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

Sep 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

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

Nov 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

Nov 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

Oct 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

Oct 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

Oct 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

Oct 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

Oct 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

Oct 30, 2025

Groove

A cosy music store

"Groove" is my suggestion for music lovers who're in Istanbul looking for record shops! Sami, "the music doctor", will guide you through this journey...

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

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Oct 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

Oct 30, 2025

The Tortoise Trainer

Painting by Osman Hamdi Bey

The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zekeriya

S. Sen

Oct 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

Oct 30, 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 497 Spotters.
Filters