Mükellef Karakoy — Restaurant in Beyoğlu

On Monday, November 18, 2024, I went to Mükkelef in Kadıköy for breakfast. I had celebrated my birthday the day before and wanted to treat myself to something special the next day to start the year on a positive note. Unfortunately, the experience fell short of expectations.

The restaurant is divided into two areas: the dinner section offers a beautiful ocean view, while the breakfast area is far less impressive. There, I was left to stare at some plants – which looked like plastic – on my left or the staff’s working area on my right. For a breakfast costing 850 TL, I expected a more appealing and relaxing setting.

The table was set without any care: no flowers, no decorations – nothing that made it feel special. This lack of effort extended to the food itself. My omelet looked like it was simply slapped onto the plate, with no garnish or thoughtful presentation.

The quality of the food was okay, but there was no “wow factor.” Speaking from experience – as someone who grew up in a gastronomy family with over 30-40 years of expertise – I can confidently say that the food and presentation didn’t meet the standards one would expect from such a high-priced, Michelin-recognized establishment.

The rest of the staff seemed distracted: the receptionist was reapplying her makeup, and most of the staff, except for one very friendly waitress who served my breakfast, were playing on their phones. This particular freindly waitress was the only one who seemed to be genuinely working, as she diligently refilled containers of sugar and other items, distributing them at the tables.

While I was having breakfast, I took a brief pause to read for a moment. Without asking, the waiter who had been refilling my tea assumed I was done and cleared my plate and cutlery. The friendly waitress, noticing my confusion, immediately intervened and instructed her colleague to bring me a new plate and fresh cutlery. This attentiveness was a welcome contrast to the rest of the service.

Additionally, at one point during my visit, a staff member began cleaning the railing right in front of me. That’s completely unacceptable while guests are present – especially in a restaurant with such a reputation and price range.

Perhaps Mükkelef shines in its dinner service, but for breakfast, it was disappointing and absolutely not worth...

I had been hearing about Mükellef Karaköy for a while, and finally decided to go for dinner with a close friend — and I’m so glad we did. From the moment we walked in, I knew it was going to be more than just a nice meal. It turned out to be one of the most enjoyable and flavorful dining experiences I’ve had in Istanbul.

We arrived just before sunset, and the timing couldn't have been better. The rooftop view was absolutely stunning — overlooking the Golden Horn as the sky slowly turned from soft orange to deep blue. The energy of the city felt close, but from up there, everything was calm and elegant. It instantly put us in a relaxed, excited mood.

We started with a spread of mezes, and each one was better than the last. The fava was my personal favorite — so smooth and subtle, with just a hint of olive oil and dill. The eggplant salad (patlıcan ezmesi) had this deep, smoky flavor that made it impossible to stop dipping bread into. Their haydari was bright and creamy, and the acılı ezme added just the right kick.

For mains, I ordered the grilled lamb chops, and they were perfectly cooked — juicy, flavorful, and charred just right. My friend got the octopus, and honestly, I ended up stealing a few bites because it was so tender and delicious, with a buttery mash underneath that brought everything together beautifully.

We shared a fresh, citrusy greens salad on the side, which helped balance the richness of the grilled dishes, and we also tried their house cocktail — a mix of raki, citrus, and herbs — surprisingly refreshing and a great complement to the meal.

And then came dessert. We had to try the katmer (crispy pastry with pistachio and clotted cream), and it did not disappoint. Warm, flaky, just sweet enough — a perfect ending to the night. We also got the oven-baked tahini halva, and I honestly can’t decide which one I liked more.

The staff made the whole evening even better. They were so welcoming and attentive, always ready with suggestions or a smile, and they clearly cared about the food they were serving. The service was quick but never rushed, which really helped us enjoy the whole experience at...

Visit in July 2025. Turkey 🇹🇷 Istanbul.

No visit to Istanbul is complete without indulging in a traditional Turkish breakfast, and we found the perfect spot to do so at one of the city’s most breathtaking locations. Perched with a panoramic view of the city, this restaurant is nothing short of a dream in warm weather, offering a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

FOOD:

Arriving during breakfast hours, we discovered that the sole option is the iconic Turkish breakfast—a sprawling spread of small plates that proved too much for the two of us to conquer. The menu is fixed, with the only choice being how you’d like your eggs prepared. What follows is a parade of dishes: an assortment of spreads and meze, olives, cheeses, petite pastries stuffed with meat or cheese, fresh bread, greens, and crisp vegetables. A few items didn’t quite hit the mark, but the majority were undeniably delicious. Everything tasted fresh, with vibrant, crunchy vegetables stealing the show. The standout was the flaky phyllo pastries, generously filled—particularly the meat-filled ones, which became our instant favorite. Unlimited Turkish tea and water rounded out the experience, adding a comforting touch.

SERVICE:

The service was commendable, with dishes arriving promptly. The restaurant’s atmosphere, elevated by its stunning surroundings, made for a thoroughly enjoyable meal.

VERDICT:

I strongly recommend experiencing this Turkish breakfast at least once. It’s a culinary adventure brimming with new flavors, and we left thoroughly satisfied. The unparalleled view of Istanbul adds an extra layer of magic to the experience. While the price may be a touch higher than at many local cafés, the quality and ambiance make it well worth...