Aug 7, 2025

Mükellef Istanbul

Fine dining

"Mükellef in Istanbul is a great fine dining restaurant with amazing views. I generally prefer its mezzes with yogurt and eggplant - good match with raki!"

It's always a pleasure to eat good food with an amazing view. Mükellef is such a chic place to have a good dinner. Arda Türkmen, who is a celebrity chef, owns this restaurant. It was opened at the end of the summer of 2015 and immediately became one of the most popular spots in the lively, hip neighborhood of Karaköy.

Besides a fine traditional mezze menu inspired by the Turkish meyhane culture with chef Arda Türkmen's personal touch added to every dish, Mükellef features a great terrace with a breathtaking view of the Golden Horn, Galata Tower and the historic peninsula. It's also the perfect spot for watching the sunset behind the city's historical districts.

When I visit it, I generally prefer mezzes with yogurt and eggplant instead of a main meal, because the mezzes make a good match with Turkish rakı and there are also good varieties to choose from.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

About this spot

Maliye street No:8/A

Mezzes:

TL

750

+90

2122430304

find your way in Istanbul, download our app.

Find your way with 238 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

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

Sep 8, 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

Sep 8, 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

Sep 3, 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

Sep 2, 2025

Lil Bake

Lovely spot for a sweet snack

Lil Bake is a small, lovely spot in the heart of Moda, Istanbul. My favorite used to be the pistachio Paris breast, until I tasted their croissants...

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

by

Cemre

Sandal

Aug 30, 2025

Vogue Restaurant Bar

Molecular cocktails & sushi

"Vogue Restaurant Bar" is one of Istanbul's higher end spots. The food is great, but I would recommend the signature (molecular) cocktails. How about...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Emre

Kamar

Aug 30, 2025

Banyan

High-end Asian fusion in Ortakoy

"Banyan" is my bar/restaurant of choice in Istanbul's Ortaköy for a drink or dinner after work. In their terrace you'll feel as if you're on a ship's deck.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Emre

Kamar

Aug 30, 2025

Forno Balat

Friendly cafe in the Golden Horn

"Forno Balat" in Istanbul has amazing breakfast -- the best scrambled eggs and open-buffet and homemade jams I've tasted in Turkey.

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

by

Emre

Kamar

Aug 30, 2025

Grand Bazaar

Fat round evil eyes

"Grand Bazaar" is my place to buy the best Istanbul souvenir: round, fat evil eyes! Just don't forget to bargain...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Aug 30, 2025

Norm Coffee

Such a cozy spot

"Norm Coffee" Istanbul makes me feel as if I'm in a spaceship travelling to a coffee planet every time! It's just one of my favorite spots in the city.

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

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Aug 30, 2025

Turkish Tea

Enjoy a glass of tea

Turkish Tea is had after each meal, and it's a reflection of hospitality. When in Istanbul, have it at small local tea houses in Sultanahmet.

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

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Aug 30, 2025

The Letter Opener

A gorgeous gift

"The Letter Opener" is one of the best souvenirs to get for friends back home when you're in Istanbul and I recommend you get them from Grand Bazaar.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Aug 30, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

238 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Istanbul?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

238 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 Istanbul

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