IL CORTILE Ristorante Pizzeria — Restaurant in Beyoğlu

Another classic tourist trap in Istanbul…

We came to this Italian restaurant in Taksim, Istanbul, with high expectations. I live in Turkey and I’m Turkish myself. My family had flown in from abroad for a special occasion, and I wanted to treat them to a truly authentic Italian dining experience in the heart of Istanbul. So we were all dressed up elegantly and ready to have an amazing night, meals, drinks, until we entered this restaurant.

Sadly, what we experienced was the complete opposite.

We were a group of seven, celebrating an important day but from the moment we entered, we were met with coldness and disrespect. (The lady in the front was ok, but also not really happy to see us) The restaurant was nearly empty, yet the waiter (a Turkish guy) treated us with clear irritation, as if we were bothering him just by being there. No greeting, no smile, just a sour expression and an unprofessional, unfriendly attitude.

WHERE IS THE TURKISH / ITALIAN HOSPITALITY??

When we asked simple questions about the menu, he snapped back with, “Menü de yazızor hanımefendi, ordan bakabilirsiniz” It was clear he had no interest in serving us, or even doing the bare minimum of his job. We also had a few bags with us and asked if we could place them on the empty chairs next to us (the place was empty!!). Instead of offering a solution, he refused and made excuses for no reason.

One of the most telling parts of the experience? My brother, who loves Italian food, from steaks to panna cotta and wine, refused to even order anything because of the waiter’s attitude. He sat there, drank water, and left after our meal to get food somewhere else. Which ofc destroyed also my mood. That says it all. The environment was so off-putting that even someone who loves for Italian cuisine completely lost his appetite.

There was NO MUSIC?? Forget Italian, not even English or turkish songs. The only thing we could enjoy listening to was the Big loud fan in front of us. At least we didn’t felt hot. I guess.

And the food? Overpriced and underwhelming. The pizza we ordered didn’t resemble authentic Italian pizza at all it looked and tasted more like a Turkish pita. Bland, unbalanced, and far from what any Italian restaurant should be serving. The entire menu is a tourist trap, fancy descriptions, and pictures but not a real Italian taste. Just overpriced dishes designed to lure in tourists based on how the place looks online.

This restaurant might look nice in pictures, but don’t be fooled. It’s all for show. The service is awful, the food is mediocre, and the prices are unjustifiable. I expected so much more, especially because I was trying to show my family who had traveled all the way here a special moment in a truly great restaurant.

Instead, it turned into a frustrating and disappointing experience that none of us will forget but for all the...

Deeply Disappointing Experience IL CORTILE I am writing to express my profound disappointment regarding a recent visit to your establishment. My friends and I chose your restaurant for a special birthday celebration, expecting an enjoyable and memorable experience. Unfortunately, the reality was far from our expectations, leaving us dissatisfied and frustrated.

Upon arrival, we noticed that the reserved table was uncomfortably close to the entrance, exposing us to drafts whenever the door opened. Despite our polite request to move to a less exposed table, we were told that other tables were off-limits. Strangely, shortly after, other customers were seated in the supposedly closed section, making us feel ignored and unimportant.

Throughout the evening, the service was alarmingly poor. The staff seemed either overworked or unmotivated, barely acknowledging our presence unless we explicitly requested assistance. We had to clear our own table multiple times, and when a drink spilled, no one came to help us; we cleaned it ourselves. The lack of attention to basic service standards was truly disappointing.

Moreover, we were dismayed by the portion sizes. We ordered various dishes, yet each serving was so small that it would only suffice as a light snack, not a full meal. This forced us to order additional dishes, significantly increasing the bill without providing a satisfactory dining experience. Additionally, when it came time to bring out the birthday cake, it was simply placed on the table without any celebratory gesture or acknowledgment. Such an important occasion deserved a bit of warmth and hospitality, yet it felt as though we were an inconvenience rather than valued guests.

To make matters worse, the staff was dismissive when we asked for a group photo, claiming they were tired and reluctantly taking one after we insisted. This lack of courtesy left us feeling unappreciated. Even the presentation of the food and drinks was lackluster, with several items arriving cold or without basic accompaniments.

In total, we ended up with a hefty bill for subpar food, poor service, and an atmosphere that failed to meet the standards we had anticipated. Given the positive reviews, we expected much more from your establishment, and it is disheartening to know that our celebration was tainted by such an experience. I strongly urge you to address these issues so that future guests can avoid similar...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at this wonderful Italian restaurant located near the Galata Tower, and I must say it was a truly unforgettable experience! From the moment I walked through the doors, I was immediately struck by the charming atmosphere and elegant decor that exuded a luxurious dining experience.

The service was exceptional and the staff were all very attentive and friendly, making me feel right at home. The highlight of the night was definitely the outdoor backyard area, which was beautifully decorated and provided the perfect ambiance for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.

As for the food, I must say that every dish I tried was simply delicious. From the freshly baked bread and homemade pasta to the mouthwatering mains and decadent desserts, everything was of the highest quality and prepared with great care and attention to detail.

All in all, I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience in Istanbul. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a night out, this Italian gem is sure to exceed your expectations in every way. Five...