It’s July, and its hot. But it’s not just the weather. It’s the most buzzed-about restaurants of the month. Take a look at our shortlist and be in the know.

Reina restaurants: Just the right balance of great food and wonderful Bosphorus views are  on offer at Reina with the option of several established restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, from classic Turkish to Chinese. (More information on Reina restaurants here.) Muallim Naci Caddesi No.44, Ortaköy; P: (0212) 259 59 21

Münferit: The hottest restaurant of Istanbul in the past year, Münferit is the ideal modern meyhane for the hipster. (Detailed Münferit atmosphere here.) Yeni Çarşı Caddesi No. 19, Galatasaray; P: (0212) 252 50 67 

Nu Teras: A rooftop cool magnet, Nu Teras is deliciously attractive with a moving Old City view and tasty menu of international and Turkish dishes. (Nu Teras is famous for its glass dance floor that overflows on weekends. Read more about it here.) Meşrutiyet Caddesi No. 67/1, Tepebaşı; P: (0212) 245 60 70

Julius Meinl: Karaköy is Istanbul’s hottest neighborhood right now and Julius Meinl is its European-looking, relaxing coffee house. (It even made it to our Guide’s Choice last month. Read more here.) Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa Mahallesi Kara Ali Kaptan Sokak No.7, Karaköy; P: (0212) 243 69 93

Mangerie: Mangerie is an all-time Bebek favorite that attracts Istanbulites to its rustic setting and breezy terrace. Whether for brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks, Mangerie is a classic that is always in. Cevdetpaşa Caddesi No. 69, Bebek; P: (0212) 263 51 99

Backyard: Speaking of breeze, Backyard is located in one of Istanbul’s most breezy hilltops, offering a lovely garden setting, and menu of deliciousness. No wonder it made it to our hot list. Bebeköy Sokak No. 1, Etiler; P: (0212) 287 15 00

Müzedechanga: Winter-only Changa’s year-round sibling müzedechanga is an especially attractive venue for the artsy at heart. Seeing an exhibition at the Sakıp Sabancı Museum and enjoying lunch or dinner truly makes a great day in July. (See our review here.) Emirgan Mahallesi Sakıp Sabancı Caddesi No.42 Sakıp Sabancı Museum, Emirgan; P: (0212) 323 09 01

Aşşk Kahve: Another summer classic is Aşşk Kahve, where you go to see and be seen, while also enjoying the water-front location. Muallim Naci Caddesi No. 170A, Kuruçeşme; P: (0212) 265 47 34

Lucca: A Sunday brunch in summer is complete at Bebek’s hot spot Lucca. And so is a weeknight dinner or lunch. Cevdetpaşa Caddesi No. 51/B, Bebek; P: (0212) 257 12 55

Happily Ever After: A small but cozy café, Happily Ever After is filled with the glittery crowd for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Cevdet Paşa Caddesi No. 24, Bebek; P: (0212) 263 41 38

Çiya: A Kadıköy favorite, dining at Çiya is yet another thing when you can sit outside. Güneşli Bahçesi Sokak No. 43, Kadıköy; P:(0216) 330 31 90