We were drawn to Queb Lounge by their incredible rooftop views of Haggia Sophia and the Bosphorous River. Our 360 camera was capturing an amazing backdrop, and it was the perfect spot for a social conversation with our new friends from the UK and Germany. Wagner's Ring Cycle, the Fall of the Berlin Wall, musical theater in London... it was so fun to hear about art and history and share stories! The food all tasted wonderful.
For starters, my date and I ordered half a dozen oysters. They tasted fresh and mineral, perfect with lemon alone. Oysters were a "hard pass" for our friends. They had the smoked salmon salad and the earthy garlic mushrooms with mozzarella cheese which they shared with us, and we enjoyed all. We were astounded by the size and presentation of 2 large "Mixed Meat Platters" (for 5 people altogether). They served us deep dishes of Adana Kebab, Beef Shish, Chicken Shish, Meatballs, Lamb Chops, Grilled Chicken breast, and grilled vegetables plated in copper treasure chests.
It seemed like A LOT of different kinds of meat. It was very tasty and varied and fun to share and pair with the vegetable casserole and tortilla-like flatbread.
In the end, we had SO many leftovers that we had 2 bags of food and both were heavy. Would recommend 1 platter for 5 people. We were actually excited to have some leftovers because we would be taking a train in the morning and this could be a big lunch for our travels. So, the staff's upsell wasn't an issue.
Five stars for atmosphere, Five stars for service.
Servers were attentive with drink orders, and it was a very seamless experience. They don't allow you to order hookah on the roof, so we ended the night rolling Turkish cigarettes and smoking on the rooftop watching the moon rise. A night to remember !
Unfortunately, in the middle of our travels the next day after lunch, my companion started to have a stomach ache on the train and had to run for the bathroom a couple of times. We had pepto bismol with us, so that helped a bit. When we arrived at our destination we picked up some chicken soup for dinner and went to bed early.
We were both sick in the night, and I felt better only periodically after vomiting throughout the following day. By morning I was ok, and by 48 hours after our dining experience I was back to normal.
We realized it was possible the 2 of us got sick from oysters, though neither of us has ever had a bad oyster before. We contacted our friends to see how they fared, and the German couple had the same digestive distress that we had experienced, so more likely it was contamination of the meat platter. In fairness, our friend from the UK felt ill but did not experience other symptoms.
The manager at Queb Lounge wanted to make it right, so he offered us dinner on the house. We declined, but accepted their offer for shish (fruity tobacco hookah) and signature cocktails, and experienced their staff's genuine desire to offer the best hospitality they possibly could on our return visit.
It was a lovely date night with hookah and cocktails on 5th floor lounge, impressive views of Istanbul. It wasn't too loud for us to have a conversation. It was low key and nice. We accepted their hospitality as a genuine apology for the apparent connection between the 4 out of 5 of our dining companions falling ill.
I would caution the restaurant to review the kitchen's food temperatures, refrigeration policies, and food handling protocols if they continue to serve large quantities of many different types of...
Read moreAll this place has going for it is a good atmosphere. Very beautiful views but other than that it is less than subpar.
Food was over cooked and bland, they give you mezze but then they give you 4 slices of dry baguette to eat it with?? No pita bread? What kind of place thinks it’s acceptable to eat hummus with dry crusty French bread?
We asked for more bread and you know what they did? They went and retrieved 4 more dry pieces of bread that were already pre-cut and sitting in a basket under the sink with a bunch of other baskets of dry bread.
Meat was extremely over cooked and tough. Very chewy and lacking in flavor. Tasted like it was cooked 3 days ago and reheated 30 minutes before it comes to your table. So not only does it taste old but it’s also not even warm.
Service was almost non existent. The servers and host are more concerned with flirting with and catering to the women that are dining in groups.
Prices are high for the quality of food. You’re basically just paying for the views.
There are SEVERAL much better restaurants all up and down the same street.
They also allow people to smoke cigarettes on the rooftop but don’t allow hookah/shisha. Doesn’t make sense but whatever. It’s really nice to eat a meal and have cigarette smoke blowing into your face from the table next to you 🙄.
Avoid this place and go somewhere else where they actually know how to cook.
Spent 2600 lira for a 1 star meal. I paid 2700 lira for a 5 star meal yesterday at Garden 1897 just down the street.
DO NOT BOTHER GOING TO THIS PLACE. Absolute waste of money and time. Hope whoever reads this believes my review and not all of these people that were asked to leave 5 star reviews against their will.
Edit: in response to the owner, it is not possible to bring up any issues to the servers because they do not come to the table and ask how the meal is. They drop the meal off and ignore you until you beg them to bring the check.
The bread is not kept in special bread cloths. They are wrapped in a napkin and placed...
Read moreIf you’re on the lookout for an unforgettable rooftop experience in Istanbul, this spot is a must-visit! Perched high above the bustling streets, this rooftop restaurant offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city that will leave you in awe. Whether you’re watching the sunset or admiring the skyline at night, the atmosphere is nothing short of magical. Ask for Ramazan HE IS THE BEST!
The decor combines modern elegance with traditional touches, creating a chic yet cozy vibe. With the soft glow of lanterns and the gentle hum of music in the background, it’s the perfect place to unwind with friends or enjoy a romantic evening.
The food? Absolutely incredible. From traditional Turkish dishes to international favorites, every bite is a burst of flavor. The mezze platters are a must-try, and their freshly grilled meats are cooked to perfection. And if you’re a fan of desserts, make sure to leave room for their irresistible baklava.
But what truly made my experience special was the exceptional service. Ramazan, one of the staff members, went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. His warm hospitality and attention to detail made me feel right at home, and his recommendations were spot on. If you visit, be sure to ask for Ramazan—he’ll take great care of you!
Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a meal under the stars or just want to soak in the best views of Istanbul, this rooftop restaurant is a must. With its stunning views, mouthwatering food, and top-notch service (thanks to Ramazan!), it’s an experience you...
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