Madhu's Istanbul — Restaurant in Beşiktaş

Atmosphere: Upon entering Madhu’s, we were immediately struck by the spaciousness of the dining area. Unfortunately, the vastness of the space seemed to amplify the sparse crowd, leaving us feeling somewhat isolated during our visit. While the potential for a vibrant atmosphere exists, the current setup falls short of creating a truly engaging ambiance. The decor, although attempting to capture an authentic Indian vibe, could benefit from a more focused approach to transport diners to the heart of India. The seating area, while comfortable, lacked the distinct charm one might hope for in an Indian restaurant, reminding us more of a conventional hotel eatery.

Intrigued by the promise of dance shows on Fridays and Saturdays, we were left wanting in this department as well. The execution of these performances seemed a bit disjointed, with non-Indian dancers performing choreographies that, while simple, lacked the finesse and cultural depth one might anticipate. The absence of proper lighting further hindered the overall experience.

Service: While we held high hopes for an engaging and attentive service, we found ourselves slightly disappointed. The lack of introduction to the dishes upon serving was noticeable, and we often resorted to trying to catch the servers' attention to communicate our needs. The infrequent visits to our table from the servers left us wishing for a more proactive approach. It's worth noting, however, that the staff displayed kindness and politeness throughout our meal, which did alleviate some of our reservations.

Food: Although not experts in Indian cuisine, our previous experiences allowed us to form some opinions on the food offerings at Madhu’s. The standout dish of the evening was undoubtedly the Vegetable Biryani, bursting with flavors and a delightful medley of aromatic spices. The Butter Chicken, paired with the garlic naans, also earned our appreciation for its taste and texture. However, while these dishes shone, some aspects of the meal did not reach the level of fine dining that we were hoping for.

Drinks: Our exploration of the beverage menu led us to try a couple of cocktails, but they failed to leave a lasting impression. It became apparent that the complexity of Indian cuisine did not necessarily harmonize with the more intricate cocktails on offer. Instead, we found that simpler options, such as classic cocktails or wines, complemented the meal more effectively. We would advise future diners to consider their beverage choices accordingly, perhaps opting to start with cocktails or wines before transitioning to water to fully savor the culinary experience.

In conclusion, our visit to Madhu’s left us with mixed feelings. While the potential for a captivating dining experience is evident, there are areas that could benefit from refinement and a more...

I’ve been meaning to visit Madhu’s for the last two years—both the London and Istanbul locations have been highly recommended by my friends. So, I finally gave it a try with my family, but honestly, I’m really disappointed. This review isn’t to take the piss; it’s just my honest experience.

We ordered the Lamb Biryani, Butter Chicken, and Kashmiri Rogan Josh, expecting a fine dining experience given the premium pricing. But I can’t believe how subpar the food was. • Lamb Biryani – Coming from a Punjabi background, I know how a proper biryani should be cooked. This was basically white rice mixed with lamb—no depth of flavor, no proper layering, just an unseasoned mix. Absolutely not what a biryani should be.

Butter Chicken – It was okay at best, but I’d give it a 4/10. Nothing special, lacking the richness and depth of flavor you’d expect from a proper butter chicken.

Kashmiri Rogan Josh – I don’t even want to rate this dish because it was that bad. The lamb was tough and chewy, not tender at all. Rogan Josh is meant to be a slow-braised dish with deep, rich flavors, but this was completely off the mark. At ₺1,150, I expected something far better than what tasted like supermarket-bought, reheated curry.

One of the biggest red flags? Our food came out within five minutes. Anyone who knows Indian food knows that it takes time to cook properly—the spices need time to blend, the meat needs to be slow-cooked for tenderness. There’s no way fresh, properly cooked Indian food comes out that fast. So, it’s obvious they’re either reheating pre-made dishes or just plating up bulk-prepared food, which is definitely not what I expect from a fine dining restaurant charging premium prices.

For a place that brands itself as a high-end dining experience, the food was nowhere near that standard. I’m also really curious to know who the chef is because it feels like a Turkish chef trying to make Punjabi food—it’s like going to an Indian restaurant and expecting authentic sushi. The authenticity was completely missing.

I wouldn’t recommend this place. If you’re going to charge fine dining prices, at least serve food that lives up to that standard. I really hope management takes this feedback seriously because, as of now, the experience was nowhere near...

My dining experience at Madhu’s Istanbul, an Indian restaurant in the heart of Istanbul, was nothing short of spectacular. This exquisite eatery not only serves authentic Indian cuisine but does so with a warmth and hospitality that’s hard to find.

From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted by the vibrant and inviting ambiance that is characteristic of Indian culture. The decor, an elegant blend of traditional Indian motifs and contemporary design, set the stage for a memorable meal.

The food was a true highlight. Each dish we tried was a testament to the chef’s expertise in blending spices and flavors. From the rich and creamy butter chicken to the perfectly spiced biryani, every bite was a delight to the senses. The menu offered a wide variety of dishes, catering to both vegetarians and meat lovers, and each dish showcased the diversity of Indian cuisine.

The service at Madhu’s Istanbul was exceptional. Our waiters, Umut and Cumhur, were the embodiment of hospitality. They were knowledgeable about the menu, offering recommendations that were tailored to our taste preferences. Their attention to detail and friendly demeanor greatly enhanced our dining experience. They were attentive without being overbearing, ensuring that our meal was comfortable and enjoyable.

In conclusion, Madhu’s Istanbul is a must-visit for anyone in Istanbul craving authentic Indian cuisine. The combination of delicious food, a charming atmosphere, and excellent service makes it an ideal spot for a family dinner, a romantic date, or even a business meeting. A big shoutout to Umut and Cumhur for their exceptional service. I highly recommend Madhu’s Istanbul to anyone looking for a culinary journey to India right in the heart...