The First Ottoman Lounge & Restaurant — Restaurant in Fatih

Three Unforgettable Nights ,We had the absolute pleasure of dining at The Great Ottoman Lounge for three nights in a row, and that alone should tell you how special this place truly is. Each evening was a unique and exceptional experience — not just because of the incredible food, but because of the warm, personal touch from the amazing team. A massive thank you to Selim, our host, who welcomed us like family each night. His genuine hospitality, attention to detail, and effortless charm made every visit feel more like a celebration than a simple meal. We’d also like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Selim on his upcoming wedding — such a wonderful person truly deserves all the happiness in the world. Equally impressive was Serdar, who catered to every single request, no matter how big or small, with absolute professionalism and care. His personal approach and calm, accommodating nature made a huge impression on us. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and his service made our experience feel tailored and memorable. As for the food — simply outstanding. Every dish we tried was bursting with authentic flavour, cooked to perfection, and beautifully presented. You can taste the pride and tradition in every bite, and it’s clear the kitchen team is just as passionate as the front-of-house staff. Dining here didn’t feel like just eating out — it felt like being invited into someone’s home and being treated to the best of everything. It’s rare to find this level of consistency, quality, and personal service across multiple nights.We already can’t wait to return. Thank you again, Selim and Serdar, for making our evenings so special — you’ve gained...

⚠️TOURIST SCAM⚠️

I went to this restaurant because it has very good reviews, though on my phone apparently I arrived to 'The First Ottoman Lounge' though it front of me was a place called 'The Old Castle'.

The two men told me that their restaurant (The Old Castle) was the same thing as 'The First Ottoman Lounge'. They also gave me a card for proof.

A guy started randomly pouring water in my glass. I asked him if it was on the house/free or if I had to pay, he said "No English", which is fine; I just wondered why he didn't call the guy who did know how to speak English over so I could ask him. Anyway, I was peacefully looking for what I wanted to order and then he gave me some bread. I knew that he 'couldn't speak English' but just incase I asked him if I had to pay, same answer "No English".

After I ordered my food which was chicken and rice, he offered me tea and bakalava, I said no thanks since it was nightime and I had to sleep soon. I asked for the bill and the water and bread was there on the paper. I called him over and said "I never ordered water and bread you just gave it to me". He completely ignored my question and said "No look, chicken, rice, water, salad and bread". I made a very big fuss but he wasn't listening.

At the end it all costed me 700lira when it should've approximately costed me 500lira. Save your money DO NOT come here unless you wanna get robbed.

Thank you very much...

I can’t say enough amazing things about this restaurant! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and a welcoming atmosphere. Every detail, from the beautifully presented dishes to the incredible service, was flawless.

The food was absolutely outstanding—every bite was a perfect balance of flavors, and you can tell how much thought and care goes into each dish. We ordered a variety of items from the menu, and everything exceeded our expectations.

The highlight of our visit, however, was the incredible service. All the servers were fantastic, but Elçin truly stood out. He made us feel right at home, as though we were part of the family. Elçin went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed and genuinely cared about our experience. His warm personality, attention to detail, and ability to anticipate our needs made the evening unforgettable.

This was more than just a meal—it was an experience. We left with full hearts, full stomachs, and a newfound favorite spot. Thank you to the entire team, especially Elçin, for making our night so special. We can’t wait...