Nişantaşı Başköşe — Restaurant in Şişli

The reviews are decidedly mixed, so here is my take: This is a good restaurant with correct, formal (but not warm) English speaking service and quality food. I enjoyed the mezze, chicken wings and Ali Nazik. Portion sizes were good. The decor and ambience of the restaurant were high end, eg white table linens etc (music selection was just so so). This is a restaurant trying to position itself as an upscale eatery in Nisantasi, with prices to match (TL 3150 for an appetizer and 3 entrees). The cover charge and 10% service charge is fine and quite common in these kinds of restaurants. So far, so good.

However, the criticism I have of this restaurant is that they keep trying to push extras without you knowing how much they cost. It starts with still water the moment you sit down, then the alcohol menu comes next (before the food menu), then a mezze tray where you have no idea what things cost, then a picture menu with no prices. And then finally the actual menu with prices (I had to ask for it THREE times). They keep bringing things you didn’t order to see if you want to add them to the table. The feeling of pushy sales takes away from the dining experience; you feel you always have to be on high alert (and other reviews confirm lots of extras). So order from the menu only, and only if prices are clearly disclosed. The management would be well served to rethink its policy of pushing things onto diners, as it takes away from the experience. This is a general problem in Istanbul, where all kinds of establishments and vendors want to push their products onto tourists and charge very high prices, eg much higher than Western European price levels. It makes for an unnerving and annoying travel experience overall. I’m saying this as someone who has visited Istanbul, for pleasure and business, 30-40 times since the late 1990s.

Bottom line: it was a good lunch but I wouldn’t return here unless they change their overall approach to service and upselling. Food wise, there are also excellent alternatives nearby,...

TOURIST TRAP - STAY AWAY

We went there sent by the Hotel. The prices are outrageous for the quality and quantity of food. There are tons of places in Istanbul where you can have the same food for 1/3 of that cost. Let me give some explanation

1. A glass of Sparkling Water (25Cl Bottle) = 3.20 US $ - This is crazy, no other words for it.

2. One Glass of Ayran (poured from a plastic bottle and not fresh)= 2.70 US $. It usually costs around 3-9 Turkish Lira (0.50 - 1 US $) and they will give it to you fresh and not from a bottle which you can buy at the Super Market.

3. Kunefe, It's a small desert which they usually serve in a metallic plate and it's very warm and sweet with melted cheese inside. In this place what served ina regular small plate, not even centered and it was burned on the bottom but cold. Which means it was "old". The night before we had a delicious one for 12 TL (2 US $) and here is 5.40 US $.

I can go on every item on the bill but I believe it's pretty clear what kind of place this is...

Here is the WORST part. Turkey is very well known for its hosipality, everywhere you go they will offer you tea, coffee, bulgur rice, pita bread... everything comes complimentary as part of your "meal" or as a "thank you for your business". In this restaurant, the waiter will come and offer you some bread or TINY lahmacun but then you will find it in the bill for a crazy price. In other words, they treat you like any other place with the difference that they will charge you after. Very unfair and it's just a bad technique...

I never have ever seen in Turkey the TIP added to your bill! This place does it. Not only the food is very mediocre and prices are bumped up but they also do not let you chose if and how much to tip. Ridiculous. The night before for a similar meal and better quality we paid around 11 US £ versus 50 US $. STAY AWAY, it's just a trap.

From our side, we will report this to the Hotel and the Authorities so they...

Nişantaşı Başköşe: A Hidden Gem for Authentic Turkish Cuisine Nestled in the heart of Nişantaşı, the vibrant and stylish neighborhood of Istanbul, Nişantaşı Başköşe offers a delightful escape into the world of traditional Turkish "sulu yemek" (home-style stews and dishes). Discovering this culinary gem was a true pleasure. If you're seeking an authentic taste of Turkish cuisine, specifically the kind of dishes cooked in Turkish homes, Nişantaşı Başköşe is a must-visit. Their extensive experience in serving classic Turkish fare is evident in every flavorful bite. Despite its location slightly underground, the restaurant is impeccably clean and well-maintained. The interior is surprisingly spacious and inviting, creating a comfortable and pleasant dining experience. You wouldn't guess it's underground, as the air is fresh and the atmosphere is bright. While the prices may be slightly higher than those of typical, everyday Turkish restaurants, the quality of the food and the exceptional service more than justify the cost. You're paying for an elevated experience with dishes prepared with care and expertise. The menu features a wide variety of traditional Turkish dishes, offering a genuine glimpse into the heart of Turkish culinary culture. Each dish tastes like it was prepared with the same love and attention as a home-cooked meal. Nişantaşı Başköşe is a fantastic choice for anyone eager to explore the true flavors of Turkish cuisine. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant for a memorable and satisfying dining experience...