Cafe Ara — Restaurant in Beyoğlu

Like everyone else here, my husband and I were approached in the street by someone from "the hotel." We had literally just come from a hotel in the area and assumed it was someone we had just met and not remembered. He led us to "an amazing local spot" where he has been going with his wife for 30 years. Red flag number one.

When we sat down, there was a table with two ladies sitting nearby and we could overhear their conversation about how they had been brought food they had not ordered. By the time they left, they were yelling about the restaurant being a scam. Red flag number two.

Since we had already ordered a few appetizers, we convinced ourselves that they were being dramatic and proceeded to wait for our food. We ordered the hummus, which was chunky/grainy and not fresh tasting, chili salad that tasted like someone dumped a jar of salsa on a plate, and stuffed grape leaves, which were not fresh and did not even look handmade. We also had a glass of wine and ordered tea, which never appeared. At some point the waiter informed us that there was a woman making fresh Turkish bread. We did not accept or ask for it, but it showed up. Assuming the bread was part of our meal like in most other restaurants, my husband ate it and I tried a small piece.

We asked for the bill and they kept trying to bring us more food. We refused on the basis that everything we'd had so far was terrible, and I am glad we did. When the bill came, we say a charge for 50 lira for the bread, which we never agreed to in the first place. We disputed it with the waiter, who proceeded to tell us that he would call the police if we continued to argue. He then told us it was cash only, even though I had just seen another server use the machine for a customer outside. We did not have cash and offered to go find an ATM, but he someone made a visa machine appear out of nowhere. I now know we should not have paid the bill at all, but the prospect of being arrested in Turkey when we had a flight to catch in the morning was not an option. We intentionally made a scene and let diners around us know that we were being scammed, but just like did in the beginning, they wrote us off as dramatic tourists. DO NOT GO HERE. THE FOOD IS NOT GOOD AND YOU WILL BE OVERCHARGED BY...

I understand that one may be fired if one takes leave on short notice, but when one isn’t keeping well, one shouldn’t be working. I witnessed not one but two people unwell and continuing to work. It’s the hospitality sector. My server was coughing while taking the order, and since I happened to sit close to the kitchen, I also saw a kitchen staff member coughing similarly while preparing the food. This was my only grouse about Cafe Ara. About the food, I liked my food, but my friend's chicken was on the bland and stinky side. The Lentil Çorba was extraordinary. I liked that they used dried Simit slices as croutons for the dip. The interiors were all harming and celebrating the multidisciplinary artist Ara Güler and were immersive and spectacular to dine amidst. The non-smoking section can be better cordoned away from the smoking as the smoke continuously found its way in. The prices are pretty decent, given the recent fall of Lira. P.S. The service can certainly improve, as most servers are busy chatting among themselves, and I had to wave and call multiple times for attention. P. P. S. There’s a table by which Ara used to sit, and it bears his signature, too. P. P. P. S. Finally, I’m sure it was a one-off day for the servers who were ill, so don’t take my criticism harshly. Give this place a chance. As a side note, I also found my server earnest and following my...

The location is great, it's discrete and despite being literally in the middle of Istiklal street, it is a place where you can actually have a conversation and take time off from the crowded Istiklal. Owned by the renowned photographer Ara Guler, the place is nicely decorated and has a vintage vibe to it. Since his studio is just upstairs, you can find him regularly hanging out in his cafe, having Turkish tea and reading.

Unfortunately the service is nothing like it used to be in the early days. I've been visiting this place since it opened back in early 2000's and it is sad to see it degrade. Expect poor service, indifferent waiters and long wait times. The food is rather overpriced but the portions are of decent size. The menu has not changed a bit since it opened, It's not complicated and unlike many restaurants in Istanbul, there are relatively not too many options to pick from. Which is good because it enabled them to master the menu and i can safely say anything on it will be nicely done and...