Located on the N floor of Ceylan InterContinental Istanbul, City Lights Restaurant & Bar might just has one of the most breathtaking Bosphorus views of all overlooking Galata Tower, Topkapı Palace, Maiden Tower and the Bosphorus Bridge. With its view of the Bosphorus that makes one realize that İstanbul is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, City Lights Restaurant&Bar offers you İstanbul at the side of special wines and cocktails and select flavours in eclectic combinations. The menu is crafted by gastronomy experts the hotel chain employs. Starters include grouper Carpaccio with vanilla, sautéed sea scallops and porcini risotto, while for the main course you can choose from among organic rustic chicken and duck breast, lobster’s shoulder, grouper şiş, swordfish fillet, sea bass and jumbo shrimp.
Since City Lights Restaurant & Bar is meant to attract a more well-off crowd – evidenced by its location and decor – the price range is, necessarily, a bit more elevated than what you might be used to. The good news, however, is that the best part of the menu – the desserts – can actually be classified as somewhat affordable. City Lights is quite ambitious when it comes to the ice cream flavours created exclusively for the restaurant, and why wouldn’t they be? The unexpected flavour combinations work splendidly on the sweet front, like the refreshing basil ice cream that accompanies fig crème brûlée or the date, mascarpone cheese and raspberry varieties. Those who aren’t in the mood for ice cream could also opt for olive oil chocolate mousse, though our top recommendation – which even landed on our list of the city’s top desserts, published in our November 2011 issue – is the rakı-melon sorbet. It’s like your favourite couple both got a makeover at the same time, and they both look incredibly good.