Borsa Restaurant — Restaurant in Üsküdar

I have had the opportunity to dine at Borsa restaurant on multiple occasions over the past three years as it is located inside a historical palace with the best view of Istanbul, and based on my average rating for these visits, I would rate it three stars. Here's my detailed review:

One aspect that has consistently stood out during my visits is the pricing. Borsa restaurant remains on the higher end of the price spectrum, with a cost of 90 USD per person. It's worth noting that this pricing seems unjustifiably high when compared to other fine dining establishments offering similar cuisine with stunning sea views at a 40% lower cost. The restaurant could benefit from reevaluating its pricing strategy to align with the overall value provided.

When it comes to the food, the experience has been inconsistent. Although some dishes have been enjoyable, the overall taste has been average at best. Approximately 75% of the dishes I've tried were tasty, but there were instances where the lamb chops were not cooked to my liking. The lack of consistency in preparing such a fundamental dish is disappointing and indicates room for improvement in the kitchen.

Moreover, the cold dishes have consistently fallen short in terms of taste. They have been lacking flavor and failed to leave a lasting impression. This consistent weak point in the menu affects the overall dining experience and should be addressed to elevate the culinary offerings.

In terms of service, I have noticed a recurring issue. The staff at Borsa restaurant has consistently lacked the friendliness and warmth expected from a fine dining establishment. It is essential for the staff to create a welcoming and attentive atmosphere to enhance the overall dining experience. Addressing this area would greatly contribute to a more satisfying visit.

Tips for the management: I encourage the restaurant to consider the above points and make necessary improvements to provide a more consistent and enjoyable dining experience for...

The Adile Sultan Palace is an events venue that is as spectacular as its name suggests. A stroll through the building will give you a sense of its grandeur and splendour – characteristics that Borsa is fortunate to share. To dine against a breathtaking backdrop of the Bosporus, head to the terrace. This is an upmarket restaurant listed in Bib Gourmand list of Istanbul, showcasing traditional Turkish cuisine on an à la carte basis.

I’ve visited the place twice. Both experiences were great. Highly professional personnel and quality service.

The dishes are epic. The only negative comment I can think is about the Avocado salad. Avocados were already mushy and not enjoyable. The restaurant should give more attention to ingredient quality.

The bread basket is so unique. Comes with fresh creamy butter and Tulum cheese. A great way to start the feast.

Lahmacun and içli were okay. Not the best in town. You can skip these.

Gavurdağı salad was good. Goes good with kebabs.

Grilled liver is a good hot starter option to share. Tenderly cooked and juicy.

The meat dishes were perfectly cooked and very tender. Especially, I loved the Kuzu Tandır. It was a true pleasure.

Döner was pretty good. Exceeded my expectations. Worth a try. It has a unique flavor, and cooked very well.

Sides and portions are very generous. You can easily get full with one plate.

As a dessert we ordered semolina halva with ice cream. It’s pretty good but a bit sweet and orange zest is a bit overpowering the taste.

Prices are reasonable for big portions. You will approximately pay 1,200-1,500 TL per person, excluding alcohol.

I can’t tell enough about the magnificent Bosphorus views. Breathtaking ambiance! It’s a wonderful place to watch the sunset.

Overall score 4.4/5...

This restaurant might just be the best fine dining experience in Istanbul. Everything from the taste of the food to the waiters is perfect. The warm bread and butter with cheese served before the meal are excellent. For starters, I tried the keşkek, pilaki, and leaf liver. The keşkek has a more neutral flavor but is worth trying. The pilaki is oniony and flavorful. The leaf liver is thinly sliced but a bit dry. The main course, lamb tandoori, was truly great. The outer part of the meat was perfectly caramelized and the inside was tender. The rice served alongside was a bit dry, but it had a nice sweet and spicy flavor. The chocolate soufflé we had for dessert was also successful. The politeness of the waitstaff is really good. This place is definitely worth visiting, not just for its beautiful view and historic building, but also for its delicious food...