Barts Best of Taksim and Galata, Istanbul
Istanbul, we hadn't been there for a while. And whether it was time to visit the largest city in Turkey (hi, 15 million inhabitants) again. The hippest restaurants and shops open there all the time, for example Salon Cuma which we already wrote about two weeks ago. And we said it then too; If Istanbul is not yet on your list of cities to visit, put it on there quickly. Because this city is vibrant, has a rich history and an incredible amount to offer. In addition to good restaurants and cozy food stalls (try for example Kampir, baked and stuffed potato, in the Ortaköy district), there is nature (be sure to take a boat trip on the Bosphorus), culture (think great mosques, ancient city relics and beautiful palaces) and you can shop there (for example in the Grand Bazaar). After five days you will never be tired of being here. In any case, we have already listed some eating, drinking and sleeping tips in the Taksim and Galata districts. Not enough? Then look here for a while too.
Istanbul has fifteen million registered inhabitants, but it is estimated that there are four million more. And then there are tourists. You understand, it can get very busy. It is sometimes crowded, especially in the old town. A nice hotel where you can retreat at the end of the day is therefore not an unnecessary luxury. Such a hotel is for example Inqlusif, in the heart of Galata, yet just outside the hustle and bustle. This boutique hotel opened its doors in December 2018 and is therefore still brand new. The hotel has only seven rooms, all named after a color. This is how you find out The Orange Room orange elements (such as a cool painting, specially made for Inqlusif) and a blue velvet bench in The Blue Room. Downstairs in the hotel there is a small seating area (inside and outside) where you can quietly enjoy your cup of coffee. Or order a beer and take it with you to the spacious roof terrace. With two different terraces you can choose to enjoy the sun in the afternoon, or nap on a bench in the shade.
The proud owner of Hotel Inqlusif is Canadian Michel, who has lived in Instabul for more than twenty years. He was previously an English teacher, but he got the itch for something new. That 'new' was originally a coffee shop, somewhere in the center of Istanbul. When he passed the building where the hotel is now located, he actually intended to rent only the ground floor. Unfortunately that was not possible; it was the whole building or nothing. No sooner said than done and a year later there was Hotel Inqlusif @ Galata. Michel invented and searched for everything - every detail - himself; it had to be exactly as he envisioned. And that worked out well. In addition to the different colored rooms (which vary from 15 to 20 M2), all bathrooms are completely marble, with a black shower and a wooden sink top. The perfect Instagram picture. Michel and his staff are very nice and help with everything. So they have Istanbul Karts (OV Card) to borrow and give to you patient info about the city. The hotel does not offer breakfast, but there is one right around the corner, for example Individual, where you should go for a delicious and (very!) extensive traditional Turkish breakfast.
When you get to restaurant 1924 When you take your first step inside, it seems as if they have managed to get the time machine working here. One snap of your fingers and you're in Russian roaring twenties. The walls are decorated with old photos and paintings, a long velvet sofa has been built against the wall and music from the twenties is playing. If you're done with all the hip stuff, then 1924 is definitely recommended. Classic, with history and a real night out. The restaurant was once set up by Russians who were fleeing the Bolshevik Revolution in order to recreate the urban life they had left behind. And so the restaurant became a regular place for the children of the new Turkish republic, members of the royal family, civil servants and politicians. This also includes Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish republic. His regular table is now reserved forever and no one is allowed to sit at this table.
At 1924 they make - how could it be otherwise - their own vodka. Choose from the golden cart, which has more than twenty flavors of vodkas, such as strawberry, vanilla and coffee. The table is strewn with silverware, from cutlery to bowls and candle holders. Almost too beautiful to touch (and we secretly want to take something home with us). Once you've had your first shot of vodka, choose the '1924 Tasting Menu' and be surprised by Turkish and Russian dishes. Or take matters into your own hands and go for the Mini bilini's with smoked salmon en Topic, a typical Armenian mezze, a kind of sandwich made of chickpeas, cinnamon and blueberries. In a decadent mood? Then add some caviar. Just because it's possible.
1924 is known for their Beef Strogonoff and the 1924 Duck a la Orange. We are not the worst, so we have already tasted both dishes for you. We can't choose, so we would like to suggest that you do the same. We understand why this is the signature dishes of the restaurant. On top of the Beef Strogonoff lies paper thin fries and the Duck in an apple/cinnamon gravy for which we would really like to find out the recipe. Finally, have a drink at the bar after (or before) dinner, because at 1924 they are also good at cocktails (for example the Serefe Hemingway with their own lemongrass en grapefruit vodka). And then rolling home.
Salon Cuma should certainly not be missing from your list of hotspots to complete. This is the new sister of restaurant Cuma, which has been a favorite among residents and tourists for years.
Soho House Istanbul was the 13th location of the private members' club. You don't just get a membership (it's all about those damn connections), you have to put your two cents in the so-called bag and work in the creative industry. But then you're in. And that's what you really want. Especially in Istanbul. Soho House Istanbul is located in a stately, beautiful building (palace) with an enormous marble staircase at the front. Built in 1873 by order of a powerful shipbuilder who inspired the Italian architect Giacomo Leoni gave every space to make the home as luxurious as possible for his family. Famous painters of the time were asked to create murals of Greek mythological scenes in the hall and on the ceilings of the Great Hall. After his death, the building served as an American embassy and in 2004 Soho House began renovations, which have now returned it to its former glory.
Soho House Istanbul has three restaurants and a bar (The Club). At Cecconi's you are in the right place if you are in the mood for Italian cuisine Allis the place to be for breakfast, lunch, drinks or a light evening meal and Naavah is inspired by the flavors and spices of the Middle East, with a local twist. We went for the latter. On the first floor, near The Club, there are about ten beautifully laid tables. At Naavah you choose small dishes to share, such as Falafal with homemade humus or a tabbouleh salad with bulgur. The Kofta wrap is also definitely recommended, nice and fresh because of the mint and pomegranate. And then have the Saffron Pear with tahini ice cream. The Club also has a terrace, where you can enjoy a last cocktail (or three) after dinner.
The hotel is also located in the center, but just outside the hustle and bustle The Westist. Just like Inqlusif, brand new, in the style of Alice in Wonderland. The lobby has asymmetrical black and white stripes on the floor and walls giving you a first step into it Wonderland do. Green walls and funny details make the somewhat small lobby as a whole a bit busy and not a place where you can have a quiet drink, but fortunately that is possible at the bar opposite the lobby. Each floor has the same black and white theme, with a corridor that seems endless. The rooms are simple, minimalist but fully equipped (such as a rain shower). And then there is the Spa. With a sauna and Turkish steam bath where you can have a Turkish hammam treatment (do it!). We weren't crazy about the Turkish breakfast, but hey – it's actually much more fun to discover another place for it.
Really special food that you can enjoy 360 Istanbul. Here you sit on a roof terrace in the middle of the city with a view over the whole of Istanbul. A rooftop restaurant like you don't often see. Perfect for a lunch in the sun during the day (and if it's too hot they also have a nice spacious restaurant inside, completely surrounded by glass. Yup, it's all in the name) and extra romantic in the evening above the lights of the city. And the food is also delicious, not unimportant. Don't expect a culinary highlight, but just good food. As a mezze to share, for example shrimp tempura and tuna on a bed of asparagus. For the main course there is a lot from the grill (the New York Steak is recommended) and there are the '360 legends'; Saffron risotto of Rock Lobster Spaghetti Arrabiatta. But definitely worth a visit for the view alone.
We flew with Turkish Airlines for this trip.
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