Karaköy Lokantası — Restaurant in Beyoğlu

Karaköy Lokantası left its reputation at the old location

N41°1.485' E28°58.807' The old Karaköy Lokantası on Kemankeş Caddesi 37a was known for its gorgeous tiled interior, genial owner, vibrant vibe and tasty and well-priced food to its loyal local clientele. Relocated in July 2021 to Kemankeş Caddesi 57 within the ground floor (1F) of the new Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus hotel, the interior designer spent much time creating an upmarket modern interior. Unfortunately, this move set in motion a series of failures during our visit in August 2021.

First, we made a reservation by e-mail. Aylin from the restaurant confirmed this. On arrival, it turned out that the waiter did not know our reservation. When we showed the confirmation of our reservation from Aylin, the waiter was neither impressed nor convinced. Although we proved to have a confirmed reservation, we were treated as guests without reservations and could not sit outside on the terrace. This became a bleesing in disguise, as the terrace was unlit after sunset and guests were eating in the dark. We like to see our food.

Second, the menu was not updated. The waiter did not tell what the catch of the day was and which menu items were not available.

Thirdly, tables did not have an assigned server. Waiters were running around, stressed, not communicating and losing attention to detail and personal connection with guests. There was no continuation of courses. The kitchen produced dishes unknown to waiters. Waiters guessed which dish would be served to which table. At one point, the kitchen produced three dishes and waiters distributed them among themselves. The manager with the grey beard did not manage of direct the waiters, he just sat at the entrance gaping. We felt forgotten. Unusual glassware, by the way.

And the food? The cold mezes were good, the calamari (₺ 58) very fresh and tasty and the blue fish (₺ 90) was prepared excellent with still enough moist inside and not the greasy. However, why not give the salad any dressing? The veal stripes and shoestring potatoes served with yoghurt and tomato sauce (₺ 74) was good, but the shoestring potatoes were overbaked and served in a bath of humus. We ordered the same salad again (₺ 28), but it was completely different. We noticed the chaos had spread from the restaurant to the kitchen. Dessert was not impressive.

Karaköy Lokantası was dazzled by the move to an upmarket place with modern interior, but failed to take its good service and food with it. Not...

The good: good taste and price. The bad: cover charge and hidden fees not disclosed at time of ordering.

I ate here because it was recommended in the Lonely Planet guidebook published just a few months ago in 2021. However this is already at a new location (down the street) and doesn’t match their description as a local eatery/tavern and therefore should be updated. Here I will explain the good and the bad about this place:

Good: The taste is very good. The setting is lovely. The waiters are friendly. The prices are not bad. Good quality food for the price in a classy setting.

Bad: 1. There is a cover charge (“kuver” or “couvert”) that they don’t tell you about. I have traveled to 40 different countries and never had a “cover charge” or “table charge.” It was not a high amount, but it comes across as tricky and insulting and betrays my trust. If they want to charge for bringing some bread they should ask if you want bread and be clear about the charge. Nothing should be brought to the table which is not specifically ordered or the price given. This is basic restaurant and business ethics. When I asked if the charge is even in the menu they showed me the tiny print on the back page with an incorrect English translation. Why anger people for such a small amount? Just be honest and get rid of this charge or tell customers about it in advance. A 10% required gratuity for service is also included in the check without asking the guest first. If this is done it should also be at the bottom of each page in the menu or on the cover. Not hidden or in the back. People will be grateful and pay what you ask plus gratuity if they feel you are honest.

Difficult to get to. Road is traffic clogged and one lane with no sidewalk. This is not their fault but something to be aware of.

Nobody here speaks fluent or even close to fluent English. This is actually a beautiful, fancy restaurant next to a nice hotel in an international area. In my opinion as an international businessman, having someone on staff who can converse in fluent English is basic.

I wish the future guests and the owners the best and I advise correcting these issues if posible to create a too experience because the food quality is quite good.

Lonely Planet needs to change this entry from a “tavern” to an upscale, white cloth...

No glory, no shame. I approached the site as solo food enthusiast. . Service. Asking for a seat, what seemed the owner asked for how many. I replied alone, which triggered as response “ok, but then only in front bar”. Now, personally I do not care so much being allocated on the bar high seats ever, but usually this happens for crowded places. Clearly, the economic interests for the ownership favor more numerous groups of people, which, IMHO lower the quality of customer care expected for a proper restoration service. So three stars here. Also because the sears are literally in front of the entrance which has no automatic closing door. Being winter, I had to embrace many minutes of cold air entering each time a new customer approached, so, not a 100% enjoyed experience. The bar service was polite. . Food. Entrants. I selected a pair of small fish cakes and a plate of fried aubergines covered with cheese flakes. The first a tasty choice. The fish blended perfectly with the spices and the onions floor. The latter still enjoyable, but nothing to get ecstatic for. Here, a 3.5 star imho is a honest rating. . Main dish. Choose the typical turkish meatballs. Served with cooked potatoes and tomatoes. No shame, no glory, I suppose a traditional basic turkish dish. Maybe I was expecting something a little more engaging based on the echoes of the restaurant. Another 3 stars here. . Price . 207 turkish koronas. Well above average istanbul bills (expected) but again maybe not fully justified by the food and service. Another 3 stars then. . Resume: if you are in the neighborhood, it could be a nice choice to test. Otherwise, I would not plan a long journey just to approach...