Ishtar — Restaurant in London

I am really disappointed with the service my group and I received from Ishtar Marylebone.

In summary, in August we booked the private dining area for a hen party scheduled for Sat 5th October. We spoke to a worker called Monika several times, and even went to the venue to view it with Monika. During our discussion with Monika she mentioned as we were only using the venue for 4 hours, and agreed to leave before their busy period at 7pm, we would not have a minimum spend. Monika told us there was another booking of 40 people at 7pm, and we had to be out of the venue by then.

We proceeded to arrange the hen party for 19 people and agreed the above terms.

As agreed, the week of the hen, we sent our pre-order to Ishtar, only to be told by the manager Eljin that we had to have a minimum spend and could not order from the menu we agreed with Monika (bear in mind we had already gathered the pre-order from the group of 19 people). We explained to Eljin that this is not what Monika told us. He said as Monika was off until 4th October, a day before the hen, we had to wait until then to clear this up.

We spoke to Monika on the 4th, a day before the hen and she completely denied our arrangements. The manager Eljin was being very rude over the phone, talking over me, telling me I changed the terms, and just generally having an attitude, he was not helpful and clearly did not want to come to some sort of arrangement to allow us to use the venue.

I asked Eljin to think about the sitaution logically, why would we book a group of 19 people, and change the terms a day before the hen, it wouldn't make any sense for us to deliberately jeopardise our booking, we had nothing to gain by doing this, but had everything to loose. Eljin continued to be rude and talk over me. Eljin told me the restaurant is busy, I should find somewhere else to go, and I'm changing the terms of what was agreed. He said Monika has worked for Ishtar for 7 years and would not have agreed these terms. He refused to think about the situation logically or even consider that Monika did in fact agree these terms, as we had nothing to gain by lying about this a day before the hen. Whenever I tried to explain the chronology of events, he would talk over me, at one point I had to ask him to allow me to finish talking, which he didn't do.

Monika's response to the sitaution was to tell us she will refund our deposit and "see if you find anywhere else to accommodate you".

I believe Monika and Eljin deliberately did this to try to force us into spending more than what we agreed. They left it until the week of, and the day before the hen to bring this up. In addition Monika's comment was very spiteful knowing we had booked the private dining area well in advance for the hen, and would be unlikely to find another venue to accommodate a group of 19 people at such short notice.

I am unclear as to why Monika could not be honest about our agreement, and I wonder if she is afraid of Eljin and felt she had to lie after agreeing these terms with us. This would not surprise me given the way Eljin spoke to me. If he speaks to his staff in this manner, it would explain why Monika felt she could not be honest with him.

Ishtar absolutely reuined our friend's hen, she was gutted when she found it was cancelled.

The above was very disappointing, I am flabbergasted that my group and I were treated this way the day before the hen. Ishtar ruined our friend's hen party. Their behaviour was absolutely disgusting.

We expected better communication and support, especially considering Ishtar's reputation. We were left feeling frustrated and undervalued as customers. It's disappointing to see such a lack of care.

We will not be returning to Ishtar anytime soon, and I wouldn't recommend anyone books the private dining at Ishar for special occassions as they will probably let you down a day before...

From the moment I walked into Ishtar, I knew I was in for a treat. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with beautifully decorated tables and soft lighting. The staff were friendly and attentive, making sure that every aspect of my dining experience was perfect.

As for the food, it was truly outstanding. Every dish was bursting with flavor and expertly prepared. For starters we got Borek, Kalamar, Sucuk and Hellim, featuring a delicious dip and small bites that were perfect for sharing. The lamb was cooked to perfection, with tender meat that practically melted in my mouth. And the ice cream for dessert was simply divine, with a gentle sweetness in every bite.

One of the things I appreciated most about Ishtar was the attention to detail in each dish. The spices were perfectly balanced, and the presentation was beautiful, making each dish a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Throughout my meal, the owners made sure that I had everything I needed and checked in with me regularly to ensure that I was enjoying my experience. Their warmth and genuine hospitality created a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, making me feel like a valued guest.

It was clear that the owners take great pride in their restaurant and are passionate about providing the best possible experience for their guests. Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence are reflected in every aspect of Ishtar, from the food to the service.

Overall, I can't recommend Ishtar enough. Whether you're a fan of Turkish cuisine or simply looking for a fantastic dining experience, this restaurant is not to be missed. With its welcoming atmosphere, exceptional service, and outstanding food, Ishtar truly stands out as one of the best Turkish...

During our recent visit to Ishtar, we had the pleasure of enjoying a delightful dining experience that we won't soon forget.

Ambience and Atmosphere: We chose to sit upstairs, where the warm ambience and relaxed atmosphere created the perfect backdrop for our evening. The decor was inviting, making it an ideal spot for families or couples looking to unwind. For those seeking a more lively vibe, the downstairs area featured a bar and live music, offering a vibrant alternative.

Exceptional Service: One of the standout aspects of our visit was the friendly and welcoming staff. They took the time to explain menu items clearly without rushing us, which was greatly appreciated. As parents with young children, we often find it challenging to capture the perfect family photo, but the staff at were incredibly patient. They graciously assisted us in taking several photos at our table and even outside as we left, despite the kids not cooperating initially.

Culinary Delights: The menu boasted a variety of appealing options that made it difficult to choose. However, everything we ordered was cooked to perfection and bursting with flavour. The dishes showcased a sophisticated and contemporary take on Turkish cuisine, elevating our dining experience beyond traditional expectations. Each bite was a testament to the chef's skill and creativity.

Value for Money: While the prices were slightly on the higher side, I wouldn’t label them as overpriced. The quality of food and service provided excellent value for what we received. We left feeling satisfied and happy with our experience.

We look forward to returning on our next...