Istanbul's got this cool spot called Agatha Restaurant that sits inside the fancy Pera Palace Hotel. The place is named after that famous writer Agatha Christie who actually stayed at this hotel back in the day. She even wrote Murder on the Orient Express right here, which is pretty awesome if you ask me. The restaurant is right in the heart of Istanbul where old stuff meets new stuff. You can smell the Turkish spices in the air and hear all the city sounds outside. It's like stepping into a story book or something.

Key highlights:
- Named after famous mystery writer Agatha Christie
- Located in historic Pera Palace Hotel with tons of history
- Serves French, Italian, and Turkish food all mixed together

PROFILE

Agatha Restaurant opened its doors as part of the legendary Pera Palace Hotel. The hotel itself has been around since the early 1900s and has seen some pretty important people walk through its doors. The restaurant can fit about 40 people at a time, so it's not huge but that makes it feel more special. They serve three different types of food - French, Italian, and Turkish. That's a pretty cool mix if you think about it. The place is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with different hours for each meal. The restaurant got its name from Agatha Christie because she used to stay at this hotel all the time. She even wrote one of her most famous books while staying here. How cool is that?

AMBIENCE

Walking into Agatha Restaurant feels like going back in time. The hotel has kept a lot of its old-school charm with fancy decorations and period furniture. You can tell this place has seen a lot of history happen within its walls. The dining room isn't too big which makes it feel cozy instead of overwhelming. Big windows let in lots of natural light during the day. At night, the lighting gets all warm and romantic-like. Since it's inside a historic hotel, you get that fancy hotel vibe but not in a stuffy way. The staff knows how to make you feel welcome without being all formal about it. You can hear the sounds of Istanbul outside but it's not too noisy inside.

MUST-TRY

The stuffed vine leaves are apparently really good here. One reviewer said they come with sour cherry topping which sounds weird but good at the same time. That's definitely something you don't see everywhere. The breakfast buffet is supposed to be amazing with tons of options. They even have a big honeycomb hanging up where you can pick pieces right off it. That sounds pretty fun and tasty. Since they mix Turkish, French, and Italian food, you should probably try something that shows off all three styles. The menu changes but they always have traditional Turkish appetizers. Those are usually a safe bet at places like this.

FOOD

The kitchen makes food from three different countries which is pretty ambitious. Turkish food is known for being flavorful and using lots of spices. French food is more about fancy techniques and sauces. Italian food brings in the pasta and pizza vibes. Mixing all three should give you some interesting combinations. The breakfast buffet gets mentioned a lot in reviews as being really good with both hot and cold options. They serve traditional Turkish appetizers which are usually small plates meant for sharing. The sour cherry topping on the vine leaves sounds like something unique to this place. Reviews mention that the food tastes good and the portions seem reasonable.

SERVICE

People who have eaten here say the service is good. The staff seems friendly and helpful according to the reviews. Since it's a hotel restaurant, they probably know how to take care of guests properly. One reviewer mentioned that the service was good even though there weren't many people in the restaurant when they went. That usually means the staff pays attention to each table. The hotel has that evening turndown service which shows they care about details. The restaurant is part of a fancy hotel so the staff probably has good training. They seem to know about the history of the place and like sharing stories about Agatha Christie. That adds something extra to the dining experience.

PRICING

Different sources give different price ranges for this place. One says it's $30 and under per person while another marks it as $$$. That's a pretty big difference so the real price probably depends on what you order. Being inside a fancy historic hotel usually means higher prices. But if the food is good and the experience is special, it might be worth it. The breakfast buffet costs extra but reviewers seem to think it's worth adding to your stay. Hotel restaurants can be expensive but they also offer convenience and usually good quality. You're paying for the location and the history as much as the food. That might be worth it for some people.

SUMMARY

Agatha Restaurant gives you a chance to eat where a famous writer used to hang out. The food mixes three different styles which keeps things interesting. The historic hotel setting makes it feel special. The service seems reliable and the staff knows their stuff about the place's history. Prices might be higher than regular restaurants but you get the fancy hotel experience. The breakfast buffet gets especially good reviews from people who have tried it. If you're staying at the hotel or just want to try something with historical significance, this place delivers. The mix of Turkish, French, and Italian food gives you options. Just be ready to pay a bit more for the experience.

FAQs

Does Agatha Restaurant serve alcohol?
Yes, Agatha Restaurant serves alcohol. They have a full bar and wine selection to go with their meals.

Can I eat at Agatha Restaurant if I'm not staying at the hotel?
Yes, the restaurant is open to the public, not just hotel guests. You can make reservations through their phone number or email.

What are the restaurant's operating hours?
Agatha Restaurant is open for breakfast from 6:30am to 10:30am, lunch from 12pm to 3pm, and dinner from 7pm to 11pm.