Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

of ₺ 50 applies (this includes one drink). The food is overpriced and underwhelming – don’t bother with dinner. PARANTEZ ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-245 7513; www.parantezbistro.com; Sofyalı Sokak 20, Asmalımescit; h 10am-3am; m Şişhane, j Tünel) Asmalımescit’s most popular bar is tiny, so on weekend evenings the action spills out into Jurnal Sokak and a party atmosphere ensues. Fight your way to the bar to order a cocktail or bottled beer – if it’s too crowded there are plenty of other bars in the immediate vicinity. INDIGO ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-244 8567; http://indigo-istanbul.com; 1st-5th fl, 309 Akarsu Sokak, Galatasaray; cover varies; h 11.30pm-5am Fri & Sat, closed summer; m Şişhane, j Tünel) Its popularity has waxed and waned over the years, but Beyoğlu’s four-floor electronic music temple is back in big-time favour with the city’s dance-music enthusiasts. The program spotlights top-notch local and visiting DJs or live acts, focusing on house, tech house and tech disco, with an occasional electro rock number thrown into the mix. Smokers congregate on the upstairs terrace. LEB-I DERYA ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-293 4989; www.lebiderya.com; 6th fl, Kumbaracı İş Hanı, Kumbaracı Yokuşu 57, Galata; h 4pm-2am Mon-Thu, to 3am Fri, 10am-3am Sat, to 2am Sun; W ; m Şişhane, j Tünel) On the top floor of a dishevelled building off İstiklal, Leb-i Derya has wonderful views across to the Old City and down the Bosphorus, meaning that seats on the small outdoor terrace or at the bar are highly prized. Many people enjoy the pricey modern Mediterranean food on offer, but we aren’t impressed, so only recommend it as a bar. RAVOUNA 1906 ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-924 8760; www.cafe.ravouna1906.com; 7th fl, İstiklal Caddesi 201; h noon-midnight Mon-Sat, 10am-midnight Sun; m Şişhane, j Tünel)

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