Hidden gardens in the middle of the city, long breakfasts under the shade of trees, and tables immersed in nature… Discover Istanbul’s best open-air escapes.
Istanbul can feel exhausting with its crowds and relentless pace; but once you know the right addresses, the city reveals itself as a collection of hidden gardens where you can truly breathe. Leave the noise behind and retreat into the shade of trees, enjoy long breakfasts, or welcome the sunset in peaceful surroundings. In this selection, we bring together some of the city’s best garden venues that stand out with their atmosphere and connection to nature.
Istanbul’s Best Garden Venues
European Side
Minoa Village
Etiler
If you are looking to retreat into nature right in the heart of the city, your destination is clear: Minoa Village. Beyond being a bookstore you can happily spend hours exploring, it also carries the identity of a living social space. One of the details that makes this place special is the fact that, under the shade of olive trees, it becomes a true escape point whether for working or for long weekend breakfasts.
On the culinary side, a wide menu centered around seasonality and fresh ingredients welcomes guests. The menu ranges from healthy bowls to stone oven specialties. This entire selection finds a balanced harmony with the venue’s library-like atmosphere. Its holistic approach that nourishes both soul and body makes Minoa Village one of Istanbul’s best garden venues.
Chalet Garden
Beşiktaş
Enjoy a venue that allows you to feel as if you are in the foothills of the Alps just moments after standing in the city center: Chalet Garden. Located inside Swissôtel The Bosphorus, this stop is one of the city’s largest garden venues. With its lush setting and carefully designed lighting, it offers a different ambiance at every hour of the day, from afternoon gatherings to nighttime events.
On the culinary side, gastronomic options that enhance the pleasure of being outdoors take center stage. Signature burgers, pizzas, sharing plates, and other flavors accompany the venue’s dynamic character. If you do not want to miss the DJ performances and live music events held on weekends, you may want to keep a close eye on its social media accounts.
Cup Of Joy
Nişantaşı
Located in one of Istanbul’s most dynamic neighborhoods, Nişantaşı, Cup Of Joy combines a delicious coffee culture with a lush garden ambiance. Hidden away from the district’s crowds, this venue features a secret backyard surrounded by greenery where you can pause and take a deep breath, while also standing out with its modern and minimalist design. Supporting its specialty coffee selection with a strong kitchen offering, Cup Of Joy includes freshly baked signature desserts, healthy bowls, and gluten-free/sugar-free alternatives on its menu. Located in one of Istanbul’s chicest areas, this spot promises a delightful experience whether you want to relax or work.
Beca
Akatlar
With its welcoming garden, Beca quickly became one of the neighborhood’s favorite meeting points, presenting its garden design with a warm, local spirit. Giving visitors the feeling of being in their own backyard, the venue creates a dynamic atmosphere throughout the day with seating arrangements scattered among greenery and modern architectural touches. In the kitchen, a menu centered around fresh, high-quality ingredients and designed for sharing dominates the experience. From wood-fired flavors to creative starters, Beca offers a wide range of options and can easily be preferred at any time of day, from weekend breakfasts to afternoon cocktails.
Emily’s Garden
Cihangir
Would you be surprised if we told you there is a hidden garden tucked into Cihangir’s uniquely vibrant soul? Emily’s Garden suddenly opens into a lush green world from the district’s narrow streets. Its spacious inner garden, surrounded by tall trees, removes guests from the city’s chaotic rhythm and places them into a peaceful atmosphere. Perfect for romantic dinners or calm lunch meetings, the venue is guided by a refined Mediterranean discipline where fresh ingredients take center stage. Homemade pastas and seasonal main dishes pair harmoniously with the venue’s carefully curated cocktail menu.
Il Cortile
Galata
One of the most impressive gateways into Istanbul’s historic texture, Il Cortile is a true Italian restaurant located in the courtyard of Ecole St. Pierre Hotel. Brought to life through the restoration of a 19th-century French school, the venue welcomes guests in the expansive inner courtyard from which it takes its name. Intertwined with history, this garden stands out as one of the city’s refined escape points with both its architectural grandeur and tranquil atmosphere.
The kitchen offers a regional and seasonal selection fully loyal to Italian traditions. Fresh pastas, seafood dishes, and classic Italian starters prepared with the touches of Chef Nihat Sancar blend seamlessly with the venue’s ambiance. Served in a historic courtyard among olive trees and the mystical atmosphere of Galata, the experience transforms this place into a timeless destination.
Hide Arnavutköy
Beşiktaş
Located just one street above the crowds of the neighborhood’s main avenue, Hide Arnavutköy lives up to its name as a peaceful place hidden within the city. The venue’s most enchanting feature is its spacious, tiered backyard surrounded by fruit trees and lush greenery. Despite being in the center of the city, this open-air area feels completely isolated from noise, creating the calm and intimate ambiance one seeks. Handmade artisan breads, croissants, and rich breakfast options from their own bakery are among Hide’s signature flavors. Supported by bowls suited for every hour of the day and a specialty coffee selection, the menu pairs perfectly with the garden’s natural character.
The Allis
Pera
One of the chicest venues opening Soho House Istanbul’s refined style to the outside world, The Allis offers an atmosphere removed from the city’s chaos beneath the shade of trees in its expansive garden. With landscaping reminiscent of an elegant English garden and comfortable seating arrangements, it becomes the address for those looking for a peaceful pause within Pera’s lively rhythm. Serving throughout the day, the kitchen offers everything from healthy breakfast options to fresh salads, light bites, and carefully prepared evening meals. Sipping coffee or an afternoon cocktail accompanied by birdsong within a historic atmosphere makes this venue one of Istanbul’s most characteristic gardens.
Laurel Istanbul
Demirciköy
Located beside a forest landscape, Laurel offers a spacious and airy open area for those who want to physically distance themselves from the city’s crowds. The first thing that draws attention is its secluded garden immersed in greenery, reflecting the calmness and clean air of northern Istanbul. In the kitchen, a Mediterranean-focused menu is served throughout different hours of the day, from breakfast to dinner. Its dining selection suited for long hours outdoors and the tranquil atmosphere of the garden make it one of the region’s most remarkable stops.
Grandma’s Wonderland
Silivri
Located very close to Istanbul yet feeling completely outside of it, Grandma’s Wonderland is more than just a restaurant; it offers a farm and accommodation experience spread across a 40-acre land. The venue’s focal point is its endless greenery surrounded by vineyards, ponds, and fruit trees. This direct connection with the soil forms the foundation of the tranquility felt throughout the garden.
On the gastronomic side, seasonal ingredients gathered from the farm’s own garden are transformed into a modern culinary language by Chef Bulut Gümüş and his team. Grapes from their own vineyards and fresh flavors from the stone oven combine with the garden’s natural atmosphere to create a holistic experience. Grandma’s Wonderland is one of Istanbul’s most special locations for those wishing to leave the city’s noise completely behind and sit down at a true farm table.
Asian Side
Il Sud Giardino
Caddebostan
Opening an elegant parenthesis within the fast rhythm of Bağdat Avenue, Il Sud Giardino brings the vibrant energy of the Mediterranean into its stylish garden. At the center of the kitchen are signature dishes loyal to Southern Italy. Its signature pizzas and handmade pastas, paired with the venue’s ambitious cocktail bar, transform this place from a typical restaurant into a sophisticated social gathering spot. If you want both a chic dining experience and a pleasant open-air atmosphere on Bağdat Avenue, Il Sud Giardino is one of the area’s most refined options.
Groves Coffee&More
Üsküdar
Designed as a breathing space for those seeking a brief escape from the city’s rhythm, Groves Coffee&More places its relationship with nature at the center of the experience. Its outdoor seating areas allow guests to directly experience daylight and greenery, while the calm layout creates a comfortable atmosphere for long stays. Serving coffee, mocktails, and a variety of desserts, the venue is ideal for working from the early hours of the day or meeting friends.
Kont Moda
Kadıköy
Bringing the neighborhood’s creative spirit directly into the venue experience, Kont Coffee promises far more than a classic coffee spot. Its spacious and airy garden creates a living atmosphere shaped by changing daylight throughout the day, making the time spent here about much more than just a coffee break. Good coffee is the venue’s main focus; filter and espresso-based drinks are prepared with care, while signature desserts stand among the menu’s highlights. At the same time, its sustainability approach and preference for reusable equipment create a strong framework for the venue’s identity. Workshops, music gatherings, and creative events held from time to time transform the garden into a social production space.
Strada Suadiye
Bağdat Avenue
Standing out with an atmosphere that disconnects you from the city the moment you step inside, Strada is one of Istanbul’s future classics. Its design language, dominated by natural materials, combines marble tables, wrought-iron details, and an open kitchen concept to create a sophisticated character. The spaciousness of the garden offers options ranging from crowded groups to more intimate gatherings. The menu features a broad selection inspired by Italian, French, and Far Eastern cuisines; stone oven pizzas, sushi options, and signature cocktails promise an experience extending throughout the entire day.
Nuba Istanbul
Beykoz
Located within a forested area in Beykoz, Nuba Istanbul offers a holistic experience with its restaurant, accommodation, event, and social spaces. The venue’s strongest aspect is undoubtedly its large garden with natural grass flooring and open-air layout. Thanks to this, even when crowded, the feeling of spaciousness remains intact. On the menu side, there is a wide range extending from breakfast to Turkish cuisine. Nuba stands out particularly for those looking to enjoy long weekend breakfasts followed by a calm day in touch with nature.
Capri Büyükada
A short Adabüs ride from the center of Büyükada — or a pleasant 25-minute walk lined with palm trees — leads you to the island’s elegant harbor: Capri. Its sea-front pier view blends the elegance of classic mansions with the modern spirit of the Mediterranean. While you can enjoy the sun and beach during the day, the venue transforms into a captivating gastronomic destination at sunset. Fresh seafood and carefully prepared mezes take center stage on the menu. If dinner is not your preference, you may instead enjoy a long weekend breakfast or try its signature cocktails during afternoon gatherings with friends.
Hermes Country Club
Beykoz
Spread across a vast area within the forests of Beykoz, Hermes Country Club offers a large-scale lifestyle space for those seeking contact with nature without leaving the city. With its expansive grassy gardens and indoor and outdoor spaces of varying sizes, the venue is shaped around not only dining but also events, gatherings, and long-form leisure experiences. Its menu includes flavors suitable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner services. Visit over the weekend for a delicious breakfast, then spend the rest of the day enjoying nature in its extensive garden.
Casa Lavanda
Şile
Located in Ulupelit Village approximately one hour from Istanbul, Casa Lavanda is a slow-living destination immersed in nature. Its expansive garden, forest-integrated landscape, and open areas surrounded by lavender details strongly reflect the venue’s experience-oriented character. The terrace and garden seating areas in particular create a rhythm suited to long and peaceful dining experiences thanks to their atmosphere that shifts with daylight.
Awarded one Michelin Star, one Green Star, and one Key by the Michelin Guide, the kitchen carries the signature of Chef Emre Şen. The fact that most ingredients come from the venue’s own biodynamic gardens and local producers directly connects the menu to nature itself. The dishes are shaped by Mediterranean-inspired techniques, elegant touches from Italian cuisine, and a strong focus on local ingredients.
