Up in the historic Fatih district of Istanbul, this tiny rooftop spot sits close to all the big tourist stuff. You can walk to the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar pretty easy from here. The restaurant is super small and can only fit about 40 people at once. Hanzade Terrace gives you that real Turkish dining experience with amazing water views. They got this terrace thing going on that makes you feel like you're floating above the city.

Key highlights:
- Sick views of the Bosphorus and Blue Mosque from every table
- Real Turkish and Ottoman food that tastes like grandma made it
- Small and cozy place that doesn't feel like a tourist trap

PROFILE

This place has been getting crazy good reviews on TripAdvisor with a 4.9 rating. Over 2,000 people have left reviews and most of them are super happy. The restaurant won some Travelers' Choice award too. They're open every day from noon until 11 PM. You can make reservations which is probably smart since it's so small. The owners Osman and Nazlin run the place and people always mention how nice they are.

AMBIENCE

The terrace setup is what makes this place special. Every table gets a view of the water which is pretty rare in Istanbul. The space feels intimate but not cramped. You get this cool breeze coming off the Bosphorus that makes eating here feel different. The music is quiet and doesn't get in the way of talking. Some tables have better views than others so getting there early helps.

MUST-TRY

The lamb and beef kebabs are what most people come here for. Reviews say they're the best in Istanbul which is saying something. The portions are big too so you won't leave hungry. The grape leaves are apparently addictive - people keep ordering more plates of them. The mixed meze platter lets you try a bunch of different Turkish appetizers. The sea bass gets mentioned a lot in reviews as being really good.

FOOD

They do Turkish and Ottoman cuisine with some Mediterranean stuff mixed in. The meat dishes are what they're known for but the seafood is solid too. Everything comes with complimentary dessert and Turkish tea at the end. The chicken gets cooked with Turkish spices and stays juicy. Their shrimp dish with butter sauce is another winner. The roasted eggplant is good if you want something vegetarian. Some reviews mention the bread has this smoky taste that's different from other places. The flavors are strong and distinct - nothing tastes bland here.

SERVICE

The staff speaks English well enough to help with food allergies and questions. They're quick and pay attention to your table without being annoying. The servers remember your orders and bring everything out fast. People mention waiters named Aysun and Erciyes who made their meals special. The service feels personal since it's such a small place. They handle big groups well if you call ahead.

PRICING

Prices have gone up recently but it's still reasonable for what you get. Two kebabs and three drinks cost around £40 according to recent reviews. Main dishes are around 460 Turkish lira which is about $16. The value is good considering the view and location. It's not the cheapest place in Istanbul but it's not trying to rip off tourists either. The free dessert and tea at the end adds some value.

SUMMARY

This is one of those places that does everything right without being fancy about it. The food tastes authentic, the views are amazing, and the service makes you feel welcome. It's small enough that you feel special but not so exclusive that it's pretentious. The location puts you right in the middle of all the historic stuff in Istanbul. You can eat here and then walk around the old city without any hassle. The Turkish food is legit and the portions are fair.

FAQs

Do you need reservations?
You should probably call ahead since they only have room for 40 people. They can usually squeeze you in but the best tables with views go fast.

What's the dress code?
There's no formal dress code but most people dress casual-nice. You're eating on a terrace so comfortable clothes work fine.

Can they handle food allergies?
Yes, the staff speaks English and can help with allergies. Bring a card in Turkish just in case but they're pretty good about it.