Vefakar Cafe & Bistro — Restaurant in Fatih

AVOID THIS PLACE !!!

Last Saturday 07.04.2018. we stopped there for tea. The tea was served to us and after a few minutes the waiter (little skinny guy) returned and without explanation took away our tea even though we did not drink half a cup. When we wanted to pay, the waiter asked for 5 liras for two teas although the real price was 3 lira. When we asked for a bill, he suddenly forgot English and pretended he did not understand what we wanted and wanted to pay him directly and not at the cash desk where everyone was paying. After a few minutes of embarrassing persuasion and attempts to take us 10 lira without giving change, he allowed us to pay at the cash desk, but then he went to the cash desk and told the boy who worked there to charge us, two tea 5 lira :-) you can't beat the system. Of course, we did not get an invoice at the cash desk either. We paid and went with bitter taste in the mouth. It was not big money, but it was enough to spoil our overall impression...

I found this spot by chance during the afternoon while visiting the old xi century orthodox church, a mosque now, whose back wall they share and that makes an excellent decor element. I ordered a coffee and water but I noticed the menu had many possibilities at reasonable prices. Not the most traditional Turkish spot but the fact that it seems to follow some Occidental standards may have helped making me feel more comfortable. The 4 stars because I ordered a double but by the standards I am used to it was a simple expresso and because I asked for sparkling water and got none seems to understand...

I really like this cafe and would love to give it 5 stars but for two things: the bathrooms and the music they play. The bathrooms are always in need of attention/stocking/cleaning.

And then the music... It's not at all in line with the decor or feel of the place. Plus no one's dancing, so no need for techno! I have actually cut my lounging short due to the music.

They also need to number the tables or something so it's not a puzzle everytime you go to pay. You don't know what table number you are at but that's all the info the cashier has so it really slows down paying...