Bistro Chef Restaurant İstanbul — Restaurant in Fatih

This place is a special establishment. My mom & I recently stayed at the Best Western, the hotel attached to this restaurant, and we ate here a few times. Each time was fantastic.

I promised that I would write a review after my first dining experience here. As I am a woman of my word, here I am writing a raving & well-deserved review. :)

Firstly, the ambiance here is very cozy. It’s beautiful, comfortable & quintessentially Turkish. There is a communal vibe, especially when there’s a football match on the TV! Whenever I ate there, I got the sense that I didn’t want to leave. It’s a very relaxing place to unwind, especially after a long day of exploring the many nearby tourist sites.

Secondly, the food is really delicious. Quality ingredients with delicious flavor. The first time I ate here, my mom and I shared several small plates. The shrimp, hummus dips, dolma & lentil soup were all incredible. We also had the best baklava in all of Istanbul here. Other times I ate here, I had the chicken soup & the chicken casserole, which were amazing too. They also serve complimentary bread for the table, which was equally tasty. This restaurant is the first place I ever tried apple tea and I fell in love with it. It’s the perfect way to end a tasty meal.

Lastly, but most importantly are the wonderful people here. The owner is a kind, welcoming & warm gentleman. The staff were all very friendly, hospitable & helpful. They made me feel right at home. Special regards to Apo, an especially funny & nice man, who filled each of my dining experiences at this restaurant with laughter.

I’m not sure if or when I’ll come back to Istanbul. But if I do find myself back in this special city, this restaurant will certainly be my first stop, both to enjoy some delicious Turkish food & to say hello to my old friends, who I hope will remember me with the same fondness I’ll remember them with. And If I don’t, I’ll always cherish the happy & delicious memories. Thanks for...

Stayed at the Best Western Empire Palace for six nights and ended up here several nights for dinner, once for lunch, and this is also the restaurant that serves the buffet breakfast for hotel guests. The food is tasty and reliable all times of day, but what really makes this place special is the staff’s hospitality. We brought our two young children (ages 5 and 1), and all of the staff were so sweet to our kids and really made them feel special. The kids were given small trinkets like special fun, colorful straws with sparkly pom poms on them, paper umbrellas, and a whole host of things to keep them entertained. I felt like the staff went well above and beyond to keep our kids happy, which makes me happy. Food-wise, we were pleased with all our meals, but one night’s dinner stood out as exceptional, which was the Salt Chicken. The dish was presented “on fire,” extinguished, and carved tableside. It was juicy, flavorful, and a really fun dish. Really enjoy this place and will be sad when we have to check out and say goodbye to...

Bistro Chef Istanbul offers a memorable dining experience with a focus on quality and flavor. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal. The staff is attentive and friendly, adding to the overall pleasant atmosphere. The menu features a variety of traditional Turkish dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients and rich spices that highlight authentic flavors.

While the food is delicious and beautifully presented, it leans toward the pricier side compared to other local options. However, many diners find the quality and taste justify the cost. Portions are generous, and the balance of taste and presentation shows the chef’s dedication to the craft.

If you’re looking for a place in Istanbul where you can enjoy well-prepared Turkish cuisine in a comfortable setting, Bistro Chef is a solid choice. Just be prepared for a slightly higher bill, which might be worth it for a special occasion or a treat. Overall, it’s a good experience that combines tasty food with pleasant service...