An important player in the Istanbul restaurant scene is Mehmet Gürs, who opened this restaurant at the top of the Marmara Pera hotel in 2005. The Turkish-Scandanavian chef/owner has created a playful contemporary menu that utilizes the best of Anatolian produce, such as Mugla morel mushrooms, North Aegean octopus, and Thracian lamb. These are prepared using distinctly modern techniques by a team of expertly trained chefs, who turn out plates of food that could also be considered works of art, before being presented by well-informed waitstaff. A meal here, presented by well-informed wait staff, is a polished experience from start to finish, and you will be dining alongside Istanbul's glitterati (getting a table requires reservations). During the warmer months, the terrace—which takes in views of the Golden Horn, the old city and out across the Bosphorus—is also a popular spot to head for drink. The wine list has won several awards for excellence and the cocktail list is equally impressive. Diners can also choose between the seven-course tasting menu or the three-course à la carte fixed price menu. Both are pricey, but worth the splurge.