Istanbul Flower Restaurant — Restaurant in Dubai

I hesitated long and was seriously not sure whether I should write a review or just leave it and ignore this place for the rest of my life. I have decided to write my review. No, not to tell bad things about this place, but maybe, in case they care and read my experience, maybe they think over whether this is what the founder's aim was in 2001 when he established this place with 4 tables at the Sheikh Zayed Road Branch.

On 12 February I went to this place together with my 4 years old daughter. We have been welcomed friendly by a staff member and he let us decide where we wanna sit. So we have decided to sit close to the kitchen in order to see and smell the delicious food. And this was the moment when we experienced what it means to be ignored.

We have been given a menu to chose our meal from, but for a pretty long time nobody was interested to ask whether we wish to order something, until I finally could catch an eye contact with one guy from the staff and could tell him what we wish. While ordering I have indicated clearly that we would like to order smaller portions in order to be able to eat some Turkish desserts.

The meal came pretty quick which I must say was good but what surprised me was that the guy put my food to the other end of the table and I had to take it from there and move it to my side where I was sitting. It felt a kind of awkward, because normally you serve the customer, unless it is a self service place, which it is not apparently.

But while we were dining I have noticed that all guests who come to the restaurant get a kind of welcome appetizer, which we have not been offered. Of course it's not something to argue for but it just leaves a bad taste when you feel left out while other customers get this service.

We have eaten our delicious food but for around 20 minutes nobody passed by to ask whether we liked it, whether we wish anything else, although I told the service personnel that we want some dessert. So my daughter and I started watching the staff. The person who was acting as the manager was standing permanently at a table with 4 women and was even serving their water but what was a weird move, was that he needed additional glasses and just walked over to our table and without asking, grabbed himself 2 glasses and brought them to the ladies' table.

I thought it is a kind of joke but obviously it wasn't.

I am not a restaurant manager, but I have most probably visited more restaurants than any of these employees at Istanbul Flower Restaurant. So let me share with you guys some real experience for do's and don'ts.

If you serve olives as appetizer, serve it to all customers. If you leave out some customers, they will feel discriminated. if you have a customers with kids, you must pay more attention on them as these kids might be hungry and believe me, you do not want to have whining kids in your shop So prioritize these customers! If your customer tells you, he wants to have some dessert after dinner, keep this in mind, as this will increase your revenue, which did not happen in our case, as nobody asked for dessert. When you bring the food to your customer, you serve from his/her back side either left or right side, but you do not just put the plate at a random corner on the table. Unless you want to lose this customer... if you have good looking audience in your restaurant, you might be interested in paying special attention to them, but do it in a way that other customers do not feel abandoned. And do not stand around that table for 25 minutes, care also for your other customers If you need more glasses for a table, bring the glasses from the kitchen but do not touch the glasses on your dining customers' table. It's just not polite towards your customers When your customer has finished his meal, ask whether he/she wants to order anything else and ask for feedback, whether the meal was good.

These are just basics guys. I really should not be writing these sentences for a restaurant which celebrates 19 years of existence in Dubai. But apparently someone needs...

The restaurant maintains an exceptionally clean and well-organized environment. From the moment you step through the doors, it is clear that great care and attention is given to maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout the dining areas. The tables, floors, and overall presentation give off an impression of fastidious upkeep, which is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to providing a sanitary and pleasant dining experience.

The staff at the restaurant are unfailingly helpful and attentive. They are quick to greet guests, guide them to their tables, and provide recommendations on the menu. The servers demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the food and beverage offerings, and they are happy to answer any questions patrons may have. Their friendly demeanor and responsiveness to customer needs contribute greatly to the overall positive experience.

The food itself is quite remarkable. Each dish is beautifully presented and bursting with vibrant flavors. The chef's attention to detail is evident in the complex layering of textures and the harmonious blending of ingredients. Whether ordering an appetizer, entree, or dessert, you are treated to a culinary delight that tantalizes the palate. The creativity and skill on display in the kitchen is truly impressive.

That said, it is important to note that the food at this restaurant is quite expensive. The prices are notably higher than what one might find at similar restaurants in the area. While the quality of the cuisine more than justifies the cost, it is something diners should factor into their budget and expectations before visiting. This restaurant is best suited for special occasions, celebrations, or those who are able and willing to indulge in a premium dining experience.

Overall, the combination of impeccable cleanliness, exceptional service, and exquisite food makes this restaurant a premier destination for those seeking an unforgettable culinary adventure. However, the high prices mean it is likely not an everyday option for the average consumer. Careful consideration of one's budget is advised before booking a...

One year ago I wrote this: There's nothing to show on a photo since we ate every single thing :D

Now, I believe that this place deserves a proper review.

Coming from Europe, and traveling through it, I am used to a certain quality and taste when it comes to grilled meat. Balkan people grill their meat very juicy and tasty, which we inherited from the Ottoman Empire, besides other things. The Middle East, where I live for the past 4 years, has a different way of grilling meat. In most places, the grilling process takes out the moisture from the meat and leave it too dry, for my taste. Until I discovered this place :)

I've been here several times in the past year and with great satisfaction, I can say that they keep the level of quality both in food and service. It is also one of the few casual places to eat where whenever I went there I saw an Emarati, either solo, couple or a small crows. That confirms the quality of this place.

If you are familiar with Turkish and middle eastern cuisine you will find plenty of great things to eat, including cooked daily dishes. Portions are very decent, food is very tasty and the preparation time is admirable.

All in all, for my taste, the best place in Dubai for this type of food. Would heartily recommend it to everyone who likes...