Hagia Sophia is an architectural marvel and a symbol of Istanbul's rich history. Its grand domes, stunning mosaics, and intricate design showcase a fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman influences. Stepping inside, one is transported to a world of cultural and religious significance. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that encapsulates the essence of Istanbul's heritage and leaves visitors in awe. A must-visit destination for its historical significance and timeless beauty. I respect that they kept the paintings of Jesus Christ and Mary even though it is not part of Islam.

One magnificent construction. You feel you are wrapped up by history here. A holy place that holds up the prayers of millions of people. This building looks great both by day and by night. Very nicely preserved and serves its purpose to so many. An iconic spot and a landmark of Istanbul. A combination of what cannot be combined.

Hagia Sophia is one of the most important Mosques in İstanbul. This is the second time that my husband and I visit this magnificent place! This mosque has a historic and religious significance. Once was the largest eastern Roman Church. Later was a museum, and since a Turkish top court on July of 2020 reversed the 1934 Cabinet decree which turned Hagia Sophia Mosque into a museum, it has become again in a Mosque. The size of this mosque is enormous and it's interior is so beautiful! As a tourist is important to know that it is necessary to take off the shoes. Women must cover their hair. They must cover also their legs. Therefore, it is recommended to wear a long skirt or pants. Shoes must be removed before entering. During pray hours, tourists must leave the prayer area. I really recommend to visit this magnificent mosque!! It is extraordinary!

Ayia Sofia is an enchanting wonder that fully deserves its 5-star rating. The stunning architecture, rich history, and serene ambiance make it a must-visit destination in Istanbul. Prepare to be captivated by its beauty and transported to a bygone era. It's always crowded but worth a visit.

Breathtaking place. We went there during a prayer session and we were hesitant that we'd be disturbing the folks. But, everyone was friendly and recognised us that we visitors wouldn't be disturbing them. Some even offered to click pictures of us mid-prayer which was surprising but well appreciated. The history of the mosque was also astonishing and the way the place has been maintained over the years is simply amazing. I wish I had visited this place during the day. I'd have loved to see the exteriors better too.

I had the pleasure of visiting Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul, and it was an experience I will never forget. This architectural marvel is truly awe-inspiring, and the sheer size and scale of the building is breathtaking. The history of Hagia Sophia is fascinating, and the architecture is a perfect blend of Byzantine and Islamic styles. The intricate details, intricate mosaics, and beautiful calligraphy add to the grandeur of the building, and it's impossible not to be impressed by the incredible craftsmanship that went into creating this masterpiece. One of the highlights of my visit was climbing to the upper gallery and taking in the stunning panoramic views of Istanbul. The peaceful atmosphere of the mosque made it a perfect place to reflect and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings. I highly recommend visiting Hagia Sophia Mosque to anyone visiting Istanbul. It's truly a one-of-a-kind attraction that shouldn't be missed. The mosque is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of humanity, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to witness it in person.

A must visit when in Istanbul. Its free entry, just make sure ur arms n knees are covered. And carry a head scarf. Its more beautiful on the inside than the outside. Just find a corner, sit and find some peace. U can also adore its beauty sitting in the Sultan Ahmet Square

Beautiful and historical landmark that is free to visit since it was recategorize as a mosque. Prepare to wait in line due to the high volume of tourists and one suggestion is to make it the first early morning stop on our Istanbul city tour. Worth spending some time inside just appreciating the decorations and the ambience. Women must wear a scarf and cover their legs until the ankles.

Although it was only just after 9 when we visited, the area was already quite busy but there was no queue so we walked in, removing our shoes and then continuing to the interior of the mosque. The mosque is a seventeenth century building, famed for the interior tile work that gives it the name. Sadly, it was undergoing restoration on this visit so the entire inside was a mass of scaffolding and hessian panelling and almost none of the tiles were visible. The remedial work on the dome was complete but the scaffolding was still there, obscuring any view. We left after a few minutes, replaced our shoes and walked the short distance past the magnificent tulip displays to Hagia Sofia.

I’ve been to Istanbul twice and visiting the blue mosque for its grandeur and beauty is a must for all. I’m always so mesmerized at how beautiful this architectural masterpiece is. The intricate details of the mosque's interior, adorned with blue tiles, creates a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The spacious courtyard just outside allows you to see how big and grand the mosque is. Just plan your trip accordingly as they close entrance doors during prayer time and if you want to go in, please carry a head scarf with you (you can also buy one from the kiosk by the entrance).

Breathtaking mosque and likely one of the attractions you'll be visiting in Istanbul. It's gorgeously decorated outside, especially in the early morning sunshine. Inside was nice with intricate ceilings and domes. Mind where you walk because people are lounging on the floor It's quite busy here so expect a line to get in. Entry is free. No shorts permitted.

They say the place is outstanding but it was closed to construction purpose. I didn't have the chance to see more than just a small area inside and a limited view of the landscape on the outside. I have to rate it 3/5 just because of the reputation it has. "Before visiting make sure to get enough information to fully visit the Mosque".

The amazing greatness of Blue Mosque with all six minarets standing like a rockets ready to launch in the heaven, will make you breathless. Just walk around and when you enter the mosque see what means the beautiful technique of building in Byzantine stiles,even after 1000 years that Agia Sophia was built, that remained modern in spiritual and architectural building techniques. Something to admire and respect.

One of the most moving building exteriors I have ever encountered. A truly awe-inspiring edifice. To me, the Blue Mosque captures the majesty of Istanbul like nothing else. Make sure to look ahead to see when prayer is scheduled. Visitors aren't allowed to enter the mosque at these times.

A famous mosque in the heart of historical Istanbul. Beautiful architecture and great scenery around it. There's many angles to get the right shot. Walk around the entire area to find the best spot to shoot your pictures.

Upon entering the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, one is instantly enveloped in a serene atmosphere, a testament to its historical and religious significance. Its grand domes and intricately designed minarets reach towards the heavens, while the rich blue tiles that give the mosque its popular name paint a celestial tapestry inside. For a Muslim visitor like myself, the tranquility is profound. The ambiance inside fosters deep reflection and spiritual connection, allowing visitors to momentarily detach from the bustling city outside. The soft echo of prayers and the rhythmic patterns on the carpet underfoot create a space where peace and spirituality coalesce effortlessly. Visiting the Blue Mosque isn't just about admiring its architectural marvel; it's about experiencing a deep sense of peace, a sanctuary for the soul in the heart of Istanbul. Whether one is there for prayer, contemplation, or simply to appreciate its beauty, the Blue Mosque leaves an indelible mark on the heart. Highly recommended for anyone seeking solace and inspiration.

There are no words to describe the beauty of this mosque. Although the Mosque was closed for the renovation works but still the place itself is a beauty. The minarets, the architecture of the mosque and the intricate details in the construction of the mosque surprises everyone. It's a must place for anyone who visit Istanbul.

It is a pity to visit it at the time it is under restoration works, which I felt that it could have been done before the tourist flooded into the mosque. The exterior of the mosque is marvelous, but the interior was mostly been blocked up. Ladies do note that you are required to wear a scarf to cover your head as respect to entering the mosque and no shorts. While walking towards the mosque you will be able to see some of the ottoman history left by the destruction from the past. It is a great place to visit, but there is not much to see when there is too many people. Recommended to go at odd timings so not to clash with the crowd.

This is a "must visit" tourist spot in Istanbul. When we visited it in late April, there were many other tourists. The mosque is big and with very tall ceiling. Like any other place of worship, due respect must be shown. It is interesting to know that, in the past, only the sultan can ride his horse into the mosque, and he must lower his head to pass under a chain. This is to show respect to Allah.

The Blue Mosque is a notable landmark in Istanbul, with its iconic domes and minarets. The inside is adorned with detailed blue tiles, offering a glimpse into historical artistry. It’s an active place of worship, so respectful attire and mindful visiting hours are crucial. The serene ambiance inside allows for quiet reflection, a welcome experience amidst the city’s buzz. The site can get crowded due to its popularity, which might detract a bit from the experience. But, the mosque’s historical charm and cultural.

Amazing place, atmosphere, good condition of the palace, park, museums. Huge respect to authorities, who saved historical value of Istanbul in general and in this palace. This place is impressive, many relics and valuables have been preserved. However it is a pity that we cannot see rooms, furniture, the personal belongings of the sultanas were not preserved, and in general they lived very close, as lots of people come to see life of Osman family

One of the best places to visit in istanbul. You will need at least 4-5 hours to properly visit this place. The history is well preserved. Islamic relics section is mind blowing with such a rare, historic and significant collection. Highly recommended.

What a beautiful beautiful place! Istanbul is stunning and this is place is a gem! The historical value this place holds is absolutely breathtaking! The Islamic history, the story of the Emperor who lived here... it's like every step was a walk in there steps. What a surreal experience. The views from here also stunning! Must visit

I recommend buying tickets in advance because my family made the mistake of waiting at a ticket pass seller just for them to tell us that the tickets to enter the museum were inside, aside from that the museum was really pretty and the gardens looked amazing during this season (summer). There were some places where the lines were so long I couldn't enter but that's because I went on a weekend. Overall it was very pleasant experience.

Absolutely breath-taking! A stunning palace built over 4 courtyards, each in different styles and architecture echoing the different eras the Sultans who owned and occupied the palace over 4 centuries. The gardens are so peaceful, views over Istanbul and The Bosphorous stunning and the beauty of each building, both exterior and interior amazing! I'd recommend booking in advance to 'skip the queue, and have a guided tour allowing access to all areas'.

The palace is majestically placed on one of the highest points in Istanbul and surrounded by beautiful gardens. Make sure you have enough time and energy to explore the grounds fully. Essential to have a guide to explain the various areas or rooms. Many of the walls or gates are adorned with Arabic Calligraphy. The design, architecture and layout combine the various cultures that have occupied the country.

If you want to visit any great old places, that's it. Take a ticket for 950 TL to get access to the whole territory of the amazing rooms with a lot of staff, which were made 7 BCE and even older. Everyone can find something interesting here.

I went to this beautiful palace first thing in the morning when it wasn’t so busy. The palace is truly massive and has many rooms, it’s takes about around 1 hour to get around the whole place! Definitely worth a visit but do go early at open time as it will be less crowded!

Wanted to visit this place, but the queue was to long. There was a queue for like 1,5 hour for tickets, after that another queue for like an hour to get in. After an hour i got out of the queue, because there wouldn’t be enough time to spend in the museum. From the outside the palace looked good, nice condition. Garden was also nice, beautiful flowers and trees. I would recommend to buy your ticket in advance.

Beautiful palace. Very nice location next to seaside. Good audio guide system and stunning views. Feel ashamed for taking 2 pictures inside which isn't allowed but I generally followed the rule.

Stunning place, gorgeous interiors, beautiful furniture, the palace is a real treat for your eyes. Unfortunately, Photography is not allowed inside. Also the place is very crowded, better to come in the morning cause when we were leaving the palace at 1:30pm the line at the entrance was enormous!

This is a must see when you come to Istanbul. We didn't have a chance to go inside because we didn't buy our tickets ahead of time. The line was very very long to wait for tickets. We walked around the outside and just that was amazing to see. We're definitely going back here to go inside to spend the day. If you are going during summer make sure to wear a hat because it's very hot and sunny in this area. We came back in July 2023 and went inside the palace. You can spend up to 4 hours inside this beautiful place. You can feel the luxury and Regency inside the palace. So many antiquities inside!!

To see a Luxurious and beautiful palace then pay 650TL , otherwise stay out side and take pictures, spend the money in useful way. If you enter into the palace then take your own time and see many interesting exhibits about Sultan life and Ottoman Empire. Photography Restricted inside the palace.

What a beautiful sight to behold! The fact that they were able to preserve the integrity of the palace is just astounding. Beautiful doesn’t do this justice.. If you happen to visit Istanbul, this is a must visit. Had lunch at the restaurant by the sea and my god, the food was amazing and the view was just beautiful.

Stunning modern Palace of the last ottoman Sultan's. The buildings and grounds are beautiful but unfortunately you can only photograph the exteriors and not the interiors. There are several cafes within the grounds and plenty of toilet facilities also. You have to head towards the painting museum to get round the sea facing side of the Palace, but it's well worth the walk.

Gorgeus palace, reflecting huge luxus and richness. The garden is stunning too. Though the prices are a bit overrated considering the fact that you can't take photos inside, which I also do not understand, why not. I think it would help create a better image for the palace, as by showing pictures of the inside to our acquaintances, it would attract even more people, which would mean bigger profit...

A must to see!!! Located on the European coast of the Bosporus strait, Dolmabahce Palace is indeed an impressive example of Ottoman architecture and interior design. Outstanding architecture and impressive gardens. It served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1887 and from 1909 to 1922. Spot 2 h to explore the beauty of palace and purchase tickets in advance to escape the line. Highly recommended!!!

The Palace is very beautiful with rich history. If you are interested in knowing all the details , an audio tour is recommended. The palace is huge and takes around 2-3 hours to explore. Photos/videos are not allowed inside the palace. The entrance fees may differ as we heard all attractions tickets are getting spiked up. We visited on Aug 18th and paid 650 TRY per person.

Great place to visit! Not only is the location itself pretty, next to the see with view on the southern side of Ístanbul, the palace from the inside is just breath taking! The details, amazing. The entry price is totally worth it. I recommend you visit in the early hours, around lunch and afternoon it can be quite busy. Be aware: there is a strict no photographs policy inside the palace. Please follow these instructions :)

This place is spectacular! Very dramatic and unique architectural design. Can not imagine how this place is well conserved. Each column structure has a very remarkable character. Very spacious and self-guided once you enter. It would have been nice if they offer a recorded audio tour to give people the opportunity to learn more about the place. If you want to skip the line highly recommend purchasing your tickets online. Also, note there is no restroom on site.

Amazing experience! I'm so happy we were able to visit the Basilica without a huge line. Buy your tickets in advance. We used a local guide, and it helped with the overall experience. It's not necessary, but you can negotiate with them since they are standing outside the ticket lines. Don't rush yourself inside even though there's too many people walking around inside. It's a little difficult to take pictures, but you can be patient to get some good shots. Highly recommended coming here if you are in the historical area of Istanbul.

The Basilica Cistern is truly one of Istanbul's marvels, offering a glimpse into the historical prowess of Byzantine engineering. The dimly lit ambiance coupled with the soft echoes of dripping water crafts a mesmerizing atmosphere that transports you back in time. The forest of seemingly endless columns is mystifying, each one with its unique engravings telling tales of the past. The Medusa heads are particularly intriguing, sparking curiosity about the myths and the reasons behind their inverted and sideway positions. The place is well-maintained, with walkways allowing you to navigate comfortably through the cistern, making the exploration enjoyable and accessible. However, the lighting can be a bit sparse in some areas, making it slightly challenging to capture the full detail of the marvelous structures, but this adds to the overall mysterious ambiance of the place. The entrance fee is reasonable, considering the immense historical value and the unique experience it offers. It’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone keen on discovering the rich tapestry of Istanbul's past.

The place is a nice engineering work. However, it is without a guide or audio explanation, and without additional value it does not worth the money (120 TL). You will just enter, see a 5 minutes video with light effect on the walls and columns, listen at audio effects and music. This can be the same with video online. Unfortunately I feel no additional value was provided. The place has history, people are interested in knowing something. If I would like to be impressed I would've go to magic tricks show. 4 stars to the place itself, 1 star for the added value.

This is a must see when in Istanbul Turkey. The weekend we were here, there was a wait line but it moves pretty fast. We waited for our guide ans watched the people in line. If you want to bypass the line you need a tour guide. They will charge you for the tickets and tour 15-25 US per person. We only have 3 days here so the tour guide made sense. Beautiful cistern, 336 columns in total. They just renovated, and improved the walking platforms, made them higher. During contraction there was some modern art added. Looks amazing along with the original artifacts. Since the renovation, the entrance is at the side if the main building. Not the little one. It's just around the corner. 20 second walk. There are security guards that will help you. If meeting a guide, make sure you know where you meet them.

Very beautiful place. The lighting makes the place more mysterious. Not sure about all the sculptures though. The place would probably be prettier if less tourists. But I guess many people come for its beauty. There are private tourist guides at the entrance that you can pay to get in quicker.

Stunning with its history, huge queues and needs better interpretation and queue management. But overall a must do experience Get the skip the line , it is busy and long queues - might be a good idea to do this early to beat queues. There’s some interpretation and reading inside which is useful. Amazing to see it in such good condition

Istanbul amazes you with every place you visit. it can be seen that they were a great empire. his remains can be seen all over the city. the cisterns are also part of the city's history and how beautiful they are! you can't miss this place! whether or not you are passionate about art or engineering, this place cannot fail to impress you. the idea of colored lights is welcome, as are art exhibitions and concerts. we entered with a guide through the istanbul tourist pass, we only waited 10 minutes at the entrance. I recommend!

The place is beautiful and you feel the history, however you pay too much for a short (good) light show. I'll put 5 stars if the price was way cheaper

Absolutely gorgeous! Note, many say to purchase tickets online. We could not find the website, but maybe were stupid :-) we did have a long line which wrapped around the building when we got there. However, the line goes very fast! It’s not such a big deal to wait. We also did not get a guide, although they were several that were offering their services. It is so beautiful and cool and damp inside. It was amazing to think that this Fed fall of Constantinople! We had calculated that the water would last about a week for 1 million people.

Absolutely enchanting and captivating. It's all underground and submerged slightly in shallow water, which makes for a fascinating visit. The lights are low, moody, and changeable, so it makes for a great photo. You are really captivated by the aura of the place. Tip: Book online as the queues get very large, and you can skip the line. You will also need some photo ID with you.

Exceptional experience that is full of historical value. It is a true marvel to think that civilizations from many years ago were able to build such vast underground water storage network. This site is also an exciting fusion of past and present as the historical cistern is full of modern sculptures that reflect the identity of a young and fresh Turkiye. However, please be aware that the queues to undergo security checks and enter can be very long and that it is quite slippery inside due to minimal railings. I would not advise very young, elderly, or disabled people to visit this attraction.

During my recent trip to Istanbul, I decided to explore the Basilica Cistern, and it proved to be a worthwhile experience. The cistern's historical significance and unique architecture are undoubtedly interesting, making it worth a visit for those interested in ancient wonders. The underground structure's vastness, supported by rows of ancient columns, creates a striking visual impact. The dimly lit ambiance adds an air of mystery, making it an intriguing place to explore. Learning about its Roman origins and how it functioned as a water reservoir in the past provided some interesting historical insights. However, while I found the Basilica Cistern to be a fascinating site, it didn't leave a lasting impression on me as some other historical attractions have. The lack of in-depth interpretation and limited informative resources made it challenging to fully appreciate the cistern's historical context and significance. As a result, I wouldn't highly recommend it to everyone visiting Istanbul, but it is certainly worth considering for those who have an interest in ancient history and architecture. During my visit, there was a substantial line outside the cistern, but fortunately, it moved relatively quickly, allowing me to enter without much delay. Once inside, the number of visitors was manageable, which made for a more pleasant experience as I could explore the cistern at my own pace. In conclusion, the Basilica Cistern is worth a visit for its historical significance and unique architecture. However, it may not leave a profound impression on everyone, and its appeal might be more subjective. If you have an interest in ancient history and are looking for an intriguing underground experience in Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern is worth considering.

Went to this place because of online reviews and it didn't disappoint. Located a bit away from the Hagia Sofia, this place serves the best Turkish food I've ever had, bar none. Wonderful ambience inside of the establishment, a nice variety of music in different languages, and the resident kitten, Mia, makes you feel super comfy. The staff are all extremely friendly and helpful. The food itself is absolutely delectable. I had the lamb in casserole, which was highly recommended in online reviews, and for good reason (seriously, try it!) My girlfriend for the Sultan's Favorite was delicious as well! The pita and hummus was a great addition to our already filling meal and the complementary baklava was breathtaking. This place really lives up to the hype!

Great service, very attentive, kind, and fast waiters. Food is great, recommend the Adana Kebab and Chicken Casserole. Lentil Soup and Shrimp with Butter are also good. Their Turkish salsa is interesting and tasty as well as the hummus. Plus the baklava is good too. On a relatively busy street with no parking though. The restaurant has good outside seating as well.

Amazing restaurant! I have no words honestly. Everything is more than marvelous; food is heavenly, service is extraordinary, the shisha is great and even the music is on point. I would come here everyday for the rest of my life. The waiters are very welcoming and friendly to the extent that it feels like home. They gave us complimentary salads, tea and even baklava. Come here for an authentic Turkish experience 😍

Owner was so kind and gave us free pita bread, salsa, and hummus- all taste very fresh and yum! Loved their chicken breast kebab (it says chicken breast on the menu, but it’s actually thighs 😜). Butter with shrimp and mushroom was okay- need to add more garlic to intensify the flavor profile. Overall really good experience!

We have been here three times in two days, and if we had more time we would have come again and again. I have never seen such a kind staff and food was basically amazing. The place looks pretty typical and the mood you breathe once you are here really feels like home. Simply the best place I’ve tested here. It’s been a pleasure to come here

We ordered fish. Its much better the and 10 times less expensive compared to the Galata bridge. They have also typical Turkish dishes. The stuff is very nice. The first time just drunk coffee but liked the atmosphere and the friendly stuff and two days later came for diner. It was the right decision! Really recomend it.

The fodd was great. The taste of each plate was really close to the traditional, with a modern spin. Chicken sis was perfect, butter shrimps also were great. There was a slight mistake with one of our plates and one of us got his food with half an hour delay. But mistakes do happen so that's not a problem. My only complaints are these.. I will start with the most important to the least 1. Prices. Everything was at least 20% overpriced. 2. Music. It was really loud, even though we visited for lunch. 3. Road noise. It's exactly next to a busy road, so you will have a lot of honking next to your ears.

Loved our experience at this restaurant. The food was delicious - we had the sea bass and grilled vegetables, both very nicely seasoned and highly quality. The service and care of the staff was unparalleled. The offered complimentary starters and tea and baklava at the end as well. We will definitely go back and highly recommend.

Don't miss this place. The entire team that takes care of you is TOP NOTCH. So friendly and helpful. They brought out multiple things from the menu after hearing it was my first time in Turkey free of charge, too. The food is ridiculously good and we enjoyed several types of tea (Turkish, apple and pomegranate).

Excellent food and a nice view! We were staying in the hotel and was only planning on visiting once for dinner, but we loved the food so much we came back for lunch on our last day. Everything we had was great but we especially enjoyed the Manti and the Ottoman Palace Chicken! Definitely would recommend!

Very good food and service. Nice and quiet and away from the crowd. View is not great, but good enough. It was a very nice and relaxing dinner after our cruise.

Went there to celebrate my boyfriends birthday and was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food. Price is definitely on the higher end and I was expecting a view closer to the sea :) but- the service was great and the food was absolutely fantastic. Watch out for the prices as inflation have seem to take a toll in many of the business including this restaurant. Pictures from just a few months ago suggest a much lower price for the same dish so be aware. Individual dishes are in average about 500 Turkish lira or more.

Some of the best food I’ve had in Istanbul with the best view I’ve seen in the city so far. Restaurant is nice and clean and has much better food for the price than the tourist traps by the Hagia Sofia. I recommend this place to anyone who wants a rooftop restaurant experience.

Excellent restaurant with a thoughtful selection of dishes, different from the standard fare you get everywhere else. Presentation and quality is fantastic and the service is impeccable.

Had the pleasure of staying at Yasmak Sultan Hotel which houses Olive Anatolian restaurant on the rooftop. The hotel offers unique activity packages, one being a private cooking class alongside the executive chef of this restaurant. It was easy to contact the hotel to book this and we received an email with 3 menus to choose from. We opted for the firinda kofte, buttered rice, and baklava. Everything was prepped to use and clear instructions were given throughout the process. During the process, we were given samples to taste test. After completing the steps, a private table was set for us in the dining room. The items we prepared were plated and served to us. Everything tasted delicious and it was one of the best experiences we had during our stay in Istanbul.

Maybe we went on a bad night, but the experience wasn't memorable. Service wasn't great. Food was ok. The view, however, is stunning!!! (You can see the New City, small part of the Asian side, and the top of Hagia Sofia) But there are only about 4 tables that enjoy such good view. Atmosphere not improved by them playing pop music.

Excellent food great service and so reasonably priced! Best we’ve had in Istanbul so far

This place has high number of reviews because the owner kindly requesting to write a review for them. The service was really good and the staff could communicate in English easily. He even brought us baklava and tea with no charge. The food was delicious but not the best in town. The price was set for tourist and on very high end.the also charge a cover fee! It's a good option to come here after checking out the Grand Bazar but it's not a must try place.

Food not bad. Service was okay. Just not the best food we ate in Istanbul. We had the quesadilla, and a turkish sausage flat bread. The draft on tap was very good! Bathrooms weren't that great compared to other restaurants. I'd say eat there if you want but we enjoyed other places more. Certainly nothing wrong with the place but there are better options available.

If you’re having trouble picking one of the many restaurants in the area, this one is a good bet. All kinds of options for lunch/dinner/dessert. Welcoming and attentive staff and complimentary bread and tea. I really appreciated that the menu had pictures of everything! As far as I’ve tried, the food is consistently good and served in large portions. So much so, that we went back the next day.

Please dont come here. The staff was really kind but the restaurant owner was horrible. When we told him we didn’t enjoy the food, he started yelling at us. The meat is old, we got food poisining after eating it. And, they scammed us and forced us to pay 1000 usd for old meat. The food looks good in the picture, but trust me it was really bad.

Nice resturant it was my first time to vist but not be last . we order iskandar and manti both are so delecios and the portion is more than must other resurant the service is good and they are so freindly

Located right next to Anatolian. You won't miss this restaurant because the staff keep getting your attention to visit their restaurant. Finally we sat down and ordered the Adana Kebab for the Non Vegetarian friend which consisted of Hummus, meat kebab and salad. I ordered the mixed Veg Pide. Both the dishes tasted good.

the food is amazing， i came on my first day and then late the last night， the food simply just amazed me，🤩🙌🏻🙌🏻

Lovely gem in the middle of the grand bazaar, although location wise is not incredible the service , the food and the people where outstanding Friendly and warm , I just told them it’s my first time here and they fill me with lovely food of all types Really happy, I definitely would be coming back with more friends

Food was pretty bland, I've had better grilled turkish food for better prices in London. Would not recommend, find somewhere else. Also found it funny that their meat platter is raised so it looks like they give more food than they have

We had some pleasure playing with the restaurant cat family, but the blandness of the pizza - no garlic, no real sauce, let the place down. The free starter of fresh bread and dip was nice as was the apple tea at the end, but I'm afraid the meal wins 'our worst in Turkey" award - not terrible terrible, but I wouldn't go back. Interesting how the high rates on this restaurant come without a real review to accompany it.

This is definitely a hidden gem and a must try if you’re ever in Istanbul! Each dish was delicious and you can tell they truly care about what they do. The beef made in the clay pot was a definite favorite! Aside from the food the owner took the time to come speak with us and you can see how genuine he is along with all the staff. Extremely kind hearted people and I am happy we came across this place. 10/10

I went here for dinner on my 1st day of Istanbul and instantly liked the vibe of the restaurant. It was cold outside so they had put heaters on top so that you can still sit outside and enjoy your meal. The staff was courteous to explain us the menu and give some suggestions. We ended up ordering cheese rolls, chicken cassarolle, beer and house wine. The service was quick, the food was served hot and tasted perfect. The chicken cassarolle had the perfect blend of spices. For desserts we wanted to have Baklava but it was unavailable so we were suggested Ottoman dessert which was perfect, it was a fried paratha with stuffing and bowl of ice-cream. The restaurant also gave us Semolina with ice cream and Turkish tea complimentary which was a very humble gesture. Its a perfect place to end your day with.

Loved this place. Really nice vibe and service but the food is the main attraction as it was absolutely brilliant. The kebabs and kofte were extremely well cooked, well flavoured , and juicy . There were good vegetarian options too. Would recommend !

My sisters, mother and I came here on a whim for dinner after a long afternoon of shopping as it was conveniently close to where we were. Upon entry we were greeted by a lovely gentleman, Şeymus who turned out to be our server. We truly had the best service and the best food we ever experienced while in Istanbul. And I’ve had some pretty great food here. Şeymus made some excellent recommendations off the menu and we took every one and did not regret it! The food was fresh, the table, utensils and glasses were clean, and the food made to order. The clay pot beef, aubergine salad, and the chicken ottoman dishes were remarkable. We followed up dinner, with not very much room left, with some dessert and tea on the recommendation of our server. It was truly amazing and they even gave us a second dessert on the house. You can truly taste the pride and passion of the chefs and staff in their food, and you can see it in their service as well. This place is a gem and I hope to visit Şeymus and co soon again at The Old Ottoman Restaurant.

Slightly surprised by the lack of a crowd/ business during lunch time but we went in anyway and ordered in fury (just see the pictures ;) I think all items turned out really well but a tad surprised with the lamb shank which seems a lot more of a western style served on mash potatoes than what you'll expect of a Turkish cuisine.. but it was tender and nicely flavoured anyway. Enjoyed the complimentary dessert as well (semolina with ice cream).

Had a great lunch here :) staff was very friendly and welcoming and offered to give recommendations! Even got tea and a dessert on the house! Food itself was great as well, had the moussaka and chicken casserole. Great stop after a morning exploring the sights nearby

Old Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant is my favorite restaurant in Istanbul. It is not fancy and doesn’t have breath-taken views. They don’t have any hard selling personnels on the sidewalk trying to lure customers in. They have relaxing ambient, friendly service, good quality food, and reasonable prices. The bread, the olives, the hummus with pastrami, the chicken wings, the lamb chop, and the soufflé were all good. Overall, this is my most satisfying restaurant in Istanbul. They didn’t even add any service charges. I will certainly visit them again.

Amazing food! Ordered clay pot kebab beef) which is really tasty! I would recommend it to everyone! Must try. The dessert, Semolina with Ice Cream, is also very good.

Absolutely delicious meal and such friendly staff! A real gem that doesn’t look like much from the outside. We had the salt baked lamb which was so tender and tasty, it’s a lot of food so come hungry! The haydari and hummus with pastrami to start which were both delicious, then the Katmer for dessert which was sensational! Highly recommend. One of our best meals in Turkey!

Couldn't fault the service or quality. This was an interesting place too. It was such a heavy rain when we arrived and we were welcomed with some very tasty food and great service. Of the places we went to this was one of the more expensive, but the quality was really good. Could not fault it. Thanks to everyone

We were lucky enough to come across Deraliye, and had the chance to enjoy lunch in the downstairs restaurants, and dinner the next day on the rooftop (yes, we went twice, we did enjoy it that much and wanted to try more of the menu). It does sometimes feel tough to find restaurants that truely care about making great food. Deraliye certainly managed to, putting much love and effort into each dish. It's been a more than pleasant experience dining with you. The staff is also one of a kind, among the most kind people that we met during our stay in Istanbul. They went above and beyond to provide exceptional service, all while being in a great mood themselves, smiling and cracking jokes. It's been more than pleasant with you, we'll be back.

The drink they served to try is delicious, but the food is okay, my friend had lamb and 30 minutes later he was feeling bad and we had to run back to the hotel. I found the rice wrapped in grape leaves much tastier in the restaurant at the hotel where we stayed. They have a cooking class, I love cooking class, but I didn't do it because they don't inform the menu that will be; I think this is not good because I don't eat some of the food they serve, I'm not interested in trying them out or learning how to do them. The staff are friendly and the place is beautiful.

Absolutely amazing Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant!!! Do yourself a favor and visit this lovely restaurant in Istanbul. The service is unmatched. The staff truly cares about your experience. The food is absolutely amazing – everything we tasted melted in other mouths. Absolutely the best meal we had while in Istanbul. Highly recommend!!!

The place is fantastic. From the design, music, ambience, spectacular attentive service to a seasoning on the dishes. That’s for me the best place in Istanbul for ottoman food. I had different appetizers, goose kebab and a dessert. I would only improve the selection of teas.. )) The server is the star his name is Seyit if I remember. Just wow he recommended me the best dishes for my preferences. Very happy!

We have just experienced possibly the very best customer service of all the time! Special thanks to the Chef for the delicious dishes and to Emrah for perfect service, quickly responding to all our inquiries, anticipating our needs and turning our dinner into a full experience of Ottomans =) Fully and highly recommend this restaurant. KR, Cristina from Republic of Moldova :)

Highly recommended. Favorite place in Istanbul. Have been there so many times. You can find here delicious food, a nice atmosphere, and great service. People here are amazing. And my special thanks to the one and the best Tarik.

This restaurant served good Turkish food in ottoman style. Recommended by the local but rather expensive. There’s small Turkish performance with singing. The waiter was enthusiastic but pushing us for most expensive meal and wine. We have wine $1000 lira, ottoman set dinner and a salt baked lamb shoulder. No doubt the lamb shoulder was good and cost us $2k+ lira. I think you can have the same food somewhere else in Istanbul. But overall was a good experience!

5/5 is the maximum that can be left but in terms of the satisfaction and memories I leave with, it is not enough. From our entry to exit, all staff was lovely. Our waiter Seyithon was kind, helpful, honest and friendly. He made a wonderful recommendation for my main dish and not a crumb was left behind. The location is beautiful and the decor is warm and clearly intentional with an undeniable attention to detail. It’s a Michelin star restaurant with the comfort of a family owned place. If you’re in the area of Sultanahmet I would highly recommend you give this place a try.

We had a great meal! The food was amazing, the place is very nice and authentic, if you are looking for a restaurant to try Turkish food, I highly recommend it! Also, the service is super nice, Seyit recommended us typical dishes and was very friendly during the whole time, as well as the rest of the team! Thank you all, we will be back!