Topaz

Topaz review Rate it

Views from Topaz are superlative: picture windows run the length of the restaurant, which looks over the first Bosphorus bridge. The interior is comfortably modern, sleek and luxurious, and the food and service matches the look.

Alongside the carte, there are two six-course degustation menus: the first is a modern interpretation of traditional Ottoman cuisine, with dishes such as artichoke with wild rice and grilled lamb loin with smoked aubergine purée.

The second is a more modish Mediterranean selection, albeit with Turkish touches: cherry soup with shrimps and foam of rak and liquorish jelly, and oven braised beef cheek with goose liver crème brûlée, perhaps.

All ingredients are rigorously sourced. The service is flawless, and the French sommelier can recommend Turkish or international wines. Cocktails are great too. Book ahead for a table by the window.