A cocktail and the view of Istanbul from the Alexandra Cocktail Bar.

Food & Drink

Turkish delight: where to eat, drink and party in Istanbul

From kebab houses to bars hidden in old townhouses, check out our guide to Istanbul's best spots
By John Gregory-Smith

From an old-school kebab house to a swanky speakeasy and the buzziest late-night spots in town, max out your stay at Soho House Istanbul with our guide to the best places to eat, drink and party in the city.

 

EAT

Best for kebabs: Zübeyir 

Turkish kebab culture is the best in the world – a legacy of the Ottoman and Persian empires – and this charming little ocakbasi restaurant Zübeyir serves the best in the city. Choose its classic chicken shish or try the spicy Adana, made with ground lamb, onions and pul biber pepper flakes, cooked on a huge open grill that takes centre stage in the dining room.

 

Şehit Muhtar Mahallesi, 28, Bekar Sokak, 34435 Beyoğlu; zubeyirocakbasi.com.tr 

 

 

Tacos served in Dirty Hands in Istanbul.

Best for luxe junk food: Dirty Hands 

 

Sometimes all you want to do is sink your teeth into a beast of a burger with a Martini. These guys have dude food nailed. Take your pick from Tex-Mex-inspired burgers and banging Buffalo wings, with a sweet menu of cocktails and tequila shots.

 

Akat Mahallesi, Zeytinoğlu Caddesi 9A., Akatlar No:7, 34335 Beşiktaş; +90 212 352 2283 

A burger served in Dirty Hands in Istanbul.

DRINK

 

Best for views: House Cafe Ortaköy 

 

With a prime location right on the Bosphorus and views of Ortaköy Mosque and Bosphorus Bridge, this bar is perfect for a buzzy sundowner. Sit back and settle in with a cocktail or a glass of wine as the lights of Istanbul twinkle over the city. 

 

Yıldız Mahallesi, Salhane Sokak, No:1, 34349 Beşiktaş; +90 212 227 2699 

The view of a mosque and a cocktail served in House Cafe Ortakoy in Istanbul.

Best for cocktails: Alexandra Cocktail Bar 

 

Spread over two floors in a beautiful old townhouse in Bebek, a hip neighbourhood north of the Bosphorus Bridge, this cosy cocktail lounge is a great place for a late-night session. Its well executed drinks menu includes the zesty Mexicano, a dreamy mix of tequila, carrot juice, lime and smoky salt.

 

Bebek Arnavutköy Caddesi No: 50, 34345 Beşiktaş; +90 212 287 5848 

The view from the Alexandra Cocktail Bar.

Best for dancing: Arkaoda 

 

The guys behind Arkaoda have branches in Berlin as well as Istanbul and sure know how to throw a party. An eclectic club with a packed roster of local and international DJs and live bands, it’s all about cutting loose on the heated terrace – it can get full-on inside.

 

Caferağa Mahallesi, Kadife Sokak, No:18 D:1, 34710 Kadıköy; arkaoda.com 

Best for nightcaps: Efendi 

 

Tucked inside the well-heeled streets of the Nisantasi neighbourhood, this slick speakeasy has a tight menu of eight signature drinks and a pumping sound system on the weekends. Choose the tequila, passion fruit and chilli-infused serendipity or if you need a bit of rocket fuel, the no solo cafe, a cardamom-infused coffee and rum cocktail, should do it.

 

Teşvikiye Mahallesi, Hacı Emin Efendi Sokak, No.28/A, 34365 Şişli 

 

Planning a trip to Soho House Istanbul? Book a room with your special member's rate here. 

 

John Gregory-Smith is the author of Turkish Delights: Stunning regional recipes from the Bosphorus to the Black Sea. His new cookbook, Saffron in the Souks, is released this May.

 

Main image: the view from the Alexandra cocktail bar in Istanbul