Sky-High Dining

In recent years, Istanbul's newest restaurants have been aiming high, literally, as an increasing number of savvy restauranteurs take advantage of the city's greatest natural asset—its spectacular views—and opened rooftop dining spots. The trend has been especially pronounced in the Beyoglu neighborhood, which sits on a ridge overlooking the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the sights of Sultanahmet; here you'll have the chance to eat dinner while looking at both Europe and, across the water, Asia. This is real intercontinental dining.

Two restaurants—360 Istanbul, atop a historic apartment building, and Mikla, at the top of the 18-story Marmara Pera hotel, have spectacular 360-degree views. (If you're choosing between the two, Mikla is, generally speaking, for an older crowd, while 360 Istanbul is a good place to get a glimpse of the city's younger elite.) The open-air (therefore summer only) NuTeras is a chic bar that serves excellent mezes and looks out on the Golden Horn. Leb-i Derya serves adequate fare on a lovely and breezy terrace bar where you can watch the sunset over the Bosphorus.