Istanbul's Ulus neighborhood sits pretty on the Bosphorus, where fancy folks hang out and money talks. This upscale area got parks, views, and restaurants that cost more than your allowance. 29 Restaurant makes its home right in Ulus Park since way back in 1983. The place got famous for bringing European food to Turkish tables when nobody else was doing it.

Key highlights:
- Michelin Guide recommended spot with Gault & Millau award
- Crazy good Bosphorus views from both inside and terrace
- Been around since 1983, so they know what they're doing

PROFILE

This place started as Ulus 29 but now just goes by 29. The owner Metin Fadıllıoğlu runs the show and has been doing it since 1993. They got recognition from Michelin Guide and won some fancy Gault & Millau award. The restaurant sits on a hill in Ulus Park, which is basically where rich people go to eat. Executive Chef Fırat Yakut handles the kitchen these days. The whole setup screams upscale dining with a European twist on things.

AMBIENCE

The view here is absolutely nuts - you can see the Bosphorus strait and both bridges connecting Europe and Asia. Floor-to-ceiling windows make sure you don't miss any of it. Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu designed the interior, and she's apparently a big deal in that world. The terrace opens up during summer months for outdoor dining. There's also Club 29 that opens Friday and Saturday nights. DJs play music and celebrities show up sometimes. The whole vibe is fancy but not stuffy. They give you blankets on the terrace when it gets chilly.

MUST-TRY

The seafood tower comes loaded with king crab legs, smoked salmon, and different kinds of sashimi. French Gillardeau oysters are super fresh according to people who ate there. Lamb kebab gets good reviews, especially with that tangy yogurt sauce. The köfte is decent too but some folks say it's kinda similar to the kebab. Their cocktails are solid and they got crisp flatbreads with Turkish olive oil for dipping. The asparagus soup also gets mentioned as being really good.

FOOD

The menu focuses on European-style dishes with some Turkish touches. They got appetizers, risotto, fish, meats, and desserts plus some ketogenic options. Quality seems pretty consistent based on what people say. The lamb dishes are cooked well and spiced right. Vegetarians might struggle here though. One review mentioned the veggie options were pretty bland and disappointing. The kitchen combines classic techniques with their own style. Executive Chef Mert Şeran and his team are apparently passionate about what they do.

SERVICE

Staff speaks English well and knows their stuff. They're professional but still friendly, not all stiff and weird. Waiters will take photos of you with the view if you ask. That's pretty cool since most places act like they're too busy. Service gets called 'superb' in reviews. They seem to actually care about making sure you have a good time. Some reviews mention servers being helpful with seating and accommodating special requests. The whole team seems trained properly.

PRICING

This place is expensive, no sugar-coating it. You're paying for the view, the location, and the fancy reputation. Some people complained about paying a lot for food that wasn't worth it. Vegetarian dishes especially got called overpriced for what you get. The wine list has about 4,500 bottles from 320 producers, so expect to pay premium prices. They got a sommelier who picked everything carefully. It's definitely a special occasion spot, not somewhere you'd go for a casual dinner. Budget accordingly if you're planning to visit.

SUMMARY

29 Restaurant delivers on the view and atmosphere promise. The Bosphorus scenery is genuinely spectacular and worth experiencing. Food quality ranges from good to excellent depending on what you order. Stick to their stronger dishes like seafood and lamb. Service is professional and the staff knows how to handle an upscale crowd. They make the experience feel special without being pretentious. The price tag is steep but you're paying for one of Istanbul's most iconic dining experiences. Just make sure to book ahead, especially for terrace seating.

FAQs

Do I need reservations for 29 Restaurant?
Yes, definitely make reservations especially for weekend dining and if you want terrace seating. The place gets busy even on weeknights.

What's the dress code at 29?
Dress up a bit - this is an upscale restaurant. Smart casual to formal works best, don't show up in shorts and flip-flops.

Is 29 good for vegetarians?
Not really. Several reviews mention limited and bland vegetarian options. The restaurant focuses more on seafood and meat dishes.