There are many options to experience Turkish Nights on New Years in Istanbul. Nomads is probably the most exotic, followed Kervansaray, Gar Music Hall, and Tashan Arkat. The Seven Hills Restaurant however has the best food, as well as the best view.
While on land, these places offer the same type of shows found on the Bosphorus NYE dinner cruises with a few different options to choose from.
Nomads
This is a true east meets west meeting point that tries to light the fire in your soul. The classical Arabic house design infuses a mystical sense of entertainment with Arabic and Turkish music.
A hostess awaits in the Bahou to give you a traditional Arab greeting. You are then led through the El-Jardaya, a secret garden adorned with greenery, and then into the wast ad der courtyard, which is the heart of social life in Arab houses.
The NYE dinner menu consists of Moroccan and Lebanese appetizers and dishes. Appetizers include muhammara, tabbouleh, eggplant with yogurt, bulgur with turnip, falafel, and caramelized onions with vegetables. The main courses include options for lamb, adan kebap, and stuffed chicken with freshly baked potatoes, bulgar pilaf, or sauteed vegetables.
The entertainment consists of traditional folk dances, rhythm dances, and numerous belly dances with everyone wearing the most eccentric costumes. The background scene also dazzles with hundreds of exotic Arabian lamps and decorations. The upper floor also has a unique view of the Bosphorus which is great for viewing the midnight fireworks.
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Seven Hills
Located in the heart of Sultanahmet, Seven Hills New Year’s Eve Party offers rooftop views of the fireworks over Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque and the Bosphorus.
Dinner starts with an impressive selection of cold and hot appetizers followed by a main course turkey stuffed with chestnuts or fresh fish. Desserts include sweet pumpkin with tahini and cherry chocolate cake.
Unlimited local drinks are also included, along with champagne on the terrace when the fireworks start. The night’s entertainment consist and Oriental shows, live music with keyboard and DJ selections.
Tickets
The dinner and show cost 150 € per person, while a hotel stay is extra. Room options range from 165-270 € along with a President Suite option for 450 €.
The NYE shows usually include folk dancing, belly dancing, live music and a DJ finale with dinner and unlimited drinks included.
Kervansaray
Located in Sisli, this Turkish night restaurant is just a short walk from Taksim Square and popular Bosphorus hotels like the Four Seasons, Ciragan Palace Kempinski, the Hilton, the Ritz Carlton, Swissotel, and the Divan Hotel. With seating for up to 850 people their New Year’s Eve show is one of the biggest in Istanbul.
The diner kicks off with a rich Turkish starter bites platter and cocktails, traditional pastry with cheese served with fried eggplants, and fresh green peppers topped with a special sauce. The main course will include roasted turkey stuffed with rice and chestnuts.
Their seasonal salad includes tasty pickles, sweet corn, and green peppers. A selection of Turkish indigenous desserts and fruit salads will climax the dinner. The package is inclusive of unlimited local soft and alcoholic beverages and which will be served throughout the night.
Their entertainment lineup consists of a live orchestra performance from the Kervansaray Orchestra, folkloric dance shows, and belly dancers. There will be music from traditional musicians and all this will be climaxed by a Live DJ performance.
Gar Music Hall
Known as Tarihi Gar Gazinosu this restaurant/performance hall offers up a special NYE dinner and show with an oriental atmosphere. The dinner comprises of cold mezes which come in 10 different types, 4 type hot meals, and seasonal salads. For the main course, they offer roast stuffed turkey served with chestnuts and rice. Deserts will follow and will consist of a mixed fruit plate and unlimited drinks.
The entertainment consists of different folk dances, and a professional potpourri show, several oriental shows, and the famous Ashuk and Mashuk show. The final part of the party will be filled with popular music played by the professional DJ as guests dance the night away.
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Tashan Arkat
This restaurant will serve food for the better part of the evening. Their special dinner menu comprises cold mezes which consist of 10 different kinds of starters. For appetizers, they have pacanga pastries with cheddar cheese, pastrami. For those who prefer healthy meals, they have fresh Turkish salads available.
For the main course, you will enjoy turkey prepared in different styles served with rice, this will closely be followed by their popular fruit dessert and local alcoholic and soft drinks will follow for the rest of the evening.
For entertainment, they’ll have a belly dancing show, mixed Anatolian folk dance, Caucasian dance show, and the amazing Zenne show. After these shows, the DJ will take charge of the night with music from all over the world.