KARAKÖY RESTAURANT

Karaköy Restaurant, historically the port and commercial hub of Istanbul, located on the European side of the Bosphorus at the entrance of the Golden Horn, has been operating since 2000 as a restaurant by day and a contemporary tavern by night. In its new location, it has been thoughtfully renovated with a unique and timeless design approach that draws inspiration from the city’s colors, traditional products, and the rich mosaic of its multicultural society.

The most striking feature of the space is the handmade tile wall that separates the kitchen from the dining area. These tiles were specially designed for the restaurant and meticulously crafted by Gorbon Seramik, a pioneer in Turkey’s ceramic industry. Their infinite variety of combinations and subtle interplay of light and shadow on their surfaces breathe life and vibrancy into the environment.

The addition of a glazed glass extension amplifies natural light, expanding and refreshing the spatial perception of the 150 sqm dining area alongside the 50 sqm kitchen and service zones. The marble mosaic flooring, which extends seamlessly through the entire floor including the glass addition, creates a cohesive ground plane. Its intricate pattern, combining hexagonal marble tiles with alternating glossy and matte finishes, transforms the floor into a dynamic surface that both reflects and absorbs light.

A wooden modular ceiling spans the entire space from the entrance to the dining area, deftly integrating functional elements such as acoustic control, HVAC, lighting, and sound systems within its angled and sculptural form. This architectural feature simultaneously defines the character of the space by enlivening the expansive ceiling plane.

In the bar, appetizer counter, and service areas, stainless steel shelves suspended from the ceiling frame the space without obscuring the tiled walls. Discreet integrated lighting highlights the tiles behind and above these shelves, further enhancing the vibrancy and dynamism of the interior.

The glazed wooden façade, with its expansive openings and transparency, extends the lively atmosphere of the interior outward to the street, creating an inviting entrance that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor realms.

Upon entry, the appetizer cabinet and bar welcome guests, facilitating food selection and beverage service. The bar counter, positioned prominently at the entrance with its long, monolithic form, tempers the raw, matte texture of natural stone with refined craftsmanship. Behind the bar, a mirror-clad wall reflects the wooden ceiling system, adding depth and continuity to the entrance area.

A large glass panel to the left of the entrance transforms into a “window,” a conceptual continuation of the showcase installations Karaköy Restaurant pioneered in its former location, featuring a “citation” elegantly displayed on its surface.