Olden 1772 — Restaurant in Fatih

We are deeply disappointed. This is disrespectful and petty behavior from the management, with the way they extract money from customers. It’s a scam and minor fraud.

Here are the circumstances: Our bill for food and drinks was $77, which included three dishes: fish fillet, a vegetable bowl, and grilled vegetables. The portions were small, very small. In addition to this amount, the bill included a service charge of $8.5. Although the service charge is high, we were willing to pay for it.

However, before the meal, we were brought two small bowls with butter and an eggplant mixture, plus bread. We didn’t order any of this, but since it’s common for restaurants to offer such starters as complimentary, we didn’t question it and assumed it was a free appetizer. But it wasn’t a complimentary dish, and we were charged $7.5 for it.

We paid the total bill of $93, but it’s really unpleasant when you’re treated like a fool, taking advantage of the fact that you come in a good mood, expecting to have a good time, and don’t want to spoil your evening.

As for the food, out of the three dishes, only the fish was good. The bowl was ordinary, like in any regular café, and we didn’t even eat the grilled vegetables. There were only pepper, onion, and carrot, completely tasteless and drenched in a huge amount of cheap, bad-tasting sauce. So, the chef and the kitchen were also a disappointment.

Also, in the women’s restroom, only one room was working, and it was dirty with no toilet paper. The second room was closed, so there was a line for the only available one.

The only thing that didn’t disappoint us in the restaurant were the waiters, who created a pleasant atmosphere, being very attentive and polite.

Overall, we left with the worst and most unpleasant feeling after visiting this restaurant.

By the way, as we were leaving, the couple at the next table was also served the same bread and two small bowls, and the woman mentioned that she hadn’t ordered them. The response she got was, “It’s ok.” We stopped and asked the waiter why neither we nor other guests ordered these starters, and they look like a complimentary offering, but then appear on the bill for $7.5. The waiter replied that when you come to this restaurant, this is the way it is, necessary. He apologized to us.

However, in the language of consumer rights law, this is not “the way it is,” but...

Olden 1772 is set in a beautifully restored space that exudes charm and elegance. The ambiance is undeniably one of its strongest features—inviting, stylish, and perfect for a special evening out. The service team is attentive and eager to please, but for a restaurant positioning itself at the high end of the price spectrum, several details fell short of expectations.

To begin with, there were no bread knives, no cloth napkins, and no physical menu provided—surprising omissions for a fine dining experience. The music selection was tasteful, yet a touch too loud, slightly disrupting the otherwise refined atmosphere.

For the starter, I had octopus served on a celery root purée. The octopus was cooked to the right tenderness, but unfortunately, the plate wasn’t warm, which meant the purée arrived cold. While it was nicely seasoned, the octopus itself lacked flavor and seemed merely reheated before plating. It missed the depth of grilled aromas or any crisp texture. The topping of crispy leeks was far from crispy—more fibrous than anything, and unpleasant in the mouth.

The main course was braised lamb shank. This time, the plate was at least warm. The accompanying wheat semolina was well-seasoned but slightly gummy in texture. The lamb itself was tender but again under-seasoned, lacking the richness and depth one would expect. The portion was disappointingly small, especially for a main dish priced above €40.

A few additional disappointments added to the overall impression: the bread offered at the beginning was charged separately, and a 10% service fee was added to the bill.

In the end, it was a costly but underwhelming experience. For €80—covering just two courses and water—one can find far more satisfying cuisine elsewhere. We won’t...

Olden 1772 is a must-visit restaurant in Istanbul for those who appreciate a combination of fine dining, stunning ambiance, and exceptional service. The restaurant is located inside a hotel and features an impeccable decor that immediately transports you to a different era.

The attention to detail in the decor is impressive, with intricate designs and exquisite lighting that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant is always bustling with energy, so it is highly recommended that you make a reservation before visiting to ensure that you can secure a table.

When you step inside Olden 1772, you'll be greeted by the friendly and attentive staff, who are always on hand to provide recommendations and answer any questions you may have. The dress code is fine dining, so make sure to dress accordingly to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

The drinks at Olden 1772 are truly exceptional, and I highly recommend trying their Cesni drink which is black label mango and burning cinnamon drink at the bar. The drink is a perfect combination of sweet and spicy, making it an ideal palate cleanser to kick off your dining experience.

While I didn't have the opportunity to try the food at Olden 1772, the menu items looked enticing, and I've heard great things from others who have dined here. From the extensive selection of appetizers to the mouth-watering main courses, there is something for everyone on the menu.

I highly recommend Olden 1772 to anyone looking for a unique and memorable dining experience in Istanbul. The combination of stunning decor, exceptional service, and impressive drink menu make this restaurant a must-visit. Don't miss out on this gem, but remember to make a...