Ali Baba Nargile Restaurant Ortaköy — Restaurant in Beşiktaş

I think people don't rate this restaurant fairly. You need to adjust your expectations according to where you go. This is not a five star Michelin restaurant, however for its purpose, it is quite a great experience. I went there with my husband and 14 years old son and we all had an amazing time. The portions were plentiful and very tasty. My husband and I shared the mixed grill plate (the one without lahmacun) and a pastry basket. The meat was served in a mini BBQ grill with lit coal, so it kept it warm and I suppose that if we wanted it more well done we could have left it there longer (however we prefer things medium rare, so for us it wasn't needed). I'm not a "fries" person, so when I say the fries were fantastic, you can believe me. They were crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, dry and well seasoned! My son ordered a steak with yellow sauce (unfortunately I don't know the name), onion rings and fries. He says it was the best steak he has had in a while. I got a frozen strawberry drink and for my taste it lacked sugar, but that was easily added. No problem. The couches were extremely comfortable to sit on and the ambient was overall quite cozy. We didn't try the shisha here, so I can't comment on that. But be aware that it is a shisha bar and cigarettes will definitely be present. So if you have something against this model of business, then it is not a place for you. For us the only downside was finding parking. Either you fork out 200 lira for the private parking across the street or you'll have to be circling the location until you find something available. So my suggestion is to use a taxi or public transport. (That can be said about most of Istanbul, actually) Some kids tried coming inside the restaurant to sell us flowers (even though it was 11pm!) but they were promptly removed. My guess is that other customers have complained in the past and that is now policy. I felt sad for them. Better than being out on the streets and stealing. These two last comments is the reason I...

The one star is for food taste even though it was served to us cold but was ok comparing to everything else about this place. 1- we made a reservation came 15 mins before, and they said to us no tables available and we should wait! So their reservation service is actually a scam to let you drive all the way there and then ask you to wait. Add to that there is no line or waiting system people can come after you talk to a waiter they no and tell them what table is going to be free soon and let them wait next to it, other people walk around and take any free table they find!!! 2- they are busy so they let us take a table without cleaning it and it took them 10 mins or more to do so! 3- the service is really bad and slow, they will served us our food all together appetizers and main course! all that without preparing the table with forks, knifes and plates! For appetizers we ordered humus and mutabal they brought them with no bread asked them for bread they brought it after we finish the main course! 15-20 mins later! 4- cleanliness!!! Tables were dirty, dishes too. Old man who works there I guess the manager who I asked him for dishes was carrying a dog then went to a table with extra dishes and got it from them!!! 5- prices are really high, not worth it... I read another review where the person said won't even recommend it to my enemy, same here... DON'T GO there, istanbul has a lot of amazing restaurant don't waste any time or money...

I did a mistake by entering this place! In fact, I think its wonderful decorations and great location seems to have deceived me! When I entered, I was warmly welcomed and seated on a nice sofa. I ordered a bowl of Chicken Caesar Salad and a cup of mint lemonade. When I looked at the menu I knew it was quite an expensive place.. yet I noted the prices (40 TL for the salad and 25 TL for the lemonade). They were not happy that I didn’t order a nargile (hookah).. but I did not care since I simply do not smoke. The salad was not fresh at all and it was greasy ! However, the main issue happened when I asked for the check. While having the salad I read some reviews about this place overcharge customers.. this is why I was careful. The check comes as follows: Caesar Salad: 40 TL Lemonade: 25 TL TOTAL: 85 TL..! As simple as that.. not a single explain on the check of how 20 TL were added and why! I told the waiter that there is a mistake, because 40+25=65 not 85! He brought the manager who said: “This is for service”. I told him that it is illegal in Turkey not to have this “service charge” clearly on the check. I left.. wrote this review.. and I am going to report this to the authorities. My advice: AVOID... there are plenty of better places near...