Istanbul Tourist Pass® holders enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on the premium dining experience at Nomads Restaurant, along with a complimentary welcome cocktail to start their night in style. Indulge in exquisite cuisine and mesmerizing performances while enjoying these special perks!

A Story That Crosses Continents

Nomads first opened its doors in Amsterdam in 2002. Dutch architect Rob Wagemans reimagined Mediterranean, Turkish, and Eastern tavern culture with clean lines, rich textures, and a hint of playful color. His fresh outlook sparked trends across Europe. Salsa nights gave way to belly-dance classes, and Eastern décor filled living rooms from Berlin to Barcelona. By 2010 Wagemans and the original creative team brought the concept home to Istanbul. They layered patterned tiles, carved wood, and copper accents into a space that feels both new and timeless, sitting comfortably beside the city’s historic skyline.

Atmosphere & Design

Nomads offers you an experience rather than simply a meal. Designed by well-known Dutch architect Rob Wagemans, the venue shows a superb fusion of modern European and Turkish inspirations. Rich decorative accents, cozy ambient lighting, and minute architectural details provide an opulent yet friendly environment that carries visitors to an exotic paradise right in Istanbul.

Culinary Experience: A Fusion of East and West

Nomads puts Turkey’s kitchen traditions on one plate. The chefs mix classic flavors from all over the country with the bold, fragrant tastes of Antakya. Each dish leaves the kitchen on a shining copper tray, arranged so it looks as good as it smells. A basket of warm Antakya bread lands beside it, ready to scoop up every last bit of sauce. Simple, honest cooking served in elegant copper trays for a truly authentic touch with a touch of showmanship.

Nomads’ menu is a refined blend of Turkish, Mediterranean, and Antioch (Antakya) local and regional cuisines, curated by expert chefs. Each dish is carefully prepared using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. The opper trays arrive piled with juicy kebabs, stuffed vine leaves, and smoky eggplant. Warm Antakya bread sits close by, ready for dipping. Plates look as good as they taste thanks to creative, often surprising presentations that nod to street food one moment and fine dining the next. Some menu highlights include:

Starters & Mezes

Lebanese Fava: A mixture of broad beans, onion, dill, olive oil, turmeric and garlic
Cacık: Refreshing yogurt dip with cucumber, mint, and garlic.
Atom: Strained yogurt with spicy roasted chili peppers and garlic.
Black-Eyed Pea: Black-eyed peas mixed with pickles, fresh herbs, and olive oil.
Beetroot Tabbouleh: Bulgur wheat salad with beetroot, lemon, olive oil, and pomegranate molasses.
Cherry Leaf Wraps: Stuffed grape leaves with rice and a tangy cherry sauce.
Hummus: A perfect blend of chickpeas with tahini
Muttabel: Creamy smoked eggplant dip with tahini, garlic, and yogurt.

Hot Appetizers, Salads & Garniture

Falafel: Chickpeas and spices, deep-fried to perfection.
Stuffed Meatballs: Ground minced meat, walnut, parsley, fine bulgur, and semolina in a crispy shell.
French Fries: Golden, crispy, and served with a side of dipping sauce.
Hatay Salad: Tomatoes, lettuce, pomegranate syrup, sumac, scallion, mint, parsley, cucumber, purslane, and walnuts.

Meat & Chicken Main Courses

Vegetable Meat Kebab: Mint, Parsley, Capsia Pepper, Lamb Meat, Veal, Tail Fat
Nomads Kebab: Chicken, Lamb Meat, Lamb Tail, Spices, Zahter, Basil, Red Pepper, Onion, Garlic, Salt
Adana Kebab: with Bulgur Rice, Tomato, Pepper
Chicken Wings: Spices, Tomato Paste, Milk, Garlic Curry, Salt
Chicken Skewers: with Bulgur Rice, Tomato, Pepper

Fish Main Courses 

Sea Bass: with Arugula, Potatoes, Lemon, Onion
Salmon: with Arugula, Potatoes, Lemon, Onion

Pasta

Fettuccine with Cream: Parmesan, butter, cream, garlic, and olive oil.
Penne Arrabbiata: Garlic, tomato, tomato paste, and Parmesan cheese.

Desserts

Semolina Halva: A warm and comforting dessert made with semolina, butter, and syrup.
Brownie: Rich chocolate brownie with walnuts and a hint of cocoa.
Seasonal Fruits: A fresh selection of the best seasonal fruits.

Entertainment: A Night of Culture and Music

As dinner begins, the lights dim and a troop of belly dancers slips between tables. Costumes change with every act, each one designed in-house and stitched by local ateliers. Routines build in rhythm and color, rising and falling with the DJ’s seamless mix of Turkish melodies and Western beats. The show moves in gentle waves through the night so conversation, laughter, and the sound of darbuka drums blend into one.

Every evening at Nomads feels like a celebration even if it is just an ordinary night for you. More than ten talented performers present traditional Turkish dance performances synchronized with the music and ambiance of the night. The exclusively prepared shows pop up between courses and keep flowing long after dessert, always in perfect step with the mood and music of the night. In Nomads, a dedicated creative team shapes every routine, while costume artists dream up one-of-a-kind outfits and have them handcrafted right here in Istanbul. The result is an experience that turns dinner into a journey: vibrant, authentic, and unforgettable.

Oriental Dance & Zenne Performances: A mesmerizing display of traditional and modern dance forms.
Darbuka Shows: High-energy drum performances that bring an authentic Middle Eastern touch.
DJ Sets: A seamless blend of Western and oriental rhythms to keep the energy high throughout the night.

Reserve early; tables fill quickly, especially on weekends. Dress smart-casual, arrive on time, and let Nomads wrap you in Istanbul’s joyful blend of East and West; one sip, one bite, and one dance at a time.