Jun 29, 2025

Cihangir Sosyal Tesisleri Istanbul

This view made me think

""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

About this spot

Kamacı Ustası Sokak 1

Turkish coffee:

TL

4

Find your way with 237 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

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

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

Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul

CRR Concert Hall

Istanbul's Cultural Hub

From internationally acclaimed jazz masters to dynamic dance performances, the CRR Concert Hall consistently offers top-notch entertainment.

002-building
Art & culture
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Cemre

Sandal

Jul 10, 2025

Kandilli Suna'nin Yeri

Bosphorus's maritime gem

Suna'nin Yeri's commitment to sourcing only the finest seafood is evident in every bite. Everything that is served here is fresh and sourced daily.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Jul 10, 2025

Homemade Aromaterapi

Natural and vegan products

"Homemade Aromaterapi" is a small, beautiful shop in Kuzguncuk, Istanbul. Come here for cold-pressed essential oils, cleansers, soaps, toothpaste & more!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cemre

Sandal

Jul 9, 2025

Kuzguncuk

A neighborhood with unique beauty

"Kuzguncuk" in Istanbul is a uniquely beautiful neighborhood with old colorful houses, mansions and friendly shopkeepers - a sense of connected community.

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

by

Cemre

Sandal

Jul 9, 2025

Chandeliers in Hagia Sophia Mosque

Enlightenment

The "Chandeliers in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia" have their own little recent story which is good to remember whenever you pay a visit... Lighting is key!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 4, 2025

Primitif Birahane

Beer garden experience

With it large garden and lovely ambience, "Primitif Birahane" in Istanbul resembles 'biergartens' in Germany, though here you will find plenty of cats...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Jul 3, 2025

The Pera Museum

An alternative art museum for all

The "Pera Museum" is for you if you're into art from the life of Istanbul and the Ottoman world between the 17th and early 20th century...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

The Shoe-shine boys

A unique experience

"The Shoe-shine boys" is a very typical Istanbul sight. Having your shoes painted and polished is a nice experience, just be careful who does it for you!

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

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Fenerbahçe Steamboat

Now in the past

The "Fenerbahçe Steamboat" has carried passengers across Istanbul's Bosphorus over 55 years. Now you can see this historical ship in Rahmi Koc Museum.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Holy Fragrance sellers

Various perfumes

"Holy Fragrance" sellers sit just outside mosques and provide refreshing perfumes. I would recommend the ones in Istanbul's Beyazit and Yeni mosques.

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

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Simit

The Turkish Bagel

"Simit" is the delicious Turkish and Istanbul version of bagels. You can get them at the red stands all over the city. Try to get them hot!

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant

The best haricot bean

"Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant" is one of the restaurants that serve haricot beans just outside Suleymaniye in Istanbul. Great service, worth the money...

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

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Jul 1, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

237 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

237 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

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
false
0
false
7291
Filters