Now that the summer is here it is time to get out of the cramped indoor cafes and restaurants and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine that comes with the season. While there are many restaurants and boutique cafes on the cobblestone streets of Istanbul, the real attractions are on the tops of tall buildings and hotels. Rooftop cafes are becoming more popular by the day and in Istanbul they are especially favored because of the spectacular views of the city and the Bosphorus.Mikla Bar&RestaurantOne of Istanbul's favorite rooftop cafes is Mikla Bar&Restaurant. The restaurant itself is located on the top level of the Marmara Pera Hotel. The first thing that greets you when you walk in is the impeccable retro style of the furniture and design. Inspired by styles of the 1950s and 1970s the restaurant has a chrome and wood theme that takes you back through the decades. The view from the top stretches over Topkapı Palace and Sultanahmet, allowing you to experience the history of the city. Turkish-Swedish chef Mehmet Gurs opened the restaurant in 2005, and since then the menu has incorporated Turkish-Scandinavian cuisines to bring a new twist to Istanbul's culinary variety.Address: The Marmara Pera, Meşrutiyet Caddesi 15, 34430, Beyoğlu, Istanbul - Phone: +90 (212) 293 5656X RestaurantWith an amazing view of the Golden Horn, X Restaurant has the perfect seat in the house for those looking to enjoy dinner with a breathtaking view. The classy and sleek X is located on top of the Deniz Palas building where the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) is located. The building was refurbished in 2009 after many years of neglect and later became home to the non-profit organization as well as X. Now furnished with the newest decor in a color theme of grey, black and orange, the restaurant welcomes its customers with a homey vibe. Enjoy the sunset with amazing food ranging from traditional Turkish dishes to cultural soups and deserts.Address: İstanbul Kültür Sanat Vakfı - Nejat Eczacıbaşı Binası - Sadi Konuralp Caddesi, No: 5 Şişhane 34433 Istanbul - Phone: +90 (212) 334 07 005th Floor RestaurantNo one needs five reasons to visit the 5th Floor Restaurant (5. Kat Restaurant), but in case you do, we can list a few. The 5th Floor Restaurant is nestled in one of the quiet streets of Cihangir where it provides its customers with a heavenly view of the Bosphorus in harmony with soft tunes in the background. The romantic atmosphere of the restaurant goes hand in hand with the delicious foods selected from worldwide cuisine. Potted plants and colorful lights bring the whole thing together and allow you to experience a serene yet moving dinner with friends and loved ones.Address: The 5th Floor Restaurant, Soğancı Sokak No: 3, Kat 5 - Cihangir, Beyoğlu, Istanbul - Phone: 0 (212) 293 37 74 Restaurant 360Located on the rooftop of the famous historical building Mısır Apartments, 360 Restaurant allows its guests a 360-degree view of the city as well as the Bosphorus.Restaurant 360 is a well-known restaurant settled neatly on the top of a historical penthouse on İstiklal Avenue. The home for this award-winning restaurant is Mısır Apartmanı (Egypt Apartment), which is a magnificent 19th century structure and a famed historical building in Istanbul. Restaurant 360 allows its diners a 360-degree view of the city all the way from the steeple of St. Antoine's Church to the Hagia Sophia and even further to the Marmara Sea. From mezes to main courses to dessert Restaurant 360 has captured the heart of locals and tourists alike with a fun twist in tastes and flavors. The interesting and climactic theme follows into the menu where you might come across some interesting names for deserts like Death by Chocolate, Popcorn Creme Brule & Chocolate Orgazm.Address: İstiklal Avenue, Mısır Apartment 8th Floor No: 163 Beyoğlu, Istanbul - For Reservations: +90 212 251 10 42/43 Seven Hills Restaurant A perfect view of the Hagia Sophia from the Seven Hills Restaurant.After being featured in a world-renowned magazine for its amazing food, the Seven Hills Restaurant has become a must for many Istanbul locals. The restaurant serves all kinds of food, but its specialty is fish. Caught and delivered fresh every day from the Marmara Sea, the Seven Hills Restaurant serves the city's best fish. The view from the terrace along with the breeze from the Bosphorus makes the Seven Hills a must see for those looking to eat delicious seafood and get a good photo out of the experience. Located in Sultanahmet, the hotel is a combination of the modern and old Istanbul and carries this harmony to the restaurant at the top of the wooden building.Address: Cankurtaran Mahallesi, Tevkifhane Sokak No: 8, 34400 - Sultanahmet, Istanbul - Phone: +90 (212) 516 9497