MuzedeChanga, Istanbul

Muzedechanga won Wallpaper* magazine's prestigious award as the best new restaurant back in 07', and I would be lying if I told you it's not the reason I was so eager to dine there! Situated above a museum adorned by stunning marble slabs, this contemporary Turkish restaurant designed by award winning Autoban Design offered more than just good food; the atmosphere was also spot on. We chose to sit outside, even though the weather wasn't exactly as friendly, but the view of the Bosphorus compensated quite a lot for the shakes and shudders, and the staff were kind enough to provide us with pashmina scarves. The interiors mostly consisted of natural oak, characterized by sinuous shapes and geometric patterns that produced that 60's aura. I was fairly impressed by the impact it gave, given the simplicity of the design. Well done Autoban!

[Image via enRoute Magazine]

Restaurant Interiors: {Develi, Istanbul}

Develi (Turkish Cuisine) is the very first restaurant we dined in during our stay in Istanbul and was recommended by the concierge of our hotel, whom we are extremely thankful for, as it was overall a very pleasant experience; from customer service, to ambience, and most importantly food.
I was blown away by the spectacular interiors the minute we walked in and was immediately inspired. We were greeted by the manager, who escorted us to our table and gave us a quick run through the menu. However, I simply couldn't resist and instantly stood up to take pictures of the space - yes, it was that beautiful.
The restaurant was designed by Space Architects and Designers and according to the manager, their goal was to generate a modern industrial feel; steering away from the typical traditional Turkish design. Although, I got a sense of Hollywood Regency/Art Deco with their choice of lighting, brass detailing and even style of furniture. The concept on the whole was pleasing to the eyes. Take a look at the images below.