Aqua
Turkey
Aqua sits at the water's edge within Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, where the passing traffic on the strait becomes part of dinner. A glass-fronted dining room and terrace give the restaurant an immediate connection to the water and the illuminated bridge beyond. The kitchen focuses on Mediterranean seafood with Turkish influences. Raw preparations, grilled fish and more elaborate plates share the menu, with ingredients such as Antakya olives, aubergine and herbs bringing regional character to the cooking. Dishes include red mullet with charred aubergine and a tomato fish broth, alongside John Dory with vegetables, lemon and capers. Sharing plates such as lobster pasta or a fisherman's pot offer a more sociable approach, while the tasting menu provides a structured introduction to the kitchen. A separate vegetarian dinner menu broadens the choices for mixed groups. The polished setting and close-up Bosphorus views make Aqua an appealing choice for an occasion meal, particularly for diners who want seafood to be the focus of their evening.