Sark Kahvesi — Restaurant in Fatih

This was hands down one of the worst tourist experiences I’ve ever had, not just at this café, but in Istanbul overall. We sat down for two Turkish coffees and one small chocolate cookie, and the bill came to a ridiculous £17.60. That’s not a typo. Nearly £18 for something that would cost a few pounds elsewhere, even in cities like London, Paris, or Los Angeles, I’ve never been charged that much for such a basic order. The café is located in the Grand Bazaar, a place that’s constantly hyped up as historic and charming, but in reality, it’s more like a glorified flea market. Overcrowded, chaotic, and full of vendors who see tourists as walking wallets. There’s nothing remotely authentic or welcoming about the place.

This café, in particular, is a prime example of tourist exploitation. Another guest mentioned being charged 158 TL for a tiny tea and 122 TL for a bottle of water they never asked for. They just place it on your table and add it to the bill, hoping you won’t notice. It’s sleazy and dishonest, nothing more than a money trap dressed up in fake tradition and cheap decor. Sadly, this isn’t just about one overpriced café. It’s a reflection of a bigger issue in Istanbul. Everywhere you go, you feel like a target. People hound you on the streets, ask you where you’re from before quoting a price, and do everything they can to squeeze money out of you. It’s constant, tiring, and frankly, disgraceful. There’s no pride, no hospitality, just opportunism. Even the basic state of the city is depressing: dirty streets, aggressive vendors, and a lack of respect for tourists. After a few days, I found myself waking up already mentally preparing to argue with someone, just to be left alone or to avoid being ripped off again. I don’t say this lightly: I will never return to Istanbul. For anyone considering it as a travel destination, don’t be fooled by Instagram or travel blogs. There are far better, more honest, and more enjoyable places to spend your...

TOURIST TRAP

This place is one of the most dishonest in Turkey! They scam tourists with overcharged prices and items they didn’t even order.

I strongly recommend reading the negative reviews on TripAdvisor—there are plenty! Don’t be fooled by the nice appearance of the place.

We ordered sweets and coffee, and they brought 5 bottles of water to our table (since we were 5 people). We drank the water, but in Istanbul, water is typically provided for free with coffee or tea. To our surprise, they charged us 5 euros per bottle! When we asked why we were being charged for water we didn’t order, they claimed that it was "optional" and that they simply brought it to our table. However, we noticed that other tables with Turkish customers received free water and no bottled water was brought to them. It was clear that they only did this to tourists!

On the menu, there were two types of water: regular and premium (the one they brought us). Why didn’t they offer us the regular water, like they did for the Turkish customers? Instead, they chose to bring us the expensive bottled water and charge us for it.

Additionally, they added a 10-euro service charge without informing us in advance.

This place is nothing special—just overpriced and misleading. Save your money and go to a traditional Turkish cafe for authentic sweets and much better prices. Read more reviews to understand what I mean—avoid this place...

BEWARE ... rip-off for tourists people... BE AWARE

.. the sweets portion seem more smaller but price it's at least double of normal price (compared with place outside of the Grand Bazar)

second , THEY included the service ..but without asking or mentioning the cost,

I'M NOT RECOMMENDED THIS PLACE..THE PRICE IS EXAGGERATED ... TYPICAL TOURIST SCAMMER

when the price is like that ..whatever it's around doesn't matter.... or they need to add on the menu ...price for AMBIENT.

answering to OWNER COMMENT ! It's seem normal for the OWNER to promote THE OWN products but..let see all the reviews where 84% are only complaining ... even your product is like you said " FIRST Quality:" (which I have my doubts ) IT IS NOT a reason to OVERPRICED at least FOUR times the prices

NEVER in this place which I "renamed" MY FIRST SCAMMER TOURISTS / Sark Kahvesi....

The real Turkish " SHARK " Kahvesi for tourists (if you see before and after my review , other reviews with 5 stars ... I suggest as well to publish images with receipt paid not only one sentence and 5 stars) .

AND AGAIN EXTRA REPLY TO OWNER....

I added my own personal review with photo and what I've paid for 2 tea and 2 sweets...

My advise: if you want to be SCAMMED is this "...