Biz, located on the top floor of Istanbul's Atatürk Cultural Center, is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary homage to Istanbul's rich gastronomic history. Conceived by veteran restaurateur Kaya Demirer, Biz aims to celebrate the city's diverse foodways, including Greek, Sephardic, and Armenian influences, alongside vibrant street food and sophisticated Ottoman Imperial Palace cuisine. The menu is meticulously curated with input from food experts, chefs, and academic historians, ensuring an authentic yet refined experience.
Visitors consistently praise the innovative approach to traditional dishes and the high quality of ingredients, often sourced from venerable local purveyors. The bar area, in particular, receives accolades for its interesting selection of Turkish wines, creative cocktails, and an elevated take on iconic Istanbul street snacks like kumpir, pide, and even the famous 'ıslak hamburger'. The ambiance, with its warm wood and glazed tiling, combined with sweeping Bosphorus views, contributes to a memorable dining experience. Reviewers frequently highlight the unique opportunity to taste dishes with deep historical roots, often enhanced by scanning QR codes on the menu for detailed background information.
To make the most of your visit, consider going in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset over the Bosphorus, transitioning into an evening meal. While the fine dining restaurant may require reservations, the bar area typically has ample seating both indoors and on the terrace, and does not take reservations. It's recommended to allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully appreciate the menu and the atmosphere. Don't miss the cured fish and charcuterie options, which are sourced from legendary local shops. For those interested in a unique culinary exploration, Biz offers a distinct alternative to typical tourist restaurants.
Biz is situated within the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) on Taksim Square. The AKM is easily accessible via public transport. The nearest metro station is Taksim (M2 line), which is just a short walk away. Numerous bus lines also serve Taksim Square. Given its central location, it's a convenient stop after exploring the Taksim area or Istiklal Avenue. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available to and from Taksim Square.
While generally well-received, some visitors find the prices to be on the higher side, reflecting the quality of ingredients, expert preparation, and prime location. To mitigate this, consider visiting the bar area for drinks and appetizers rather than a full fine-dining experience, as the bar menu still offers a substantial taste of Biz's unique concept at a potentially lower cost. Another minor point is that the extensive menu and historical context might be overwhelming for those simply looking for a quick bite; however, for food enthusiasts, this is part of its appeal.
