We normally shy-away from restaurants revered by locals for its glamorous weddings and chic receptions, but Cubuklu 29 (Club 29) is the rare exception that manages to tend to it's brides and A-list bon vivants with equal favor. Located on the north side (Asian) of the Fatih Bridge, visitors arrive to the club via private boat where a pristine dock and seafront swimming pool awaits dressed-up guests during winter and summer. During warmer months it's an all day scene of beach club lounging, seafood lunches, late-dinners and dancing under the stars amongst a hotbed of local society. The indoor/outdoor space is divided between a canopied restaurant, swimming pool terrace, lounge and events space decorated in oil lamps, oriental rugs and floor cushions.
The Food
Visitors arriving to private events held at the club are subject to a prefixe menu that usually includes regional Turkish flavors skewers on ornate wooden kebabas. For everyone else the main restaurant offers an international menu of French-minded flavors with the thump of Turkish spices. Appetizers include legendary grilled calamari or octopus, market-fresh salads and beef carpaccio. Pasta course include a spare selection of risottos, stuffed-ravioli and light vegetarian penne dished with frugality. Main course is a meat presentation of grilled fillets and seafood specialties including traditional lamb, chicken and veal dishes.
Last Word
Waterfront beach club-style eatery popular with Turkish wedding parties is also a summertime hotspot with daytime pool scene and afterdark singles crowd.
