Club in Istanbul
EN
Zihni Bar venue
Nişantaşı / Valikonağı Caddesi · Şişli

Zihni Bar

Bars & Pubs

Opening hoursDaily: 14:00–02:00
Price level$$$
Entry & reservations
Show details

Ordinary nights have no separate entrance ticket. Book a table by phone ahead of live performance dates and busy weekend hours.

Google rating
4.3 / 5 · 464 reviewsGoogle Maps

EDITOR'S REVIEW

Get to know the venue before you go

Since 1980, Zihni Bar has carried Nişantaşı bar culture across generations in its historic Valikonağı Caddesi room. Stained glass, a high ceiling, dining, cocktails, live acts and weekend DJs bring its nostalgic character into a modern night out.

Music & programme

Turkish pop rock, nostalgic hits, acoustic music and live instrumentals lead into faster weekend DJ sets. Live vocal and instrumental evenings take place during the week, with Turkish led DJs on Friday and Saturday; guest artists and times change in the weekly schedule.

Atmosphere

Stained glass, original tile and dark wood create a nostalgic yet polished room. Dinner and conversation come first; later the regulars and performances make it lively.

Concept

A classic Nişantaşı bar with art gallery roots, combining historic architecture, modern gastropub food, cocktails, live music and dancing.

Guest profile

Adult regulars familiar with classic Istanbul nights, younger guests drawn to nostalgia, couples and groups seeking dinner with live music in Nişantaşı.

Dress code

Smart casual suits the historic Nişantaşı gastropub. Choose considered city evening wear for the later program.

Customer Review Summary

Zihni Bar is highly appreciated for its historic building in Nişantaşı, unique artistic details, and a stylish yet intimate atmosphere. Signature cocktails, tiramisu, burgers, and shrimp dishes are frequently praised; staff are generally attentive, service is fast, and the venue is clean. The music and DJ sets add energy to the evening, though the volume can sometimes make conversation difficult. Reservations are recommended on busy days. Opinions on pricing vary—some find it acceptable for the area, while others consider it high; guests should be aware of the per-person spending minimum, the additional service charge, and the paid snacks brought to the table unsolicited. While some dishes are considered small in portion or merely average, the overall assessment of the food's taste is positive.

WHO IT SUITS

Is this venue right for you?

For dinner, cocktails, live music and later dancing in one historic room.

HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights

Brand memories dating to 1979, original Vedad Tek architecture, multiple generations of regulars, cocktails and food, with live acts and DJs under one roof.

NOTE

Before your visit

Use Valikonağı Caddesi No. 39 for Zihni Pub; older listings with similar names can lead elsewhere. On live music nights, dining tables and stage adjacent tables differ, so name your seating preference when reserving.

GETTING THERE

Getting to the venue

Find the entrance at Valikonağı Caddesi No. 39. About five minutes from M2 Osmanbey via Rumeli Caddesi and Valikonağı; Nişantaşı bus stops are close.