Sirkeci Lokantası 1912 — Restaurant in Fatih

A Regal Oasis Amidst Istanbul’s Chaos – with a Touch of (Im)Perfection

If you ever find yourself overwhelmed by the frenzy of the Bazar, Sirkeci Lokantası 1912 is the perfect refuge. Nestled in a stunning building that seems plucked straight out of an Ottoman dream, this restaurant offers a royal ambiance that will make you feel like a guest of the sultan himself. The high ceilings, elegant decor, and tranquil atmosphere create a setting that’s nothing short of majestic.

The food? Absolutely delightful, with authentic flavors that tell tales of Turkish spices and culinary traditions. This isn’t just a meal – it’s a journey that makes you forget the bustle outside.

Now for the quirky part: the tablecloth upon my arrival was… well, dirty. But who cares? Even in the most magnificent palaces, a mistake can happen. It was quickly replaced, though the waiter did so with all the enthusiasm of a museum guard reluctantly directing tourists.

This brings me to a gentle suggestion: while the setting is enchanting and the food excellent, a touch more warmth and hospitality from the staff wouldn’t go amiss. For a place this grand, you’d expect the service to match the charm of the surroundings.

All in all, Sirkeci Lokantası 1912 is a gem, a serene oasis where culinary artistry meets historical elegance. Just remember to bring a smile of your own in case the staff...

Stopped for lunch on Saturday. Sat right away. Server came very soon after and took our drink order. Drinks came quickly. QR menu doesn’t show pictures of several items. 4 of us ordered 4 different meals. One order was for chicken wrap without mushrooms. About 5 minutes after the order was placed the server informed us that they didn’t have chicken skewers. Ordered grilled chicken plate instead. Over thirty minutes before we inquired as to where our meals were. Hostess was rude when we did. Drinks almost gone by now with no offer of more drinks at any time. Meals came out immediately after we asked about them. Very large pieces of mushroom in the wrap. Server questioned me when I told him there were mushrooms in it. Food was barley warm. “Crispy potato strings” in the Çökertme were completely soggy as if they had sat in the dish for a long time. Grilled chicken had no seasoning on it. Penne arrabbiata was decent. I would not recommend this place and most certainly will never...

We stopped by this cute little establishment four times for the Sutlac. There is a bathroom on the premises in the basement (nice for washing hands after a hot day in the Istanbul sun). The service is very nice. The Chicken and Lamb Durum are good, but somewhat expensive. We would stop by after dinner for desert (sutlac)and Turkish tea. The one drawback is the music, which is too loud and is often in French. While I have nothing against French music, it really doesn’t fit this establishment. I would prefer soft Turkish music to fit the ambience. If I wanted French music, I would visit Paris or Marseille. The music was so loud, it’s difficult to relax after a long day of walking. I would recommend only if Management changes their approach to the music. We returned for the quality of the food and the service. I hope management takes this review to heart and corrects the misplaced...