My recent visit to Olive Garden in Istanbul was nothing short of a delightful culinary adventure. The restaurant, known for its excellent service and wide array of delicious dishes, did not disappoint.
The star of the evening was the Pottery Kebab. This traditional Anatolian dish arrived at our table encased in a clay pot, an authentic presentation that immediately caught our attention. The anticipation built up as the server expertly cracked open the pot, releasing an enticing aroma that hinted at the deliciousness to come.
The kebab was very good - an understatement, to say the least. The meat was tender and juicy, having absorbed the rich flavors of the vegetables and spices it was cooked with. Each bite was an explosion of flavor, transporting us to the heart of Anatolia with its unique blend of tastes and textures. The sauce was perfectly seasoned, neither too spicy nor too bland, complementing the meat and vegetables in the pot harmoniously.
The restaurant's atmosphere contributed to the overall pleasant experience. The staff were attentive and courteous, providing an excellent level of service that enhanced our dining experience. The ambiance was warm and inviting, making it an ideal place for both casual dinners and special occasions.
In conclusion, Olive Garden in Istanbul provides a wonderful dining experience that successfully combines an inviting atmosphere with a culinary journey through the flavors of Anatolia. Their Pottery Kebab is a must-try for any food lover. The restaurant has left an indelible impression, and I am eagerly looking forward to my next...
Read moreAfter a long walk down a large hill from the trolley, we arrived at this eatery not wanting to go back up the hill. The halls leading to the restaurant are covered in a textured wallpaper with highlights. Bathrooms are prior to entering, so it's a good idea to wash up first. The restaurant is broken into a garden style area and a covered area that resembles a subway type arch. We were say in the garden area. As we began to eat, 4 young adults behind us began smoking. We then moved to the other section. Rolls were served with an olive tapanede, I believe they were kalmata olives. We also ordered a babaganush. The rolls were very tasty. We got a mushroom smothered chicken and a hunters platter and shared the 2. Served with rice, grilled tomato and blistered shishito. The chicken was seasoned deliciously. The sauce was lacking. The chicken was about 2-3 minutes overcooked and dry. This dish could have benefitted by adding a fresh herb like parsley. The meat stew also was lacking an herb. This dish was cooked better for sure though. As Americans, this was moderately priced to us. The food was somewhat average for what we were used to, but better than average for our...
Read moreNice restaurant, definitely catering more to tourists than locals. On the good side the atmosphere and decoration is nice, and the staff is super friendly and helpful. As far as the food, it's way overpriced and the portions and quality don't really match the price. The pasta we had was very nice but the lamb was disappointing, it was undercooked and the sides were not much and included french fries that tasted like frozen ones. Also, for this price I would expect some complimentary salad or water of which there was none. While I enjoyed the visit, I did feel like it was a bit of a tourist trap and don't think I would go back. EDIT: After visiting a few more restaurants in Istanbul the price of this one in comparison is definitely a rip off. I also felt that the response from the restaurant didn't really address my concerns. Of course the price is clearly started on the menu, that is not the point, the point is the quality and quantity of the food doesn't match the price. I don't mind paying for expensive food if...
Read more