Unter : a Karaköy gem in the rough

Unter, in Istanbul, Turkey, is located in the Karaköy area, in a three-storey 1960's building. At the ground floor, there is a wide bar, an open kitchen and 25 seated area for dining. The walls are left as originally built with its own old bricks. The two whole walls are constructed with big glass doors, and can be opened in nice weathered days that lets the venue to join the street with its seating.

The second floor is decorated more as a lounge area. This floor has a fireplace with a deer head, comfortable couches and a big "commune" table. "Unter Loft" is located at the top floor and has more of a cozy house styling to it. There is an open kitchen with a big island center that is surrounded by tall bar chairs and overlooks at the church and the sea from the top of Karaköy roofs. The loft is used for private parties for groups with 20 persons.

The menu has "gastro pub" concept and consists of rotisserie- style quails and chicken cooking before your eyes, hot dogs made with special produced sausages, home made seabass rilette, home made sour dough breads. It is essentially serving hearty fare from Istanbul's three favourite cuisines: Turkish (panfried liver and grilled octopus), Italian (prosciutto and lasagne), and American (mini burgers and pulled pork - a rare find in this city). With your stomach suitably lined, try Unter's signature Bloody Mary or draft Turkish Tuborg Gold. Open late into the night, Unter attracts urban upmarket locals, and the top two floors often host arty after parties and private events. Read some reviews here.