We had a long layover in Istanbul and was glad to spent almost three hours at this lounge for…read moreInternational Travelers. Istanbul Airport (IST) is the home of Turkish Airlines and this lounge is beautiful and huge! It's located on the upper level and you can reach it via elevator (near Louis Vuitton) or escalator (across from Salvatore Ferragamo). You can't miss it.
The food and beverage options are insane! I wish I had taken more pictures but my hands were always full with food, champagne or desserts. I thought their salad station/area was top notch. They had all types of salads like beets, artichokes, butter lettuces, eggplants, beans, walnut & tomatoes, hummus, tzatziki dips, and so much more! The ingredients are fresh and replenished frequently. There are hot food stations with chef preparing the food in front of you, like grilled chicken, falafels, rice, and meats. There is a pasta station, pizza/flatbread station where the chefs are rolling the dough and baking it in an open fire oven. It was AMAZING!
There is a separate tea making station. Hot, cold and flavored tea. I don't really like Turkish tea but I admire the silverware and the art of tea making. There are bottled water and sodas in open fridges throughout the lounge for grab-n-go. There are alcohol carts with champagne and wine. If you're not full by this point, there is the desserts station with the famous baklava, dates and honey cakes. Oh mine, I was sad to leave to board my flight! LOL.
If you have access through miles and smiles or with first/business class tickets, you must check out this lounge!