haya faris
Google
AVOID THIS PLACE – SCAMMERS IN DISGUISE
Absolutely devastated and furious after visiting this restaurant. We were blatantly scammed – and I don’t use that word lightly.
The prices on the menu were half or even less than half of what we were charged on the final bill. When we asked for an explanation, the manager claimed the menu prices were “per person” — but for dishes like kalamar, we were 4 people and only received 8 pieces. That’s not four portions — that’s one dish split among us. They just doubled every price without even asking us, and then justified it with vague, ridiculous excuses.
We ordered a simple green salad — nothing added, no cheese, no nuts — and were charged 1200 TL. I’ve dined in some of the best places in Istanbul and internationally, and never have I seen a price like this for a bowl of lettuce. When I said this to the manager, he sarcastically asked me, “Where have you been eating?” — as if we were the problem for noticing their scam.
To make matters worse, they placed a sauce on our table without us asking, and then included it in the bill. Only after we complained did they agree to remove it.
The waiter seemed ashamed and kept apologizing, which tells you a lot. Clearly, this is a known practice at this place.
Yes, the view is nice — but Istanbul is full of beautiful seaside places that don’t rob you. This is NOT the first balık restaurant by the sea I’ve been to, and certainly the worst experience I’ve ever had.
I truly believe tourist police need to monitor places like this. Foreigners are being targeted and scammed, and when we try to stand up for ourselves, they double down and make us feel like we’re in the wrong. They were aggressive in insisting they were right, even though it was obvious they manipulated the bill behind our backs.
Shame on this restaurant. I left feeling angry, taken advantage of, and deeply upset. Do not go here. Warn your friends. You deserve better.
