If you are looking for a place with a stunning view of Istanbul to get drinks after work, enjoy dinner with friends, or plan a romantic date, look no further than Litera Restaurant in Beyoğlu. Situated on the roof of the Goethe Institute next to Galatasaray Lisesi, Litera offers unparalleled views of Topkapı Palace as well as Kadıköy and the Bosphorus.
Litera is split up into two main areas. As you enter on the left, there is a small terrace patio where you can order drinks and appetizers. The formal dining room is located on the right as you enter; it is the picture of elegant dining with long tables and a multitude of wine glasses. If you happen to visit on the weekends, you will find a DJ playing music on Friday and Saturday nights.
The fare at Litera consists of world cuisine, and the menu has an extensive selection of salads, pasta dishes, meats, main dishes and desserts. Their menu is divided into different sections including, soğuklar (cold dishes) sıcaklar (hot dishes), salatalar (salads), makarnalar (pasta dishes) doyumluklar (main dishes) and tatlılar (desserts). Next to each dish is a flag indicating its country of origin. In addition to Turkish cuisine, British, French, German, Greek, Italian, Norwegian, Thai and Japanese cuisine are also represented.
Although this wide selection at first looks like a red flag – how can one kitchen excel in cooking food from all of these regions? – all of the dishes we ate were above average. One of my favorite dishes was the German meatball, which comes with a small salad on the side. Litera also offers a nice selection of wines, foreign and domestic, though I prefer Doluca, a local Turkish wine. Litera’s desserts are quite rich and filling – I recommend the French Molleux, which is a waterfall of baked chocolate similar to a souffle.
The prices at Litera definitely make it a ‘special occasion’ place for dinner, although it is much more affordable if you just plan on grabbing a drink. Expect to pay at least 50 TL per person depending on if you order alcoholic drinks and dessert. However, the quality and portion size of the food, the service, and the setting are exemplary and are well worth the cost. Also, be warned that on the weekends it may be necessary to make a reservation if you plan on eating after 7 pm. Litera also features a Valentine’s Day, New Year’s and private function menus, if you are so inclined. For a special and unforgettable evening with a view you’ll keep wanting to return to, I recommend Litera wholeheartedly.
Website: www.literarestaurant.com
Address: Yeni Çarşı Cad.No.32, Beyoğlu, Istanbul (located on the roof of the Goethe Institute, next to Galatasaray Lisesi)
Phone: 0 212 292 89 47-50
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You lost all credibility when you stated you prefer Doluca.
I had my wedding reception there- it was perfect!