What a treat! Sure you will hear from everyone how expensive it is (because it is), how much of see & be-seen place (and it is) but neither of these facts do change what a great place Fenix turned out to be. I stayed away from Fenix when it opened in 2014. I was presumptuous. Little did I know. But than, I was invited for a drink and off I go. The bar-food (if you can call it that way) was ok but not great. The drinks were good but not great. So as you can see I am not all bells & whistles for the place. So why rate it 5? Please read-on. Than 6 of us decided to have a nice Friday evening and we chose Fenix. The ambience was still stellar, the crowd was who-is-who of Istanbul. But more importantly the food was fantastic. Someone ordered beef & tuna tataki. They were finger licking good. We ordered couple of other mains, they were all fantastic. But, interestingly enough, the one I loved the most was a salad. In the menu it's listed as artichoke and asparagus salad. They make this with fresh Ceasar quality romaine lettuces. And the dressing is just heavenly. Bear in mind that I never ever ever order salad in a restaurant. But since I've tasted this salad, I keep on coming back for more. Over time I probably visited Fenix 5-6 times. In all cases I've ordered this fantastic salad (and will keep on doing) and tasted many different items from the menu. They are all fantastic. When it comes to drinks, I maintain my original position. Note: I have not made any reference to wine list. They have a good selection but I am not fine drinker so choose not to comment. read more

I'm a foreigner. I appreciate good food and good service. My lira goes as far as the next person. I don't expect to be treated as royalty. So....If you want terrible service and rude treatment, I highly recommend Fenix on Nispetiye. The food is ok but nothing that warrants the snobbery and exclusion that defines Fenix Restaurant. Getting a reservation is like you are being allowed into an exclusive club of the gods. When you finally arrive inside and they seat you in an uncomfortable corner booth, you realize it is a smoke and mirrors illusion created by the wannabe bourgeois. This restaurant isn't worth the money or the substandard service, especially when so many better places exist in this wonderful city. Go elsewhere, somewhere with class and sophistication, not a petty sense of entitlement. You failed Fenix! Good job. We gave it a chance and it lost its chance. Goodbye. read more