Olive Anatolian Restaurant is at Ebusuud Caddesi No:12 in Sirkeci, on the rooftop of Hotel Yasmak Sultan. It is a few minutes on foot from Romance Istanbul Hotel, and both belong to Yasmak Hotel Collection.
Most people book for the view and leave remembering the kitchen. The a la carte menu is built on Ottoman and Anatolian recipes: olive oil mezes, hand-made manti, slow-cooked lamb, Bosphorus fish and traditional desserts. Vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are not placed in a separate section but sit within the menu itself.
Vegan menu
A separate vegan menu is available for guests eating entirely plant-based. Every dish on it is plant-based; no dairy and no eggs are used. Olive oil dishes, mezes, grain salads and keskek form its core, and vegetarians can choose from it as well.
Drinks
The drinks list puts Turkish vineyards first. The selection covers the Aegean, Thrace, and Central and Eastern Anatolia, with native grapes such as Okuzgozu, Bogazkere, Kalecik Karasi and Narince served alongside international varieties. Signature cocktails, a raki table, whisky and cognac, and alcohol-free cocktails are also listed.
If you are unsure about the wine, describe what you are eating and the service team will find the pairing with you. Allergies or dietary preferences are best mentioned when booking.
The terrace looks over the historic peninsula and the Bosphorus at once; sitting there as the lights come on is the best part of the evening.