Do not be fooled by this place they do not serve fresh meat if you are tourist!
I was really looking forward to dining here, especially since they pride themselves on serving fresh meat and being a lamb shoulder lover! However, my experience was far from what was advertised. I ordered the lamb shoulder and French fries for my mother and I! As someone who cooks lamb shoulder frequently at home, eats lamb shoulder often, I can confidently say that what I was served was more than 24 hours old. The meat was dry, tough, and clearly not fresh. When I pointed this out to the server, he tried to convince me otherwise, saying it was from the morning?!? I was at the restaurant during lunch? This was clearly a lie, one or two hour old is different from serving your customer a two day old lamb should !despite the obvious signs that the meat was old, dry, and gray looking! reference my pictures! I even pointed out the bone of the lamb shoulder to the waiter because when you cook fresh meat, the bone has a distinct look and when it served three or four days later and warmed up reheated again, it shows obvious signs in the bone itself! What they served me was absolutely not fresh.
I then also showed pictures to the server lamb shoulder that I’ve cooked at home to show him that he’s clearly lying to me that it was cooked this morning and he was saying that you cooked in in an oven exactly and my oven neck shoulder was way more juicier than what you claimed was cooked in the morning and your rotating pit! Also, when you cooking an oven, the heat is much higher than when you cook and something that’s roasted! So how was my oven made lamb shoulder way more juicier than your roasted lamb shoulder?
Even after raising my concerns, the staff didn’t offer a solution—no apology, no offer to replace the dish, no discount, and no suggestion to come back for a better experience. I ended up paying about 3000 Turkish lira for our meal! Which at this time is 100 USD! I had ordered the most expensive thing on the menu and this is how I was treated! All I had were the French fries.
To me, they served me either yesterday’s morning leftover lamb shoulder that was reheated more than twice!
This place, like many others in Turkey, seems to be scamming tourists. It’s disappointing, especially from a restaurant that claims to serve fresh, high-quality meat. Literally SHAME on them...
Read moreZiyafet Kuzu Çevirme – A Delightful Turkish Experience in Sultanahmet
I had the pleasure of dining at Ziyafet Kuzu Çevirme, a charming Turkish restaurant nestled in the historic Sultanahmet district. Known for its authentic flavors and warm hospitality, this establishment offers a genuine taste of Turkish cuisine.
I began my meal with a traditional Turkish soup, which was both hearty and flavorful, setting a comforting tone for the courses to follow. Accompanying the meal was a glass of Ayran, the classic yogurt-based drink, which provided a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the dishes.
The Köfte (Turkish meatballs) were a highlight—succulent, well-seasoned, and grilled to perfection. Each bite showcased the quality of ingredients and the chef's expertise. However, the standout dish was the Iskender Kebab. Served over a bed of pita bread, topped with thinly sliced lamb, rich tomato sauce, and a generous dollop of yogurt, it was a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that left a lasting impression.
The service at Ziyafet Kuzu Çevirme was commendable. The staff was attentive and eager to ensure a pleasant dining experience, reflecting the renowned Turkish hospitality. The restaurant's ambiance, combined with its prime location in Sultanahmet, makes it an ideal spot for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic culinary experience.
In conclusion, Ziyafet Kuzu Çevirme offers a delightful journey through Turkish flavors in the heart of Istanbul's historic district. Whether you're a seasoned lover of Turkish cuisine or a curious traveler eager to explore, this restaurant is...
Read moreLet me preface this by saying that yes, the staff does ask visitors to leave a review after their visit. However, I’m happily writing this after the second visit my girlfriend and I made to Ziyafet.
Both times, our visit has been a highlight of our time in Istanbul. The food is amazing, and the friendly staff has made our dinners a truly special experience.
During our first visit to Ziyafet, we ordered the lamb dish for two and a small starter. The staff generously gifted us Keşkek as an extra starter, and we loved it so much we had to order it again during our second visit. This time, we could hardly finish the first bowl before the staff kindly brought out a second round for us!
My girlfriend ordered the mixed kebab plate for one person, but it easily had enough food for two. Even though the restaurant was fairly busy, the staff surprised us with a "shock ice" show alongside our main dishes—it was quite the smokeshow!
I shouldn’t forget to mention that on both visits, we also received a complimentary dessert and Turkish tea. While we learned during our stay in Turkey that receiving tea is common in many restaurants, the other thoughtful gifts were certainly not something we took for granted.
We couldn’t finish all the food, but we were happy to take it with us for the next day.
A special thanks to our waiter, Fevzi, and the entire staff for making both of our nights at Ziyafet the highlight of our Istanbul holiday. If you’re ever in the city, we highly recommend stopping by for an unforgettable dining experience. It truly...
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