Let me first say that our dinner at Caf? Istanbul was so bad that referring to this establishment as a restaurant is a bad joke. The dining experience is by the far the worst we have ever had. The service was very slow and the food was horrible and very greasing. My Moussaka was just a mound of tasteless beef and eggplant that was saturated with grease that pooled in the bottom of the plate. The waiter never returned to see if we needed refills on drinks. After we finished eating, what was edible, and waiting a very long time for our check, I had to chase down our waiter to request the check. When I found him, he was having a casual conversation on his cell. The place is also so dimly lit that you can barely see what you are eating. I guess the combination of insufficient lighting and black lights should have been a sign to exit the premises before ordering. There was also an element there that seemed to be made up of friends, family, acquaintances and off duty workers that had put down roots for the day. They were lounging around and drinking and seemingly enjoying themselves. However they were not eating as they apparently know better. This type of clientele created an unsettling atmosphere that made us want to leave as quickly as possible. It is evident Cafe Istanbul is more interested in establishing themselves as a hangout instead of a restaurant that caters to the paying public. Due to our miserable experience, I DID NOT LEAVE A GRATUITY, however our credit card statement showed a gratuity added, without my knowledge, in excess of 60%. I would heed all other negative reviews about Caf? Istanbul and question the glowing reviews and supposed awards. I truly wonder how they survive as they certainly cannot count on repeat business. Eat at your own risk.
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