recently visited, and unfortunately, the experience was underwhelming in multiple aspects, from service to food quality.
Upon being seated, we were given time to look at the menu, which seemed promising at first. However, when the waiter came to take our order, he rushed us and barely gave us time to decide. Partway through ordering, he abruptly grabbed the menu from in front of us, cutting us off as we continued placing the rest of our order. This unprofessional approach immediately set the tone for the rest of the meal.
We ordered two burgers, requesting them “well done,” a steak sandwich cooked “medium,” drinks, and an appetizer. The appetizer was flavorful and enjoyable, but the service surrounding it was disappointing. The drinks were served in plastic cups despite being glass-bottled sodas. When I requested glass cups, the staff refused and claimed they didn’t have any. This was clearly a lie because the restaurant has a wine menu, meaning they certainly had glassware available.
When the main courses arrived, the steak sandwich was cooked perfectly to “medium,” as ordered and was delicious . However, one of the burgers was pink in the middle, far from the “well done” we requested. To make matters worse, the flavor of the mushroom burger was bland and unremarkable, offering nothing to redeem the poor execution. I called the waiter to point out the undercooked burger, but instead of an apology, he simply asked, “So you want me to cook it more?” The dismissive response showed a lack of care or professionalism.
The burger was taken back to the kitchen, leaving one of us eating alone while the rest of us waited for the corrected order. When it finally returned, our meal was completely disrupted. Then, while we were still eating, the staff brought out the bill and began cleaning around us, making us feel rushed. This happened more than half an hour before closing time, which was especially frustrating given that their delays caused the disruption in the first place.
While the appetizer was a highlight, the poor service, undercooked and bland burgers, and overall lack of professionalism overshadowed any positives. I wouldn’t recommend this restaurant unless they address these issues and improve both their food quality and...
Read moreI had the pleasure of dining at Saltbae Galataport in Istanbul, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. I had heard a lot about their burgers, and they completely lived up to the hype—if not exceeded it!
The burger was simply perfect. The patty was incredibly juicy, cooked to perfection with a rich, smoky flavor that melted in my mouth. It was seasoned just right, allowing the quality of the meat to shine. The bun was soft yet held up well, complementing the overall texture beautifully. Every bite was packed with flavor, and the balance of ingredients made it one of the best burgers I’ve ever had.
The fries were crispy and well-seasoned, making them the perfect side. I also loved the attention to detail in the presentation—everything looked as good as it tasted. The staff was professional, friendly, and made sure I had everything I needed throughout my meal.
The ambiance at Saltbae Galataport was another highlight. The restaurant has a stylish, modern design with a lively atmosphere that adds to the overall experience. Being by the waterfront made it even more enjoyable, and it’s the perfect place to relax while indulging in high-quality food.
Of course, dining at a Saltbae restaurant comes with a certain level of expectation, and they absolutely delivered. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, and for burger lovers, this is a must-visit spot in Istanbul. I’ll definitely be...
Read moreThis location is riding on its location but doesn't match up to what patrons expect in this location. This is the casual franchise for those in galataport who want a quick and casual meal. The patrons in this area tend to be tourists and used to international standards. We were a larger party and we separated our table into 3 checks. The first check that ordered received their meal at the end. When it came out, it was not as ordered. Instead of bringing a new burger, the server brought the bitten-into burger back with the cold french fries about 15 minutes later. So, the person who ordered first received his food about 45 minutes later. It was outrageous to me that the cook would a bitten-into burger on the grill and then have the gall to bring it back now well done bordering on burnt and dry. There were other problems with the other two checks. For example, some of the menus came with a frozen dessert and those all came out at the same time somewhat late. Drinks were mixed up. Then, when we complained about the bills which were mixed up, the server had the nerve to add her service fee. We told her that her service did not warrant a gratuity. We went back and forth and eventually the manager removed the gratuity. We frequent Salt Baes everytime we are in town but if you are at galataport and want a quick amazing meal . . . skip this and go straight...
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