Istanbul’s New Cocktail Bars You Need to Try

Your 2025 guide to the city’s most exciting mixology spots

Istanbul has always been a city that knows how to enjoy a drink. From historic meyhanes to stylish rooftop lounges, the city offers endless ways to unwind. But in recent years, a new wave of cocktail bars in Istanbul has taken the scene by storm — creative, design‑driven spaces where mixology is treated like an art form.

Whether you’re a local looking for your new go‑to spot or a visitor eager to sip your way through the city, these bars are worth adding to your list. Here’s your guide to Istanbul’s newest and most talked‑about cocktail destinations for 2025.

Karloff – Topağacı’s Hidden Speakeasy

Tucked away in the bohemian heart of Topağacı, Nişantaşı, Karloff feels like a secret club you’ve just been invited to join. Once an antique shop, the space now oozes vintage charm: low lighting, plush seating, and a billiards table in the center.

Signature cocktails like their Whiskey Sour and Negroni twist are served with theatrical flair, making each drink a show in itself. Early in the evening, Karloff is an intimate lounge; by midnight, it transforms into a boutique club buzzing with conversation. Perfect for cocktail lovers who appreciate a side of mystery with their drink.

La Plage No.14 – Suadiye’s Coastal Escape

Over in Suadiye, Kadıköy, La Plage No.14 brings a slice of the Mediterranean coast to Istanbul. Its retro‑meets‑modern décor — terracotta tones, golden accents, playful beach motifs — sets the tone for a laid‑back yet stylish night out.

The cocktail menu is playful and inventive, featuring creations like Drunk Mermaid and Baklava 2.0, often served in shell‑shaped glassware. Pair your drink with a plate of lobster tagliatelle or smoked burrata for a full‑on seaside dining experience. It’s where you go when you want your night to feel like a holiday.

Setup – Minimalist Mixology

Minimalist interiors, mood lighting, and a bar team that takes its craft seriously — Setup is for the true mixology enthusiast. Located in areas like Karaköy and Nişantaşı, the focus here is on flavor innovation using seasonal ingredients.

Come for the clean design, stay for the conversation with the bartenders. Every drink is a story, and you’ll leave with a new favorite you didn’t know existed.

Maki & Agata – Two Sides of Sophistication

Sister venues Maki and Agata offer two distinct moods under one umbrella. Maki is sleek and understated, with a focus on precision cocktails in a calming setting. Agata leans vintage, with soft lighting and décor that feels like a classic European salon.

Both are perfect for a relaxed evening of conversation over a well‑balanced drink, whether you’re in Beşiktaş or Nişantaşı.

Upperist – Elevated Cocktails Above the Bosphorus

Perched high above the city in the heart of Taksim, Upperist delivers a cocktail experience with a view to match. This stylish rooftop bar combines inventive mixology with panoramic vistas of the Bosphorus and Istanbul’s glittering skyline. The menu leans on premium spirits, house-made infusions, and fresh local ingredients, resulting in drinks that are as photogenic as they are delicious. .

Socrates – Elegance on Bağdat Avenue

In the middle of Bağdat Caddesi’s vibrant energy, Socrates offers a slower, more refined pace. Think classic cocktails, plush seating, and soft background music — the perfect spot for an elegant date night or a catch‑up with friends away from the bustle.

Cotto – Where Dining Meets Cocktails

Cotto isn’t just a cocktail bar; it’s a full‑service restaurant where the drinks are as thoughtfully crafted as the food. Situated near Bağdat Avenue, it’s ideal for nights when you want the whole package: a great meal, followed by a few exceptional drinks without changing venues.

Why These Bars Stand Out

What unites these spots is more than just great cocktails. They’re creating experiences — from Karloff’s speakeasy intrigue to La Plage’s coastal fantasy. They’re places where you can savor your drink, connect with the people around you, and maybe even discover a new side of Istanbul nightlife.

So next time you’re in the mood for a night out, skip the usual spots. Let these new cocktail bars in Istanbul surprise you. Who knows? Your new favorite might just be hidden behind an unmarked door or served in a seashell glass.