Let’s be honest, why do we dig articles titled “Just Opened” or “New in Town”? Why follow trendy spots, attend opening parties, and check out new places? To see or to be seen? Or possibly both? Well, nobody really wants to know how the new bar/club/restaurant is like. It’s all about being seen at the right place at the right time. Enough of “must-go” places, here is exactly what you’re looking for!

Lux

It’s time to greet the brand new club Lux and give a warm handshake to the city’s real clubbers. Knowing Istanbul, it’s a challenge to find a club where people actually dance. Believe it or not, at Lux people have fun and dance all night to soul funk, soulful house, and nu disco (and occasional live performances). Enjoy the crowd, feel the music, and do what David Bowie says: “Let’s dance”.

Spoil

Once upon a time there was a woman who called herself the ‘architect of new Şişhane’ when she opened a club there called Public. This club became Istanbul’s melting point following its grand opening night. This woman had brought her entire luxury-loving crowd from the posh neighborhood of Bebek to the more bohemian Şişhane. And Şişhane was the new Bebek…for about 15 minutes. Now the lady has gone back to her roots and gave birth to her fourth child; she lives ‘Happily Ever After’ in Bebek. Meanwhile, Spoil has recently opened in Şişhane where Public used to be. But Spoil does not share the same fate as Public, thank God! If sharing a restaurant with loved-up couples doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable, Spoil is a great spot for dinner offering Mediteranean cuisine (from Italian and Spanish to Moroccan and Turkish). The most ambitious part of their menu is the meze section with 35 different dishes. The bar’s warm, wooden interior gives the place a casual atmosphere. Don’t expect all-night parties here. Just enjoy your drink and relax.

Biber

One of the best bars in Nişantaşı where you can relax, hang out, and have a drink with friends. From tapas to sushi, the menu offers a wide range of options (I personally suggest the yummy tapas). The cozy venue features downtempo and chill-out music.

Minyon

Weekday parties? Check. Junior celeb boss? Check. Serena van der Woodsen-like gals? Check. And—it’s located at the hottest Akaretler neighborhood. Welcome to Minyon—generation hot’s restaurant/bar offering Turkish and world cuisine by the Junior Çapa (Emre Çapa). Well, needless to say, Minyon is the place for the fresh and beautiful to be seen.

Delicatessen

A great spot to be seen by the hot, the witty, and the urban, Delicatessen is oh-so New York. It’s been open for quite some time, but it’s always ‘in’ and never goes out of fashion. The crowd is something between cool and arrogant; the food is great yet expensive. The menu offers dozens of choices from steak burger to fresh fish, and most dishes come with delicious sides. Service is friendly and waiters are attentive. Food and drinks are, just like the service, more than satisfying. At Delicatessen, you could spend the whole day just checking out the cool Nişantaşı crowd while sipping your freshly-brewed coffee.