Octo

We had a fantastic dinner at Octo! The highlight of the evening was definitely the grilled squid. It was perfectly charred, tender, and served with a delicious red pepper sauce that brought everything together beautifully. We also shared a seafood orzo, which came in a hearty tomato-based sauce packed with perfectly cooked seafood, a true comfort dish done right. We paired our meal with a bottle of Turkish Albariño wine. While it wasn’t quite on the level of the ones from Galicia, it was surprisingly good and complemented the seafood wonderfully. The atmosphere was elegant and romantic, with gorgeous views of the Bosphorus and the old town, an ideal spot for a date or a special evening out. It was on the pricey side (our bill came to over $250), but given the quality, service, and setting, it was absolutely worth it. Highly recommend!

I came all the way from Dubai to Istanbul and this restaurant didn’t disappoint at all , the service is the best and the food is delicious ! the menu changes a lot but the quality stays the same, fresh and wonderful . The chef himself (Safak Erten) came to the table and greeted us and recommended some dishes one of them was the bone marrow match potato which I absolutely loved. Also I celebrated my birthday here and it truly had a pleasant experience .

This place has it all! We picked up on the quality service immediately, even the chef came to our table 2x to see how we liked each course. Even took us to his kitchen for an olive oil tasting! The food was delicious (citrus sea bass, tomato salad and slow braised lamb for 2) The view and atmosphere could not have been better!!

We chose this place for our anniversary dinner. Everything was very delicious and the service was excellent. For starters, we had bazlama bread, Istanbul salad, and Cretan spread. The flavors they left on the palate were incredible, and I must point out that the portions for the starters were quite large. For the main course, we chose octopus and beef ribs. The octopus was a little tough, but that may be because we’re not very accustomed to the taste of octopus. The beef ribs came with keşkek underneath—definitely a dish you can order with your eyes closed. As for cocktails, we ordered “Call of the Sky” and “Karaköy Smash,” and both were absolutely delicious. In summary, thanks to Chef Şafak and his team for such a thoughtful and flavorful menu. We highly recommend it—definitely give it a try!

This restaurant has great food but the menu is problematic they don’t have it organized in a cohesive manner yet. Levrek Fish (Seabass) was great 9/10 Kuzu Kol (the lamb shank) was amazing 10/10 Tarama was amazing 12/10 The view is great. The service is quite descent. I would go back.

A wonderful experience. The view is well worth the visit by itself. Uniquely prepared dishes. I asked for the olive oil the waiter immediately brought us a box as a gift.

I visited the JW Marriott Restaurant a few weeks ago with no reservations and no expectations, it was the best decision of my trip. Every member of the staff was warm, attentive, and dedicated to making the evening unforgettable. The chef personally introduced the menu, sharing not only the story but also the thoughtful sourcing of the ingredients. His passion for both cuisine and sustainability shone through with every plate. The quality of the ingredients was exceptional, elevated even further by the team’s careful execution. A special mention goes to the house-made gluten-free bread, available on request. The experience was enhanced by the breathtaking view of the Bosphorus. To finish the night, the rooftop bar, with its inviting atmosphere, made the evening even more magical, with it’s delicious cocktails. I arrived with no expectations, but I left with stars in my eyes. Thank you.

Octo Restaurant, perched atop the JW Marriott Bosphorus in Karaköy, delivers one of Istanbul’s most unforgettable dining experiences. From its rooftop terrace, you’re treated to sweeping views of the Bosphorus, Topkapı Palace, and the vibrant movement of ships gliding through the strait below. For an after-dinner drink, the nearby Sky Terrace Bar offers an equally stunning perspective of the Galata Tower and city skyline. Since April 2024, Executive Chef Şafak Erten has reimagined Octo’s menu, blending modern fine dining with the authenticity of Turkey’s coastal flavors. The focus is on fresh, locally sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients — each plate a work of art. Highlights include Crispy Dynamite Prawns, Lobster Tacos, and perfectly Grilled Lamb Chops, all paired beautifully with a curated global wine list. The ambiance is refined yet relaxed, and the service elevates the entire experience. Every detail feels personal and attentive — from the moment you’re seated to the final pour of wine. If you visit, ask for Serkan Aykul. His warmth, professionalism, and thoughtful recommendations truly make the evening memorable. Serkan’s gracious hospitality embodies everything that makes Octo not just a restaurant, but a memory of Istanbul you’ll carry with you.