DO NOT EAT HERE IF YOU ARE BY YOURSELF. There are plenty of other places that offer turkish breakfast that are more reasonably priced and less gimmicky especially if you are a solo diner. I tried breakfast at other places and this place is not much different from others especially the main dishes.
I came to this place alone and was immediately seated by a waiter who said that all orders are the same per table and asked me to take a look at the table next to me and I will be getting the exact same spread. He then started mentioning specific dishes as if he was describing what I was going to get along with the orange juice, all of which I saw the table next to me had. I said okay and to my surprise, everything he mentioned were add-ons that I had to pay for separately. As someone who was dining alone, the basic spread of food was already more than enough for me to finish and they still had tricks to make me order more food which no longer became humanly possible to eat. I wasn’t able to finish the food and asked for the check so I can leave immediately. Once I received the check, there I found that it was all a trick to make me order more and the waiter’s demeanor had changed from being jolly to almost being hostile I guess to scare me off from complaining after I found out about his trick. He also then proceeded to say that he no longer added a service fee possibly hinting that I should tip him after he tricked me into ordering an absurd amount of food as a single diner. I paid for whatever was on my table and left. The place is decent but there are plenty of restaurants in istanbul that are just as decent or even more beautiful and not overrated. I think this place has a lot of good reviews because they have a person there walking around asking people to leave reviews and by doing so, people are more likely to find nice things to say especially when writing a review whilst being there. They also asked me to write a review even before they have served me anything. The price here compared to other breakfast offers in other restaurants is also much higher but the food itself does not differ by much. If you are after the hype, then by all means try it for yourself but as someone who has been here, dining in a not so overrated restaurant may even be a better experience than going to this place. In the end, I paid 960 turkish lira as a solo diner at...
Read moreCozy Breakfast Experience with a Side of Patience Required
Today, my visit to Çeşme Bazlama Kahvaltı in Nişantaşı turned out to be a delightful encounter with the bustling side of Turkish breakfast culture. Renowned for its traditional approach to the first meal of the day, this spot lived up to the hype, albeit with a minor setback.
From the moment we stepped in, the crowd signaled its popularity; the vibrant atmosphere was welcoming, but be prepared to embrace the hustle. Embracing the culinary adventure, we opted for the set menu breakfast, with shakshuka as our main dish highlight. This choice turned out to be a journey through an array of meticulously prepared mini dishes—a testament to the rich Turkish breakfast tradition. Each component, from the quality cheeses, savory jams, and luscious honey to the creamy labnah and fresh olives, merged to create a symphony of flavors. It was a delightful showcase of variety and richness, promising a taste of local authenticity.
However, our experience did have a hiccup. Despite the overall excellence in preparation and presentation, the bread—essential to any Turkish breakfast ensemble—failed to arrive on time. Given its role in complementing the array of spreads and dishes, its absence was felt. Several follow-ups were made, hinting at a slight oversight in service amidst the breakfast rush. This minor delay in service could be an area for improvement, ensuring that all elements of the meal come together seamlessly and timely, enhancing the overall dining experience.
To sum it up, Çeşme Bazlama Kahvaltı offers a genuine taste of Turkish breakfast culture, backed by a diverse set menu and a lively atmosphere. While the hiccup with the bread service could dampen the spirits momentarily, the quality and variety of the food command appreciation. Patience might just be an additional ingredient needed to fully savor the experience here. A visit is recommended for those looking to immerse themselves in the Turkish way of starting the day, with a reminder to perhaps allow a little extra time for a...
Read moreSunday Late Breakfast Çeşme Bazlama Kahvaltı Nişantaşı 2 – Istanbul
I visited this popular breakfast spot with high expectations, but the experience was mixed.
🗺️ Location & Access: Hard to reach—far from main roads and not walkable. Signage is unclear, and the area is difficult for wheelchairs or vulnerable groups.
🚗 Parking & Transport: No parking or nearby public transport options. Getting here is a challenge.
🚪 Entrance & Atmosphere: Very crowded entrance, chaotic queuing, and wait times over 1 hour. Interior decor is cozy and rustic, but the noise and lighting might not suit all.
👥 Customer Service: Service is slow, especially at peak times. However, staff members Efe B & Efe C were notably kind and helpful.
🍽️ Seating & Cleanliness: Tables are tightly packed and a bit uncomfortable. Hygiene is acceptable and table settings were clean.
📋 Menu & Options: One fixed breakfast set—tasty and fresh, but limited variety. No options for vegan, gluten-free, or special diets.
🍳 Food Quality: Great taste, generous portions with some refills. Food was served hot and well-presented.
🕒 Timeliness: Expect long delays. We waited over an hour in the street under the sun. Slow order fulfillment and service during rush hours.
💸 Prices & Value: Very overpriced for what you get. Poor value and no combo deals or offers.
🌿 Health & Sustainability: No healthy, allergy-friendly, or sustainable options. No nutritional transparency either.
🧼 Hygiene: Acceptable cleanliness, but staff hygiene and restroom maintenance need improvement.
🔚 Overall: Good food, but access issues, long waits, and poor value dampen the experience. Would recommend only with clear expectations—arrive early, prepare to wait,...
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