Not many dining spots can match the banks of the Bosphorus. The waterway that divides the city across two continents has attracted writers, tourists, and food lovers for generations, and an evening spent beside its water is something most visitors remember for years afterwards. Whether the occasion is a romantic dinner, a night out with friends, or just an easy evening, picking the right table by the water can transform a normal night into the best evening of your stay.Part of the magic is the setting itself. As evening falls, the whole strait changes colour, boats glide between one continent and the other, and thousands of lights flicker on as night takes over. A seat at the water's edge hands you the whole scene while you eat, and the soft lap of the water adds an atmosphere that four walls simply cannot. For many people, watching the city light up from the waterside is reason enough to reserve a spot.And of course, there is the food. Turkish food is made to be shared, and a proper meal by the Bosphorus almost always starts with meze, small plates of cold and hot starters, from creamy dips and stuffed vine leaves to char-grilled octopus and crisp calamari. Seafood is the real star here, with sea bass, bream, and prawns grilled simply to let the flavour speak for itself. Slow-grilled meats, warm flatbread, and salty local cheese fill out the spread, and the whole table tastes better with the salt air and the water in view.No evening by the water is complete without a glass in front of you. Many diners start with a measure of raki, the aniseed spirit that is traditionally served with meze and seafood, served over ice and softened with water until it turns cloudy. Others prefer a cocktail, a chilled white, or just an ice-cold beer as the sun dips lower. A good lounge matches the drinks to the mood, whether you are after a buzzing table and music or a calm seat away from the noise.Timing matters more than most people expect. Sunset is when everyone wants a table, so it is wise to reserve well ahead, above all in warm weather when the terrace fills up fast. Getting there early gives you time to ease into the evening, order a drink, and enjoy the changing light before the first plates land. If you can, hold out for a table on the rail, since the difference between a good view and a great one is often only a row or two.Atmosphere is the last ingredient. The spots people rave about pair great food with a setting you never want to leave. Warm, low lighting, service that is attentive without rushing you, and the right music for the mood matter every bit as much as what is on the plate. Some places lean towards fine dining, while others have an easy, loungey feel where a meal can stretch late into the night. Being clear about the night you have in mind makes it easy to pick the right spot before you book.Should you be heading to Istanbul, an evening on the Bosphorus belongs high on your list. Do not rush the decision, look at what other diners say, and lock in your spot early so a table is waiting when you arrive. https://telegra.ph/Waterside-Nights-in-Istanbul---Food-Drinks-and-the-Perfect-View-07-15 At its best, a night by the Bosphorus is about far more than the food. It is exactly the sort of night that sums up everything people love about the city, and the kind you will keep talking about long after the trip is over.