Allyson G.
Yelp
(but experience was 3/5) -- Great food, but I've felt a bit out of place
I want to preface this by saying that while my actual experience here was closer to a 3 out of 5, I'm rating Nahita Bakery five stars. As a small business owner myself, I understand how heavily reviews can impact a business's reputation. My goal isn't to bring down their overall rating -- it's simply to share honest feedback and highlight a few things I experienced that I hope the owners and team might take into consideration.
I've visited Nahita twice now, and the food has been consistently great. I usually get the Turkish breakfast with a Turkish coffee -- it's flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented. The space itself is charming and low-key, with a casual, almost cafeteria-style feel where people seem to gather for relaxed breakfasts or tea.
On my first visit, I didn't know how things worked, but the cashier was kind and walked me through it. I was also able to choose a pastry with my meal, which I assumed was included. On my second visit, I tried to do the same (I asked for the börek), but was told it only comes with its standard bread. After reviewing the menu, I now realize that was probably a misunderstanding on my part the first time. Not a huge deal, but a bit confusing in the moment.
The second visit also had a few misses. I never received the Turkish coffee I ordered, but I'm shy and didn't feel comfortable speaking up about it. The staff wasn't rude, but I didn't feel especially welcomed either. The interaction felt a bit brisk, and I did notice that they were much more friendly and conversational with regulars or customers who seemed to be part of the cultural community.
More broadly, I just felt out of place. I had a few moments -- saying "excuse me" and getting stared at, holding the door and receiving no acknowledgment -- that left me feeling awkward. I even tried to ask another customer a quick question, and they walked away without a word. These may seem small, but together they gave me the impression that I didn't quite belong. It's not something I think the restaurant is doing intentionally -- and certainly not something I hold against them -- but it's still how I felt while there.
Afterward, I read some other reviews and noticed I'm not alone. One customer described being told something was unavailable, only to see that same item given to another customer who spoke the native language. That kind of thing reinforces the feeling that there may be some unintentional bias at play.
That said -- I do genuinely enjoy the food, and I'd like to return. I just hope sharing this might offer a bit of insight into how someone outside the usual crowd may experience the space. A little extra warmth and clarity could go a long way in making everyone feel more welcome.