A local dining institution for almost two decades, this hilltop gourmand in
Ulus offers one of the greatest views Istanbul overlooking the Bosphorus. More popular in summer than winter, Sunset diners flock to an enormous outdoor dining roof draped in white triangular canopies that perfectly frame the city skyline and nearby waterfront. Inside, a more sedate setting of floor-to-ceiling glass windows surrounds a lofty dining room with pendant lighting and neutral color scheme or creams and whites. Off the main terrace is a hip bar and large lounge area with candlelit tabletops and barstool seating that captures some of the best upscale singles crowds in the city for weekend live music and midnight mingling.
The Food
Few cities incorporate the raw bar into their mainstream eateries than Istanbul and Sunset is no exception with its indoor-outdoor sushi scene attended by Japanese chefs trained in their native homeland. If not ordering from the sushi or sashimi menu, other appetizers include foie gras on mandarin brioche, octopus carpaccio or salmon tartar. Lighter starters include wild mushroom risotto or mixed greens with herbs grown in the on-site garden. Main course is a medley of land and sea with veal chops and grilled T-bone vying with grilled monkfish or lobster linguine. A traditional Turkish menu is also on hand for more-authentic menu options like kebabs or lamb shank.
Last Word
Hilltop gourmand boasts some of the best flavors of Istanbul from dramatic perch with jetliner views and posh dinner following.
