There are a lot of mediocre restaurants in the immediate area with very aggressive and insulting door ballyhoos who try to bully tourists into entering. Be aware that there is a definite inverse relationship between how obnoxious the door touts are and the quality of the food in the restaurant. It might have been the cold, as we visited in the off season, but the door guy here wasn't quite as bad as the others in the vicinity so we climbed up the awkward and claustrophobia inducing stairs to the top (three stories) for a rather nice view of the Blue Mosque. Then, looking at the menu, the prices were so excessive, we considered for a while whether to climb back down and find someplace else. Instead, we opted for the lower priced options, which were still overpriced but okay and the view was nice. The net experience was okay. read more

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We had a great experience here. Our server was super friendly and welcoming. We ordered the mixed meze plate, Greek salad, vegetables in saffron sauce with rice, and baklava/katmer. We enjoyed everything we ordered, especially the saffron dish. We weren't sure what to expect, but it was delicious. It was probably our favorite dish. The view of the Blue Mosque from the restaurant was stunning. The restaurant is small, and the top terrace wasn't open yet when we dined here in early June. The level below has some indoor seating with a balcony overlooking the Blue Mosque. read more

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Please don't go. Food is terrible and surprisingly more expensive than most places. I guess it is because of the terrace which overlook the mosque. But food is terrible. I don't know what to say. There's better place to be for better food and better view. read more

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This is one of these restaurants that looks great from the photos but it is also one that depends on their view, not on their food. I was disappointed in the food. I had the Clay pot which was okay. I presentation was theatrical but that was it. The restaurant is on the top floor meaning it is a long walk up a spiral staircase, heaven forbid you drink a little too much or you'll have fun trying to get down - we were all okay. It was July, so the rooftop was hot and we had to have them move the umbrellas to get us out of the sun. read more

Mehmet was amazing!! I highly recommend coming to the Ararat restaurant if you're visiting Istanbul. Ask for Mehmet, he'll take good care of you! read more

Ararat rooftop terrace bar. View of Blue Mosque and sea amazing. Hagia visible but a little obscured. Amazing roof top terrace for drinks and also serves a good breakfast! A really great spot slightly away from the main hubbub of the area. Perfect spot for a break after visiting the mosques. Service / staff super friendly. Coffee and Food was good. read more

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We just left Istanbul 3 days ago and will definitely be back soon. My family & I had a wonderful stay in Istanbul and Mohammed from Ararat Hotel made sure that we had everything that we need. He provided us with all the information needed and simple directions to places to visit.The hotel was small but clean and nice. It was close to everything which saved us a lot of money. The daily Turkish breakfast was great prepared by their sweet cook with a very nice view on the 3rd floor right behind the Blue Mosque. Mohammed made us feel safe the whole time. It was a wonderful experience and I don't mind using Ararat hotel again. Good job Mohammed and crew!!! read more

Ararat Hotel - Ararat Hotel with Blue Mosque - Hotels Near Me - Istanbul, 34

Honestly, there were a lot of stairs so make sure you prepare for that trek, but the views and food make it all worth while. The service was excellent and the food phenomenal. We had the most amazing views of the Bosphorus, Blue Mosque, and the Hagia Sophia. When it was prayer time, we heard the beautiful duet for athan between the two mosques. Aside from the views, the food was easily the best food I had on our trip. For starters, we got a plate of olive tapenade and bread and it was perfect. Then for the main course, I had the Fatma Sultan (I believe thats the name), and it was such a beautiful mix of flavors. My sister had fresh caught fish from the Bosphorus and it tasted fresh and flavorful. I had the mint lemonade to drink and it was super refreshing and tart. For desert, we had knefa and katmer and they were the perfect cherry on top for the night. The knefa was not too soggy and had a perfect cheese pull. I had never tried katmer before that night, but it was so tasty and unique. It was a light cream filled dessert with pistachio and was to die for. I would recommend this place due to the charismatic service, delicious foods, and gorgeous views. read more

Location; This hotel is right behind the Blue Mosque, which gives you great access to Sultanahmet, but also means it's constantly noisy from the tourist busses and taxis. Service: staff was mostly able to answer my questions. I arranged all of my transportation through the hotel. It was easy to arrange but consistently late. I took a day trip out of SAW and the staff insisted there would be no shuttle so I had to pay €60 for a private car- which I ended up sharing with 5 other people the driver found at the airport. My shuttle to IST was 30 min late. It seems they use a shuttle service that goes to many hotels. It may be best to just arrange it directly with the service. Cleanliness: they try but the pipes are old and all of the rooms smell like sewage. Always. I gagged when I went in the bathroom. Rooms: cute but small. The room was cold but the blanket was warm. All in all it's safe and well located but I will never stay there again- especially not for €40/night. read more