Expert recommendations of the best clubs, bars, and other after-dark venues.
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Reina
Waterside dinner and dancing in breathtaking open-air setting. Franchises of premier local restaurants inside, including Kösebaşı, the kebab house voted one of Europe’s finest in Zagat 2006 Europe’s Top Restaurants. Celebrity clientele includes Sting and Uma Thurman. Open June to September. Weekend cover charge ($43) includes one drink. Muallim Naci Caddesi 44, Ortaköy; tel. +90 212 259 5921. www.reina.com.tr/2007
Şamdan
Veteran nightclub. “Attracts the glitterati of Turkey.”—Vildan Yahni, editor in chief, The Guide magazines. Intimate villa in fashionable neighborhood. Mediterranean cuisine, unembellished interior. Open October-June. Nispetiye Caddesi 30, Etiler; tel. +90 212 263 4898. www.etilersamdan.com/index.html
Istanbul Jazz Center
Internationally acclaimed jazz musicians (Freddy Cole Quartet, Mike Stern) and top homegrown talent. Sleek terrace for preshow entertainment and dinner in the summertime; intimate, elegant interior of low tables and pillowed divans. LCD screens in restrooms broadcast the show so you don’t miss a beat. Tip: With $30 minimum for non-diners, plan on trying the sophisticated sea bass kebab. Main-act tickets charged separately at the door, on their website, or via Biletix.com. Tickets from $15. Çırağan Caddesi, Salhane Solkak 10, Ortaköy; tel. +90 212 327 5050. www.istanbuljazz.com
Q Jazz Bar by Les Ottomans
Opened in 2006, this waterfront entertainment club at a luxury boutique hotel seats 200. Predominantly features international jazz artists, like Barbadian-born singer Joy Voeth. $25 cover charge plus drinks. Muallim Naci Caddesi 68, Kuruçeşme; tel. +90 212 359 1500. www.lesottomans.com
Anjelique
White-on-white, three-level dining and dance club in the Bosporus-front village of Ortaköy. Dazzling view of the lit bridge. “More intimate than the other hot spots. Mature crowd.”—Giancarlo Baltazzi, vice president, Turkish tour agency Karavan Travel. Open May-October. Fee. No drink minimum. Muallim Naci Caddesi, Şahane Sokak 5, Ortaköy; tel. +90 212 327 2844. www.istanbuldoors.com
