ANTAKYA RESTAURANT — Restaurant in Fatih

Antakya Restaurant was, without a doubt, one of the worst dining experiences we had in Istanbul.

We visited as a family of four (two adults, two children) on a rainy evening, looking for a good meal. The gentleman outside was friendly and, while we browsed the menu, promised us a 10% discount and a free starter (puff bread). The prices were shockingly high, but we assumed that meant the food would be of high quality. That was a huge mistake.

The restaurant looked decent inside, and we were promptly seated. We ordered a selection of starters, including lentil soup, salad, and lahmacun, followed by a mixed grill.

The food was a complete letdown—bland, uninspired, and lacking any real flavour. For the prices they charge, you’d expect something far better.

The service was even worse. The waiters were dismissive, inattentive, and more interested in watching TV or chatting with each other than serving customers. Getting their attention was frustrating. The restaurant wasn’t even busy, yet they acted as if they had better things to do. At one point, a French family sat down next to us, looked over the menu, and immediately left after seeing the prices. In hindsight, we should have done the same.

When the bill arrived, the promised 10% discount had been conveniently "forgotten." After an uncomfortable back-and-forth, they finally adjusted it, but the whole process felt intentionally dishonest.

This place is overpriced, serves mediocre food, and offers some of the worst service we’ve encountered. There is absolutely no reason to eat here. Avoid it...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An Exceptional Antakya Cuisine Experience!

This restaurant is one of the rare places that truly represents Antakya cuisine in both flavor and presentation. The mezes are fresh and perfectly balanced; the hummus, spicy ezme, and haydari were simply outstanding. For hot appetizers, the crispy manti and hot hummus were our favorites. For the main course, we tried the salt-crusted lamb and testi kebab—both were an absolute masterpiece! The meats were tender, the spice balance was flawless, and the presentation was spectacular.

Another highlight of our experience was the exquisite selection of Turkish wines. The restaurant offers carefully curated local wines from Turkey’s finest vineyards, perfectly complementing the rich and flavorful dishes. We highly recommend trying wines made from Narince, Öküzgözü, and Boğazkere grapes, which pair exceptionally well with Antakya cuisine.

The service quality is just as impressive as the food. The staff is incredibly professional, attentive, and welcoming. One of the most remarkable aspects is that they speak fluent English, Russian, and Spanish, making it an excellent choice for international guests. This added an extra layer of comfort and made the experience even more enjoyable.

We also had the chance to visit their boutique branch in Galata, where we found the same level of excellence in both food and service. If you’re looking for an authentic Antakya dining experience combined with top-notch hospitality and a great selection of wines, this place is...

Arrived in Istanbul late in the evening for a business trip. The hotel directed us to Antakya which was conveniently located 4 mins walk away. Instantly blown away with finding such a gem on day one. The restaurant was comfortably busy with a warm, local vibe. They were able to accommodate 8 of us instantly and set about creating the perfect experience for us.

Every establishment, business and salesperson in Istanbul said the same thing. “We want to make your experience or purchase the best it can possibly be so you will talk about it back home and wish to return.”

The aroma from the kitchen was mouthwatering and the restaurant itself was cosy and inviting. The food arrived quickly and the drinks were flowing freely. It was delicious and portions were generous. All of us were munching away with smiles on our faces. Value for money was amazing also. Starters, mains, desserts, sides, wine, beers, shots and tea to finish, split 8 ways was roughly £35 each. Bargain!!

To say the staff were amazing is an understatement. They looked after us very attentively despite being busy and I honestly think that is how they are on a daily basis with everyone. We left extremely happy and I returned 2 more times during the weekend trip. Same experience each time.

If you are in old town Istanbul looking for a place to eat, make sure you try Antakya, you won’t be...