Ortaköy sits pretty on the Bosphorus, where old Istanbul charm meets modern vibes. This waterfront spot buzzes with cafes, art galleries, and that famous mosque everyone takes photos of. Banyan perches on top of a historic building right in the heart of all this action. The restaurant has been serving up Asian-Turkish fusion for years, making it a go-to spot for both locals and tourists. You can't miss the Bosphorus Bridge views from here. It's like having dinner with Istanbul's most famous landmark as your backdrop.

Key highlights:
- Stunning Bosphorus and bridge views from the top floor
- Asian-Turkish fusion menu with fresh ingredients
- Michelin Guide recommended restaurant

PROFILE

Banyan calls itself a pioneer of Asian fusion cuisine in Istanbul. The restaurant sits on the top floor of a historic building in Ortaköy, one of the city's most popular tourist areas. Chef Arifhan Kanlı runs the kitchen now, bringing his Black Sea roots to the Asian-Turkish concept. He focuses on sustainable cooking and works with local producers to get the freshest seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has earned a spot on the Michelin Guide's recommendation list. That's pretty impressive for a fusion place in Turkey.

AMBIENCE

The views here are absolutely crazy good. You get the Ortaköy Mosque, the Bosphorus, and that iconic bridge all in one frame through the huge windows. The space feels modern but cozy at the same time. There's a cocktail bar where a DJ spins music, so it gets pretty lively, especially on weekends. Some people say the music can be too loud for dinner conversations. The bar area tends to get more attention than the dining room, which can be annoying if you're trying to have a quiet meal. Tables are packed pretty close together, so don't expect much privacy. But honestly, most people come here for the views and the buzz anyway.

MUST-TRY

The sushi gets tons of praise from visitors. People say it's some of the best you'll find in this part of the world. Green samosas and garden satay are popular starters that show off the fusion concept well. The Dragon Karides (shrimp pad thai) is another crowd favorite. For mains, the Sichuan beef surprises people because it's more like steak au poivre than traditional Chinese food. The orange beef also gets good reviews for its tender meat and balanced flavors. Don't skip the cocktails - the bartenders know their stuff and create some pretty creative drinks.

FOOD

The menu mixes traditional Turkish ingredients with Asian cooking techniques and spices. It's not your typical Asian restaurant - they really try to create something new. Fish dishes are the main focus, which makes sense given the waterfront location. The prawn gyoza and chicken with green curry sauce are solid choices too. They offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, so most dietary needs are covered. The kitchen uses heirloom seeds and geographically marked Anatolian products when possible. Quality seems consistent, though some recent reviews mention the menu becoming too experimental. A few longtime customers think the food was better a couple years ago.

SERVICE

Service can be hit or miss depending on when you visit. Some guests rave about the staff being attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. Others complain about long waits and inattentive servers, especially when the bar gets crowded. The restaurant seems to prioritize the bar crowd over diners sometimes. The chef sometimes comes out to talk to guests about dietary restrictions or menu recommendations. That's a nice personal touch when it happens. Reservations are definitely recommended, especially for weekend dinners. The restaurant stays open until 2 AM, with a shorter menu available after 10:30 PM.

PRICING

Expect to pay around 100 euros per person for dinner, which is pretty steep for Turkey. But you're paying for the location and views as much as the food. The pricing puts it in the luxury category for Istanbul dining. Some visitors think it's worth it for special occasions, while others feel it's overpriced. Cocktails and wine add up quickly, so the bill can get pretty high if you're drinking. The restaurant accepts all major credit cards. Given the Michelin recommendation and prime location, the prices aren't totally shocking. Just be prepared for a splurge.

SUMMARY

Banyan delivers on the views and atmosphere that most people come for. The Bosphorus setting really is spectacular, especially at sunset. The food is generally good, though maybe not quite matching the high prices. The Asian-Turkish fusion concept works better on some dishes than others. Service and noise levels can be issues, particularly on busy nights. If you're looking for a quiet romantic dinner, this might not be your spot. It's worth visiting once for the experience and views. Just manage your expectations about the food and service, and you'll probably have a good time.

FAQs

Do I need a reservation at Banyan?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dinners. The restaurant gets busy and tables fill up quickly due to its popularity and prime location.

What's the dress code at Banyan?
There's no strict dress code, but most guests dress smart casual given the upscale atmosphere and pricing. You'll fit in fine with nice jeans and a decent shirt.

Can I just go for drinks without eating?
Absolutely. The cocktail bar is a popular spot on its own, and you can enjoy drinks while taking in the views. Just be aware that it gets quite crowded and loud, especially on weekends.