Editor's Pick
Hotel
Waterfront Historic
Sumahan on the Water
$$$
19th-century raki distillery on the Asian shore
Restaurant
Ismet Baba
Asian side meyhane with Bosphorus charm
In the charming neighborhood of Kuzguncuk on the Asian side, Ismet Baba offers a more intimate meyhane experience. The cozy interior is perfect for winter evenings, while summer brings outdoor seating with glimpses of the Bosphorus. A local secret worth crossing for.
Editor's Tip
Worth the ferry to the Asian side. Cozy and authentic, especially in winter.
Insider Tips
- Arrive early for waterfront seating
- Kitchen closes at 22:00 so order food early
- Take the ferry from Eminonu for full experience
- Double-check your bill before paying
Best Table: Request terrace tables overlooking the water
Pricing Guide
Per Person
2,200 TRY
Range: 1,500 - 3,500
Couples Dinner
4,500 TRY
Range: 3,500 - 7,000
Group of Four
10,000 TRY
Range: 7,000 - 15,000
Service charge: Not included | Tipping: expected 10-15
Atmosphere
Music
ambient
Quiet background music, focus on conversation
Volume Level
moderate
Conversation friendly
Capacity
60 guests
medium venue
Dress Code
casual
Ambiance: warm lighting, traditional turkish & nautical style
Views & Setting
View Type
bosphorus partial
View Quality
good
Sunset
**** (4/5)
18:00 in summer
Indoor Terrace Waterfront
| May-October
Food & Drinks
Cuisine
seafood, mezze, turkish traditional
Food Quality
****/5
Bar Program
basic cocktails
good wine list
Must-Try Dishes
- Patatesli borek (potato borek)
- Fresh daily fish
- Classic mezes
- Fried calamari
Signature Drinks
- Raki
- Turkish wines
Vegetarian Friendly
Reservations
Policy
recommended
Weekday
Same day usually fine
Weekend
1-2 days recommended
phone
Tip: Request waterfront table when booking
Walk-in Info
Weekday: 10-20 minutes | Weekend: 30-45 minutes
Best Times to Visit
Best Days
Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Best Time for Dinner
18:30-19:30 for sunset views
Vibe Throughout the Night
Early Evening
Sunset dining
Prime Time
Relaxed conversations
Late Night
Closes at midnight
The Crowd
Age Range
35-65
Vibe
relaxed upscale
Mix
60% Locals, 30% Tourists
coupleslocalsartistsfamilies
Instagram Worthiness: ****/5
Best spots: Waterfront terrace, Bosphorus backdrop, Meze spread
Perfect For
Date Night Anniversary Family Gathering
Max group size: 15 people
Kids: tolerated
Recognition & Quality
Consistency
variable
Value for Money
***/5
Local Opinion
respected
Established 1951 | independent
Getting There
Parking
Not available
Difficulty: moderate
Transport
Taxi: convenient
Tell your driver: Near Kuzguncuk ferry pier, on stilts above the water
Staff speaks: Turkish, English
Service style: friendly casual , leisurely pace
Vibe
Best For
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