HAYAT little ISTANBUL — Restaurant in Municipality of Thessaloniki

It was 27 degrees celsius today so I sat on a table on the pavement and was not impressed by how dirty the surroundings are.

The pavement is very grubby and in dire need of a scrubbing (I was battling with a couple of persistent flies that landed on the bread and on my hair. I can't imagine what it is like when it is 35 degrees...)

When ordering the Greek salad I made sure to mention that I want half a lemon with it.

The waitress said "of course, I will bring you".

Alas, when the salad arrived it had two small lemon pieces that came out of the fridge.

The salad was ok as this September is warmer than usual and the vegetables used are in season.

However, I was missing parsley and some herbs and capers that would take the salad to the next level (there was only some dry oregano).

The so called "Sultan's Kebap" was a flop.

It consisted of a few small pieces of chicken that tasted like they were fried in cheap oil and paprika powder in the morning (the best case scenario) or the evening before (the worst case scenario).

These tired pieces of chicken were stuffed between strips of cut bread (the kind that is used for wraps).

This 'masterpiece' lay on a round plate with a lot of cold supermarket yoghurt and literally six tiny leaves of parsley that were past their expiry date.

It had no aroma or flavour and I was busy scraping the yoghurt off the small wraps because I was hungry but couldn't taste the chicken at all.

When I ordered the meal I also requested kunefe without ice cream.

The waitress remembered I asked for it and when she cleared the main course she assured me she informed the kitchen and that they will "now prepare it".

That "now" took half an hour which is double the time it takes to prepare and bake a small plate of kunefe in an oven.

When I asked to pay in cash the waitress calculated in her head and came up with the sum : "thirty euros".

I was in a hurry because it was already an hour and 20 minutes since I arrived there (I and another table on which sat one couple were the only diners and the reason I chose the venue. I thought I would be in and out in 40 minutes) and had other things to do so I foolishly didn't ask for a detailed analysis of how she arrived at the amount.

I asked her to take 33 Euros.

She had actually calculated 10% as service charge,but did not inform she had done so.

The price of the 3 dishes I ordered was supposed to be €7 (salad) + €13 ("kebap") + €7 (kunefe) = €27 (I drank a glass of tap water that is provided in a jug free of charge).

I normally wouldn't mention this but I too work for my money and I suspect I work harder than this particular waitress does hence I find this conduct unfair.

On the bright side the kunefe was very tasty.

P. S : in response to the reply to my review by the owner : the prices on your English menu at the restaurant do not correspond to that of your menu on google.

Interestingly, the menu was updated yesterday (the day I ate at your restaurant) so the price discrepancies are not a result of the prices listed on this google page being old and outdated.

On this page that you submitted a kunefe is 6.50 Euros yet you yourself claim in your calculation that it is 7 Euros.

The "Sultan's Kebap" which is your personal invention (as far as I know no such monstrosity exists in Turkish cuisine) had so little chicken (my estimate is at most 75 grams) that if indeed it costs 15 Euros it is outrageous.

Your approach is outlandish and non-professional and I dare not imagine the state of the invisible kitchen but can imagine based on the...

A delightful experience from the moment I stepped through the door, I was captivated by the beautiful ambiance that enveloped the entire restaurant.

The decor is a perfect blend of Turkish elegance and modern sophistication. The atmosphere is both inviting and upscale, creating a dining environment that is not only comfortable but also exudes a sense of refinement.

One of the first things that struck me upon entering was the cleanliness of the establishment. The pristine condition of the tables, chairs, and the entire dining area immediately conveyed a commitment to hygiene and excellence. It's clear that the staff at Hayat takes great pride in maintaining a spotless environment for their patrons.

The food - an absolute culinary delight! The menu boasts a wide array of authentic Turkish dishes, each prepared with precision and care. From the appetizers to the main courses, every dish is a burst of flavor that transports you to the heart of Turkey. The presentation is as impeccable as the taste, with each plate resembling a work of art.

The staff at Hayat further elevates the dining experience. They are not only attentive and courteous but also possess a deep knowledge of the menu, helping diners navigate through the diverse culinary offerings. Their genuine passion for Turkish cuisine is palpable, and it reflects in the way they engage with guests.

Hayat is a gem in Thessaloniki that seamlessly combines a beautiful ambiance, cleanliness, posh decor, and fantastic food. Whether you're a connoisseur of Turkish cuisine or simply looking for an exquisite dining experience, Hayat is the place to be. I left the restaurant with a satisfied palate, a content heart, and a determination to return for another culinary journey through the flavors of Turkey. Highly...

If you're looking for quality authentic Turkish (and halal) food without having to cross the Turkish border, look no further than here. I spent a few days here during my two week stay in Thessaloniki, and it was an enjoyable experience every time. And there's free WiFi! (check the wall next to the bar for the password)

It's clear that a lot of love and care went into the maintenance and designing of this place. The restaurant has a coffee shop vibe, a combination of jazz and traditional Turkish music plays on a loop. There's an upstairs portion meant to be a study/quiet area, and in the stairwell they have board games for guests to play. It looks and feels very high end.

And the food is outstanding. The red lentil soup is the highlight of the menu, light with adjustable spice levels and served with pita bread. I also recommend the mini plates, like the sucuk (sauted sausages) with eggs. And the chicken gyros (dürüm doner) in a bun are phenomenal. This is a popular spot for Turkish and Muslim visitors because the food is halal, and I can't say enough good things about the food, tea and coffee that I tried here.

The staff are incredibly welcoming and the owner makes a point to speak to everyone who comes into the establishment. Having someone who cares about the experience they have goes a long way, and the owner is very friendly. I adore this place and I can't wait to go back when I return to Thessaloniki. If you're a visitor to the city or even a local, stop by this place. You...