Andrew Oliver

I’m really hoping we just had a one off bad experience for this restaurant but this was the worst meal we had in Istanbul. It was overpriced but the high reviews made it seem worth it. It was not. The service was pretty good but I don’t think even the owner has ever tried the food they serve. No one in Turkey would be proud to serve these dishes. I had the Iskender because it is my favorite and I’ve been waiting for a more upscale place to have it because I know the kebab is usually frozen in the touristy areas. This was terrible. We also had the chicken Testi and Adana which were both ok but not for what they charged. We were the o my customers there the entire time we dined and it should have given us a clue. The server brought out an appetizer without us asking if hummus, dolma and Acili ezme. It was no good. And then he charged us for it. After the meal he also served us coffee and Baklava after we said no thank you and it was also the worst coffee and baklava in Istanbul. During the meal we had two buskers come up to us and the owner stood by and watched and said nothing. Everywhere else we have eaten in the old city they wouldn’t let their customers be bothered. When it finally came time for the bill the server mentioned that the card reader was not working. Understandable, it happens, but again the only place in Istanbul that had this issue. I had to walk across the square past the mosques to the nearest ATM. Maybe let your guests know ahead of time so they can plan accordingly. We were just so ready to go. Also to the owner when you inevitably see this and respond with some inane excuse about how I am a bad customer. Check my profile. I don’t like giving bad reviews. Also ask your server. He did a pretty good job and was very apologetic because I did let him know that everything wasn’t worth the price and how terrible the dessert was. The only reason this isn’t just a one star review is because I feel like he knows the place he works at is terrible and he’s just trying to do a good job. Help the man out. I really do hope this was a just a bad night but I’m not sure it was. I wish you luck in the future.

Nice little coffee stand outside 7/11. Good coffee at the right price