Naif

Naïf was recommended in my Wallpaper City Guide so my sister and I stopped in for a late lunch recently and really enjoyed it. Bright, stylishly decorated and offering lots of comfortable spots to sit and enjoy a meal or just a coffee, it really is a worthwhile spot to try in Karaköy.
We ordered a couple of dishes to share including a warm eggplant dish, meatballs and a salad along with a couple of cocktails, and it was a great spot to while away a couple of hours during a busy touristy day. The service at Naïf (unlike so many other spots in Istanbul) is attentive and efficient which really improves the experience. The restaurant space itself is really beautiful with lots of interesting decorations and art to look at. Overall, a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner in the neighborhood, or even just a coffee or cocktail!

«Come to my restaurant. I have an artistic decoration. You will feel cozy. I have pretty good food too. BUT THEN I will charge you arm and a leg. You may feel you overpaid for the service and the food but that’s OK. This is my concept, take it or leave it.»
I took it and left. Not going back.
Hey guys, we are in Turkey, not in Paris. I am sick of these restaurants who think they can charge whatever they want just because they have good decoration. Instead why don’t you go to Karaköy Lokantası and eat not just «pretty good» food but eat DELICIOUS food and pay normal prices?
Atmosphere/​Decoration: 5 stars
Food: 3,5 stars
Service: 3,5 stars
Attitude: 2 stars
Price: 1 star

Really enjoyed the food here everything was delicious and this place has a great atmosphere

A very charming, homey restaurant! Around the corner from tons of happening café’s and trendy boutiques.
We came by on a Sunday around 6 pm during low tourist season (May) and they didn’t have other customers. We had our choice of seats and took one of the small tables on their front step. There were a few other tables by the time we went.
Just walking thorough the restaurant to go to the restroom upstairs, I was very enamored by their décor. Really well done, and the upstairs has an enclosed adorable outdoor area. Although we chose our seat out front, I knew we would’ve loved any seat on this restaurant.
The service was excellent, the food was excellent. They had Wi-​Fi, but my reception on the table outside wasn’t great. I had a house cocktail, the Apple and Ginger Vodka — I told them I don’t like drinks too strong and they made it perfectly. The fresh Apple slices were amazing, and the sweet apple flavor blended really well with the spicy ginger.
Our starters and entrees were delicious; the Mini Fried Meatballs were heavier than the Zucchini Fritters but a good complement. See my photos for more details. It came out to 190 TL before tip for two starters, two entrees, one cocktail, and three beers. Pricey but it was worth it for our last dinner in Istanbul.