Reyhun Iranian Restaurant — Restaurant in Beyoğlu

Location From Taksim Square, you head down a major shopping street, passing some landmarks, until you reach a large gate. Then, you turn onto a side road to get to the restaurant. This restaurant is located off an extremely busy shopping street, described as the Oxford Street (London) of Istanbul. Alternatively, you can reach it from Galata Tower on the other end of this street, but that involves a 10-minute uphill walk, so coming from Taksim Square is recommended. Overall, the restaurant is very conveniently located in the heart of the city, in a convenient place you will probably be visiting if you are a tourist or live here.

Service The restaurant has three sections: outdoor seating, a semi-indoor area, and a fully indoor section. The outdoor area was full, so we opted to sit indoors. The waiters, all of whom spoke Farsi, were attentive without being intrusive. The service was good but not exceptional. There were no complimentary starters, and we had to ask for bread as they forgot. The service was professional but lacked the extra touches, such as offering starters, complimentary tea or dessert, accommodating our request to sit outside, not having to walk up stairs to get to the restaurant, etc that elevate the dining experience from standard to great and memorable.

Price The pricing at the restaurant is consistent with what you'd find around the city and offers really good value if you are just a tourist. Two kebab skewers with tomato and chili pepper cost about 230 lira, with rice costing an additional 60 to 80 lira. The total for kebab and rice was around 300 lira, costing just under 10 pounds GBP, which is cheaper than kabab koobideh meals in other major cities. Drinks were 150 lira each. The prices is very reasonable, and won't break the bank. With four friends, the total bill was just under 2,000 lira, averaging 15 pounds GBP each. Overall, the kebab koobideh with rice and a drink offered excellent value.

Portion The portion sizes were average. The two medium-sized kebabs were standard, neither particularly long nor thick. The rice initially appeared plentiful, but there wasn't enough to finish with the kebabs, requiring some to be eaten with complimentary bread. The Shirazi salad and bread were ample for four people. Despite generally being a good sign if there's food left over, the rice was finished before the kebabs, which was disappointing.

Quality The quality of the food, unfortunately, is where things went wrong. The kebabs were okay but lacked flavor, which is a common complaint of mine with many Iranian restaurants. This morning I was going to give it Half Star, but… I woke up feeling very ill and vomited several times. My companions the previous night also experienced diarrhea. We believe we were poisoned by the food from last night. Because of this, I can't give any stars for quality. It's unfortunate, as the restaurant had many positive reviews online. This was just my personal experience, and it might have been an isolated incident. However, I can't justify a higher rating given what happened to us.

Summary This popular restaurant gets three stars from me. It could have been three and a half if not for the food poisoning. Because of what happened I don't think I'll go back or recommend it to friends. This is just my personal experience, it might have been a one-off or rare instance. Let me know what you think. Hopefully, the restaurant can take this feedback and improve for an even better experience for everyone in the future. Thank you so much. Have a nice day and definitely visit Istanbul—it's a lovely city. See you all again...

Reyhun Iranian restaurant, located in Istanbul, offers a delightful culinary journey through the flavors of Iran. With its authentic Persian cuisine, warm hospitality, and inviting atmosphere, Reyhun has established itself as a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking a taste of Iran in the heart of Istanbul.

The moment you enter Reyhun, you are greeted with a warm and inviting ambiance that reflects the essence of Persian culture. The interior design features traditional elements such as richly colored carpets, intricate tilework, and Persian artwork, creating a charming and authentic atmosphere. The cozy seating arrangements and soft lighting further enhance the overall dining experience, making it an ideal place to enjoy a meal with friends, family, or colleagues.

At Reyhun, the menu showcases the diverse and flavorful cuisine of Iran, with a focus on using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. The chefs at Reyhun take great pride in preserving the authenticity of Persian dishes, ensuring that each plate is a true reflection of the culinary heritage.

Start your culinary journey at Reyhun with a selection of Persian appetizers, known as "mazeh." From creamy hummus and smoky eggplant dip to tangy yogurt-based dips and flavorful herb spreads, the mazeh platter offers a variety of tantalizing flavors. Accompanied by freshly baked Persian bread, these appetizers provide a perfect introduction to the richness of Iranian cuisine.

Moving on to the main course, Reyhun offers a range of traditional Iranian dishes that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. From aromatic rice dishes, such as saffron-infused "tahchin" and flavorful "joojeh kabab," to succulent grilled meats like "koobideh" and marinated lamb chops, the menu presents an array of options to please meat lovers. Vegetarians will also find a selection of delightful dishes, including fragrant stews, hearty vegetable biryani, and stuffed bell peppers, all bursting with unique Persian flavors.

One of the standout dishes at Reyhun is the classic Iranian "kebab." Whether you opt for the tender and juicy "barg," the flavorful ground meat "koobideh," or the succulent marinated chicken "joojeh," the kebabs at Reyhun are expertly grilled to perfection. Served with fragrant saffron rice and accompanied by grilled tomatoes and sumac onions, these kebabs are a true delight.

To enhance your dining experience, Reyhun offers a selection of traditional Iranian beverages. From refreshing mint-infused drinks to aromatic Persian tea, you can complement your meal with a beverage that complements the flavors of the cuisine.

What truly sets Reyhun apart is its warm hospitality and attentive service. The staff members at Reyhun are knowledgeable about the menu and are eager to guide guests through the culinary journey. Their friendly and accommodating nature ensures that every guest feels welcomed and well taken care of throughout their dining experience.

In conclusion, Reyhun Iranian restaurant in Istanbul is a culinary gem that transports diners to the vibrant flavors of Iran. With its authentic Persian cuisine, inviting atmosphere, and attentive service, Reyhun provides a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of Iranian culture. Whether you're craving traditional kebabs, fragrant rice dishes, or flavorful stews, Reyhun offers a taste of Iran right in the heart...

Our dining experience at Rayhun Restaurant in Istanbul was nothing short of extraordinary. This Persian culinary gem exceeded our expectations in every way imaginable.

From the moment we stepped in, it was evident that Rayhun is a place where attention to detail and a commitment to excellence shine. The staff, led by the consummate professional Mr. Hamit, treated us with warmth and made us feel like honored guests. Their service was impeccable, setting the stage for a memorable evening.

Now, let's talk about the food. Rayhun's kitchen is where magic happens. The dishes we enjoyed were a symphony of flavors and authenticity. From the mouthwatering kebabs to the aromatic Persian rice, every bite transported us to Iran. The attention to traditional Persian recipes and the quality of ingredients were evident in every dish we tasted.

One highlight was the delectable pastries, particularly the noon khamei, which left us craving for more. It's clear that the chefs in the kitchen take immense pride in their craft, and it shines through in every dish.

We were so impressed with Rayhun that we dined there for two consecutive nights and even enjoyed a take-away meal. The consistency in the exceptional quality of food and service was remarkable.

Rayhun Restaurant is a hidden treasure in Istanbul, a place where you can experience the true essence of Persian cuisine without leaving the city. Our two dinners and one take-away meal were a culinary journey we'll cherish forever. If you're a fan of Persian cuisine or simply seeking an exceptional dining experience, Rayhun is...