Mükellef Karakoy

If you're looking for 360 views of Istanbul with incredible food options, this is the place. Absolutely stunning atmosphere! We really enjoyed the dishes recommended by our lovely server Nejla, who was honestly, the best part of our experience. She is super friendly, warm, and welcoming. Also helped us a lot with selecting the right dishes. An evening to remember forever!

Really great view 🌅 — totally worth coming just for that! The food was nice 🍽️, not the best I’ve had but quite tasty overall. Didn’t love the mezes much 🫒, to be honest. Prices are a bit expensive 💸 for the food taste, but kinda okay considering the view and the atmosphere. It’s a super chic place 👗, better to dress up a bit to match the vibe. Staff were really nice and kind 😊. Also, it’s easy to reach 🚶‍♂️🚇, which makes things more convenient.

Visit in July 2025. Turkey 🇹🇷 Istanbul. No visit to Istanbul is complete without indulging in a traditional Turkish breakfast, and we found the perfect spot to do so at one of the city’s most breathtaking locations. Perched with a panoramic view of the city, this restaurant is nothing short of a dream in warm weather, offering a feast for both the eyes and the palate. FOOD: Arriving during breakfast hours, we discovered that the sole option is the iconic Turkish breakfast—a sprawling spread of small plates that proved too much for the two of us to conquer. The menu is fixed, with the only choice being how you’d like your eggs prepared. What follows is a parade of dishes: an assortment of spreads and meze, olives, cheeses, petite pastries stuffed with meat or cheese, fresh bread, greens, and crisp vegetables. A few items didn’t quite hit the mark, but the majority were undeniably delicious. Everything tasted fresh, with vibrant, crunchy vegetables stealing the show. The standout was the flaky phyllo pastries, generously filled—particularly the meat-filled ones, which became our instant favorite. Unlimited Turkish tea and water rounded out the experience, adding a comforting touch. SERVICE: The service was commendable, with dishes arriving promptly. The restaurant’s atmosphere, elevated by its stunning surroundings, made for a thoroughly enjoyable meal. VERDICT: I strongly recommend experiencing this Turkish breakfast at least once. It’s a culinary adventure brimming with new flavors, and we left thoroughly satisfied. The unparalleled view of Istanbul adds an extra layer of magic to the experience. While the price may be a touch higher than at many local cafés, the quality and ambiance make it well worth the splurge.

Had an amazing time here! Great food and fantastic views. Also, Nejla was the most incredible server and made our night in Istanbul super special and memorable! Would for sure come back!

I had been hearing about Mükellef Karaköy for a while, and finally decided to go for dinner with a close friend — and I’m so glad we did. From the moment we walked in, I knew it was going to be more than just a nice meal. It turned out to be one of the most enjoyable and flavorful dining experiences I’ve had in Istanbul. We arrived just before sunset, and the timing couldn't have been better. The rooftop view was absolutely stunning — overlooking the Golden Horn as the sky slowly turned from soft orange to deep blue. The energy of the city felt close, but from up there, everything was calm and elegant. It instantly put us in a relaxed, excited mood. We started with a spread of mezes, and each one was better than the last. The fava was my personal favorite — so smooth and subtle, with just a hint of olive oil and dill. The eggplant salad (patlıcan ezmesi) had this deep, smoky flavor that made it impossible to stop dipping bread into. Their haydari was bright and creamy, and the acılı ezme added just the right kick. For mains, I ordered the grilled lamb chops, and they were perfectly cooked — juicy, flavorful, and charred just right. My friend got the octopus, and honestly, I ended up stealing a few bites because it was so tender and delicious, with a buttery mash underneath that brought everything together beautifully. We shared a fresh, citrusy greens salad on the side, which helped balance the richness of the grilled dishes, and we also tried their house cocktail — a mix of raki, citrus, and herbs — surprisingly refreshing and a great complement to the meal. And then came dessert. We had to try the katmer (crispy pastry with pistachio and clotted cream), and it did not disappoint. Warm, flaky, just sweet enough — a perfect ending to the night. We also got the oven-baked tahini halva, and I honestly can’t decide which one I liked more. The staff made the whole evening even better. They were so welcoming and attentive, always ready with suggestions or a smile, and they clearly cared about the food they were serving. The service was quick but never rushed, which really helped us enjoy the whole experience at our own pace.

The food is amazing. The staff are very accommodating. We had no reservation (bad idea) but they could still move us and accommodate. The food is amazing and the breakfast even more amazing. They deserve every award they’ve gotten.

Come here just for the views! Whilst upscale, it didn’t feel stuffy. Strongly suggest you book ahead and ask for a table on the balcony if the weather is nice. We had a selection of meze, some icli kofte, the shish platter and a beetroot goats cheese salad. The food was tasty and the quality very good, with the meat being juicy and tender, the goats cheese some of the best I have had even though I usually find it too strong for my tastes. A great option for a memorable meal in Istanbul.

It has been the place I have enjoyed the most for a long time. We had a great evening with the menu, the staff, and the concept. I would like to thank everyone who contributed. The sea bass on paper was amazing too👌