Cihangir Sosyal Tesisleri Istanbul

This view made me think

Vildan from Istanbul

About me This is what I enjoy the most: exploring and sharing what I've found with others. I am a storyteller. I am collector of good memories in life. I am one of those friends you ask for a good place to dine, cafe to take your SO etc. Just ask me about anything that I might know. It is my passion and pleasure to share the joy I find in life. Why Istanbul Istanbul is lik...
""Cihangir Sosyal Tesisleri", or Social Facilities in Cihangir, Istanbul, is a large budget restaurant inspired by the Ottoman past. It made me think..."

Located just around the corner from Taksim Square, Cihangir is arguably the hippest neighborhood in Istanbul. Lively from morning to night, the streets are lined with colorful cafes, bars and restaurants. The Social Facilities (Cihangir Sosyal Tesisleri) have become the latest member of this dynamic culinary atmosphere. It is a clean, large and budget restaurant run by the municipality. Situated on a plateau above the coastline of the Bosphorus Strait, the restaurant offers an amazing view. What the facility has added to Cihangir’s landscape however is quite the opposite. The Ottoman-themed architecture is no more than a failed attempt.

Today in Turkey, we are witnessing a growing interest in Ottoman history. This nostalgia has decontextualized formerly distinct symbols, ideas, and objects in many ways. The Social Facilities in Cihangir could be one of them. As a neighborhood of artists and writers, elegant cafes, and antiquarian shops Cihangir stands for a liberal ground. At the heart of that there is Social Facilities Restaurant commemorating the past by its existence and design.

I spent some time sitting here, sipping my very well brewed Turkish coffee, getting lost in the beauty of the view and thinking all about this. You may just want to skip all the thought process and just enjoy the good service and fair pricing.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Istanbul Spotter Vildan

About me This is what I enjoy the most: exploring and sharing what I've found with others. I am a storyteller. I am collector of good memories in life. I am one of those friends you ask for a good place to dine, cafe to take your SO etc. Just ask me about anything that I might know. It is my passion and pleasure to share the joy I find in life. Why Istanbul Istanbul is like life itself. It is big, complicated, chaotic, full of surprises, dreadful and fascinating at the same time. I adore life. I accept the way it is and enjoy every second of this blend of suffering and...

About this spot

Kamacı Ustası Sokak 1

Turkish coffee:

TL

4

Oct 29, 2025

Our Istanbul City Guide

Find your way with 250 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Istanbul guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul

Küff Kolektif Cafe

Eatery Bar Cafe in Bahariye

Küff Kolektif with its fairy lights, eclectic décor, and a bustling vibe, serves diverse dishes and playful cocktails in a chic, garden-like setting.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Ayşim

Genç

Nov 26, 2025

Demeti Cihangir

Dining At The Balcony

Make sure you try the fried aubergines in tomato garlic sauce, zucchini fries, taramasalata, and mom's style fries. All are delicious!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Nov 25, 2025

Tünel Geçidi Pasajı

Arcade in Taksim

Tünel, İstanbul’s 1875 funicular, and its 1883 arcade offer bookstores, restaurants and wine bars amid historic buildings with a unique atmosphere.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Ayşim

Genç

Nov 24, 2025

The Church of St. Mary Draperis

Church in Taksim

Discover a quiet, Byzantine-inspired sanctuary behind modest doors. The Church of St. Mary Draperis is an easy-to-miss yet unique and peaceful escape.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Ayşim

Genç

Nov 24, 2025

Black Mustache

Bookstore in Moda

Black Mustache is a modest place packed with rare, outstanding art and culture books, plus indie-designed stationery that makes you wanna browse on.

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Ayşim

Genç

Nov 24, 2025

Sayla Mantı

Turkish Dumpling Restaurant

The unassuming, small restaurant Sayla Mantı, serves delicious hand-made mantı in the İstanbul style. One of the most reliable spots for fresh mantı.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Ayşim

Genç

Nov 24, 2025

Yoğurtçu Park

Park in Moda Kadikoy

Yoğurtçu Park is a lively and green escape with spots courts, playgrounds, a beautiful view over the canal and a crowd of friendly strays and locals.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Ayşim

Genç

Nov 24, 2025

Cherrybean Coffees

Roastery in Moda Istanbul

Cherrybean Coffees' humble porch hides a cavernous, living-room-cozy haven with in-house roasted brews and irresistibly delicious pastries.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Ayşim

Genç

Nov 24, 2025

Moda Tea Gardens

Tea Gardens in Moda Istanbul

Overlooking the Bosphorus, Moda Tea Gardens is such a realaxing place. Enjoy the tea, sea breeze and sunsets beneath lantern-lit trees in Istanbul’s heart.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Ayşim

Genç

Nov 24, 2025

Moda Pier

Coastal café in Moda Istanbul

Ready for a stunning seaside, history and excellent coffee? Moda Pier Café in Istanbul has it all, while life unfolds around you, from ferries to playful dogs.

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Ayşim

Genç

Nov 24, 2025

Petra Bebek

Cozy Garden Café

The outdoor area is perfect for warm or hot weather, with a mix of deck chairs, regular tables, and a shared table, all adding to its inviting atmosphere.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Nov 23, 2025

The Bench with a poet

A Poetic View of Istanbul

The bench itself, though simple in design, provides a comfortable and inviting place to rest. Sit in silence, read a book, or watch the world go by...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Nov 21, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

250 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Istanbul app Home
Istanbul app Home
Istanbul app Map
Istanbul app Home

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

250 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Coffee & tea

Our team loves Istanbul

Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
7291
Made with the 💚 of 496 Spotters.
Filters