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Fatih

The Sarnıç Restaurant offers a unique dining experience in a 1,500-year-old cistern, blending historical ambiance with modern Turkish and international cuisine. While many patrons praise the setting and service, opinions on food quality and pricing vary. Some guests commend the attentive staff and the mesmerizing performances, while others express concerns about the value for money and food quality.

Asia

Türkiye

Nestled in the heart of Istanbul, The Sarnıç Restaurant offers a dining experience that is as enchanting as it is unique. Set within a beautifully restored Roman cistern, this establishment invites guests to immerse themselves in a world where history meets culinary artistry. The ambiance is captivating, with soft lighting reflecting off ancient stone walls, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere perfect for both couples and groups. As you step inside, the echoes of live music and the gentle clinking of glasses set the stage for an unforgettable evening.

The Sarnıç Restaurant is renowned for its exquisite menu that showcases the best of Turkish cuisine, elevated with modern twists. Two standout dishes that you simply cannot miss are the Beef Shashlik and the Cotton Blossom cocktail. The Beef Shashlik is a tender, marinated delight, grilled to perfection and served with a medley of seasonal vegetables. Each bite melts in your mouth, bursting with rich flavors that transport you straight to the heart of Turkey.

The Cotton Blossom cocktail, on the other hand, is a sensory experience in itself. With its sweet yet pleasantly bitter notes, this drink features yuzu and dried chamomile flowers, offering a refreshing twist that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the food. The attention to detail in both the presentation and taste of each dish and drink is a testament to the culinary team's dedication to excellence.

Dining at The Sarnıç is not just about the food; it’s an experience enriched by cultural performances. Guests can enjoy traditional Turkish music and dance, which adds an authentic flair to the evening. The restaurant’s unique setting in a historic cistern enhances the overall atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for special occasions or a memorable night out.

Conveniently located near iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, The Sarnıç Restaurant is perfectly situated for those looking to explore Istanbul's rich history. After a delightful meal, guests can take a leisurely stroll to these historic sites, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

What is the dining experience like at The Sarnıç?

The Sarnıç offers a unique dining experience in a historic cistern, complete with live music and traditional performances, making it a memorable evening.

While there is no strict dress code, smart casual attire is recommended to match the elegant ambiance of the restaurant.

Yes, it is advisable to make a reservation, especially during peak dining hours, to ensure you secure a table in this popular venue.

Whether you’re a local or a traveler, The Sarnıç Restaurant promises an unforgettable evening filled with exquisite flavors and rich cultural experiences. Don’t miss the chance to dine in a historic setting that beautifully merges the past with the present. Book your table today and embark on a culinary journey that you will cherish forever!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNncXFPajV3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJCQCQSIO5yhQRncYyDgAaNHE/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNncXFPajV3RRAB

Overpriced for the Quality – Needs Improvement

My spouse and I dined at this restaurant, and while some aspects were enjoyable, our overall experience did not meet expectations. The food was not bad, some dishes were tasty, but they were far from being exceptional or worthy of the price we paid. The appetizers and main courses were average at best, nothing special in terms of taste or presentation—something you could easily find at many other restaurants.

The Real Issue: Price vs. Quality

The biggest concern here is the pricing, which simply does not match the quality of the food. The fixed menu was priced at 3,750 TL per person, including only a single glass of wine, which was a very basic Doluca—one of the lowest-tier options available. A more refined wine selection would have been expected for this price.

Additionally, we ordered a bottle of wine, which retails for around 500 TL in stores, but at the restaurant, it was priced at an outrageous 3,300 TL. Our total bill came to 11,900 TL, which, based on the current exchange rate (37 TL per Euro), equals approximately 330 Euros.

Comparing to Global Standards

To put this into perspective, I have dined at Michelin-starred restaurants in some of the most expensive cities in the world, including Paris and Amsterdam. In those establishments, I enjoyed far superior meals, with two bottles of high-quality wine included, and the bill never exceeded 150-200 Euros for two people. Yet here, for a meal that was simply average, I ended up paying more than I have at Michelin-starred fine dining establishments in Europe. This is simply unjustifiable.

What Are You Really Paying For?

One thing is clear: the restaurant’s design and ambiance are stunning. However, the pricing structure makes it feel like they are trying to sell the venue itself rather than the dining experience. The building is old, and it seems as if the high prices are meant to cover rental costs rather than reflect the value of the food.

Furthermore, the dance performance was underwhelming and does not justify the high cost.

Exceptional Service – But That’s Not Enough

One positive aspect was the staff, who were absolutely wonderful—extremely professional, respectful, and attentive. The service was top-tier, and I have nothing but praise for the team.

Final Verdict: Not Worth the Price

While the ambiance and service were impressive, the pricing needs serious reconsideration. A meal of this standard should be priced at 6,000-7,000 TL at most. With more reasonable pricing, this restaurant could attract a much wider audience and provide a truly enjoyable experience.

However, at its current price point, I would not return, nor would I recommend it. There are far better options available for both quality and value.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMzeE1LcEZ3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJCQCQSIO5yhQRncYyDgAaNHE/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMzeE1LcEZ3EAE

Beautiful restaurant in a fabulous setting, located underground in a former cistern.  The food was delicious and beautifully presented, albeit expensive, which is understandable given that this is a fine dining restaurant.  The drinks are however ridiculously overpriced.  We were charged 700 Turkish lira (about £16) each for a small cup of Turkish coffee (see photo below), which is a blatant rip off - admittedly I didn’t check the price of the coffee as I did not expect it to be so extortionate.  The wines are also very expensive, but that was expected and they were delicious, so worth the price.  We also really enjoyed the music and the live dancers.  All in all, an enjoyable evening, but one that was slightly soured by the cost of the drinks.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmOHNlQ1JREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJCQCQSIO5yhQRncYyDgAaNHE/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNmOHNlQ1JREAE

Very nice restaurant with so many good flavors and a magnificent show!
The service was amazing and very kind and also whatever we wanted they were around us to make us happy!
We come from a very crowded island with tourism from Greece so we know what difficult case the service is .. so many thanks and we recommend for sure!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfdExYVldBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJCQCQSIO5yhQRncYyDgAaNHE/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfdExYVldBEAE

First the negatives:
- LOCAL drinks are included with the menu, this wasn't very clear to me and it isn't indicated which ones are local, so İ picked one that wasn't included and let the free one go to waste.
- service was a little slow at times
- i mentioned beforehand being bad with yogurt (severely lactose intolerant, esp with yogurt for some reason). The solution was to be served the same menu and İ was simply warned of what contained milk. While İ did enjoy being able to have a little taste of everything, even if İ couldn't finish it, it would have been nice if they double checked if İ was intolerant or allergic - huge difference!

As for the positives...whew.
- dining in a ROMAN CİSTERN. Bonus points for the person seating me, who gave a short rundown of the history of the place when he found out i study history. Very nice!
- the cocktail I had was one of a kind. İ had the cotton blossom. Sweet, pleasantly bitter, a punch of yuzu, i went through a whole experience with each sip. There were dried chamomile flowers on top for a dried floral whiff every time İ had some. "Cotton blossom" was a fantastic name for this fantastic drink.
- the food was hands down incredible. The care and attention to detail given to each individual dish were incredible, and each had a few different ways to experience it by having it with the little garnishes. İ never would have expected beets, berries and mint to go together, but İ ate almost the entire plate despite the labneh in it. The mezze was varied and covered everything - an earthy dish, a fresh dish, a salty savory dish etcetera. My main course, the beef shashlik, was so tender i thought for a second they had served me a minced meat kebab. They truly know how to elevate their ingredients beyond simply the sum of them.

Despite some small hiccups with the service i had an absolutely fantastic time, and if the current menu wasn't so heavily dairy-based İ would 110% go back!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMzMzRya2xBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJCQCQSIO5yhQRncYyDgAaNHE/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMzMzRya2xBRRAB

Go for the ambience, not for the food!

The location is good (close to Hagia Sofia) and the setting and ambience are nice.

The staff are attentive and friendly - topped up bread regularly.

Unfortunately, the food was a letdown. I'm not sure why there are so many high  reviews for food that we found to be lower in quality compared to other restaurants in the area.

Tomato pasta is fine, nothing special.
Meatballs small and dry.

The asparagus risotto was a big disappointment, unfortunately very bland and watery.

The quality unfortunately does not justify the price charged (the three dishes above plus two starters and still water was 3,200 Lira/ £75).

All in all, I would say to go for dinner somewhere else (Gülhane Şark Sofrası was more reasonably priced and tasty) and come here for a drink and see the live show.

The Sarnıç Restaurant: Fine Dining in Istanbul's Historic Cistern

The Sarnıç Restaurant is housed in a 1,500-year-old Byzantine cistern, originally built to supply water to nearby structures. Restored and transformed into a fine dining establishment, it offers a unique blend of history and modern cuisine.

Experience a fusion of traditional Turkish and international flavors in a historic 1,500-year-old cistern setting.

Boğaziçi Krep

Geleneksel Güveç İçinde Yaprak Dolma

Tereyağında Karides

Bizans Usulü Ballı Karides

Sebzeli Güveç

Paçanga Böreği

Deniz Mahsulleri Güveci

Sebzeli Çin Böreği

Günün Çorbası

Berrak Sığır Kansome

Izgara Jumbo Karides

Çupra Balığı Izgara

Dil Balığı Menuere

Tereyağlı Kiremitte Balık

Levrek Balığı Buğulama

Lüfer Balığı Izgara

Piliç Izgara

Dana Madalyon Rokfor Soslu

Kuzu Pirzola

Kuzu Külbastı

Izgara Köfte

Sığır Bonfile

Şiş Kebap

Kuzu Karsky

Karışık Izgara

Şatobriyan

Piliç Köri Soslu

Sebzeli Kuzu Fırın

Anadolu Kebabı

Kiremitte Çoban Kavurma

Sarnıç Usulü Sahanda Yoğurtlu Kebap

Fırınlanmış Ördek

Bonfile Kaşarlı

Beef Strogonof

Şiş Köfte Kebap

Biberli Bonfile

Izgara Kuzu Pirzola

Sarımsak ve Baharatlı Galeta Unu ile

Avakadolu Yeşil Salata

Domatesli Peynirli Roka Salatası

Kaşık Salata

Mimoza Salata

Taze Mevsim Bahçe Salatası

Geleneksel Türk Baklava Çeşitleri

Cevizli İncir, Kaymaklı Kayısı Tatlısı

Taze Meyve Salatası

Dondurma Çeşitleri

Fırın Sütlaç

Kızarmış Muz ve Ananas

Mevsim Meyveleri

Ayva, Kabak Tatlısı

Karışık Peynir Tabağı

Rakı

Standart Viskiler

J&B Johnnie Walker, Ballantine's Cutty Sark

Tuborg

Campari

Miller

Becks, Carlsberg

Tekila

Olmeca, Mariachi

Votka

Cognac V.S.

Imported Liqueurs

Efes Pilsen, Efes Pilsen Light, Efes Pilsen Dark

Vermouth

Delux Viskiler

Malt Viskiler

Burbon Viskiler

Kadeh Şarap

Cognac V.S.O.P.

Local Liqueurs

Taze Sıkılmış Portakal Suyu

Bottled Spring / Su (75 Cl)

Fanta

Cappy

Coca Cola

Light/Zero

Maden Suyu

Sprite

Ice Tea

Türk Kahvesi

Kafeinsiz Kahve

Filtre Kahve

Hazır Kahve

Espresso

Türk Çayı

Bitkisel Çaylar

The Sarnıç Restaurant Menu

The Sarnıç Restaurant Menu - A Gastronomic Voyage in Istanbul's History.

Nestled in the heart of Istanbul’s historic Cankurtaran district, The Sarnıç Restaurant invites you to experience a unique blend of traditional Turkish and international cuisine within the enchanting ambiance of a 1,500-year-old cistern. With a menu that showcases an array of thoughtfully crafted dishes, this dining destination is a treasure trove for food enthusiasts looking for a memorable culinary adventure.

Begin your meal with a selection of enticing starters that set the stage for the delightful flavors to come. Each dish is crafted with fresh ingredients, reflecting the rich tapestry of Turkish culinary heritage.

Boğaziçi Krep: A savory pancake filled with cheese and spinach, a delightful start to your meal.

Geleneksel Güveç İçinde Yaprak Dolma: Grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and tomato sauce, slow-cooked to perfection.

Tereyağında Karides: Succulent shrimp sautéed in butter, garlic, and parsley.

Bizans Usulü Ballı Karides: A sweet twist with shrimp, honey, garlic, and exotic spices.

Sebzeli Güveç: A medley of mixed vegetables, slow-cooked in tomato sauce and topped with cheese.

The main courses at The Sarnıç Restaurant are a celebration of flavors, featuring fresh seafood and premium meats, each dish cooked to perfection and served with flair.

İzgarada Jumbo Karides: Grilled jumbo shrimp drizzled with olive oil, garlic, and lemon.

Çupra Balığı Izgara: Sea bream grilled to perfection, served with olive oil, lemon, and aromatic herbs.

Tereyağlı Kiremitte Balık: Fish baked with butter and cheese, served sizzling in a clay pot.

Kuzu Pirzola: Tender lamb chops grilled to perfection, served with garlic and herbs.

Sığır Bonfile: Beef tenderloin, grilled to perfection, drizzled with olive oil and herbs.

To conclude your meal, indulge in a selection of desserts that blend traditional Turkish sweets with seasonal flavors.

Geleneksel Türk Baklava Çeşitleri: A classic Turkish dessert made with phyllo pastry, nuts, and honey syrup.

Dondurma Çeşitleri: An assortment of ice cream flavors to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Fırın Sütlaç: A baked rice pudding that is creamy and comforting.

Complement your meal with a selection of refreshing beverages, from traditional Turkish drinks to international favorites.

Rakı: A traditional aniseed spirit, perfect for pairing with your meal.

Standart Viskiler: A selection of quality whiskies to enhance your dining experience.

Savor authentic Turkish cuisine at The Sarnıç Restaurant in Fatih, Istanbul. Indulge in rich flavors and a cozy atmosphere. Book your table now!

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