Istanbul Seen from Above: 6 Rooftop Restaurants with Magical Views

Istanbul Seen from Above: 6 Rooftop Restaurants with Magical Views

June 11, 2025

Istanbul, the city that connects Europe and Asia, has fascinated travelers for centuries with its rich history, culture and architecture. But what really makes modern Istanbul unique is its dynamic nightlife and culinary scene, especially evident in its rooftop restaurants. These unique venues offer not only delicious food, but most importantly, breathtaking views of the city stretching across the Bosphorus. In this article, we'll take you on a tour of six of Istanbul's best rooftop eateries, where you'll be able to savor not only the flavor of local food, but also the city's skyline, which changes with each time of day. From sunrise over the Blue Mosque to sunset over the Bosphorus Strait, each of these places offers a unique experience that will stay in your memory for a long time. Prepare yourself for a culinary and visual feast that will make you fall in love with Istanbul all over again.

Ad

Loti Roof Lounge and Queb Rooftop Restaurant: Pearls over the Bosphorus

Our journey across the rooftops of Istanbul begins with two unique places that offer not only delicious food, but most importantly, unforgettable views of the city and the Bosphorus Strait.

Loti Roof Lounge, located in the heart of historic Istanbul, is a true gem among rooftop restaurants. With an impressive rating of 4.8 out of 5, the place impresses not only with its panorama, but above all with the quality of the food and service served. Guests especially praise the atmosphere at sunset, when the view of the Bosphorus Strait and the city skyline becomes truly magical. According to reviews, the view from here is even better than from the popular Galata Tower. The menu offers a wide range of dishes, from traditional Turkish to international fusion, each prepared with the utmost care. The guest-recommended breakfasts are worth noting, and are the perfect start to a day in Istanbul.

Queb Rooftop Restaurant, also with a 4.8 rating, is another place that impresses with its location and culinary offerings. Located on the rooftop of The Byzantium Hotel, it offers spectacular views of the Blue Mosque and the Sea of Marmara. The restaurant is famous for its excellent Turkish cuisine, with a special emphasis on grilled dishes. Guests praise not only the taste of the dishes, but also their presentation. Queb Rooftop Restaurant is an ideal place for a romantic dinner or celebration of special occasions. It is worth remembering that due to its popularity, booking a table in advance is highly recommended here.

Comparing the two places, it is worth noting that Loti Roof Lounge seems to be more affordable and better for everyday visits, while Queb Rooftop Restaurant may be a great choice for special occasions. However, both venues offer unforgettable dining experiences combined with breathtaking views.

It's worth noting that both venues are tourist-friendly, offering English-language menus and English-speaking staff. As for accessibility, both restaurants are open year-round, but it's best to visit during the warmer months, when you can fully enjoy the outdoor terraces.

Whichever place you choose, one thing is certain - both Loti Roof Lounge and Queb Rooftop Restaurant will provide you with an unforgettable experience and will become one of the highlights of your visit to Istanbul. However, be sure to book a table in advance, especially during the summer season, when these places are most popular.

GRACE Rooftop Restaurant and Pleasure Terrace: Luxury and Romance Over Istanbul's Rooftops

Continuing our tour of Istanbul's best rooftop restaurants, we can't leave out two more gems: GRACE Rooftop Restaurant and Pleasure Terrace Roof Restaurant.

GRACE Rooftop Restaurant, with an impressive rating of 4.6, is a place that impresses not only with its panoramic view of the Blue Mosque and the Bosphorus, but especially with its unique atmosphere and excellent cuisine. The restaurant is famous for its trendy yet warm decor, which blends perfectly with the surrounding landscape. The GRACE menu offers a wide range of dishes, from traditional Turkish specialties to international delicacies, all prepared with the highest quality ingredients. Guests especially praise the seafood dishes and grilled meats. Interestingly, the restaurant also offers the opportunity to try on traditional Turkish costumes and take souvenir photos on the terrace, which is an added attraction, especially for tourists.

The Pleasure Terrace Roof Restaurant, on the other hand, with an even higher rating of 4.9, is a true oasis of tranquility and luxury over the rooftops of Istanbul. The restaurant impresses not only with its view of the city skyline, but above all with its exceptional hospitality and the quality of the dishes served. The Pleasure Terrace menu is a true feast for the palate, offering both traditional Turkish specialties and international cuisine. Guests especially praise the grilled dishes and desserts, which are often served as a compliment from the chef. It's worth noting that Pleasure Terrace is known for its exceptionally attentive staff, who take care of every detail to make your visit a memorable experience.

Comparing the two places, it's worth noting that GRACE Rooftop Restaurant seems to be slightly more affordable, while offering the added attraction of being able to try on traditional costumes. Pleasure Terrace Roof Restaurant, on the other hand, while slightly more expensive, stands out for its exceptionally high ratings and level of service.

Both establishments are available year-round, but are best visited during the warmer months, when the outdoor terraces can be fully enjoyed. Both GRACE and Pleasure Terrace offer English-language menus and English-speaking staff, making them tourist-friendly.

It's worth remembering that due to the popularity of both places, reserving a table in advance is highly recommended, especially if you want to grab the best seats with a sunset view.

Whether you choose GRACE Rooftop Restaurant or Pleasure Terrace Roof Restaurant, you can be sure that you are in for a unique dining experience combined with breathtaking views of Istanbul. These are the perfect places to enjoy a romantic dinner, celebrate a special occasion or simply spend an unforgettable evening in the magical atmosphere of the city on the Bosphorus.

Roof Mezze 360 Restaurant and La Vida Rooftop: A Culinary Journey Overlooking the City

To conclude our tour of Istanbul's best rooftop restaurants, here are two last but equally fascinating places: Roof Mezze 360 Restaurant and La Vida Rooftop Restaurant.

Roof Mezze 360 Restaurant, with a rating of 4.8, is a place that impresses not only with its 360-degree panoramic view, but most importantly with its wide range of traditional Turkish mezze. The restaurant is famous for its authentic Turkish cuisine, served in a modern twist. Guests especially praise the variety and quality of the appetizers, which are ideal for sharing with friends or family. Roof Mezze 360's menu also offers a wide selection of main courses, including delicious grilled meats and seafood. Note the local wines, which pair perfectly with the dishes served. The atmosphere at Roof Mezze 360 is both elegant and casual, making it the perfect place for both a romantic dinner and a business meeting.

La Vida Rooftop Restaurant, also with a high rating of 4.8, offers a slightly different but equally fascinating experience. This restaurant combines elements of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine to create unique fusions of flavors. La Vida is famous for its unique atmosphere, especially in the evening, when the terrace is lit up with lanterns and candles. The restaurant's menu is varied and seasonal, always using the freshest local ingredients. Guests especially praise the seafood dishes and desserts, which are true works of culinary art. The view from La Vida encompasses both Istanbul's historic landmarks and the modern city skyline, creating a fascinating contrast.

Comparing the two places, it's worth noting that Roof Mezze 360 Restaurant may be a better choice for those seeking more traditional Turkish flavors with a modern twist. La Vida Rooftop Restaurant, on the other hand, is ideal for those who appreciate a fusion of flavors and a more international approach to cuisine.

In terms of pricing, both establishments are in the higher price segment, but offer a top-notch culinary experience. It's worth noting that both Roof Mezze 360 and La Vida Rooftop offer menus in English and staff who speak the language, making them tourist-friendly.

Both venues are available year-round, but are best visited during the warmer months, when the outdoor terraces can be fully enjoyed. Due to the popularity of both restaurants, it is strongly recommended to book a table in advance, especially if you want the best seats with a view.

To sum up our tour of Istanbul's six best rooftop restaurants, we can confidently say that each of these places offers a unique dining experience combined with breathtaking views. Whether you're looking for traditional Turkish flavors, international fusion cuisine, or simply want to enjoy Istanbul's magical atmosphere from a bird's eye view, you're sure to find something to your liking. Remember that a visit to one of these restaurants is not just a meal, but a real experience that will stay in your memory for a long time and will be one of the highlights of your trip to Istanbul.

Similar articles

Ad