Disclaimer: This review reflects my personal experience at 1924 Restaurant in Istanbul. It is based solely on what I encountered during my visit — the service, food, and atmosphere — and is written to provide an honest account for other travellers.
I’ve been lucky enough to eat in many places across the world, from back-alley gems to Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy. But few dining experiences have been as disheartening — or as downright insulting — as my recent visit to 1924 Restaurant in Istanbul.
What is 1924 Restaurant?
This place has a storied history, once beloved by Russian émigrés fleeing the Bolshevik revolution. It opened, as the name suggests, in 1924 and became something of an institution in its day — frequented by writers, artists, and exiles who brought their culture to Istanbul. Today, it survives largely on that reputation and the romance of its backstory. Sadly, the only thing left of that legacy is the name painted on the door.
A Cold Welcome and Colder Service
From the moment we sat down, the mood was off. The dining room — which should have been filled with echoes of its past — felt oddly sterile, more like a hotel breakfast room than a historic institution.
I ordered Chicken Tabaka and, thinking I’d add something on the side, asked for buckwheat with mushrooms. What arrived? Chicken already sitting on buckwheat and mushrooms — plus an entirely separate plate of buckwheat with mushrooms.
When I pointed out the redundancy, the waiter shrugged and said, “You didn’t ask me,” before telling me it was my problem for not knowing. This wasn’t just indifference; it was contempt.
1924 Restaurant Istanbul The Food: A Buffet-Level Disaster
The chicken itself? Chewy and lukewarm — the sort of dish you’d expect from a budget hotel buffet, not a place coasting on a century of supposed prestige.
The buckwheat? Dry, drowned in a sour pomegranate sauce, and utterly inedible.
Not a single bite suggested care, let alone culinary pride.
1924 Restaurant Istanbul Price Gouging and a Rude Send-Off
When I decided I couldn’t stomach any more (literally or figuratively) and asked for the bill, there was no apology, no attempt to fix the experience. Instead, they hit me with a 20% service fee — a bold move considering the “service” consisted of rudeness and finger-pointing.
And the prices? A single shot of Absolut vodka was 50% more expensive than anywhere else in Istanbul. The kind of mark-up that makes you feel played, not pampered.
Noise, Nostalgia, and Nothing in Between
The noise level was so high it was hard to hear my companion across the table — not exactly the kind of ambiance that invites conversation.
I’d always wanted to visit this place because of its history — it’s mentioned in countless “must-visit” lists and even sits on Michelin Guide’s recommended list. But the reality was heartbreaking. Whatever charm it once had is long gone, replaced by a tourist trap trading on nostalgia, serving food that tastes like reheated leftovers.
I even wrote to Michelin to suggest they remove 1924 Restaurant from their list — because if this is what they endorse, they discredit themselves.
1924 Restaurant Istanbul The Verdict: Don’t Go There
Touristic, overpriced, and disrespectful. You’ll leave lighter in the wallet and heavier with regret.
Mad: 1/5 | Service: 1/5 | Atmosphere: 1/5
Noise Level: Incredibly high — expect to shout over dinner.
Fact Sheet
- Name: 1924 Restaurant (formerly known as 1924 Rejans)
- Opened: 1924, founded by Russian émigrés fleeing the Bolshevik revolution
- Historic Note: Once frequented by White Russian aristocrats, artists, and exiles; its walls supposedly whispered stories of bohemian dinners and vodka toasts
- Location: Beyoğlu district, Istanbul — a short walk from Pera Palace
- Today: Survives on history alone. The service, food, and atmosphere are shadows of its former self
1924 Restaurant Istanbul 🚫 BLACKLISTED BY LOCALSINSIDER
This review is part of our Blacklist category — reserved for restaurants, hotels, and places that really should be avoided unless they radically change their attitude toward customers.
These are not simply “not recommended” spots; they are do-not-go warnings based on first-hand experiences and clear facts about rudeness, bad service, poor quality, and exploitative pricing.
Why 1924 Restaurant is Blacklisted:
- Rude service. Being told “it’s your problem” when pointing out a mistake is beyond unprofessional.
- Overpriced and exploitative. a big mark-ups on drinks (vodka shots in my situation) and a 20% “service fee” for no service.
- Bad food. Dry, lukewarm, and buffet-level at best.
- Trading on history. The past may have been glamorous, but the present is just a tourist trap.
What Others Are Saying About 1924 Restaurant Istanbul – Google Reviews 2025
The reviews for 1924 Restaurant Istanbul are sharply divided — some diners are charmed by its historic ambiance and cocktails, while others leave frustrated, disappointed, and angry about the food and service.
- The Good:
A handful of visitors rave about the cocktails and vodka infusions, with one reviewer calling the drinks “unlike anything I’ve tasted on my travels.” The historic 1940s décor, live music, and sense of nostalgia are also praised, with some guests describing the atmosphere as “transporting you to another era.” - The Bad:
Many reviews are scathing about the food quality, describing it as tasteless, overcooked, or outright inedible (e.g., pelmeni portions of just five dumplings, borscht “too vinegary,” and chicken Kiev “not recommended”). Several diners complain that the prices are shockingly high — easily $200+ for two people — with tiny portions and steep mark-ups on drinks. - The Ugly:
The service experience varies dramatically. Some reviewers report “impeccable and attentive service,” while many others say staff were rude, inattentive, or careless. One diner waited 30 minutes for dessert that never came, another noted that water glasses sat empty without refill, and several questioned how a restaurant with such poor service could appear in the Michelin Guide. - The General Consensus:
While a few visitors enjoy the ambience and bar program, the majority of recent reviews point to mediocre-to-bad food, wildly inflated prices, and inconsistent service.
Key Takeaway:
1924 Restaurant trades heavily on its historic name and décor. Some travelers still love it for the nostalgia and drinks, but for many others, the reality doesn’t match the reputation — an expensive tourist trap with disappointing food and questionable service.
There are hundreds of better places to eat in Istanbul. Go to any meyhane, try a corner kebab shop, explore the new wave of modern Turkish bistros — but don’t waste your time or money here.
