Reviews Esmer Cafe

Zomato
Saab Cravings
+5
Rating: 5/5
One of the best restaurants in Taksim area. Small and cozy place, delicious food tasty and fresh ingredients. Quick service and affordable prices.

Place is highly recommended.
8 months ago
Zomato
Esra Ekincioğlu Vela
+4
Her şey güzeldi. Özellikle kasada bulunan Ayşegül Hanım çok tatlı, hoşsohbeti için teşekkür ederiz :) Esra&Zülal
11 months ago
Zomato
TheFooddakter
+5
Catchy restaurant in Taksim Square where a live cooking pasta station makes you drool.

This place is a gem serving tasty international dishes with good portion and quality vs price. The service is exquisite. High five to Mohammad for the best service during my multiple visits. Pasta, Burgers, Pizzas, Chicken, Meat you name it.

Rating:A+++
Definitely do not miss it in Taksim.
11 months ago
Zomato
Marc Ajami
+5
Loved this place! Right in the heart of Istiklal street, was surprised by the quality of food for such a location. Tried the Jalapeno poppers, Kebap pizza, tagliatelle con pollo (my fav) and the chicken noodles. So tasty and authentic, go there for a quick nice lunch or dinner!
Sep 19, 2019
Zomato
Aya Hussein
+5
What a wonderful experience. I visited this restaurant 3 times during my 4 day stay in Istanbul, and I might have visited it more had I discovered it earlier!

It was tough to find somewhere that suited my taste in Istanbul, but this restaurant was our lucky discovery.

We tried the fettuccine con pollo pasta, the Capricciosa pizza, Caesar pizza and chicken panzerotti. The mix of taste that we had is indescribable. The food was unbelievably good. The presentation was excellent, everything arrived hot and fresh within 10-15 minutes despite the place being super crowded during the weekend.

I recommend this restaurant for everyone going to Taksim!

Thank you for the wonderful experience and for being our go-to restaurant away from home!
Sep 02, 2019
Zomato
The Beik Bite
+5
Never enjoyed Italian food as much as this ever before. Spent 5 days in Taksim and ate at this place 3 times which is considerably a lot when you’re going to try new places.
They are very organized and have a very consistent taste that dazzles your senses.
When you’re there, don’t miss this place.
#thinkaboutit
Jul 22, 2019
Zomato
TheHangryChick🐥
+4
A cozy place to try if you are in istiklal. The waiters are very friendly. We ordered pizza and gnocchi and both were tasty! The prices are fair.
Jul 11, 2019
Zomato
ERSİN SAVAŞ
+5
daha önce bir çok kez yemeklerini deneme ve tatma fırsatım oldu ve gerçekten çok başarılı mutfakları var ... pizzalarından , makarlarına kadar herşey çok lezzetli ve başarılı tabiki favori yiyeceğim çıtır tavuk salatası , panelenmiş tavuk parçalarının üstüne dökülen o tatlı sosuna bayılıyorum. Çalışan personeller gayet ilgili zaten büyük ve zincir bir işletme ve içerisi her dahim kalabalık. İşletme yetkilisi mesut bey çok ilgili ve alakadar bir kaç kez bizi kırmayıp masamıza davet ettik ve sağolsun geldi. mekan hakkında söylecek çok fazla şey var ama sanırım bu kadarı yeterli olmuştur.
Jul 05, 2019
Zomato
Hibz
+4
Heard of Esmer cafe via friends who are regular customers there. And im glad i followed them there and tried their delicious food.
The staf ia friendly, indoor and outdoor seating area, pizzas are prepared on the GF of the place where you can enjoy amazing smells while having delicious food.
Jun 21, 2019
Zomato
Merve Akipek
+5
Pizza ve makarnaları kesinlikle ölmeden tadılması gereken lezzetler arasında✨efsane ve verilen hizmet çok güzel gerçekten. Bir bir çalışanına ayrı ayrı teşekkür ederim.
Jun 04, 2019
Zomato
Pierre Khalil
+5
I love this restaurant. I returned to it and recognized it right away after two years of absence. A must-try, tasty Italian restaurant, serving amazing Pizzas and Pastas. Service is great and prices are beyond fair.
Definitely recommended.
May 29, 2019
Zomato
Melissa Abou Khalil
+5
We had lunch at Esmer Cafe yesterday while spending the day in Istanbul. Very nice place on Istiklal street, well located, hard to miss. There was a little bit of a language barrier, but the waiter tried to explain the dishes and recommend the best. We had the Capricciosa Pizza and Fettuccine Al Salmone. Both were really good, made with fresh ingredients, the Fettuccine is not to be missed.
Recommended.
May 28, 2019
Zomato
Sami Khalife
+4
How did I forget to review this place, so I visited restaurant this last july...their chicken alfredo pasta is to die for! One of the best ive tried. I also like how they garnish the pasta plates with fried pasta sticks, not to mention the portions are pretty big unlike pasta/italian restaurants in Lebanon, recommended
Apr 10, 2019
Zomato
Bahaa Khaled
+4
Very cozy place in the middle of Taksim, a little bit crouded and tight but the food is worth it. Fresh taste of sea food and creamy pasta with friendly staff.
Mar 24, 2019
Zomato
Rasha Saad
+5
BEST restaurant in Istanbul !!!!! Lovely staff , Super Delicious Food. Flavors are soooo rich and fresh. You can never find delicious Italian food in istanbul like the food at ESMER. Aside from this it is located in such a lively street where you can enjoy shopping and find many delicious restaurants at the same time . Highly recommended !
Mar 24, 2019
Zomato
Jessica Youssef
+5
We discovered this gem on the last day of my trip while walking down Istiklal street. This rather small place was actually crowded with both tourists and locals and after having the food I could see why! The vintage decor and hanged pictures gave the place a great ambiance. We tried the crispy chicken and the grilled chicken platters and they were both really yummy. The food is very well priced and service prompt. If you're ever shopping in Istiklal and feel hungry, this is the place to try!
Mar 19, 2019
Zomato
Vamil Gandhi
+4
We needed some change from turkish food and we come across Esmer cafe while walking towards our hotel near Taksim. We could see a chef making fresh pasta from scratch through the glass door and it tempted us to visit it!
The first thing we did after entering the cafe was to check the prices as we were on a tight budget. Voila! We came to the right place. This cafe is quite pocket friendly taking into consideration the ambience, quality and quantity of the food they serve. They serve fresh hand made pasta and pizza!
We ordered-
Spinach fettuccine pasta with basil cream sauce and parmesan cheese - 4.5/5...very delicious

Tavuk Izgara Chicken- 3.5/5... Though the chicken was nicely grilled and tender, we found it bland. We loved the French fries served with it. They were perfectly crispy and well seasoned.

If you are looking for some pocket friendly food options on Taksim, Esmer cafe would be your best bet and a good change from Turkish cuisine.

Mar 18, 2019
Zomato
Lama Naim
+4
It was the first time to try the place . I loved it so much . The food is delicious the waiters are friendly . Nice choice of cuisines. So much to choose from
Lovree their pesto pasta homemade pasta done in the place
Mar 05, 2019
Zomato
Tam.yas93
+5
This small Italian cafe in taksim street is the perfect place for a pasta and pizza. Pasta is cooked perfectly the sauce is heavenly and the pizza just melts in your mouth. Staff is friendly too but lacking languages (noting that lots of tourists come to this place) I highly recommend it.
Feb 25, 2019
Zomato
Derya Kaman Özdemir
+5
Evlilik yıldönümlerimizde muhakkak burda yeriz deniz mahsullu makarnası müthiş harika hatta restorantın içine girince ki o harika sarımsakla deniz kokusu birleşmiş kokuya bayılıyorum. Mükemmel lezzetlerin adresi bence
Jan 25, 2019
Zomato
Aleyna Torun
+5
Açık büfe kahvaltısı mükemmeldi istediğiniz zaman yeniliyolar çalışanlar çok samimi ve iyi davranıyolar fiyat olarak pahalı ama cidden çok iyi hem tadları hemde ortam olarak
Jan 19, 2019
Zomato
Joanna Challita
+5
Been there twice during my vacation in istanbul from the 25 th of december to the 30th. Amazing place, amazing food, the shrimps are magnificent even though a little bit expensive. Would definetly visit every time i go to istanbul and definetly recommend it to everyone i know.
Jan 07, 2019
Zomato
Gizbozz
+4
Tavuk dürüm sipariş etmiştik, gayet hızlı servis ettiler. Lezzetliydi de. Garsonları kibar ancak ye kalk olarak düşünüyorsanız gidebileceğiniz bir yer. Çevrenin gürültüsünden rahatsız olabiliyorsunuz zira. Fiyatları normal.
Dec 17, 2018
Zomato
Ghofran
+5
best restaurant I ate in at istanbul..very delicious and healthy and clean..dont miss it if u visit istanbul .. pizza and fettucino is the best!
Dec 10, 2018
Zomato
Karan Bhatia
+4
Located right of Istiklal Street, this place serves up yummy Italian Food. We had the Spaghetti with Beef and a Grilled Chicken dish. Both were really good especially the Spaghetti which was just spectacular. The pasta was fresh and the sauce was delicious. The chicken was cooked well and the fries they served with that were yummy and had a delicious spice mix on it. 

All in all a good experience.
Dec 10, 2018
Zomato
Elio Abdel Nour
+4
The place is crouded
Cozy located in the independance street
Staff are PROFESSIONAL.
The upstairs sitting is good
Food is perfect
Pasta and pizza are worth trying
Desserts are perfect
Dec 04, 2018
Zomato
Anuj Bagri
+4
Right off taksim square. This place serves up authentic Italian food at great prices. We ended up having the Margherita pizza and tri color tortellini with a couple of cold drinks and it set us back about 75 lira. Not a bad deal at all. Portion sizes are generous. Do check it out when in Istanbul.
Nov 22, 2018
Zomato
Tracy J. Chwéh
+5
Best pasta in the whole world.
I am a pasta lover and I enjoyed every bite to the max.
The place is so cosy and the ambience is amazing especially with the live cooking.
It is really a must try for all Istanbul visitors 🥰
Nov 18, 2018
Zomato
Elsy Merhy Ahmar
+4
Good food. The risoto mare is delicious. The chich barak is wonderful and the pizza also. Good restaurant but the music was a bit lound. I recommend it.
Nov 10, 2018
Zomato
Hatice Guler
+4
Pizzası ve makaranası mükemmel, zaten elinize menüyü aldığınızda makarna da ve pizza da iddialı olduklarını anlıyorsunuz. Ayrıca çalışanları oldukça güler yüzlüler, gitmekten memnun olduğum ve gideceğim yerlerden, şiddetle tavsiye ederim özellikle makarnasını.
Oct 20, 2018
Zomato
Ekspresso
+3.5
In my travels,roaming the historical city of istanbul, we were hungry for some food as always when you are walking a lot so we entered this cafe .
Looks chill from the outside ,we took a seat and a menu and ordered 2 pizzas and some fries,they were good.
Sercive is fine but the staff do not speak good english and i do not speak turkish ,haha , but we managed to communicate at the end.
Güla güla( bye bye in turkish)
Oct 17, 2018
Zomato
Goûtons Voir
+4
Very nice place in Taksim, and they serve very good food.
We ordered fettuccine, kebab plate, crispy chicken plate and chicken salad. At the end tiramisu and chocolate fondant. All every bite tasted very good.
Recommended!!!
Oct 10, 2018
Zomato
Ahmad Al Sayed
+5
Number one in instanbul and very good service erkan very good intresrd whit us and give good advice for food i coment for everybody this place
Sep 22, 2018
Zomato
Stripes A
+4
Cozzy Italian Restaurant in Istiklal,Taksim. The staff were friendly and helpful they adviced us to try good plates of theirs, the food was good! I personally loved their fettuccine con pollo, it's a must try!
Sep 02, 2018
Zomato
Sarah K. K.
+5
Best place to eat pasta for pasta lovers.
I visited the place twice in 2 days.
The tricolor tortellini is to die for, salads are refreshing. Huge portions and very good pricing. You need to wait a little bit to find a seat but it is worth it. I tried tricolor tortellini and fettuccine alfredo they are amazing. Pesto ravioli is an amazing choice.
Fries are so good you will not stop eating.
Great staff and they are so friendly. A must try place.
Aug 31, 2018
Zomato
Ward
+4
We were on a visit to turkey
so we stopped by esmer in taxim
the place is small but really can hold many people
the food was really amazing
I liked the cury tawouk the most!

Aug 16, 2018
Zomato
Lea Rifai
+5
i looovvveee this restaurant. i go there every year and i just can’t get enough of it. plus the waiters are amazing. my favorite plates are seafood pasta and salmon pizza. prices are excellent.
Aug 01, 2018
Zomato
Zeina El Zein
+4
Located in the middle of Taksim, it is a small restaurant which seemed to be always packed especially that during July there are a lot of tourists. We were lucky to find a table.
We went the following:
- iskender kebab pizza: I am glad i took the risk with this pizza, it was deliciouss!! Loved the doner pieces with yogurt in my pizza
- seadfood pasta: it was very very rich in seafood items, however, the pasta itself should have been cooked for longer.
If you are in Taksim make sure you stop by!
Recommended
Jul 30, 2018
Zomato
Hani Bashi
+5
Located literally in the middle of Taksim ! The place deserves all the buzz ! well you have to wait in line :P a small place with eveything prepared on spot ! 

- Try their specialty noodles !
-Try their pzizas 
-Try their burgers 
-Try their chicken items ! 

Well try everything ! its amazing ! literally !
Jun 28, 2018
Zomato
Ruba Hajj
+4
I love it. It has the best food in Istanbul, thank you so much for everything, the service is amazing, the atmosphere is incredible, and the food tastes delicious.
Jun 13, 2018
Zomato
Hussam Hamzeh
+5
Sunduğu lezzetlerle istiklal caddesine yakışan harika bir mekân. Pizzasindan limonatasına kadar tadacaginiz her şey damağınızda güzel bir tat bırakır. Özellikle "noodles yemek istiyorum ama bulamıyorum" diyenler için tavsiye ederim. Ayrıca bizi, dostane ve nezaketle ağırlayan Erkan arkadaşa teşekkür ederim :)
Jun 10, 2018
Zomato
Erkan Soyuyigit
+5
Öncelikle cok başarılı bir mekan taxime geldiğinizde boş geçmeyin mutlaka aparatif ve dünya mutfağına hakim bir cafe ali bey de menüsünden sectiği güzel sunumla teşekkürü haketti sanırım ali bey ee teş.edrizz
May 26, 2018
Zomato
Hamza Haffar
+5
It was one of the most amazing food I have ever taste.. I ordered pasta with salmon and it was incredibly good from the sauce to the flaky fish and the fresh mushroom. And the pasta was cooked perfectly.
Then I ordered Tiramisu and the taste was heavenly.. The portion was huge and the prices are so reasonable.
The waiters were nice and with a smile on their faces all the time. I'll definitely be coming back soon! :D
May 15, 2018
Zomato
Sara Assi
+4
I loved the place! It’s small but it’s a very nice place to dine in. Pizza and pasta are prepared in live stations and the food comes so fresh, hot and delicious! Portions are more than good and the service is fast. I ordered the chicken caesar salad (it’s not actually chicken caesar that was served) but it was good. The shrimp were amazing! The pasta was perfectly al dente and the sauce was delicious. I also loved the tiramisu! Prices are excellent for portion size. It’s a must visit in Taksim!
May 13, 2018
Zomato
Molly Weasley
+4
Fettuccine con pollo yedim, fesleğeni çok fazlaydı ama onun dışında tadı güzeldi, kreması da bir tık daha az olsa çok beğenebilirdim. Alt katta oturmamızı istediler ama üst katı daha güzel duruyordu, alt kat mutfakla fazla iç içe geldi. Fiyatlar yüksek, yediğim makarna 26 TL’ydi, servis hızlıydı, garsonlar biraz suratsızdı.
Apr 16, 2018
Zomato
Danielle AZ
+5
So yummmie! Went twice during our stay in istanbul! We tried seafood pasta, seafood pizza, fettucine salmon and panzone verdura!!!! All was yummie!
Apr 13, 2018
Zomato
Özge Başkurt
+4
Kahvaltısı güzeldi ama serviste biraz aksaklilar var.. güzel bir mekan fiyatlar da uygun 2 kisilik serpme 40 tl tost+çay 6-7 civarı. begendik istiklalde olabilecek en iyilerden
Apr 08, 2018
Zomato
İrem
+5
Sevgilimle ne zaman canımız makarna istese soluğu burada buluyoruz. Gerçekten çok lezzetli. Garsonlar ilgili ve sunum güzel. Fiyatlar kalite bazında ortalamada kalıyor.
Apr 03, 2018
Zomato
Sinan
+5
Her seferinde memnun ayrıldığım bir yer. Kesinlikle tavsiye ederim. Menü zengin, pizzalar lezzetli, porsiyonlar büyük ve doyurucu. Mekan temizliği ve iç dekor olarakta başarılı bir yer..
Mar 10, 2018
Zomato
Ahmet Edip Taşoğlu
+3.5
tavuk menüsünde yer alan tavuklar iyi pişmiş fakat sulu değillerdi. ancak çalışan arkadaşlar çok istekli ve hızlılar. taksimde bu yoğunlukta bunlar makul karşılanabilir ancak panzerottiyi denemeyin, gereksiz
Mar 06, 2018
Zomato
Mellody
+4
Hafta sonu İstiklal yeni yeni uyanırken insanlar akın akın gelmeye başlamadan burada bir kahvaltı yapmanızı tavsiye ederim. Ayrıca pizzaları da çok iyi. Fiyatlar çok makul. Tek sıkıntı eğer dışarda oturuyorsanız bir şeyler satmak isteyenler tarafından sık sık rahatsız edilmek.
Feb 26, 2018
Zomato
Ezgi Gizem
+5
Ilk defa geldiğimiz bi yerdi bilerek değil hoşumuza gittiği için girmeyi tercih ettik ortamı gayet nezih çalışanları ilgili servis hızlı vejeteryan pizzası lezzetliydi :) kısaca dinlenip yemek yemek yada atıştırmak için hoş bir mekan tavsiye ederiz :)
Feb 25, 2018
Zomato
Alara
+4
Çok aç olmadığımız için iki kişi bir tane karışık malzemeli Regina pizza söyledik. Gayet güzeldi. Porsiyonu eğer açsanız uygun olabilir. Mekanın içi, özellikle üst katı tahminimden daha basık ve küçük. Onun dışında içecek fiyatlarını gözardı ederseniz memnun kalırsınız.
Feb 23, 2018
Zomato
Samah Elnag
+5
Very good service, the food is delicious as well. The waiters are friendly, restuarant is clean. We liked the shrimp noodles, mushroom pasta and seafood pasta.
Feb 22, 2018
Zomato
Hakan Yüksel
+4.5
Pizzaları çok iyi diye bir duyum aldık ve gittik. Gelen pizza son derece sıcak ve lezzetli idi servis hızlı çalışanlar ilgili ve güler yüzlüydü.aradan 1 hafta geçti tekrar gittim ama son gidişimde isteğimi bulamadım dağınık bir çalışma şekli ve kordine olmamış çalışanlar gördüm.
Feb 21, 2018
Zomato
Ramy Youssef
+4.5
Very tasty food, the pasta and the dessert are very tasty. I recommend it. Very professional staff and very affordable price to dine or to have lunch.
Feb 14, 2018
Zomato
Nicolas.talj
+4.5
This place is located in the upper part of ISTIKLAL street. We have tried several plates( pasta , fries “YUMMYY SEASONING” , meat balls , onion rings” sweet sauce 😋😋”). The portion is big enough for sharing!!Enjoyed the place but the service was a little bit slow. All in all it was a good choice!!!
Feb 13, 2018
Zomato
Patricia K.
+4.5
Very nice and welcoming people! The place is very cozy in the heart of istiklal street with a beautiful decoration.
The menu has a wide variety between italian and local cuisine . Must try the gnocchi and al pollo pizza 😍
Feb 06, 2018
Zomato
Sandy Ikawi
+4.5
Great,small, and cozy place in istiklal street. The food is to die for. The chicken fettucine was deliciousss. However, the staff are a bit rude.Definitely recommended!!!
Feb 05, 2018
Zomato
Zeina Alti
+3.5
there service is great. very friendly emoloyees.food was ok. the kepap pizza was yummy. the alfredo good but cream sauce could be better.
tortellini spinach was not tasty snd needed more cook time. ceasar salad had lot of mayonnaise
Dec 18, 2017
Zomato
Erdi Yılmaz
+5
Tesadufen gorup oturduk. Ne yesek diye aranirken siparis alan bayan esmer schinitzel ve feslegen soslu tavuklu bir makarna onerdi. Ikisi de cok guzeldi ancak ozellikle esmer schinitzeli deneyin.. normalde schinitzel yedigim bir sey degildir pek de sevmem ama bu mukemmeldi. Icinde bir suru malzeme vardi uzerinde peynir falan şahane olmus
Dec 17, 2017
Zomato
M.
+3.5
Caddeye kadar taşan makarna kokusuna aşık olup denemeye karar verdik .Gerçekten de emekle hazırlanmış çok güzel makarnalar yapıyorlar.
Biz tavsiye üzerine en çok tercih edilen makarnayi denedik , tavuklu mantarlı soslu bir makarnaydı , ben tekrar aynısını tercih etmem fakat lezzetliydi .
Mekan da çok tatlı , calişanlar da çok kibar .Menudeki hersey de çok cazip .Sadece fiyatlar çok şisirilmiş ve tek servis tek kişinin tüketemeyeci kadar büyük. Umarım porsiyonlar ve fiyat doğru orantılı olarak düşürülür .
Nov 09, 2017
Zomato
Recep Cimen
+4
İstiklal Caddesi üzerindeyken yemek yemek için tercih ettiğimiz yerlerden biri genelde ve tercihimizin ana sebebi de pizzalarından dolayı oluyor. Oldukça ince hamura sahip pizzalarının malzeme dağılımı ve kalitesi gayet başarılı. Pizza çeşitlerinin zengin olmasının dışında, menü de oldukça kalabalık aslında ve karar vermekte zorlanıyorsunuz. Oldukça başarılı makarnaları ve hamburgerleri de var.

Son uğradığımızda ben Capricciosa pizzasını tercih ettim. Dana jambon, mantar, mısır, zeytin ve mozzarelladan oluşan başarılı bir pizza olduğunu düşünüyorum. Evvelden diğer birkaç pizzasını da denemiştim. Sevdiğiniz malzemeleri tercih ettiğinizde gerçekten pizzadan sonuna kadar memnun kalabilirsiniz. Tek eleştirebileceğim son gittiğimdeki tercih ettiğim pizzanın çok az pişirilmesi oldu sanırım. Malzemeler pişmesine rağmen pizza hamuru ince olmasına rağmen tam pişmemiş gibiydi.  Ben biraz daha Napoli usulü hamurun hafif gevrek olmasını seviyorum. Onun dışında sonuna kadar memnun kaldığımız bir yer. 

Çalışanlarının da nazik olması, yoğunluğa göre siparişlerin çok aşırı gecikmemesi de önemli noktalardan.
Sep 25, 2017
Zomato
Layal H.
+4
A place in the middle of istiklal street. Tasty food, loved their caesar pizza and pasta, but the place tends to get overcrowded and the service slows down. Prices are fair.
Aug 13, 2017
Zomato
Sencan Basık
+5
Çok çok güzel bir mekan. Spaghetti bolognese ve cheddar burger siparişi verdik kısa sürede geldi porsiyonları oldukça iyiydi. Lezzeti muazzam,kesinlikle gidilmesi yemek yenmesi gereken bir yer şiddetle tavsiye ediyorum!! :)
Aug 01, 2017
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