Dükkan Galata — Restaurant in Beyoğlu

The most unfriendly staff we experienced in the whole of Istanbul.

We arrived as a group of 8 for 10am on a Saturday. The place was empty except for a group of three who were just getting seated. The server I was speaking to seemed very reluctant to seat us and gave off a really unpleasant energy. I had to ask him if it was possible to move some tables around (inside was empty) or perhaps ask the party of three who had just sat down in an area that could easily fit eight to move to a table appropriate for their party. We eventually were seated but it was a really poor start and we were made to feel very unwelcome.

Then came the disastrous service. We had three different servers in all - all three were completely miserable and behaved as if we were an imposition on their day, not paying customers. I asked if my egg could be poached instead of fried and was met with an expression as if I’d just insulted our server. It was very uncomfortable. In the end I said a fried egg was fine if it was a problem. The level of English between the staff was minimal, which for such a touristic area came as a surprise to us.

Everything came out two dishes at a time, so by the time someone had finished, another two were just starting their breakfast. We thought perhaps they only had one frying pan. The kitchen was clearly extremely disorganised.

Throughout the meal, the staff were completely indifferent to us, never smiling or checking back with us. We were one of two tables in the place so it’s not as if they were too busy. I waited 45 minutes for my food (the avocado toast) and everyone else at the table had already finished their meals. I asked where mine was and it seems as though our server just forgot to write down the order correctly. There was no apology from them. The staff all then went into the kitchen and argued with each other over what had happened. When my food finally arrived, they started clearing everyone else’s plates, which was super rude and made me feel pressured to eat quickly.

The worst thing was there was no offer of a discount at the end of the meal for the insane wait for the dish they forgot to write down.

If you want mediocre food, sour faces and atrocious service, this is the place to go in Istanbul. One of the worst experiences I’ve had eating out in some time.

(A note to the owners - if your kitchen cannot handle a larger group for breakfast, you should have a policy to address a maximum party number. Also, please remind your staff that a smile goes a long way - people don't want to come to a place where the staff...

Went around near opening time on a weekday, and it was only me and another local dining with two of the staff at the front. The space felt hip and spacious, and any table was up for grabs.

Food Food was absolutely delicious (bayıldım!) I was really craving omelette, so I ordered that along with a gluten-free bread basket as well as pear-apple juice. There’s multiple options with the omelette, but opted for the avocado one and it was cooked to perfection. I personally appreciate them bringing the salt and pepper which allows you to season according to preferences. The pear-apple juice was really fresh too. Everything was delicious!

Ambiance Starting it off with Carly Rae Jepsen’s Call Me Maybe, it then transitioned into classical music playing in the background, which I loved! However, I kinda felt awkward, since after some time, I was the only customer eating. I am comfortable eating alone, but I felt like I was being watched which made it awkwardly funny. I probably would visit again, but would go during busy hours and face the door (outwards) instead of the counter (inwards) or bring a friend along. 🥹

Payment I think there was a sign that indicated they preferred Mastercard, but I paid with Visa and it worked, so sharing that in case it is...

Our first breakfast in Istanbul was at Dükkan Galata, a cozy café in the Beyoğlu/Galata area, conveniently located just next to our hotel.

The concept is somewhere between a breakfast spot and a light lunch place. The menu offers both classic breakfast options and creative choices such as avocado toast, matcha bowls, homemade granola, various sandwiches, and several vegan-friendly dishes.

The interior is simple but cozy, with a few tables inside and outside. The staff is friendly and speaks good English. The dishes are presented beautifully and are very Instagram-worthy.

Prices are above average: my Avocado Dream was 850 TL, while my husband’s Dükkan Wrap cost 525 TL. The location is excellent — just a short walk from the Galata Tower and the charming streets of Galata/Shishhane, making it a great stop before sightseeing in the area.

Address: Tatar Beyi Sokak 15/B, Müeyyetzade, Beyoğlu, Istanbul Opening hours: weekdays 08:30–18:00,...