Cezayir

Cezayir review

Behind the Galatasaray Lycée, this fabulous 19th- century building was originally a school for the Italian Workers' Association. Beautifully converted into a glamorous bar and restaurant, Cezayir throngs with the city's literati and glitterati. The baroque silver and white dining room is stunning. The back room, with original floor tiles, soaring ceilings and a long wooden bar, is a stylish place for sharing some of the most inventive meze in Istanbul. There's a louche lounge with large mirrors and sofas, and a garden at the back that opens on to the twee restaurants of French Street.