Develi Nişantaşı — Restaurant in Şişli

Today's late lunch experience at Develi Nişantaşı was nothing short of remarkable. This Turkish restaurant, nestled in the heart of Nişantaşı, boasts not only an elegant ambiance but also an impressive level of hospitality and professionalism among its staff. It immediately felt welcoming, embodying a sophisticated yet comfortable setting ideal for both casual and special occasions.

Our culinary journey began with a variety of dishes, including the YAGLI KARA, ALI NAZIK SISTEN, KASARLI PIDE, and KIYMALI PIDE, alongside a selection of cold appetizers. Each dish was a revelation of traditional flavors paired with a modern touch, showcasing the rich Turkish culinary heritage. The YAGLI KARA was exquisitely prepared, offering a perfect balance of spices and textures. The ALI NAZIK SISTEN, a personal favorite, was a delightful mix of tender meat and velvety eggplant puree, exuding a smoky aroma that tantalized the taste buds. The KASARLI PIDE and KIYMALI PIDE, synonymous with Turkish comfort food, were baked to perfection with just the right amount of crispiness and richness. The cold appetizers, a refreshing start to our meal, were meticulously presented and boasted an array of vibrant flavors that prepared our palates for the hearty mains.

An aspect of Develi Nişantaşı that stands out remarkably is the swift service. Despite the elaborateness of the dishes, our food was served in less than 10 minutes, a testament to the efficiency and dedication of the kitchen staff. This quick service did not compromise the quality or presentation of the food, each dish arriving at our table looking like a piece of culinary art.

Delving deeper into the essence of Develi Nişantaşı, one cannot overlook its storied background. This restaurant is more than just a dining spot; it's a 109-year-old legend that prides itself on quality, experience, and love. This family-run gem has successfully passed down the secrets of Turkish cuisine from grandfather to grandson for four generations, representing a tangible piece of Turkish history and culture. Dining here, one feels part of this beautiful story, a narrative steeped in tradition yet vibrant with contemporary flair.

In conclusion, Develi Nişantaşı is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the depths of Turkish cuisine in an environment that echoes centuries of culinary expertise. From its elegant ambiance and professional staff to its exquisite dishes and rich history, this restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience that goes beyond mere gastronomy. It invites diners on a journey through time, celebrating flavor and familial love that has stood the test of...

I can’t say this load enough- CHEATS AND THIEVES- trust me . I’ve been to Istanbul plenty of times . The restaurants are hit or miss - most importantly on the miss you have to find a way to avoid the THIEVES . They put things on the table that everywhere else is free and then charge “tourists” a KOVER (COVER CHARGE) . Please remember this word . Also they charge excessive “taxes”. Many restaurant ( non tourist mostly ) have stoped with the taxes and it’s part of the food price which seems more fair. But importantly - KOVER - be careful to look for this - solution for this incredible sad and unfortunate game they play — NEVER LEAVE A TIP WHEN THEY CHARGE THIS IN TURKEY - when I asked what it was the horrible manager told me it’s standard and was - ready for this - the table, the bread , the butter , the water- yes, can’t make this up- but what he failed to mention, it that it also their tip, hoping unsavvy foreigners will also tip and tip kindly - we’ll don’t, I can tell you it is STANDARD only if your a foreigner. Also Beware of the two menus , one with higher prices , one with lower for locals. I called my local friend and she said no tip is necessary . Why sad as I mention above? Because this is a turn off, making finding decent, fair restaurants in such a majestic city even harder. The Turkish restaurants have always been cheats, sad they haven’t caught on to the harm they causes the city. BEWARE AND DON’T TIP, take it from a...

Disappointing Experience - Poor Service and Lack of Integrity

I recently visited Develi Restaurant on August 19th, 2024, after it was recommended by my hotel's concierge. My friends and I went there specifically to enjoy Döner Kebab, but to our surprise, we were informed by the server that they were out of Döner for the day after we had already started ordering appetizers.

Despite informing the staff that we would like to leave and dine elsewhere, and that I was willing to pay for the yogurt and drinks we had consumed, I was shocked to find out they had charged me for all the appetizers, bread, and butter, along with a service charge. This was done even though we hadn't received our main course, and I made it clear that we were leaving. When I brought this up to the manager, his response was simply, "this is what it is," which was completely unprofessional and dismissive.

This experience left a very bad impression. I would not recommend Develi Restaurant to anyone looking for honest and courteous service. There are plenty of other great places in Istanbul where you’ll be treated with respect and get the meal you actually came for. Avoid this place if you value good service and...