Top 5 Unmissable Wine Bars to Experience in Istanbul

Ladies is bar with red wine

Turkey is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world—so it only makes sense that its largest city would be home to some pretty decent wine bars and wine-focused restaurants with great local wine.

You’ll also want to keep in mind that the importation fees and markups on international wine and booze in Turkey, in general, are quite high—which is another reason why we suggest focusing on wine bars that serve local wine over, say, French or Italian options.

Looking for the best spots to sample Turkish wine? Here are five of the best wine bars in Istanbul—the following addresses range from cozy local spots on the Asian side to bigger bars just adjacent to the more popular tourist attractions on the European side of the city so you can sample great wine wherever you find yourself.

Wayana Wine Bar in Kadıköy is widely considered to be the best wine bar in the city—and once you arrive it’ll be easy to see why. The compact indoor-outdoor venue has a solid small plate menu and it’s the only wine bar in the city that offers every single wine on its wine list by the glass; it’s a great way to get to know your favorite grapes if you’re still getting to know Turkish wine!

Solera Winery on Yeni Çarşı in Beyoğlu is exactly what most folks conjure up when envisioning a classic wine bar. The dimly lit and cozy atmosphere is coupled with a chalk board menu and highly knowledgable sommeliers available to guide you throughout the evening. The quaint space is also one of the more affordable spots in Istanbul for ordering wine by the glass or the bottle.

Tucked into Şişhane, Comedus is a wine bar and shop where you’ll find a great selection of local and international wine and beer for sale by the bottle. The charming space also has a handful of tables where you’re welcomed to enjoy a glass of wine and sample some of the shop’s best cheeses and charcuteries.

Viktor Levi Şarap Evi in Kadıköy is a charming spot for casual eats on the Asian side of the city. The wine bar and restaurant has a sprawling outdoor garden and patio that makes this a top spot for cozy date nights. Keep in mind that this spot serves its own Viktor Levi wine—so if there’s a specific label you’re looking for, you might have better luck at one of the other options on the list.

If you’re short on time in the city and are hoping to find a wine bar that isn’t too far from the main tourist hot spots, you’ll want to check out Vigneron Wine House. The cozy cave-like bar is just around the corner from the Galata Tower and offers a great selection of local wine by the bottle and glass. There’s also a great sharing menu if you’re in the mood for nibbles with your vino.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!