Old İstanbul Rooftop Mezze & Seafood Restaurant
Istanbul
At a glance
Located in the vibrant district of Fatih, Old İstanbul Rooftop Mezze & Seafood Restaurant offers a dining experience that blends the culinary traditions of Turkish cuisine with flavors from around the world. Nestled within Hoca Paşa, the restaurant is renowned for its rooftop setting, providing diners with breathtaking views of the iconic Bosphorus alongside vistas of Aya Sofya and Süleymaniye Mosque. Whether guests are looking to savor traditional mezze or indulge in premium seafood dishes, the menu is crafted daily using fresh ingredients, ensuring every plate is a celebration of taste.
The atmosphere at Old İstanbul Rooftop is a harmonious blend of family warmth and nostalgia, making it a welcoming spot for both locals and tourists alike. The culinary team consists of expert chefs who are passionate about bringing artistry to each dish, ensuring quality and flavor coexist. With a focus on hospitality, the staff is dedicated to making every visit a memorable one, offering excellent service to enhance the overall dining experience.
The setting itself is a major draw, with panoramic views that include the Bosphorus Bridge, Galata Tower, Sultanahmet Mosque, and Topkapı Palace. The restaurant's ethos is one of blending tradition with quality, reflecting in a menu that attracts those eager to explore Turkish culinary heritage alongside international delights. Offering a rooftop concept, it is particularly recommended for iftar dinners during the holy month of Ramadan, when the sunset provides a breathtaking backdrop to a unique meal.
Old İstanbul Rooftop is ideal for various occasions – whether hosting a special event or enjoying a casual meal. It welcomes families looking to share the unique flavors of Turkey in a setting that combines the old charm of Istanbul with modern dining trends.
Reviews
We found this place by accident while walking around Sultanahmet, and the timing was just right because the sun was already starting to set. There were four of us, so when we saw the rooftop sign, we decided to go in and have a look. The building itself already felt interesting. It looked very old and had a real vintage atmosphere. You could tell it was not a new place trying to look old. We walked through the building, took the lift to the top floor, and suddenly found a completely different view waiting for us. The rooftop still had that old-fashioned feeling, but honestly, the main reason to come here is the view. You can see Istanbul almost all around, and during sunset it was really beautiful. I kept walking outside to take photos and came back with so many good ones. I am not very familiar with Turkish food, so I cannot really say how authentic each dish was. What I can say is that the food was easy to eat and suited us quite well. We ordered some more international-style dishes, so there was nothing too difficult or unfamiliar. The one thing all four of us agreed on was the wine. It was very good, and the price was not too high either, especially for a rooftop place with this kind of view. We did not plan to come here at all, but it turned into a really nice evening. Good view, beautiful sunset, easy food, good wine, and not too expensive. I would come back again, but definitely around sunset.
Lovely evening overlooking Istanbul and the harbor. Views were fantastic and the food was delicious. We wish we could have tried many more things! Our fish was very fresh and just perfect for what we were in the mood for. Other dishes that we saw delivered to other diners looked equally delicious.
Our dining experience here was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we walked in, we were treated like royalty, thanks to the impeccable and attentive service provided by Turgay and Mehmet. They went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and ensured our evening was flawless.The food was an absolute triumph of flavor. The absolute highlight of the night was the Lamb Casserole, a legendary dish once enjoyed by the sultans of the Ottoman Empire. Every bite was rich, tender, and deeply flavorful, truly offering a taste of history on a plate.If you are looking for exceptional food and world-class hospitality, this place is a must-visit!
What a surprise and lovely find! I was looking for a lunch spot and stumbled upon this place. It was empty when I arrived but Ozturk welcomed me warmly. People started to arrive while I was there and Ozturk continued to offer me the warmest service. How nice! It is my first day in Istanbul after a really long flight and this was a perfect and beautiful lunch experience. The ambience is nice and classy away from the busy-ness of the streets. I really enjoyed the stuffed grape leaves and the stuffed calamari!
Absolutely amazing experience from start to finish. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Every dish was packed with taste and made with care. The service was outstanding — friendly, attentive, and welcoming throughout the visit. The atmosphere was just as impressive, with a warm and relaxing vibe that made the whole experience even better. Definitely a place worth visiting again and highly recommended to anyone looking for great food and excellent hospitality.
