Garden 1897 Restaurant — Restaurant in Fatih

Date/Time: 29/06/25 | 14:00 Server: Riza Table: 8 Best at: Service/Tourist friendly: Servers speak English and are highly trained for premium service Price: As a Londoner the price here is a fraction cheaper than what we are used to and with much nicer environment Ambience, dining area: Super comfy, quiet, private-feel, away from the main roads/public Food: Everyone all 8 of us enjoyed our food and had no complaints pretty much. Also provided complimentary baklava/tea that was genuinely high quality.

Full Review:

G1987 was on our list to eat at and it met the expectations I have read in other reviews. Definitely recommend - we walked in around 13:00, and personally faced no wait time even on a Sunday and with no prior reservation. Their outdoor eating area has a really nice ambience, is nice and private and quiet, even out in the open, and the seating area is suitable for larger groups. I would assume it gets a little louder and fuller in the evening so if you want a relaxed meal in the shade and sun and to sit comfortably go for lunch time.

Our server Riza was the best, very professional and was able to serve us in English the whole time which made us even more relaxed as there were zero interruptions to our service. The food came out pretty quick - for such a large table we waited no longer than 20 mins I assume. I didn't take any photos but I will say everything came out exactly how you would expect it to, and the portion sizes were spot on. As a Londoner who has Turkish all the time the flavours were exactly what I wanted and price-wise it matches London pricing but is a fraction cheaper. I can personally vouch for the meat/cheese pide, the shish - either chicken or meat - as well as the chicken casserole (Tavuk Guvec) looked good. We were also politely served complimentary baklava + tea at the end which were top-notch, and the usual fresh bread and dips at the beginning. Their signature drinks (chillberry frozen) are also premium and high quality so worth the spend - esp considering as a Londoner the same drinks would probs cost you 50% more. All-in-all worth a lunchtime visit - it is in ~10 min distance from the main street so not tricky to get to even with a baby in tow as we had.

Total price for the table (8 ppl) : 7161TL =...

An Enchanting Evening at Garden 1897: A Culinary Gem in Istanbul.

My partner and I recently had the distinct pleasure of dining at Garden 1897 in Istanbul, and it truly was an experience to cherish. From the moment we arrived, we were swept away by the enchanting atmosphere and the authentic local charm that permeates the entire establishment.

The setting itself is simply amazing, creating a wonderfully intimate and inviting ambiance perfect for a couple's evening out. We immediately felt a sense of warmth and history that made our dinner even more special.

As for the food, it was nothing short of spectacular. My partner thoroughly enjoyed the moussaka, describing it as "beautiful" – a testament to its rich flavors and perfect preparation. I, on the other hand, ventured for the Garden Chef Special, a truly unique and delightful creation featuring tender beef and sweet fruit encased in a wonderful bread parcel. The harmonious blend of ingredients and the exquisite presentation made it a memorable dish that I would highly recommend.

Beyond the exquisite cuisine and captivating locale, what truly elevated our experience was the exceptional service we received from our waiter, Riza. He couldn't have been better! Riza was incredibly friendly and genuinely engaging, making us feel right at home. His recommendations were impeccable, guiding us to some truly beautiful dishes that perfectly complemented our tastes. Riza is an absolute credit to Garden 1897, embodying the true spirit of hospitality and significantly contributing to the restaurant's charm.

Garden 1897 is, without a doubt, a culinary oasis in Istanbul. With its amazing atmosphere, delicious and innovative food, and outstanding service from staff like the incredible Riza, it's a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience. We left feeling utterly delighted and already looking forward to...

This was our very first restaurant stop after arriving in Istanbul – and we couldn’t have made a better choice. The place is absolutely beautiful, located just steps away from the main mosques, and the atmosphere is warm, stylish, and thoughtfully designed down to the last detail.

The staff were simply outstanding. Our waiter, Rıza, was incredibly kind, attentive, and professional – truly someone who does his job with heart and excellence. Whatever salary he’s earning, he deserves a raise. He made our experience feel genuinely special.

We ordered two main dishes and a cocktail, and from the moment we sat down, we were treated with such care. After bringing the drinks, Rıza checked in on us several times to make sure everything was alright. Before serving the food, he asked if we had any dietary restrictions or allergies – a rare and thoughtful touch that we really appreciated.

Before the mains arrived, we were served traditional bread with olives. When the food came, he asked if we wanted to share the meals, and upon saying yes, he brought extra plates right away. That attention to detail made a big impression.

The food was absolutely delicious – fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. After we finished, we were surprised with complimentary Turkish tea and baklava, both of which were amazing. (We loved the tea so much we immediately went shopping for some afterwards!)

I admit I was a bit skeptical when I saw the place had over 14,000 positive reviews, but now I understand why. At the time of writing this, the rating is 4.9 – and honestly, that feels too low. I’d give six stars if I could. Everything was perfect, and it was a truly warm and welcoming way to begin our...