Istanbul's Fatih district is where old meets new, and right in the middle of all this sits Lotiz Lounge & Hookah. This place is way up on the 7th floor of a hotel, giving you crazy good views of the Marmara Sea and the Old City. The restaurant is part of the Loti Group, so they know what they're doing when it comes to hospitality. It's been around for a while and has built up quite a reputation among both locals and tourists who want something special. You're basically eating dinner while looking out at one of the most famous cities in the world. The whole setup is designed to make you feel like you're floating above Istanbul, watching the sun go down over the water.

Key highlights:
- Rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Marmara Sea and Old City
- Modern European cuisine combined with fresh sushi and hookah service
- Live DJ music and entertainment creating a party atmosphere

PROFILE

Lotiz Lounge & Hookah opened as a rooftop dining spot that wanted to be different from all the other tourist traps in Istanbul. The owners figured out that people want good food AND good views, so they made both happen at the same time. The restaurant is located in the Fatih district, which is pretty much the heart of historic Istanbul. You can see the Grand Bazaar area from up there, plus all the old buildings that make this city so cool to look at. They recently renovated their terrace, so everything looks fresh and modern. The place can seat about 60 people, which means it's not too crowded but still has that party vibe going on. The Loti Group runs this place, and they've got experience in making restaurants that actually work well. They didn't just throw some tables on a roof and call it a day.

AMBIENCE

The atmosphere here is pretty wild, especially when the sun starts going down. You've got this modern, stylish setup with comfy seating and good lighting that makes everything look Instagram-worthy. The music gets going later in the evening with live DJs spinning tracks that keep the energy up. It's not so loud that you can't talk, but loud enough to feel like you're at a party instead of just eating dinner. The view is honestly the main attraction here. You're looking out over the Marmara Sea, and you can see the Old City spread out below you like a movie set. The whole place has this relaxed but upscale vibe that works for both romantic dinners and hanging out with friends. The recently renovated terrace means everything feels clean and well-maintained.

MUST-TRY

The hookah here is supposed to be some of the best in Istanbul, and people who've tried hookah all over the world say this place is special. They've got different flavors and the staff knows how to set it up right. The sushi is surprisingly good for a place that's not technically a sushi restaurant. Fresh fish and creative rolls that actually taste like they were made by someone who knows what they're doing. Their cocktail menu is pretty extensive, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options that look as good as they taste. The Blue Colada gets mentioned a lot in reviews as being particularly good. The Cajun Steak is another dish that shows up in positive reviews regularly. It's cooked well and seasoned properly, which isn't always guaranteed at rooftop places that focus more on views than food.

FOOD

The menu here is a mix of Turkish and international dishes, but they seem to focus on modern European cuisine. This means you're getting familiar flavors prepared in ways that feel a bit more sophisticated than your average tourist restaurant. The sushi selection is legit, with fresh fish and creative presentations that actually taste good. For a place that's not primarily a sushi joint, they're doing something right in the kitchen. Turkish dishes are done well here, with proper spices and cooking techniques that don't feel dumbed down for tourists. The portions are decent sized and the presentation is clean and appealing. The kitchen seems to handle both lunch and dinner service well, with consistent quality throughout the day. Food comes out at a reasonable pace, though some reviews mention longer waits during busy times.

SERVICE

The staff here gets a lot of praise in reviews for being friendly and attentive without being annoying. They seem to know their menu well and can make recommendations that actually work. Most reviews mention that the waiters are professional and helpful, especially when it comes to explaining the hookah options or suggesting food pairings. The service is described as 'top-notch' by multiple customers. The restaurant seems to handle reservations well, which is good since this place can get busy, especially during sunset hours. They're responsive on WhatsApp and phone calls. Multiple reviews mention staff members by name, which usually means they're making an impression and building relationships with customers. This is pretty rare for tourist-heavy restaurants in Istanbul.

PRICING

This place is definitely on the pricier side, but most reviews say it's worth it for the experience you're getting. We're talking about steakhouse prices, so expect to pay more than you would at a regular Istanbul restaurant. The hookah runs around 160 Turkish Lira, which is higher than street-level places but apparently worth it for the quality and setting. Cocktails and meals are priced like you'd expect at an upscale rooftop restaurant. Most tourists seem to think the prices are reasonable for what you get, especially when you factor in the view and the quality of both food and service. It's expensive by local standards but not outrageous for visitors. The value proposition seems to work because people keep coming back and recommending it to others. You're paying for the whole experience, not just the food.

SUMMARY

Lotiz Lounge & Hookah has figured out how to do the rooftop restaurant thing right. Good food, great views, and service that doesn't make you feel like you're just another tourist getting ripped off. The combination of modern European cuisine, quality hookah service, and one of the best views in Istanbul makes this place stand out from the competition. It's not cheap, but it delivers on what it promises. The atmosphere works for different types of visits - whether you want a romantic dinner or a fun night out with friends. The live DJ music and party vibe later in the evening gives it energy that a lot of rooftop places lack. If you're in Istanbul and want to see the city from above while eating good food, this is probably one of your best options. Just make a reservation because it gets busy, especially during sunset hours.

FAQs

Do I need a reservation at Lotiz Lounge & Hookah?
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and weekend visits. You can call them at +90 533 149 2272 or contact them through WhatsApp. The place gets busy during sunset hours and can fill up quickly.

What's the dress code for Lotiz Lounge & Hookah?
While there's no strict dress code mentioned in reviews, the restaurant has an upscale, modern atmosphere. Smart casual attire would be appropriate - think nice jeans or dress pants with a collared shirt or blouse.

Is Lotiz Lounge & Hookah suitable for families with children?
The restaurant is more geared toward adults, especially in the evening when they have live DJ music and hookah service. However, families are welcome during lunch and early dinner hours when the atmosphere is more relaxed.