Kosebasi comes with high credentials. Not only the several high ratings on several review sites, but also posters in the restaurant announce accolades from Conde Nast. So expectations do tend to be elevated entering this nicely appointed restaurant in an upscale neighborhood.
Absent these somewhat lofty expectations, my experience (and ratings) might be a little higher. But as it was, I came away dissapointed. Things appeared promising: as the mezzes I chose were quite good: a pureed eggplant dish and sundried tomatoes in olive oil. The bread served with them was also quite nice. Regrettably, there were no wine-by-the-glass options, only a house red, that was pleasant. But I have been favorably impressed by the local wines of Turkey, and have been able to sample them at other restaurants. But not here.
But overall, the meal was rather good so far. But then my main course arrived. Ali Nazik is a favorite dish of mine and I have tasted this dish atseveral other restaurants, not only here in Turkey, but also in London and Essen, Germany. It is ground lamb served over a yogurt-eggplant base with grilled tomatoes and peppers. Kosebasi's version was very respectable (with perhaps a little of the lamb being overcooked), but did not stand out in any way and will not rank among my favorite experiences with this dish.
Again, the dish is a victim of those elevated expectations. But my qualified response is also influenced by the prices at this restaurant. I have little quams with expensive meals when the food is commensurate with the prices. But only a few days ago, I had a very similar meal here in town (nice but less upscale restaurant) where the bill came to TL 50. Here my two mezzes, bottled water, house wine, entree and dessert came to TL 135. And I enjoyed the earlier meal better.
To be clear, the food here is quite good. But it's not in line with either the prices or the hype. I did discover, after the meal, that Conde Nast no longer lists Kosebasi among its recommendations for Istanbul. Perhaps a decline in quality of late???? read more