Ziya Şark Sofrası

Additional 10% was charged, and a salad plate came along with food was charge of 14TL which we did not order. They just poured water into our glasses which we did not order were also charge of 5TL each which charged more than the menu price. In total, additional 10%+24TL was charged more. It’s obviously over-​rated restaurant located near tourist attractions.

After the Blue Masque and the Hagia Sophia, on your way to the Palace Museum, passing through a cool jewelry shop (pick up your mandatory pewter necklace that is cooler than what you get in the States, find a spot on the side of street and get some good food. Internet is free. Kebab fix is good. Mixed appetizer is fantastic: meat balls are more meat pie but the spicy sauce hit the spot. Take in the incline street view, pedestrian only, wonder why so many kitties on the street, order turnip juice with ice and then Turkish coffee. A bit of urban oasis amidst the hustle and bustle. Holiday is ending. Must I return?

Wonderful place to stop and have a great lunch or dinner!!! We have been in Istanbul for the last two days and just stumbled across this place. The staff are extremely attentive!

Dined here 3 times between March 9 – 15, 2014. Very close to one entrance of Gülhane Park; tram line passes in front (closest station is Gülhane.) Very good selection of different meats, kebabs and pide. Each visit the food was delicious and well-​presented. Service was stellar and English-​language menus (plus several other languages) offered. Waiters were attentive and helpful. Would rate 5 stars except for the prices — I agree with prior review that it is a little bit pricey — example: YTL 100.00 for two sodas (gas water), bottle of table water, a cheese pide, 2 kebab dinners, and 2 kunefe for dessert. Yes, a little pricey — however — as I stated before, the food was delicious, fresh, and well presented in a nice atmosphere — it’s located in one of the heaviest tourism areas of Istanbul. We would go back to Ziya in a heartbeat…

Service was excellent. The establishment is immaculate. Music was pleasant. The food was well-​prepared. Little pricey for what you get, But well worth it. Relaxing place to eat in spite of the trams going by.

My friends and I were looking for lunch and something warm after waiting in the long lines at Topkapi Palace, and stumbled across this restaurant, and tried it out. They have done a good job of making the space inviting and interesting, as the kitchen and seating are all basically in the same room (restrooms are down the stairs).
I ordered a mixed Pide, and my friends ordered different Turkish cuisines. We all LOVED our food. Also, for an appetiser we ordered the hummus plate from the tray of appetisers they presented to us while ordering. It was the best hummus that I had during my stay in Istanbul.
We had an issue with our bill, but they quickly changed it after we asked them about it. The service was friendly and good. This place was consistently packed throughout our time there. Not once was there ever an empty table. We had a late lunch at around 1−2pm.
TIP: From researching this place after the fact on several different review websites, it appears that this establishment also has a history of good food, but uncertain service. Also, I didn’t mark off a star for this, but I learned while in Istanbul DEFINITELY carry extra tissues. Because even the restrooms in museums or restaurants will not have a ample supply of paper, same as well here, and as the restrooms were downstairs, I couldn’t ask anyone for a refill. Thank goodness I always have a extra supply as that is my number one travel tip!