Restaurants near Dolmabahçe Sarayi

I recently took my partner to Nobu for his birthday, and while we had an enjoyable evening, there were some mixed aspects to our experience. We decided to try a variety of courses and asked the waitstaff for recommendations. They seemed surprised by our request, and while they offered some suggestions, their confusion was noticeable. Given the reputation of Nobu, I expected more enthusiasm and expertise in their recommendations. As for the food, I’d rate it a solid 7 out of 10. Having traveled the world and dined at many high-end restaurants, I found the dishes beautifully plated but somewhat lacking in the wow factor I was hoping for. The staff was attentive, but their low-energy attitudes were disappointing. It felt as though they were going through the motions rather than genuinely engaging with guests. The restaurant was fairly empty during our visit, and the few other diners were engrossed in their phones rather than enjoying the ambiance, which detracted from the overall vibe. On a positive note, my partner and I created our own enjoyable atmosphere in the intimate setting. The seating was comfortable and well-spaced, and we had a lovely view by the window, which enhanced our experience. Overall, while there were elements that could be improved, we did have a great time together. Nobu certainly has potential, but it could benefit from a more energized staff and a stronger focus on the dining experience.

My husband and I had dinner at Izaka Terrace restaurant. It is located at the highest floor of a beautiful hotel and has a lovely ambience and astonishing panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus. The attentive and kind staff deserve special mention. Since there were no window side tables available when we arrived, we started our dinner and were moved to a window table immediately after one became free. The food was just wonderful. We absolutely loved the corn and coconut soup and the perfectly on point black cod cooked in miso. A lovely turkish chardonnay gave company to our meal and a tahini soufflé (more cream than soufflé)with rose sorbet and tamarind liqueur were the perfect finish. Thank you for the lovely dinner

Great service in an impressive setting. Menu is only seafood and servings are small while tasty.

Great Italian food presented and executed brilliantly as you would expect at any Cecconi's restaurant. Friendly and helpful staff too making it a very enjoyable dining experience.

Everything perfect, service impeccable Food was delicious Thank you for the special detail for our anniversary Will recommend strongly