St. Regis Brasserie — Restaurant in Şişli

This is a review of their 2022 New Years Eve ‘Prix Fixe’ menu and experience.

We booked dinner here for New Year’s Eve for 7pm through their concierge. We’re staying at the Park Hyatt around the corner and didn’t want to be stuck trying to get back in case traffic was a mess for NYE so this seemed like a great option.

Upon arriving, their DJ was blaring loud House music as if we were at a nightclub in Ibiza. Bizarre choice considering the setting and the fact it was only 7pm and the entire dining area was empty. We apprehensively sat down, hoping we could get past it and have an enjoyable time regardless.

30 minutes go by with nobody coming to the table to take our drink order or even offer water. When we finally inquired, we were told “well we don’t officially start tonight’s service until 7:30” … 🤔 (then why the heck did you take a 7pm reservation… We would have happily come at 7:30!)

Thankfully the music switches gears, and the DJ now plays a lineup of Barry White and other baby making music with some ABBA thrown in. Much more preferable, but again so loud we were screaming across the table to hear each other.

Onto the food, keep in mind this is Michelin recommended.

Appetizers we had:

Scallops - far too salty, like it was marinaded in salt brine, destroyed the texture and natural sweetness) and also over cooked.

Popcorn shrimp - flavorful and well cooked, like something you’d find at a Cheescake Factory (it’s a US chain for those unfamiliar)

Beef Carpaccio- this was the best of the 3, nice plating.

Mains:

Lamb Shish kebab- sent back for being too salty it was barely edible. Remake was equally salty.

Beef short rib- sent back for being shriveled up and dried out and cold. Also asked for no mushrooms and came with mushrooms. Exchanged for a burger.

Seafood risotto- only good meal of the 3

The main takeaway was that the food was overworked. The plating was quite good however the chef seemed to not know when to stop and just let the ingredients do the talking. Deserts were good (a theme we noticed generally here in Istanbul: mains have typically been hit or miss regardless of the restaurant, but sweets reliably and consistently solid).

As dinner progressed, the DJ started pushing the volume even higher and higher, completely oblivious to how ridiculous the disconnect was between the vibe he had decided on and desperate to achieve, and the reality of the half empty room of diners just trying to have dinner and enjoy some conversation at 8pm.

The manager stopped by the table to check on how we were doing, he was very apologetic saying it’s just so hectic and busy (room never filled up more than half btw) and asked if there was anything he could do to improve our experience, so I asked if he could ask the DJ to turn down the music just a tiny bit, which I honestly only mentioned because he so enthusiastically solicited. I should have known better, the DJ lowered the music slightly for about 2 minutes, and then when the manager became preoccupied with other things again, cranked up the music even louder than before all the while staring directly at us.

We just chuckled to ourselves at that point cause the whole experience made us feel like we were at a trashy night club. Michelin rated indeed, and also a St Regis property nonetheless.

Embarrassingly provincial experience overall.

Lastly, something is very suspicious with how google reviews work in Turkey. Negative reviews no matter its credibility,...

I am never one to post reviews , nor am I someone who ever complains but this was just too much to ignore. First time visit and was really disappointed with how things played out, I ordered the burger, and it was subpar at most, firstly it was not cooked enough to my liking, but understandable people like it medium for example but I prefer well done. Staff should ask how someone would like the burger done to prevent food from being sent back into the kitchen. I request to have it more cooked, staff takes my food and places it on top of their order taking kiosk instead of bringing it directly into the kitchen, so he can settle someone else’s bill first. If you don’t have capacity to complete one task , come back to me then collect it and bring the food straight into the kitchen, not try to do multiple things at once, its not professional. I don’t want to see the food I am to eat sit In the middle of the restaurant while I’m here waiting. After having my burger returned to me , I have to send it back once more as now, all the garnishes, pickles, onions etc. have now been removed from the burger upon recooking. I ask for it to be taken back and re-added and also inform them that now the fries along side it are cold due to it being left out. I get the food back. Garnishes are added, but nothing has been done about the fries which are now cold after all that. I don’t bother sending it back again as I don’t want to be a pain but given the St. Regis name and price point you would expect from such an establishment. Manager never once apologised or seemed sympathetic towards the events. Almost arrogant rather. Completely ignoring me as I walked past him to leave the restaurant. I could get better customer service from McDonald’s I think. Im really disappointed. additionally the Chocolate soufflé was also 90% melted chocolate and only the top layer was solid , was too overbearing , I could drink the dessert basically. I’ve had better at regular restaurants overall. Doubt I will be back, nor would...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at the Brasserie in the glitzy Nisantasi neighborhood of Istanbul. I was invited for a brunch by a former staff member when I was the CEO of Yilmaden Holding, and the overall experience was nothing short of exceptional.

The restaurant is situated in a lovely family-friendly space, with seating available under a veranda that provides a beautiful view of the surrounding area. The portions were good size and the flavors were impeccable. Along with the brunch, we paired our meal with a delightful Turkish chardonnay.

As we reminiscenced the two years we worked together, I couldn't help but appreciate how the restaurant staff respected our desire for a quiet and intimate dining experience while remaining attentive to our needs. The service was appropriately satisfying, and the overall atmosphere was incredibly pleasant.

If you're looking for a relaxing, yet rejuvenating brunch experience, I highly recommend the Brasserie in the heart of Istanbul's Nisantasi neighborhood. The food, atmosphere, and service are all top-notch, and I'll definitely be returning the next time I'm...