NEF Istanbul — Restaurant in Oxford

Not the first time to this restaurant but definitely the worst dine-in experience in Oxford ever. We arrived with a booking for 5 people, they decided to seat us on the table that located at the back end in the middle of the shop floor. I asked nicely to have a better table, they asked me what table you want, I pointed out a few other empty tables around the place, they said this is the only table available to us because we are 5 people!. The restaurant was half empty and remained half empty during our visit till the end, and those empty tables with more comfortable seating area remained completely vacant. One of the two chefs in the kitchen was having a bad day and kept yelling and shouting at the waitresses serving, just two / three feet away from my seat. There were three waitresses serving, one young female with glasses I can summarise our experience with her in one word “RUDE”. An absolute rude waitress, in my dictionary when a customer gets shushed by a waitress for seeking her attention, this is pure rude. I’m seriously honest she shushed one of us for trying to ask something, the poor young man all he managed to say before she shushed him was “excuse me”!. She yelled at me telling me I’m on her way, while she carrying empty plates back to kitchen!. Plus few other things, the service we experienced from this young waitress with glasses was really disgusting. Food wasn’t great either. Humus and baba ganoush are canned ready made food put on plate. Some chicken and lamb were under cooked. They didn’t even bother to get us proper plates to eat from, we were eating from tiny plates like mezzes ones. I didn’t get cutlery or napkin, I had to help my self and get them from empty table!. Over all a very bad experience, never...

On entering the warmly lit, delicately ornamented ambiance of this outstanding Turkish restaurant in Oxford, we were immediately immersed in the rich culinary culture of Turkey. A marvel of authentic Turkish cuisine, this establishment exceeded our expectations on all fronts.

Service at this place was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we walked through the door, we were not merely guests, but valued members of an intimate dining experience. The attentive, knowledgeable staff went above and beyond to ensure our comfort, catering to our needs with efficiency and charm that was genuinely heartfelt.

The standout star of our visit, however, was the delightful cuisine. An assortment of mezzes, succulent kebabs, and delicate aubergine dishes showcased the breadth and depth of Turkish culinary heritage. Each dish was an artful blend of traditional flavours that danced on our palates, beautifully presented, and crafted with evident passion.

What stood out most during our visit was the sense of community the staff fostered. We didn't feel like we were dining at a restaurant; instead, we felt like we were part of a bigger family gathering, full of warmth and joy. This quality of service is rare and much appreciated.

We heartily recommend this delightful establishment to all lovers of Turkish cuisine and those yearning for a memorable dining experience. The restaurant's exceptional service, combined with its exquisite offerings, ensures that it stands out as a premier destination for food enthusiasts. We eagerly look forward to...

We went as family yesterday for especially occasion for the first time after we heard nice things about the place . Table was tucked inside which was good as you can still feel the breezy cold coming from the open door . And unfortunately keep smelling cigarette from people standing by the door . Not nice . Booth ladies serving were nice but didn’t feel they have the confidence to explain things or advice . First arrived the bread with dips and olive which was nice . Shared hot mezza was good . Surprised the grilled main course arrived before we finish the starter! which made us feel rushed , my mix grill lake of meat flavour , mince kebab did not taste at all as minced kebab and very thin , lamb and chicken cubes comes as half skewers!!! And not much flavour in them . Describing mix grill on the menus said comes with (lamb chops ) chops is plural not single one CHOP . And that what came on it one small chop! My older son usually not fussy with good appetite, he ordered the wings with chips He was eating it not enjoying it and when I questioned it he said dry, tasteless and doesn’t feel right . He hardly ate half of them and refused to eat the rest . I explained that to the lady who served us and she said she will check with the chef but she never back !! Price was ok for the market but not for the quality of the food . Sorry to say that We will not be...