8 Istanbul Suites re-opened in May 2011 in its original location in Beyoğlu in a historic building that is thought to date back to the late 19th Century. The hotel’s restaurant, Sekizistanbul, has been revamped as well by Maksut Aşkar, a leading chef and taste designer.

Istanbulites would have become quite familiar with Aşkar through his former delicious endeavors, the most recent being LilBitz, the now closed fine-dining restaurant that was located in Nupera. Unlike LilBitz, Sekizistanbul’s menu is filled with casual comfort food – but with a twist. Food is cooked with the equipment and infrastructure needed for refined fine-dining. Processed foods and chemicals are not allowed in the kitchen; ingredients, such as herbs and tomatoes, are seasonally picked and conserved for future use; some products are grown in a farm in Çatalca; and condiments are homemade by the kitchen staff.

The menu will change every three months and currently features: bar bites, which includes crispy fried shrimps and fried quail eggs; to share, where the hummus with toasted pine nuts and coriander and the double-baked couscous risotto with fresh herbs and toasted pine nuts take the lead; from the pizza oven; world classics, which includes original versions of simple world cuisine dishes like penne arrabbiata and Caesar’s salad; local classics  where you’ll find revisited versions of classic Turkish dishes; and signature dishes, which lists favorite dishes from Aşkar’s previous restaurants.

A tasting menu will be available as well, but you’ll need to order in advance. Sekizistanbul will also likely make its mark on Istanbul’s nightlife scene as Nupera’s former DJ Cenk will be in charge of the music until 4am between Wednesdays and Saturdays. Kuloğlu Mahallesi Gazeteci Erol Dernek Sokak No.1, Beyoğlu; P: (0212) 249 89 24