Galata Rooftop Ocakbaşı Restaurant — Restaurant in Beyoğlu

I visited this restaurant on a friend’s recommendation, and I must say, my expectations were not only met—they were exceeded. The food was excellent, made with fresh ingredients and presented with care and creativity. But what truly elevated the experience was Nafisa. From the moment we walked in, Nafisa welcomed us with a genuine smile and a level of attentiveness that's hard to come by. She’s not just a waitress—she’s a true asset to the restaurant, turning an ordinary dinner into something memorable. Her recommendations were spot on, and she shared insights about the dishes with a perfect balance of professionalism and warmth. Her kindness, calm demeanor, and ability to make people feel at ease created a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere throughout the evening. It’s clear that she takes real pride in her work, and that passion shows in the quality of the service. Kudos to the kitchen, of course—but a special thank you goes to Nafisa. She’s the heart of the place, and one of the main reasons we’ll definitely be...

Drawn by the many positive comments and high ratings, we decided to visit this restaurant in Istanbul, but unfortunately we were left disappointed. From the very beginning we encountered a forgotten order, uncomfortable room temperature – either too hot or too cold – and an unsuitable musical background consisting entirely of French chansons, which did not fit the atmosphere.

The view of the Bosphorus and the city is truly impressive, but its effect was diminished by the dirty windows. The food was served in small portions, and the meat had an unpleasant taste. The staff was polite but uncoordinated, which added to the overall negative impression. The restrooms were dirty and poorly maintained – something unacceptable for a restaurant in such a location.

Later we found out that the place had changed ownership, and the positive reviews we relied on were for the previous management. Unfortunately, the current level does not meet expectations, and we would not recommend...

This place is small but cozy, and despite its size, you never feel cramped, which is rare in a busy city like Istanbul. One of the best things is that they don’t rush you to leave, unlike other restaurants, so it’s a great spot to relax and enjoy drinks with friends. The customer service is some of the best I’ve experienced here—everyone was incredibly attentive, even when it got busy. They played mostly Spanish music, which I loved since it brought a familiar vibe I’d been missing. The food is really good, and while it’s a bit pricier than average, it’s definitely worth it. We ordered a lot, thinking the portions would be small based on the menu, but they were much bigger than expected, and everything was fresh and delicious. The only downside was that since they cook right in front of you, the smoke made our eyes feel dry, but aside from that, the view, atmosphere, service, and food made it one of my best restaurant experiences in...