Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

WINE BAR SENSUS WINE BAR ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-245 5657; www.sensuswine.com; Büyük Hendek Sokak 5, Galata; h 1 11pm; W ; m Şişhane, j Tünel) Set in a stone basement lined with wine bottles, this bar beneath the Anemon Galata Hotel has a great concept, but needs to work on its customer service. There are close to 300 bottles of local wine on the shelves, and you can enjoy your choice with a cheese or şarkuterı (charcuterie) plate ( ₺ 26 to ₺ 44). 6 İstiklal & Around o MIKLA ( MAP ; % 0212-293 5656; www.miklarestaurant.com; Marmara Pera Hotel, Meşrutiyet Caddesi 15, Tepebaşı; h from 6pm Mon-Sat summer only; m Şişhane, L Tünel) It’s worth overlooking the occasional bit of uppity service at this stylish rooftop bar to enjoy excellent cocktails and what could be the best view in İstanbul. In winter the drinking action moves to the bar in the upmarket restaurant one floor down. o MANDA BATMAZ ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Olivia Geçidi 1a, off İstiklal Caddesi; h 10am-11pm; m Şişhane, j Tünel) Bored with the brouhaha over modern-day coffee culture? Don’t care where your beans have been roasted, or whether your barista’s tattoos are on show? If so, this tiny coffee shop is for you. Serving Beyoğlu’s best Turkish coffee for over two decades, its cups of ultra-thick aromatic coffee are much cheaper than the indifferently made lattes ubiquitous elsewhere. BAR COFFEE Weekdays are relatively quiet at this friendly neighbourhood cafe/bar nestled in the shadow of the Galata Tower, but the action heats up when the DJ spins everything from house to pop on Friday and Saturday nights from 9pm. The menu is geared towards drinkers, being filled with cheap comfort food (burgers, pastas, fries).