Begonville Cafe Restaurant — Restaurant in Fatih

I'm extremely disappointed to have to write this review, and its solely because of one person and their behaviour - the manager.

In the morning, my friends and I had a wonderful Turkish breakfast and were so pleased with the prompt service. However, what happened later completely turned this around.

Later that day, I came back for lunchtime to get a quick bite before my flight. I was welcomed by the manager who was friendly and really prompt in getting me my meal. I told him how much I loved the food and how I would tell all my friends about it.

At the end of the meal, I went over to settle the bill and I was confused by the bill. He charged me 960 lira when the dish I ordered was only 460 lira. I asked him why this was the case, he said it was the added service charge. Service charge is usually only 10%. The bill was more than double the meal.

I felt so so angry that he tried to overcharge and scam me like this. Why would you ruin someone's positive experience of your restaurant like this? It's insulting...

Unlike "M P", we got what we paid for and a complimentary pair of Turkish coffees.

We are staying around the corner and liked the look of the place.

We went for the cheaper whiite wine (perfectly quaffable): the waiter brought out both it and his recommendation.

The piped music was subtle but great for fans of "world music", and when one of the staff had a break, he spent it cuddling one of the local (neutered) cats (it went both ways - our cat would have had enough long before) and later he chatted with us. I would like to think he had a wash before going back to work but he loves the cats.

The bill was correct and didn't include the free coffees.

We sat outside facing the park which was part of the magic of the evening.

The trick seemed to be to know what you want and question the "suggestions". In fact, the recommended pide was cheaper than the one I was thinking of.

We would go again but do try to score an outside table to watch the lives going...

The food, as is typical here at so many of the local restaurants, was quite mediocre, bland and uninteresting. The background music was upbeat and fun.

I really hope to find excellent food in Istanbul but I have simply not been impressed. The various business representatives love to try and talk you into eating in their restaurants. Unfortunately the talk does not tantalize the taste buds. Beware of being talked at too much. I don't like being rude but sometimes I have so simply, and concisely, say "NO, thank you" and move on. Do no feel obligated to have to eat anywhere you don't want to.

Also, beware of the incredible quantity of fake reviews. So many may create an account to leave ONE review, which you can see by the various "customers" at each restaurant.

Really good food, for me, in Istanbul has been difficult for me to find. Good...