Bar
360 Istanbul
A long-running bar, restaurant and late-night club on the top floor of the historic Mısır Apartment on İstiklal Avenue, with panoramic city views.
Litera
A rooftop restaurant and lounge bar on the sixth floor of the Goethe-Institut building off İstiklal, open since 2002 with views over the historic peninsula.
At a glance
- Type
- Rooftop restaurant and lounge bar
- Area
- Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Opening
- Open 6 days a week (closed Sunday) · 17:00–02:00
- Official site
- literarestaurant.com
Good to know
- Terrace with old city views
- Lounge bar
- Kitchen until 23:00
- Email reservations
Why we recommend it
Litera is a rooftop restaurant and lounge bar on the sixth floor of the building on Yeni Çarşı Caddesi that houses the Goethe-Institut, the German cultural institute, just below İstiklal Avenue near Galatasaray. It has operated under the Litera name since 2002, and its terrace looks across the Golden Horn to the historic peninsula, with the Süleymaniye and the mosques of the old city on the skyline.
The restaurant describes its approach to food as gastronomy with an artistic touch, combining Turkish and international cuisine. The kitchen is open from 17:00 to 23:00, and after that the lounge bar carries on until 02:00, so it works equally well for dinner or for drinks later in the evening. The terrace is the place to be in good weather.
Litera is open Monday to Saturday from 17:00 to 02:00. It is closed on Sundays, except for private events. Reservations can be made by email or by phone, and it is worth booking a terrace table for sunset, when the view across the water is at its best. Prices are moderate to high, reflecting the setting. Weekday evenings are calmer, while Friday and Saturday nights are livelier. Dress is smart casual, and the mood is relaxed rather than formal, which makes it a comfortable place for a long evening.
Finding it is part of the experience. Walk about 60 metres down Yeni Çarşı Caddesi from İstiklal, between Galatasaray High School and the PTT building, and the entrance to building number 32 is on the right; take the lift to the sixth floor. If you are driving, the Galatasaray car park is next to the building. Mentioning that you would like a terrace table when you reserve is the surest way to secure the view.
Litera suits couples, groups of friends and anyone wanting a relaxed evening with a view in Beyoğlu, away from the crowds on İstiklal. It is a short walk from Galatasaray, and the Çukurcuma antique district, the Museum of Innocence and the cafés of Cihangir are all downhill nearby. Şişhane metro station and the Tünel funicular are about ten minutes' walk away, as is Taksim Square in the other direction.
Litera FAQs
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Saturday from 17:00 to 02:00, with the kitchen open until 23:00; it is closed on Sundays except for private events.
How long has Litera been open?
It has operated as Litera since 2002.
How do I find it?
Walk about 60 metres down Yeni Çarşı Caddesi from İstiklal, between Galatasaray High School and the PTT building; the entrance to number 32 is on the right.
Which floor is it on?
The sixth floor of the Goethe-Institut building.
How do I book?
By email at [email protected] or by phone on +90 532 173 81 99.
What food is served?
A mix of Turkish and international dishes.
Is there parking?
Yes, the Galatasaray car park is next to the building.
When is the best time to go?
Around sunset, for the view across the Golden Horn.