This is a real hidden garden in the middle of Istanbul. Limonlu Bahçe means Lemon Garden and the name of the spot comes from the lemon trees in their garden. It’s located very close to Istiklal Street, but in spite of that it offers a very peaceful place away from the crazy crowds. I used to go to this place from my university times when I needed some rest with a cold beverage.

Almost 20 years old, this place has its own soul. Besides the lemon trees, there are magnolia, rose, pine, linden, jasmine and plum trees to be found in the greenery. It’s quiet and cool on hot summer days, and romantic in winters also. 

They serve good food all day long, including breakfast, lunch and dinner: Mediterranean kitchen mixed with Turkish cuisine. No doubt the lemonade is the signature of the place because of the lemon trees, which is I love a lot, especially in the summer. I’ve tried most of their food and left satisfied on nearly all of my visits.