New Galapera Restaurant — Restaurant in Istanbul

The food is way overpriced. It felt like a tourist trap and it was. “Recommended” by a driver. There was a whole group of Chinese brought of tourist brought to a nearby establishment in the same business. I saw absolutely no locals going to any of those restaurants.

That being, the restaurant is in an alley under the bridge and provides a unique view to observe the boats going on the Bosphorus or the wonderful skyline. You feel like being aboard a cruise boat. A cheap one though. Very little efforts for the seats tables or cushions. If you’re “lucky”, some street singers or music artists will go near your table play some tune and ask for your Liras.

Once you know you’re paying for the view and not for the food you can feel good about the place which I did.

I didn’t dare to order fish priced at the kg , but went for fixed price dishes. 1000 TL (around 20 euros) for grilled bream. Fish was fresh but was simply oven grilled. Accompanied with a few salad leaves and frozen French fries. Minimal effort, let’s call it degree zero of gastronomy. Even if the taste is ok, anyone can make it better at home.

The 1L sparkling water bottle was priced at 400 TL (8 euros) !! be careful also if you go only for a drink to check the price of every item.

The chicken skewer kebab was at same price and any street food is actually better.

The dessert and tea was “offered” but the dessert were just a few fruits (watermelon etc) and one piece of untasty baklava.

Still I had exactly this kind of expectations and I was ok with that because after all it’s still normal compared to western prices and we have the same tourist traps in our own countries.

But if you have higher expectations Don’t believe the other reviewers. Most of them have only 1 or 2 other recommendations and are probably made by the owners friends...

We were brought to this restaurant by our hired taxi driver. A gentleman in a smart jacket greeted us at the taxi drop-off point, making it clear this was a tourist-targeted establishment. But what could we do? We decided to make the best of it.

The service was courteous and friendly. The staff made an effort to make us feel welcome, and the view from the restaurant was genuinely lovely. It’s a nice spot to enjoy a meal by the water, if the food had lived up to the surroundings.

We were offered an assortment of appetizers, but I’d advise caution—if there’s no price indicated, it’s safer to politely decline, unless you’re comfortable with an unexpectedly high bill. The main dishes were simple and uninspiring. Our fish, rice, and chips were overpriced and lacked seasoning, though staff tried to justify the cost by saying it was cheaper than other places. One of my family members was served the wrong fish, but since the rest of us were nearly finished, she ate it anyway. Another senior member requested her fish filleted due to choking concerns, and despite promises, it arrived whole with bones intact.

While the service was warm, there were a few red flags. Even as we waited for the bill, the same staff member approached us again, asking for a Google review. They offered “free bread” of poor quality and a “free fruit platter” that, after tax, wasn’t really free.

Don’t be duped by the 5-star reviews. If the restaurant were genuinely that good, it would be bustling with customers, but it clearly wasn’t.

Overall, we appreciated the friendly service and the nice view, but the wrong orders, overpriced and uninspiring food, and unmet promises left us disappointed. I’d suggest looking elsewhere for a more authentic and...

New Galaper Restaurant is situated in a convenient location, making it easy to find. The ambiance is elegant and welcoming, with a stylish decor that creates a pleasant dining environment. The seating is comfortable, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with family or friends.

Menu & Food Quality: The menu at New Galaper offers a wide variety of dishes, featuring both local and international cuisine. The food is beautifully presented and made with high-quality ingredients. Each dish is flavorful and delicious, showcasing the chef's skill. Popular dishes often include their grilled meats and fresh seafood, which are particularly noteworthy.

Service: The service at New Galaper is attentive and friendly. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and quick to respond to requests, ensuring that diners feel well taken care of throughout their meal.

Value for Money: While the food quality and service are excellent, it’s important to note that the prices are quite high. Many dishes are priced above average, which may not be suitable for everyone’s budget. While it’s a great place for a special occasion or a nice meal out, frequent visits might be challenging for those looking to save.

Conclusion: Overall, New Galaper Restaurant offers a wonderful dining experience with delicious food and excellent service in a lovely setting. However, the high prices may be a consideration for some. If you’re looking to treat yourself or celebrate a special event, this restaurant is definitely...