Omar Cafe And - Istanbul

I visited this restaurant based on a friend's recommendation, and it did not disappoint. By going up to the fourth floor, away from the crowds, I enjoyed a stunning view of The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, above the hustle and bustle of Sultanahmet. The service was attentive without being overbearing, and the food was delicious and reasonably priced. The atmosphere was cool and tranquil, with a beautifully decorated interior and a perfect location for breathtaking views, making it a peaceful oasis in the busy area of Sultanahmet.

The food at this restaurant was delicious, but the service from the staff was very rude. The attendant continuously interrupted me during my order and was impolite. Thankfully, our tour guide was able to resolve the issue and we were still able to enjoy a good meal. I would like to return for the food, but I hope the staff's attitude improves next time.

If you are very hungry and you want to eat some nice vegan food, I wouldn’t recommend Omar. They don’t have many vegan options, though you can easily “veganize” some dishes by taking the cheese out. The food is not very fresh and they over fry the veggies, making them quite greasy. Also, we were quite disappointed by finding out that they use chicken broth to cook the lentil soup, so it isn’t vegan after all. However, the staff working there are very nice and friendly and they are aware of what vegans can eat, so they will help you out with the menu (something not common at all here). Also, the best thing about this place are the amazing views to the Hagia Sofia from the top floor… somehow it helps you forget about the greasy food.

Vegans, skip this place. The only vegan option there is hummus appetizer. It is pretty good though. The vegetarian section of the menu has two dishes listed, both with cheese.

We found Omar after a busy day of sightseeing. It's quite similar to the other places in the area, with decent but not excellent food and fairly limited vegan options. In addition to the typical meze and olive oil dishes, they have vegan/veganizable lentil soup and pasta. However, the service was excellent: the staff knew what was vegan and what wasn't, they were friendly, and they were attentive. It's a bit expensive, but you're also paying for the direct view of Hagia Sophia. I wouldn't make a specific effort to go here, but it's great if you're in the area and hungry for more than roasted chestnuts or corn on the cob.