Restohan Kebap Bomonti — Restaurant in Fatih

Simply the best restaurant in Istanbul. I visited this restaurant 3 times during my 7 days stay! Absolutely delicious food, the best staff without a doubt in Istanbul, the live music is great and the location is in the heart of touristic area of Fatih, yet it is so quiet and noise-free. A must-visit place. Staff: I've chosen to start with the staff because they were really very special. I bet you cannot find friendly staff like the ones working in this restaurant.. not even close! Very friendly, attentive, smiling and welcoming no matter how long you stay. The whole crew were perfect, but Mohammed and Mahmoud were really outstanding. Food: I have tried a lot of items from BBQ to casroules, kids menu, pasta in addition to hot and cold drinks. All was very delicious without a single comment, in fact it was out of the best in Istanbul. But there was one single platter which we ordered 3 times.. "Titir". The best of the whole menu, Absolutely flawless. If you go there you must try it. Basically tender beef strips laid over crunchy fried bread peices, covered with yogurt and a hint of red sauce, and seasoned with a mix of Turkish spices that will take you to another dimension. Honestly I did not taste something like this neither in Istanbul nor anywhere else. Shisha: Wherever I went in Istanbul during this stay and previous stays, I always order shisha. Trust me, in addition to loti, you cannot find a better shisha in Istanbul. Bearing in mind that the shisha here is almost half the price. They use the best types of tobacco, and obviously the shisha guy is a pro. Shisha lovers this is the place you should be heading to. (Worth mentioning that shishs is only served for the tables outside the restaurant). Live music: A professional artist named Sinan is performing there, this gentleman is really really talented, his voice, performance, songs choice and music play is outstanding. I cannot remember enjoying a live performance like this. He sings in multiple languages, and he is really good at all of them. Location: The restaurant is located right behind Gulhane park, 2 minutes away from Gulhane tram station, which makes it so easy to visit if you are in Sirkeji, Sultanahmet, Eminunu or if you are visiting Hagia Sofia or the blue mosque, actually it is in the middle of the touristic area of Fatih, so whenever you feel tierd or you want to have a meal, shisha or drink, you will simply take a small walk and you'll be there. The nice thing about the location is that despite it is very close to crowded areas, you will not hear the noise and you will not encounter the disturbing people who tries to force you to buy things. All in all this was the best restaurant I have ever been to in Istanbul on...

I found this place as I was strolling back home. I wanted to give the fancy restaurant a try since I have been dining only at local restaurants. Islam greeted me and showed me the extensive menu and highly recommended the Tirit dish. I had other options, but from the ones I was considering, he recommended that one. I agreed. The bread and spread appetizers were delicious. When the meal came, I immediately noticed the elegant presentation. Little did I know that this was the only good thing about it. It was painfully salty and chewy. I ended up spitting one out as my stomach declared its anger at me. I did not finish and called Islam over. I wrote a message in English thanking Jim for the recommendation, but it was salty and chewy for my taste, I tried to like it but maybe next time I might like something different. After explaining verbally, since he thought I was admiring the dish, he asked if I wanted the rest to go. 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ He brought the check of 478, which included a surcharge and a whooping 50 lira for a bottle of water. If it was zamzam, I may have paid, but this was just a regular one. Mind you, he did open it and pour a glass for me. Up until this point, I was terribly disappointed, slightly in pain from what I ate and ready to get home before my stomach decides its time. A young waiter, names Mustafa, tried to help Islam with the situation, especially after I advised him to never give a customer a to go option for food they just complained about and let them walk away unhappy with paying for a meal that they didn't enjoy or even finish, and are rushing home to undo the mistake they committed. Islam replied that there is a policy at the restaurant, that customers must pay whether or not they like the food. My eats hurt hearing this. I told that a customer should never walk away unhappy, and that high quality customer service should override that policy. Mustafa was insistent to trying to please me. I didn't wait- stomach led the way to the bathroom where I threw up the Tirit. I cleaned up the bathroom, went downstairs, trying to compose myself. Mustafa insisted on me trying their miniscule square of baklava, which somehow to make me forget the 478 lira on food that caused me to pray for mercy in the bathroom. I excused myself and insisted that I must leave. There are no open pharmacies. I shall survive.

In short, I highly recommend that you try a local diner which will give you genuinely warm service, affordable prices, and delicious food!

Okay, now I need to meet with my stomach to fulfill its...

A Culinary Journey at Resto Han: Where Taste Buds and Hospitality Collide

Restoran Han wasn't just a stop for dinner in Istanbul; it was a full-blown culinary adventure. From the moment we stepped in, we were enveloped by the warmth of Turkish hospitality and the tantalizing aroma of spices weaving magic in the kitchen.

The staff, particularly Mr. Oguz, deserves a standing ovation. He guided us through the menu with the enthusiasm of a storyteller, his recommendations hitting the mark every single time. We took his lead and embarked on a delicious discovery.

For starters, the Tirit was a revelation. Grilled beef tenderloin, cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection, danced in a symphony of flavors courtesy of a thousands-year-old Konya recipe. This wasn't just food; it was a glimpse into Turkey's rich culinary heritage. And then came the Kori Solsu Tavuk, a chicken curry that burst with sunshine and spice. Each bite was a celebration of aromatic richness, leaving us wanting more.

But the main course was just the opening act. The grand finale arrived in the form of desserts that made our taste buds sing. The Kunefe, a crispy filo pastry cradle holding molten cheese and sweet syrup, was an ode to indulgence. And the chocolate souffle, light as air and decadently dark, was pure bliss.

Leaving Resto Han, we felt like we'd not just enjoyed a meal, but experienced a genuine slice of Turkish warmth and culinary tradition. Mr. Oguz's attentiveness, the staff's genuine smiles, and the food that was art on a plate – it all came together to create an unforgettable evening.

If you're looking for a restaurant that goes beyond the ordinary, a place where food becomes a story and hospitality feels like a warm embrace, look no further than Resto Han. It's more than just a recommendation; it's an invitation to experience the magic of Istanbul, one delicious bite at a time.

Highlights:

Tantalizing flavors: The Tirit and Kori Solsu Tavuk are must-tries, showcasing traditional Turkish specialties in a modern and mouthwatering way.

Exceptional service: Mr. Oguz and the staff personify Turkish hospitality, making you feel welcome and pampered throughout your dining experience.

Dessert dreams: Kunefe and chocolate souffle are the perfect finales to a magical culinary journey.

Overall: Resto Han is not just a restaurant; it's an experience. Come for the food, stay for the hospitality, and leave with memories that will linger long after...