Sarnıç Restaurant

I gave this restaurant one star only because of the pictures you can see online. It looks very nice, but I wouldn’t know, as it is currently closed for renovations (per the police officer I asked out front, has been for 2 months) however there is NO mention of this on their website, and when I made a reservation for dinner (through their website) I received an emailed reservation confirmation. One would think that if they were closed, they would turn off the reservation system, or at least make some effort to make the closure apparent before you arrive at the front door.

— located at the top of the hill in a narrow street immediately behind Hagia Sophia
— more than thousand years ago the location was a cistern; until recently it was used as a car repair shop
— when I reserved a table I already thought: maybe that will be a very touristy restaurant — and it absolutely is! I prefer restaurants where locals go and I believe, no Turkish people go there
— location looks nice, very dark (of course) and cold (better bring some warm clothes)
— service was okay
— they serve Turkish and international food
— Geleneksel Meze Platter (27.00 TRY) was tasty (one platter is enough for 2 – 3 people)
— Sarnic Usulü sahanda Yogurtlu Kebap (45.00 TRY) and Izgara Jumbo Karides (Shrimps; 57.00 TRY) were both tasty; big portions
— Efes (15.00 TRY), Coke (7.00 TRY), bottle of water (6.00 TRY)
Conclusion: Good food (3 stars), however very touristy; overpriced! I would not come back because I am always looking for local spots (for me it was a lapse)!

The Husband and I ate at this lovely restaurant our last night in Istanbul and I must say, it was a nice change of pace from the rather tourist-​minded places that surround it. First, the ambiance is amazingly romantic. The candlelight and live music play off the stone walls magically. I loved how this place used to be a cistern! So historical!
Although we walked right in without a reservation, keep in mind I visited during the off season when tourists were few and far between. I can see this place being quite popular during the spring time so make a reservation for your peace of mind.
The food, like I mentioned, was not the usual kofte or kebabs offered at other restaurants. My husband ordered the lamb and raved about it, saying it was the best lamb he had during our trip. I concur because I begged for a bite. It fell off the bone and was incredibly tender. Yum! Because I have some digestive issues that were causing my intestines to flare and be mean, I stuck with the soup of the day. For celery soup, it was great! I know, it’s sad when all you can eat is soup on vacation. Having severe IBS is no fun.
For a romantic dinner on a quiet street, go here! The ambiance alone is worth it. Enjoy!

We came across this restaurant during the day, and they are only open for dinner, and during busy times of the year, reservations are highly recommended. Even though they were not open, the staff were very friendly and let us view the restaurant, and use the bathrooms. The restaurant is built in a 1,500 year old cistern, and they have done a fantastic job of restoring the space. We fell in love, and reserved dinner for our last night in Istanbul. We were not disappointed. The space comes alive at night, as it is only lit by candle light and a large roaring fire place, and the sounds of live violin and piano music echoed throughout the room. I felt like I had stepped back into medieval times and was enjoying a meal with royalty. The menu highlights local Turkish cuisine, and was tasty. It was a fantastic evening, and a great way to end a wonderful trip. Also, the Turkish tea was great, it was the best Turkish tea we had, as it was made with loose leaf tea. The service was also very friendly and attentive.