we paid over 6,000tl, and was let down. i came here based off of good reviews, michelins recommendation, and the high rating on google. however, i was let down, and disappointed; the flavours of everything was unbalanced and thus, imo, not worth their steep price tag. i ordered the shrimp, beef cheek, octopus, and duck topik, as well as the prototyp and their mezcal negroni variation (i can’t remember the exact spelling and names).
first, the drinks. the prototyp has raki, as well as melon and other fruits. the drink was sour, and overwhelmingly anise-tasting. there was no balance in the other notes of the drink, and for a high price, of a supposed cocktail bar, i was let down. there was no complexity or creativity for the drink. i would skip. their mezcal negroni variation was also underwhelming. although i am partial to mezcal, the drink was… flat? i must admit, mezcal is hard to make “boring”, however the drink again was so simple and boring, no depth whatsoever despite the interesting terms on paper. again, skip.
next, the starters. bread was warm and good quality, came with cheese and high quality olive oil— this was a pleasant surprise, but what i would expect of a michelin restaurant. good. the duck was disappointing; what i presume to be a tender, smooth cut of meat ended up compromised by a beige sauce, its sourness and flavour muddled the taste of the duck, and drowned out its texture. the octopus tasted great. exactly as i would expect of this place— the glaze, vegetables, and char was good. however, the texture was off. octopus is not supposed to be overly chewy, or overly soft. this one was; the styrofoam-like chew was a bit strange, and left me disappointed and concerned about the freshness of the dish.
the main dishes were both, again, not up to par. served with five pieces, the shrimp had great texture, the bite was strong and had a nice breamy ocean-y taste. however the char was missing, leaving the dish flat. i missed searing, seasoning and uniqueness. also, might be unique to my serving, but the shrimp wasn’t cleaning properly; the head “brains” were still left on the body of the shrimp. the accompanying side of a grain (i think) and chard sauce topped with broccoli was strange, and tasted stale. the broccoli itself was shockingly dry. the beef cheek was deliciously soft, breaking apart at the touch. however, the two 10x4x4cm pieces i received was small in portion, and came with a small similar size of vegetable (might be an aubergine?). leaving the size to the side, the main issue was the unbalanced flavour of the dish; the main was extremely salty and sour. as someone who normally adds salt, i was taken aback my the strong, salty-sour flavour. again, for a dish costing around 1000tl+, i would expect better. overall, i walked in with high expectations— the strong reviews, unique menu, and beautiful view enticed me. however, the dishes made me want to bargain their price. all unbalanced, missing something or overwhelming flavour, left me strongly questioning the high reviews and michelin star. tldr; everything was off, and for the price (service charge is NOT included), go...
Read moreIf you find yourself in Istanbul, Mürver Restaurant is an absolute must-visit gem! Amidst the myriad of high-priced establishments with mediocre offerings, Mürver stands out as a true culinary haven. As a Michelin Guide restaurant perched on the rooftop of Novotel Hotel, it offers an unparalleled view of the Bosphorus.
Securing a last-minute reservation was a stroke of luck, but thanks to a helpful contact, we snagged the coveted window table with a panoramic view of the enchanting Bosporus.
Our experience was elevated by the impeccable service, courtesy of a thoughtful recommendation. The server's detailed explanations of the menu and each dish showcased a genuine passion for the culinary art. We indulged in the "Duck Topik," "Monkfish Hanged on the Grill," "12 hours Braised Beef Rib," and an array of starters for three, complemented by a delightful bottle of wine.
The culinary journey began with a presentation of each dish, ensuring we savored every moment. The "Duck Topik" was a flavor explosion, keeping our fingers busy with delight. The Monkfish, paired with baked green beans, was a masterpiece of flavors, perfectly seasoned and effortlessly melting in the mouth. The 12-hour braised beef, a match made in heaven, boasted a sauce marbled with fat, creating a symphony of taste and tenderness. Perhaps a suggestion for buttery mashed potatoes would add a delightful touch (just a thought).
Beyond the gastronomic delights, the modern cosmopolitan ambiance added to the overall appeal. Service, though the restaurant wasn't busy during our visit, was exceptional.
Yes, Mürver comes with a higher price tag, but the culinary journey it offers is worth every lira. In my opinion, it's a MUST VISIT in Istanbul, especially if you're seeking a night of fancy and phenomenal food. Will I be returning? Absolutely,...
Read moreWe had a reservation for 6:30 pm. We arrived at 6:15 pm and were asked to wait at the bar, although the hall was empty and there were free tables. Later we were invited to a table. It was in the very corner near the window and the smoking area. We were quite cold sitting there, but we asked for blankets and warmed up a little.
We were given a menu and a wine list, after a while we made an order. I was warned that the meat would be ready only in 20 minutes. However, after 20 minutes we received only starters and hot bread. Looking ahead, it was the bread that was the best dish of the evening. After we finished with bread and appetizers, we waited a very long time for the main courses. My portion of meat was a disappointment. It was a small portion, without a wow effect, costing about 90 dollars. To be honest, I was upset.
After we finished with the main courses, we sat and talked for a long time, a little tired, we decided to finish our dinner and ask for the bill. However, instead of the bill we were offered desserts, as well as Turkish tea, as a gift from the waiter. Half an hour later we asked for the bill again.
The waiter brought us the bill, we paid it. I was planning to leave a tip in cash, but the waiter immediately offered me to leave a 10% or 20% tip using a bank card. I looked at him in surprise and said that I would leave 5%. There was so much pain and sadness in this man's eyes. It was sad.
To sum it up, I regret that I brought my wife to this restaurant, which has two Michelin recommendations. I am not a critic, but the food did not match the prices indicated on the menu. For about $ 250, I was not satisfied, neither morally nor physically.
Complaints to the management - raise the salaries of your employees. Otherwise, they will not provide the service...
Read more