Pera Port Lounge — Restaurant in Beyoğlu

Pera Port Lounge was my very first meal in Turkey, and it set the tone nicely.

Food (4/5): We kept it simple with a chicken döner, some bread, and hummus dip. The döner itself was tasty, juicy and seasoned well. Though I wouldn’t have complained if there’d been a little more chicken on the plate. Might just be the standard portion size here, so take that with a grain of salt. The hummus was excellent: smooth, nutty, and full of authentic flavor, especially when paired with the fresh bread. On top of that, they brought us three complimentary dips to try, which was a fun little bonus. And just when I thought we were done, out came free Turkish tea and baklava… hard to beat that kind of hospitality.

Service (5/5): Honestly, spot on. Friendly, attentive without being pushy, and the freebies made the experience feel warm and welcoming. It’s the sort of service that makes you want to come back, even if just for the gesture.

Atmosphere (4/5): The place has a side-lane feel to it: calmer and more relaxed compared to the next street over, which was buzzing with energy. Depends what you’re after; if you want lively crowds, maybe head a block over. But for a quieter, laid-back dinner where you can actually hear your company, this hits the mark.

Value: About $30 AUD all up, which felt reasonable considering the food, drinks, and extras we got. Not dirt cheap by Turkish standards, but fair for the quality and generosity.

Overall: A really good first meal in Turkey; authentic, tasty, and wrapped in that classic Turkish hospitality. Not the most vibrant spot in town, but sometimes a bit of peace and quiet is exactly what you want.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️ Would happily go back, especially for the dips...

Nazir was a great host. 😊 He was very responsive and extremely friendly (he even advised us regarding the local traffic in the context of the International Labor Day ; also, after a long road Bucharest-Istanbul, he invited us to dinner in his restaurant with traditional Turkish food. We enjoyed a great meal with a lot of free treats). His brother was very nice, giving us an Istanbulkart and some ideas with must-see sights in Istanbul, dishes to try (kokorec, balik ekmek).

We booked 2 spacious and modern rooms for 3 nights and all our expressed needs were met (intimacy, heat, cleanliness, hot water for showers, comfortable beds, properly cared bath towels, TV, WiFi).

Pera Port Kebab & Yemek House is well positioned, on a quiet street, but still close to a vibrant area (Karakoy): nearby there are public transport stations, grocery shops, souvenir shops, a cozy Starbucks, a Design shop promoting local designers in Turkey (Design Market) and a Record Store (Kontra Plaka). We had easy access to the city center, to the main attractions of Istanbul (Hagia Sophia Mosque + its new immersive museum, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, Gulhane Park) just by walking along the Galata Bridge.

If you choose to travel by car to Istanbul, Pera Port Kebab & Yemek House offers a secure parking, perceiving a decent extra charge.

Our stay was very pleasant and we will surely come back, we will recommend the location to our loved ones.

Thanks for the hospitality and Greetings to Nazir and...

This restaurant impeccably blends the richness of the sea with a diverse selection of premium meats, creating a culinary haven for food enthusiasts. The menu, adorned with a variety of exquisite seafood, invites your palate on a delightful journey. Mussels, shrimp, calamari, and freshly caught fish are masterfully prepared, offering a direct voyage from the ocean to your table.

Yet, it's not only a haven for seafood lovers but also a paradise for those with a penchant for premium meats. Perfectly grilled steaks, succulent lamb, and flavorful chicken dishes surpass expectations, forming a symphony of taste crafted from carefully selected ingredients.

The ambiance of the restaurant is equally memorable. Set by the seaside, dining is accompanied by a cool breeze. The decor imparts a fisherman's village feel, seamlessly blending rustic charm with modern luxury. When your meal arrives, each plate is a visual masterpiece, with colors, textures, and presentations resembling works of art.

Service quality and the warmth of the staff distinguish this restaurant from others. Waitstaff are knowledgeable and attentive, making your dining experience truly exceptional.

In conclusion, this establishment is not just a place to eat; it's an immersive experience. Witnessing the perfect dance between seafood and meats is an unforgettable journey in culinary indulgence. I highly recommend every food enthusiast to visit this venue and savor the remarkable fusion of sea and land on...