TURKISH KITCHEN — Restaurant in Madison

We usually check reviews before choosing a restaurant, and we decided on this place based on its 4.7-star rating. After our experience, we’re honestly left wondering how the rating is so high, as our visit was really disappointing especially for such an important occasion.

We had booked this restaurant a few weeks in advance for a party of 10 to celebrate our son's graduation, a meaningful occasion for our family and close friends. Unfortunately, the experience was deeply disappointing and left us wishing we had chosen a different venue.

Despite having a confirmed reservation at 7:30 p.m., our table was not ready when we arrived. The staff member who greeted us (possibly the manager or chef) checked our reservation but seemed visibly displeased by our arrival. This was especially confusing since the restaurant wasn't even full, despite it being graduation night.

There were only two waiters on staff, and when we tried to order individual dishes, they strongly encouraged us to opt for meat platters instead, saying it would be easier for the kitchen. We agreed, but made it very clear that we specifically wanted lamb chops, which one guest had been looking forward to. We also informed them that one member of our group was vegetarian, and they assured us a vegetarian platter would be provided.

The meal began with soup for everyone, followed by a confusing and underwhelming progression of courses.We received soups for all and then 3 appetizers and only three salads and two small plates of rice for four meat platters and ten guests. We had to ask repeatedly for more rice.The meat platters only contained chicken and beef: no lamb chops. When we inquired, we were told they had run out after the food had been served, despite having been promised lamb earlier.The vegetarian guest received their food last, after most of us had already finished eating. We had to follow up multiple times and sometimes we were ignored, which was embarrassing and uncomfortable.

In full view of our table, someone working in the kitchen was seen touching raw meat and eating at the same time, raising serious hygiene concerns. Strangely, we actually saw lamb chops in the kitchen, so it was unclear why we were told they were unavailable.

For dessert, we were told we'd receive tiramisu and baklava, but only two Tiramisus were brought out, and they said that they were out of more Tiramisu and didn't have the Baklava. Throughout the evening, we felt misled by the waitstaff, who gave conflicting information and kept apologizing for misleading us. It looked like they were understaff and didn't have the manpower to entertain us. When we asked to speak to the manager, no one came to address us. Instead, they offered a $20 discount, a small consolation for not serving half the food paid for during what was supposed to be a joyful and memorable event. The only positive was that they allowed us to bring and serve our own champagne, as they didn't have any in-house.

Overall, this was a frustrating and embarrassing experience that took away from what should have been a celebration. Most importantly, the restaurant should have been honest from the beginning about not having the bandwidth or staffing to properly serve a large party. We would have appreciated the honesty and adjusted our plans accordingly. We were left feeling disappointed and regretful that we didn’t choose another venue. I would never visit this place or recommend this place. Please don't have a graduation celebration there. It is sure...

The space is very pleasant. The location is good. The employees are very friendly and conversant. However, there is a kind of overly laid back feeling here. Everything is a bit haphazard. For starters, they have only QR code menus, which to me is lazy and inconvenient for those people who may not have a phone. Second, they have a bar but don't serve alcohol - unless you ask and then they have complimentary red wine of unknown origin. That really limits your beverage choices to soft drinks or coffee or tea or water. And the water is in small glasses that are not refilled very often. As for the food - the menu is very meatcentric. There is one vegetarian kabob. It turned out to be an odd assortment of vegetables, both charred and raw, on a platter+ mushrooms, an entire charred onion, raw carrot sticks and Brussels sprouts. The accompanying salad and rice were served family style. If you order an appetizer, don't expect it to come out first. Ours came after the soup (which was excellent). To be honest, I preferred the appetizer dips and the soup to my entree. Delicious pita comes with the appetizer dips but it was too little for our party and we had to ask for more. They left dirty plates on the table for the entire meal, into dessert, which was very puzzling. Baklava is the only dessert and a bit pricey for the portions. I support what they are trying to do but hope they tighten things up. It could be great, but for now...

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Tila on the phone, and I have to say, she went above and beyond to make sure I had the best possible experience. I had a small issue with my order, and Tila immediately took charge, listening carefully to my concerns and offering a solution that was not only quick but also incredibly thoughtful. She was so patient, understanding, and friendly throughout the entire call, and I could tell she genuinely cared about making things right.

Tila didn’t just solve my problem — she made me feel valued as a customer. Her attentiveness and professionalism really stood out, and I was so impressed by how effortlessly she handled the situation. It’s rare to come across someone who is not only capable but also so kind and genuinely dedicated to customer satisfaction.

Thanks to Tila, I’ll definitely be returning to this restaurant. She turned what could have been a frustrating experience into a positive one, and I truly believe she’s the reason I’ll keep coming back. She absolutely deserves a raise for her outstanding service and commitment to making her customers feel important. Highly recommend this restaurant — and if you’re ever in need of assistance, Tila is the one you want...