Zürafa No203 Istanbul

Excellent choice of cocktails

Cemre from Istanbul

I am passionate about traveling. I have been to many countries but not counting the numbers. I run a travel blog in Turkish and it brings me great pleasure to inspire others to travel and discover more.I love exploring cities on foot and walk for long hours. I believe any kind of dancing is better than no dancing at all. I take dessert and cocktails seriously.I also enjoy exploring my...
"One of the highlights was the delicious pistachio cocktail. If you want to stay on the safe side and prefer a fruity taste, you can try Berry Bees."

This place was listed in "The best cocktails in Istanbul" article which makes me suspicious about the place as most of the time, the places in such local articles are overrated. However, Zürafa no203 Kitchen & Cocktail Bar surprised me with the quality and variety of their house cocktails. Not only their cocktails but also the food was delicious overall. So, do make sure you go hungry. Especially crispy chicken with parmesan cream and bravas is worth trying.

One of the highlights of our visit was the pistachio cocktails as it was our first time trying a cocktail made with pistachio, and it was delicious. If you want to stay on the safe side and prefer a fruity taste, you can try Berry Bees. The menu is extensive, so there's plenty to try. It's a bit pricey, but the quality and ambience make it worth it. Also, pickled greengages, which they give as a treat, are really tasty.

As it is located towards the end of fancy Bağdat Street, it is not as crowded as the cocktail bars in Caddebostan and Suadiye. Yet, I still haven't visited Zürafa on a weekend night, so not sure about the crowd on those nights.

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

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Istanbul Spotter Cemre

I am passionate about traveling. I have been to many countries but not counting the numbers. I run a travel blog in Turkish and it brings me great pleasure to inspire others to travel and discover more.I love exploring cities on foot and walk for long hours. I believe any kind of dancing is better than no dancing at all. I take dessert and cocktails seriously.I also enjoy exploring my hometown, spending time with friends, taking in some fresh air in nature, visiting art exhibitions and going to the theatre, concerts and parties. Why Istanbul? Istanbul has so muc...

About this spot

Göztepe Mah, Bağdat Cad. Marmara Apt No:203/A, 34730 Kadıköy/İstanbul

House Cocktails:

TL

490

5306528468

Nov 17, 2025

Our Istanbul City Guide

Find your way with 241 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

Glow Coffee

Cool spot, good latte

"Glow Coffee" in Istanbul has wonderful brownies and makes lattes with oat milk! Haven't seen it anywhere else yet...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Cemre

Sandal

Nov 19, 2025

Yirmiyedi Kuzguncuk

Slow Design and Art

YirmiYedi Kuzguncuk's commitment to supporting designers is admirable, allowing each creator to showcase their work under their brand name.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cemre

Sandal

Nov 18, 2025

Zula

Burger Heaven

The chefs of Zula know how to cook tasty burgers for sure, I go for the basic one: 100gr meat, cheddar, caramelized onion, pickle relish & truffle mayo.

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

by

Cemre

Sandal

Nov 17, 2025

Hide Arnavutköy

Hidden Garden

Cafe Hide is a perfect spot to enjoy your day and unwind as it feels like you are out of the city. If you are looking for an escape, look no further!

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

by

Cemre

Sandal

Nov 17, 2025

Fethipaşa Korusu

Panoramic Views of Bosphorus

"Fethipaşa Korusu" (or 'grove') in Istanbul offers plenty of spots from which to enjoy breathtaking views over the Bosphorus & much more... Come at sunset!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Cemre

Sandal

Nov 17, 2025

Bias Koşuyolu

Tasty and unique cocktails

Bias Koşuyolu bar and kitchen is definitely worth a visit, as they serve delicious food and drinks. Try their elegant signature cocktail Bias...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cemre

Sandal

Nov 17, 2025

Asuman

For chocolate lovers

"Asuman" in Istanbul serves... asuman! They have lots of other delicious desserts too, but I always come back for their namesake...

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

by

Cemre

Sandal

Nov 17, 2025

Minoa Pera

A Literary Haven

The café, nestled among the bookshelves, serves as a cosy refuge where one can savour their coffee while getting lost in the pages of a newfound gem.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Nov 10, 2025

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

Nov 9, 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

Nov 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

Nov 8, 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

Nov 8, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

241 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

241 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 Bars

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