As you walk down Serdar-ı Ekrem, Galata’s buzzing street, it’s more than likely that you’ll walk right past Le Fumoir. It’s neatly tucked behind wrought iron doors and purple velvet curtains, and there are no signs to watch out for. But this new addition is something that all Francophiles should watch out for!

Open since fall 2011, Le Fumoir is the restaurant, bar, and lobby of Georges Hotel. Much like its owner Alex Varlık, the venue is quite charming. The restaurant specializes in French home-cooking and, although the menu is narrow, it is filled with classics like onion soup, boeuf bourguignon, coq au vin, entrecote, sea bass tartar, and salad with camembert and coriander. The wine list is packed with selections from France with a few alternatives from Turkey. 

Although it’s pricey, the food at Le Fumoir is well worth the splurge. Everything is made from the highest quality ingredients (such as meat from Nusr-Et and smoked salmon from Delicco). The brick walls, brown leather couches, white table runners, and dim lighting blends together to create what is truly chic, urban, and elegant. 

Le Fumoir is ideal for lunch or dinner, or just for drinks at the champagne bar, rubbing elbows with the crème de la creme. There’s also soft jazz playing in the background. All you need is an imaginary cigar to complete the picture!

Le Fumoir has already become an Istanbul favorite so be sure to make reservations in advance.

Le Fumoir; Serdar-ı Ekrem Sokak No. 24, Galata; P: (0212) 244 24 23