The descending slight precipice of Kumbaracı Yokuşu has the perfect angle to lead people to Leb-i Derya, whose existence is made evident by a small sign alighted on top of what looks like a regular apartment building. All the way up with the elevator, and a warm smile from the coat check attendant is the introduction to the restaurant located on the roof and encased in large window panes that allow a 360 degree view of Istanbul at night.

The stress of the week is instantly drowned with the first sip of a cocktail paired with the view of the historical area awash in shimmering lights and the Bosphorus a black mirror where the beauty of Istanbul at night reflects itself silently. If you choose to take it easy, a solid wine list of whites, reds, and roses are available from France, Italy, New Zealand, Turkey, and Chile. If you are the cocktail type a long list of attractive mixes are presented on the drink menu such as the Tiramisu Martini (bailey’s, kahlua, nescafe, milk, coconut syrup), Milky Way (vodka, malibu, milk, strawberry syrup), or the Frozen Physalis (physalis puree, vodka).

You might be offered  a shot of hazelnut vodka from to celebrate the honeymoon of a tourist couple who spent most of the evening sitting beside the window to bask in the view and immortalize a moment that most people in Istanbul take for granted. Handle that hazelnut vodka shot with care. Kumbaracı Yokuşu 57/6 Tünel, Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 243 9556