Music is what makes or breaks a venue. It is the soundtrack necessary for that profound need to shed away a few invisible layers that have accumulated as remnants of the routine nine to five. Music is the conductor of human moods, moving a crowd from moderate relaxation to an all night dancing frenzy.

It was Feist’s ‘One Evening,’ that was playing at Sunset Grill and Bar, a soft melodic coo of unrequited love that complimented the flickering of candles on top of high bar tables. Designated from the restaurant area with a wall of glass, Sunset’s bar opens up entirely to the view of Istanbul’s two iconic bridges and the reflections of their changing lights upon the surface of the water. A breeze makes its way through, causing silk dresses and long tousled hair, belonging to the beautiful crowd, to flutter just enough.

Working on a first come first served basis, arriving a little early at around 9:30 to 10:00pm pays off, because tables fill up quickly toward the later hours. Having already made its unfettered mark as one of the city’s most upscale restaurants, Sunset is now undeniably the city’s best nightlife spot as well. With different DJs every night from Tuesday until Saturday, the nightly party will continue until the end of September. With all items from the restaurant also available at the bar, a special bar menu with such delicacies as Duck Spring Rolls or Grilled Lamb Satay, are present for sustenance. 

Around 11pm, the volume of the music increases, pulling the mood of the crowd with it into those mounting heights. At this point a couple glasses of Batida Cachaça, Whisky Sour, or Old Fashioned from the bar have been consumed, cigarettes are lit, and one by one every body begins to respond to an enticing rhythm of Wonderland Avenue’s White Horse or Phonique’s Feel What You Want. Continuing until 2am and never losing its air of elegance, you might recognize a face or two, maybe that woman who took a bite out of an ice cream for a TV ad will walk past you in the bathroom in a tight electric-blue lace dress. That’s just what happens. Adnan Saygun Caddesi Yol Sokak No. 2 Ulus Parkı; P: (0212) 287 03 57