Tuğra Restaurant

Ciragan palace is stunning. The marble, the chandeliers, the sweeping staircases, the sheer expansiveness of it, the enormous tapestries on the walls… It is beyond a memorable place. You will notice the building on any sort of Bosphorous cruise, and lit up so it looks golden and unbelievably impressive. For this reason alone, it is worth a visit… Ask for a table on the balcony when you make your reservation.
The wine list is fabulous (try the Tugra Okuzgozu!), and the menu looks phenomenal. The execution, though, leaves a bit to be desired, which is the only thing keeping the restaurant from a five-​star experience. I tried the turbot, and though the fish itself was very good, the sides that came with it were very dry and inexpertly cooked. We also tried the mezze platter before our entrees, and everything on it was very good although the portions were teeny! Each appetizer, they told us, is portioned for a single individual, which sort of defeats the purpose of a mezze platter. We were happy to have little nibbles (truly!) of each of these dishes.
Dining in royal style comes with a price tag, but it really is an unreal atmosphere to experience one time in your Istanbul vacation!

My wife and I had a great night at this beautiful restaurant. A truly memorable day for the food experience and atmosphere. Although the night was a bit cold (late November) and the hotel fairly empty, we had a great time with all the great food and wine.

— Great restaurant located on the first floor of Ciragan palace
— great atmosphere (Ottoman décor, classical Turkish music, Bospohrus view)
— reservation recommended!
— in summer one can sit on the terrace (with Bosphorus Bridge view)
— very oblinging service
— only Turkish specialitites/​food: Mezze (mixed starters plate; 54 TRY) as well as Puf Böregi (filled with spinach and cheese; 35 TRY) highly recommended; Keskek (beef Meftune Stew; 71 TRY) very delicious
Conclusion: Great location, excellent service, high prices!

Einer der besten. Im Hotel. Tolle Aussicht. Etwas teuer aber es lohnt sich.