This restaurant was opened in a previous incarnation by Russian refugees in 1924 on the historic Istiklal Caddesi in Beyoğlu‘s Asmalı Mescit quarter. It became a meeting place for diplomats, artists, writers, and public figures, and Atatürk himself used to visit the restaurant, and among its guests were Agatha Christie and Greta Garbo.
The restaurant closed in 2011 but was reopened in 2015 under new management with a new name 1924 Istanbul. Today diners can relive those glory days in a beautifully restored and opulent setting that exudes historical grandeur and features eye-catching panelling and mirrors. The 1924 Istanbul restaurant preserves the atmosphere of the Russian émigré era with its distinctive decor and hospitality.
Quick Facts
| Turkish name | 1924 Ресторан |
|---|---|
| Address | Istiklal Caddesi, Olivya Geçidi No:7, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, 34435 Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps |
| District | Beyoğlu |
| Metro | Kabataş (T1, Follow Istiklal Caddesi uphill for approximately 8 minutes; the entrance to Olivya Geçidi is a passageway off the main street) |
| Best time to visit | Visit during autumn (September–November) or spring (April–May) for pleasant weather. Winter months (December–February) can be crowded with festive visitors. Avoid peak lunch hours (12:00–14:00) if you prefer a quieter experience. Friday and Saturday evenings feature live piano and accordion music, making these the most atmospheric times but also the busiest. Weekday lunches and early evenings are calmer for conversation. |
| Recommended duration | 2–3 hours |
| Cuisine | Russian and Eastern European |
| Reservations | Reservations are recommended, especially for groups and peak hours. Walk-ins are accepted based on availability. Contact the restaurant directly via phone (+90 212 243 8360) or through the official website. The venue can accommodate groups and has multiple intimate dining areas. |
| Website | 1924istanbul.com |
| Operating status confirmed | October 2026 |
Reservations and Ordering at 1924 İstanbul
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for groups and Friday–Saturday evenings when live music is performed. Walk-ins are accepted based on table availability; call ahead (+90 212 243 8360) to confirm. The restaurant can accommodate groups and has multiple intimate dining rooms. The official website (1924istanbul.com) provides additional information and may offer online inquiry forms for reservations. The restaurant typically opens at 4:00 PM daily and accepts credit cards and cash.
Why Visit 1924 İstanbul?
1924 Istanbul is listed in the Michelin Guide for its cuisine. The chefs put a modern spin on Russian specialities, including stuffed pirozhki, delicate smoked salmon with warm blini, and beef Stroganoff. The venue itself is a living piece of Istanbul history, with a table permanently reserved, complete with a sign saying forever reserved and a small bottle of raki and some white chickpeas, marking Atatürk’s former table. The old wooden panels, mirrors, and live piano and accordion music create a unique atmosphere, transporting guests to 1920s Istanbul.
Highlights of 1924 İstanbul
Atatürk's Reserved Table
A table with a sign saying forever reserved, a small bottle of raki and some white chickpeas marks the spot where the great Atatürk used to dine. This corner of the dining room is one of the restaurant's most historically significant features and remains unchanged. The gesture reflects the restaurant's role as a meeting place for Turkish leaders and intellectuals throughout the 20th century.
Tip: Ask your server for the table's location when you arrive—it's a central focal point when you understand its significance.
Historic Brass Plaques and Photographs
Quaint old photos on the wall of who must have been dignitaries adorn the restaurant, with special nametags of famous people like Mata Hari, Hemingway and Agatha Christie marked on brass plates indicating where they sat. The wood-paneled walls display these markers as silent witnesses to the restaurant's legendary past, creating an immersive sense of historical narrative throughout the dining rooms.
Tip: Allow time before your meal to walk around and read the plaques—each tells a small story of Istanbul's cosmopolitan past.
Live Music
Old wooden panels, mirrors, and live piano and accordion music create a unique atmosphere. On Fridays and Saturdays, there is live music, and the restaurant feels like a gastronomic museum. The live performances draw from classical Russian composers and create a nostalgic, convivial atmosphere that complements the historic setting and encourages conversation.
Tip: Plan your visit for Friday or Saturday evening if you want to experience the full ambiance with live music.
Beef Stroganoff
The chefs put a modern spin on Russian specialities, including beef Stroganoff served with generous portions, juicy meat and amazing flavour. The menu features classic Russian and Eastern European dishes such as pirozhki, pelmeni, beef Stroganoff, and Olivier salad. This dish exemplifies the kitchen's approach to blending tradition with contemporary technique.
Tip: Order the Beef Stroganoff with a side of the infused vodka selection—the restaurant's homemade vodkas pair naturally with the rich, creamy sauce.
Infused Vodka Selection
To drink, enjoy a glass of vodka from their impressive selection. The infused vodka shots, including horseradish and cherry, are a must-try. The restaurant features handcrafted infused vodkas and cocktails, with options like salmon vodka for those feeling adventurous. The vodka tradition reflects the Russian émigré roots of the restaurant's founding.
Tip: The restaurant typically presents a vodka tasting before the meal—try several varieties to find your preference before ordering a full glass.
Pirozhki (Russian Meat Pastries)
The chefs prepare stuffed pirozhki as part of their modern spin on Russian specialities. Pirozhki is basically a Borek, but much lighter, stuffed with mincemeat, and the version here is out of this world. This starter exemplifies the restaurant's commitment to authentic Russian technique executed with care and quality ingredients.
Tip: Order pirozhki as an appetizer—it's hearty enough to share and showcases the restaurant's skill with traditional pastry work.
Historic Olivya Geçidi Passageway
The restaurant sits at the end of Olivya Geçidi (Olivya Passage), a narrow alleyway off Istiklal Caddesi. Rejans (now 1924 Istanbul) restaurant is one of Beyoğlu's landmarks, a relic of 1920s 'Russian Istanbul' where the original atmosphere has been preserved. The hidden location away from the main street preserves a sense of intimate discovery and old Istanbul charm.
Tip: The passage entrance can be easy to miss—look for the small alley just past the area where Taksim Square meets Istiklal Caddesi, or ask a local for directions to Olivya Geçidi.
Wood-Paneled Dining Rooms
The décor inside makes visitors feel like they've gone back in time a 100 years, with high ceilings, massive mirrors, wooden paneling on the walls and two grandiose chandeliers. The venue combines a rich heritage with elegant, vintage-style décor, featuring wood-paneled walls, antique mirrors, and ornate chandeliers, with multiple dining rooms and intimate corners.
Tip: If possible, request a table in one of the smaller intimate corners rather than the main dining room for a more atmospheric experience.
What to Order
- Beef Stroganoff with matchstick potatoes and mushrooms
- Pirozhki (Russian beef pastries)
- Smoked salmon with warm blini
- Pelmeni (Russian beef dumplings)
- Infused vodka selection (house-made varieties including lemon, horseradish and cherry)
Atmosphere
The décor inside makes visitors feel like they’ve gone back in time a 100 years, with high ceilings, massive mirrors, wooden paneling on the walls and two grandiose chandeliers. From the moment guests walk in, the restaurant wraps them in a warm, nostalgic embrace, with an atmosphere that feels straight out of a classic film set in the early 20th century, and visitors are welcomed with a delightful tasting of flavoured vodkas.
The old wooden panels, mirrors, and live piano and accordion music create a unique atmosphere. On Fridays and Saturdays, there is live music, and the restaurant feels like a gastronomic museum. Quaint old photos on the wall of dignitaries adorn the restaurant, with special nametags of famous people like Mata Hari, Hemingway and Agatha Christie marked on brass plates indicating where they sat, creating a sense of dining alongside history.
History of 1924 İstanbul
According to newspaper articles and advertisements, a restaurant called La Régence (Rejans in French) already existed in Istanbul in the early 1920s. Despite the fact that its owner, Marius Berthet, was French, the restaurant was very popular with Russians. The owner paid great attention to the entertainment programme and hired Russian-speaking waiters. According to documents from the Republican archives of the Prime Ministry (Turkey), the restaurant was still functioning in 1924, but Berthet himself was clearly in trouble.
Crimean Tatar exiles opened Rejans in 1924. They employed down-at-heel St. Petersburg debutantes as waitresses (causing a sensation in a city where all waiters had hitherto been male) and a former professor of mathematics from Petrograd University to keep the books. The place was a favorite of Agatha Christie’s and became a meeting place for Turkish intellectuals to argue over vodka.
Rejans was always more club than restaurant, spinning history and Russian food into a web of nostalgia. It was a ritual to go there, and to watch the level of the lemon vodka sink with the conveniently invisible sun. Over time, the elegant emigrées who greeted one faded away, a fire in 1976 left its scars and, as Istanbul trebled its population, Beyoğlu lost its relevance and resonance. Rejans limped on until closing in 2011.
Sashah Anton Khan, who had made his name with 360, moved in. He appreciated the value that the past can have and, under the name 1924, has reopened a restaurant which builds on rather than denies tradition. In 2015 it reopened under new management with a new name 1924 Istanbul, although many regular clientele still call it Rejans.
How to Get to 1924 İstanbul
By Metro: Take the T1 tram line to Kabataş station. Exit and walk uphill along Istiklal Caddesi for approximately 8 minutes toward Taksim Square. Just past Galatasaray High School, look for a small alleyway entrance on your right—this is Olivya Geçidi (Olivya Passage). Follow the passageway to its end; the restaurant entrance is on your left.
Walking tip: Istiklal Caddesi is a busy pedestrian street with shops and cafes. The passage entrance is small and easy to miss—if unsure, ask locals for “Olivya Geçidi 1924 Istanbul restaurant.” Taxis can drop you at the Istiklal–Galatasaray junction, adding a short walk to the passage.
No parking is available directly at the restaurant. Visitors should use nearby parking lots in Beyoğlu or arrive by public transport.
Accessibility
The restaurant is located up a flight of steps at the end of Olivya Geçidi passageway, which may challenge wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. The interior features multiple dining rooms with wooden flooring. No elevator access is reported. Restrooms are available inside. Call ahead (+90 212 243 8360) to discuss any accessibility requirements with staff.
Food Nearby
Istiklal Caddesi, minutes away, offers hundreds of dining options including Turkish restaurants, international cafes, dessert shops, and street food vendors. Nearby Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage) features multiple restaurants and bars. The area has bakeries, pastry shops, and casual eateries suitable for different budgets and dietary preferences.
What to Bring
Wear smart-casual to dressy attire—the ambiance is refined and historic, and many diners dress up for dinner. Bring a light jacket for cooler months or air conditioning inside. No special items are required beyond what you would bring to any upscale restaurant. Bags are welcome; no coat check is mentioned as available.
Photography Rules
Photography for personal use is generally accepted in the dining areas. Tripods and professional equipment may require prior approval. Flash photography during live music performances (Friday–Saturday evenings) should be avoided to respect other diners and performers. Ask staff if you plan to photograph specific elements such as Atatürk's table or historic plaques.
Family Suitability
The restaurant is suitable for older children and teenagers who can appreciate the historical atmosphere and fine dining format. Young children may find the long meal duration and formal setting challenging. The passageway entrance involves steps, which could be difficult for strollers. High chairs are not mentioned. The live music and sophisticated ambiance suit adult diners and special occasions rather than casual family outings.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- Arrive early in the week or on weekday mornings if you want a quieter experience without live music. Friday and Saturday evenings are atmospherically superior but significantly busier and noisier due to performances.
- Accept the vodka tasting that typically arrives at the beginning of the meal—it introduces you to the house infusions and establishes the tone for the evening. The salmon vodka is particularly distinctive if you enjoy adventurous flavors.
- Spend time reading the brass plaques on the walls before your meal. This context makes the dining experience far richer and turns the room into a living museum of 20th-century Istanbul history.
- The Olivya Geçidi entrance is genuinely hidden and easy to miss even for experienced Istanbul visitors. Ask your hotel concierge for precise directions or arrive 10 minutes early to locate the passageway without rushing.
- If you want to sit near Atatürk's reserved table, request this when making your reservation. It remains the most historically significant and atmospheric corner of the restaurant.
- The menu features both Russian classics and modern interpretations. If you prefer authentic traditional versions, ask your server which dishes most closely reflect the original Rejans recipes from the 1920s.
Make an Outing of Your Visit to 1924 İstanbul
1924 İstanbul is within walking distance of places that pair well with a meal. A simple way to build the outing:
Before or after your meal
Salt Beyoğlu – about 50 m away (~1 min walk) · typical visit: 2–3 hours14 min on foot from Tünel metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Istanbul Research Institute – about 100 m away (~2 min walk) · typical visit: 1–2 hours11 min on foot from Tünel metro, Open 10:00–19:00, closed SunMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
St. Anthony of Padua Church – about 150 m away (~2 min walk) · typical visit: 30–45 minutes15 min on foot from Tünel metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Time needed: plan about 4.5–7.5 hours for the whole outing, including the meal (roughly 1–1.5 hours), the places above and the walking between them.
Explore Nearby 1924 İstanbul
Metro stations near 1924 İstanbul
Tünelabout 800 m away (~13 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Şişhane – about 900 m away (~14 min walk)Open daily 06:09–00:09Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Restaurants and cafes near 1924 İstanbul
360 Istanbul – about 350 m away (~6 min walk)8 min on foot from Tünel metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Vegan Dukkan – about 50 m away (~1 min walk)13 min on foot from Tünel metroMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Mikla – about 150 m away (~2 min walk)15 min on foot from Tünel metro, Open 18:00–01:00, closed SunMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Aret'in Yeri – about 250 m away (~4 min walk)13 min on foot from Tünel metro, Open daily 15:00–01:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Nightlife near 1924 İstanbul
Fiyaka Club – about 50 m away (~1 min walk)13 min on foot from Tünel metro, Open daily 23:00–04:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Back Street Taksim – about 200 m away (~3 min walk)12 min on foot from Tünel metro, Open daily 12:00–04:30Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Events and traditions near 1924 İstanbul
Istanbul Music Festivalabout 250 m away (~4 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Istanbul Film Festivalabout 1.3 km away (~22 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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Browse more: More in Beyoğlu · All Restaurants · All Russian Cuisine
FAQ: 1924 İstanbul
Is this the same as the old Rejans restaurant?
In 2011 it closed but was reopened in 2015 under new management with a new name 1924 Istanbul, although many regular clientele still call it Rejans. The restaurant is located in the same building at Olivya Geçidi and preserves the original interior, but operates under new ownership and management.
Why is a table permanently reserved for Atatürk?
Atatürk himself used to visit the restaurant and was a frequent diner. The table is permanently reserved for frequent customer Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, complete with a bottle of raki, honoring his legacy and the restaurant's historical importance to Turkish leadership.
Is the restaurant in the Michelin Guide?
1924 Istanbul is deservedly listed in the Michelin Guide for its cuisine. The restaurant is recognized for its Russian and Eastern European specialities and refined dining experience.
What is the dress code?
The restaurant's refined, historic ambiance and upscale pricing suggest smart-casual to dressy attire. Most diners wear dressy clothing, and the formal setting reflects the fine dining nature of the venue. Casual sportswear is generally inappropriate, though no strict policy is published.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for groups and Friday–Saturday evenings. Walk-ins are accepted based on availability, but you may be turned away during peak times. Calling ahead (+90 212 243 8360) is advisable.
What is special about the vodka selection?
The infused vodka shots, including horseradish and cherry, are a must-try. The restaurant features handcrafted infused vodkas and cocktails, with options like salmon vodka for those feeling adventurous. The house-made infusions reflect the Russian émigré tradition of the restaurant.
Is there live music every night?
On Fridays and Saturdays, there is live music, and the restaurant feels like a gastronomic museum. Live piano and accordion performances occur on weekends only, enhancing the nostalgic atmosphere on these evenings.
What was the famous fire mentioned in reviews?
A fire in 1976 left its scars on the original Rejans restaurant, but the venue continued operating for decades afterward. The restaurant eventually closed in 2011 for other reasons before reopening as 1924 Istanbul in 2015.
Istanbul Vibes is a one-person project. A coffee keeps it going
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