Sultanahmet's historic streets buzz with energy as tourists flock to see the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Right in the heart of this Ottoman-era neighborhood sits Seafront Lounge, a rooftop restaurant that's become quite the local favorite. The restaurant sits on the 5th floor of a building on Akbıyık Street. You can spot the famous domes from their terrace.

Key highlights:
- Rooftop terrace with views of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
- Fresh seafood and Turkish cuisine specialties
- TripAdvisor Excellence Certificate winner for three years straight

PROFILE

Seafront Lounge opened as a fish and kebab specialist in the tourist heart of Istanbul. The restaurant earned TripAdvisor's Excellence Certificate for 2022, 2023, and 2024. They rank #265 out of 12,360 restaurants in Istanbul according to TripAdvisor. The place operates daily from 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM. Most visitors come for dinner, but they serve breakfast and lunch too.

AMBIENCE

The 5th-floor location gives diners a bird's eye view of Istanbul's most famous landmarks. On one side you see Hagia Sophia, on the other the Blue Mosque towers over the skyline. The Bosphorus sparkles in the distance when the weather's clear. The outdoor terrace is where most people want to sit. Indoor seating exists too, but why would you choose that when you can eat under the stars? The atmosphere feels relaxed and tourist-friendly. Staff doesn't pressure you to order quickly or leave fast.

MUST-TRY

Their mixed fish platter costs 3200₺ and feeds multiple people. The octopus in butter runs 1150₺ and gets mentioned in several reviews. Turkish breakfast for 1500₺ is popular with morning visitors. The stuffed mussels cost 390₺ and make a good starter. Many reviewers mention the complimentary pita bread and olive dip that comes with orders.

FOOD

The kitchen focuses on seafood but also serves kebabs and traditional Turkish dishes. Reviews mention fresh fish, well-prepared shrimp, and tasty sea bass. The portions are described as 'huge' by multiple visitors. One reviewer said the butter shrimp appetizer paired well with sea bass and fish shish. The stuffed squid gets positive mentions too. The Turkish breakfast includes typical items you'd expect. Quality seems consistent based on customer feedback.

SERVICE

Staff members get praised for being friendly and helpful. They help take photos and explain menu items to tourists. Some reviewers mention staff speaking English well enough to chat about Istanbul's history. The service speed gets good marks. Food arrives hot and properly timed. One staff member named Sterk gets mentioned by name in reviews for being accommodating. Another named Mehmet receives praise for high-level service.

PRICING

Expect to pay premium prices for the location and views. The mixed fish at 3200₺ and mixed kebab at 3500₺ represent the higher end of their menu. Appetizers like stuffed mussels at 390₺ are more reasonable. A Turkish breakfast costs 1500₺ which is steep but includes the terrace experience. The seafood salad at 550₺ falls in the middle range. Credit cards are accepted, which helps with the higher prices. The restaurant caters to tourists, so expect tourist-level pricing.

SUMMARY

Seafront Lounge delivers what most Istanbul visitors want: good food with iconic views. The location can't be beat if you want to dine while staring at the city's most famous buildings. The seafood quality meets expectations and the staff treats guests well. Prices reflect the prime location and tourist clientele. It's not the cheapest meal in Istanbul, but the combination of food, views, and service makes it worth considering. Book ahead if you want a terrace table during busy seasons.

FAQs

Do they take reservations?
Yes, Seafront Lounge accepts reservations and it's recommended, especially for terrace seating. You can call them at +90 531 427 86 83 to book a table.

What are the opening hours?
The restaurant is open daily from 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout these hours.

Is it family-friendly?
Yes, the restaurant welcomes families with children. The terrace setting and casual atmosphere work well for families visiting Istanbul's historic sites nearby.