Hire Private Dining Rooms in Istanbul

1) Types of Private Dining Rooms in Istanbul

We already know the food in Istanbul is fantastic but what about the venues? Well, you’ll be happy to know that the private dining rooms in Istanbul are just as good as the food!

We’re not joking! The city has some seriously cool venues. For example, do you fancy hosting your private dining event in Istanbul in an Ottoman-era mansion? Or how about having drinks in a venue that resembles a tavern?

That does sound pretty awesome, doesn’t it? And, in case you need more ideas, here are 5 Cool Group Dining Venues in Istanbul.

2) The Best Areas for Private Dining Rooms in Istanbul

One of our favourite things about Istanbul is how unique each neighbourhood is. Every area in this gorgeous city has something to offer and when you host a private dining event in Istanbul, you’ll have your pick from upscale to eclectic neighbourhoods.

And, the only thing these areas have in common is, they’re all great to host a dinner party! To make it easier for you, we’ve narrowed down the best areas in Istanbul for you to check out.

And, if you’d like a more comprehensive view of The 6 Best Areas in Istanbul for Hosting An Event, we recommend reading this article.

Nişantaşi

It’s hard to go wrong with Nişantaşi, especially if you’re looking to host a stylish dinner party. The venues here are upscale and elegant. You’ll find some of the most popular five-star hotel chains here too, with gorgeous rooms to host your private dining event in Istanbul.

If you’re looking for something more intimate or a restaurant with a  theme, Nişantaşi has plenty of options for that too. This area has a reputation for having some of Istanbul’s most elegant restaurants and they are definitely worth checking out!

Sultanahmet

Now, you may be wondering where in the city you can give your guests an authentic taste of Turkish hospitality. And the answer to that question has to be Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet is part of the old city, and has certainly maintained its old-world charm. There are plenty of gorgeous monuments from the Ottoman era still present here, as well as a wonderful array of traditional food

Here you’ll find dining rooms with breathtaking views of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, with some being more than 100 years old

Kadıkӧy

We have a feeling you’re going to love the next neighbourhood on our list. It’s the polar opposite of Sultanahmet vibe-wise.

Kadıkӧy is where the youth of Istanbul like to hang out and you can’t blame them. This neighbourhood has some of the city’s trendiest bars, coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques. 

That’s not all, the area is close to the sea so you might just be able to host your private dining event in Istanbul by the sea breeze. Rather idyllic, right? 

Taksim

When it comes to private dining events with an extra dose of fun, you can do no better than Taksim. It’s a  lively area with bars, nightclubs, and live music. You’ll find plenty of quirky venues here to host your private dining event in Istanbul. 

In fact, if you’ve chosen one of the upmarket hotels in Taksim to host your event, we can guarantee that your guests will love the after-party at one of the nightclubs (that are usually in the hotel) as well!

Kabataş

If you ask any local in Istanbul which areas are the best to eat, they’re going to mention Kabataş. And, that’s no surprise.  Because this neighbourhood has everything from delicious kebab stalls to luxurious restaurants and waterfront bistros. 

If you choose to host your private dining event in Istanbul in Kabataş, trust us when we tell you that you’ll be spoilt for choice. However, it’s not just the food that we love about this place.

This neighbourhood is located on the European side of the Bosphorus Sea and can be quite magical at night when the lights from the eastern peninsula reflect the water. So, if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind private dining event in Istanbul, Kabataş is the neighbourhood for you.

3) How to Get to Your Private Dining Event in Istanbul

If you really want to know Istanbul inside-out, we’ve got The Ultimate Guide to Getting Around Istanbul.

We recommend getting the IstanbulKart card for public transport in Istanbul when you’re here. This smart card allows you to pay the fare on the metro, Marmaray, ferries, and city buses. 

If you are looking for private transportation here are some useful apps you can download:

• BiTaksi- a local taxi ordering app
• Uber- international taxi ordering app
• Trafi- live traffic updates
• Moovit- transportation schedule app

4) What Cuisine to Include for Your Private Dining Event in Istanbul

Istanbul is a foodie’s paradise, and when you host a private dining event in Istanbul, there’s a lot you can serve your guests. The local cuisine here is fresh and heavy on meat and bread but being a global hub, there are also some great international options here as well.

If you’re planning to hire a catering company for your event, you might want to check out some of The Best Event Caterers in Istanbul.

Street food is also a large part of the city’s food culture, and it’s easy to find street food vendors in most areas of the city drawing large crowds. If you’re looking for catering for your private dining event in Istanbul, we recommend you check out our Top 5 Food Trucks in Istanbul.

Now, when it comes to planning the menu for your private dining event in Istanbul, whatever cuisine you decide to pick, make sure you add a few local delicacies to the list. Here are some of our top picks:

Lahmacun: This is the Turkish version of pizza that’s topped with plenty of meat, sauce, fresh herbs, and just a squeeze of lemon.

Baklava: A sweet ending to any meal, these flaky puff pastry layers are layered with crushed pistachios and soaked in sugar and rose syrup.

Turkish coffee: This isn’t just any coffee but an integral part of Turkish culture. This strong coffee is made in a specific way over a low-heat flame and it’s served in tiny cups.

Döner: Probably the most famous street food in Turkey, these delicious grilled meat and pita pockets are filled with sauces and veggies for a filling snack that always hits the spot.

Balik Ekmek: Another popular street food, this is a fish sandwich that typically has grilled oily fish stuffed inside Turkish bread. It is usually served with vegetables (and maybe french fries!)

Bonus Reading

Check out this article on the latest catering trend: Pop-Up Dining Experiences

You might also find this interesting: 5 Alternative Cocktail Party Venues in Istanbul