. A wine list focused solely on boutique Turkish producers and a lunch menu that nods to street-food culture round out an experience where a single visit is never enough, with different concepts to discover at lunch and dinner." - Le Guide MICHELIN

10 restaurants from which to admire Istanbul’s skyline

"Lokanta 1741’s rooftop terrace is the perfect place in which to gaze deeply into your sweetheart’s eyes. Subdued lighting means romance is in the air in this secluded space; it’s also heated, so you can even sit here in autumn. This is a setting in which to truly savour a contemporary take on Turkish classics such as Kakavaia fish stew." - MICHELIN Guide

Where to Stay, Eat, and Play in Istanbul

"If you’ve spent a day perusing the sights in Sultanahmet, skip all the touristy restaurants and head to Lokanta 1741 for beyond-par Turkish food served on a lovely terrace with its own cocktail bar."