Good and not so good restaurants

dy1259


Joined: 10/08/2007
Posts: 357

Message Posted:
07/08/2009 21:14

Just back from the TRNC. Good restaurants and value for money include Acmenya in Alsancak; the restaurant at the top of Besbarmark mountains near Kazan Koy (ahh can't remember its name), anyway fantastic views and good food, it also has a picnic area which is very clean! The best restaurant/cafe by far(recommended to me by a friend) -excellent food, value for money and very clean is Nat Restaurant in a village called Akdogan, between Ercan airport and Famagusta.



The Archway -beautiful setting though overpriced-mezes were good but the main meal was negligible. The Cousins Hidden Garden restaurant in Edremit was very disappointing, definitely wouldn't go back.

burty1987


Joined: 21/07/2009
Posts: 79

Message Posted:
07/08/2009 21:15

In the two "not so good restaurants" did you make your feelings known to management at the time? Were your problems not dealt with?

dy1259


Joined: 10/08/2007
Posts: 357

Message Posted:
07/08/2009 21:31

It's not nice to have to complain, it spoils the atmosphere especially if you are in company when all you want is to peacefully enjoy a pleasant meal out.

burty1987


Joined: 21/07/2009
Posts: 79

Message Posted:
07/08/2009 21:44

So do you think you have the right to class the 2 restaurants as "not so good"?



Why couldn't you have told them your problems, and for all you know they may of been rectified? It is impossible to please everyone, produce food which will be to everyone's taste.



In my opinion, I don't think you have the right to slate the restaurants if you didn't say so at the time. Too scared, to shy? I don't know.



What I do know is...................



ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF HIDING BEHIND A KEYBOARD.

karakum5c



Joined: 18/03/2008
Posts: 1021

Message Posted:
07/08/2009 21:52

Next time dy1259 get stuck in like burty1987 says and ruin your evening plus everyone else in the restaurant by completly destroying the atmosphere. Agro is what we want and plenty of it we are BRITISH !!!

burty1987


Joined: 21/07/2009
Posts: 79

Message Posted:
07/08/2009 21:57

I never said "get stuck in", are you unable to POLITELY tell someone of a problem?



There are several restaurant owners on here, in fact ask any owner of a business, and 99% will tell they want to know when customers are not happy.



Obviously you lack very basic social skills, I am sorry to hear that.

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
07/08/2009 21:59

Burty.....she has every right to make constructive criticism on here regarding her personal findings about a particular restaurant.

Unless something major is wrong , you don't always have to kick off.

You just accept that for whatever reason the food,atmosphere or service was not to your taste and just don't go there again.

As Karakum said.....unless they'd tried to poison you or deliberately overcharge , why kick off and spoil an evening?

dy1259


Joined: 10/08/2007
Posts: 357

Message Posted:
07/08/2009 22:01

Msg. 4 Yes I do have a right to comment on restaurants I've been to. I didn't say I hadn't said anything at the time but I didn't make a fuss or persist. I haven't slated any restaurants, I said 'not so good', I was mainly positive about the Archway.

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
07/08/2009 22:15

dy1259 , well done for your comments , burty is obviously a new member , karakum jests , i hope ???? enjoy trnc .

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
07/08/2009 22:31

dy1259, of course you can state your comments, and dont be bullied into not saying what you think. Many on hear just cannot let others write something that helps all concerned without getting all 'hands up their b-m' stance! The 'establishment' would like us all to conform, but life aint like that LOL

gallowgate


Joined: 08/06/2009
Posts: 164

Message Posted:
07/08/2009 22:52

We were at Cousins three weeks ago and it was excellent, good food and reasonable prices. guess its luck of the draw.

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
07/08/2009 23:33

gallowgate you wouldn't dear say any different but i think its a bit much for relatives to be charging you in the first place.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
07/08/2009 23:46

I think Burty has a chip shop. See complaining/moaning thread.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
08/08/2009 01:22

You know there is good and bad everywhere. Did you have the guidebook ot go on trip advisor. or lonely planet/ They list them all. Oh here goes you missed us xxxxxxxxxxxx

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
08/08/2009 11:18

RE msg 4, burty1987: (...) ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF HIDING BEHIND A KEYBOARD. (...)



=> Spot on. The "reviews" of the restaurants in msg # 1 are gossip à la Coronation Street and Eastenders.



WHY are (were) the restaurants "good" or "not so good"?



WHAT did you order?



WHY were you disappointed?



"Not-so-good reviews" without certain details are damaging and - coming from an anonymous source - are completely worthless and despicable.



Why does dy1259 not provide an email address, so the "not so good" restaurant owners could ask for relevant information?

Wireless


Joined: 10/08/2008
Posts: 157

Message Posted:
08/08/2009 11:21

When service or food is poor or I am in any way disappointed about the quality in a restaurant then I am under no obligation to complain and restaurants owners have to remember that. If you are a restaurant owner reading this on this forum then you must believe that you need to try to please every one of your clients. Clearly this is always possible in every circumstance but when clients are not pleased then do not be disappointed if they do not come back and tell others about their experiences.



I stopped with my family 3 kids and wife at a harbour restaurant in Kyrenia, for 3 sandwiches and a bowl of chips, 6 soft drinks I was charged 120ytl - the bill given to me at first was 150ytl - I re calculated it - pointed it out to them - the corrected it - I told them for what we had had the expense was stupid - I paid using a £50 note - exchange rates were 2.5/2.55 to the £ - they asked for 5tl more - telling me their rate was 2.3 to the £ - Never again

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
08/08/2009 11:29

Wireless....I'm sorry to hear of your experience but not exactly surprised.

There is a mind-boggling mentality amongst SOME NC businesses that the way to overcome falling sales and dwindling visitor numbers is to overcharge and scam the few customers that you do get !



What was the name of the harbour restaurant in question so that we can either avoid or at least be vigilant?

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
08/08/2009 11:31

DC why should dy1259 be 'bullied' and interigated by you, she stated her experiences so please can you refrain from your usual 'little boy' comments, you again guote 'ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF HIDING BEHIND A KEY BOARD', perhaps its people like yourself that folks have to do just this.



Data protection comes to mind some how, and others giving out emails without permission!!!



Why does it 'wind you up so much' all of this DC? LOL oh and xx

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
08/08/2009 11:35

RE msg 16, Wireless: (...) I stopped with my family 3 kids and wife at a harbour restaurant in Kyrenia, for 3 sandwiches and a bowl of chips, 6 soft drinks I was charged 120ytl - the bill given to me at first was 150ytl - I re calculated it - pointed it out to them - the corrected it - I told them for what we had had the expense was stupid - I paid using a £50 note - exchange rates were 2.5/2.55 to the £ - they asked for 5tl more - telling me their rate was 2.3 to the £ - Never again (...)



=> Interesting. Name of the "a harbour restaurant" (useful info for other readers)? Didn't they show - outside or inside the restaurant - the prices of food and drinks?

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
08/08/2009 11:36

Dizzycows....well said.



Yes,back off a bit Dutch....dy1259 is not claiming to be the Times Restaurant critic....she is offering HER opinion of various establishments....which you can either take on board,or in your case choose to ignore as being "worthless".



And anyway...if you want expert analytical,evidence based restaurant reviews we always have Negative Nick !

gallowgate


Joined: 08/06/2009
Posts: 164

Message Posted:
08/08/2009 11:45

Cooper re message 12.



What on earth are you talking about?? We stayed at the Hideaway club and Cousins was recommended by other guests staying there, we went on their advice and enjoyed the evening.

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
08/08/2009 11:46

Thankyou cronos, just that sometimes some folks like to control others in what they say, what experiences they have, etc, lol

fatboy



Joined: 05/11/2008
Posts: 244

Message Posted:
08/08/2009 12:13

Cooper ,I got the pun & had a chuckle,to subtle for some.

Godzilla


Joined: 23/07/2009
Posts: 24

Message Posted:
08/08/2009 14:17

I wouldn't go Guido's again if you paid me! Why - Slowest service in the TRNC, and very linited menu. Just my opinion

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
08/08/2009 15:12

RE msg 24, Godzilla:(...) I wouldn't go Guido's again if you paid me! (...)



=> Is that a promise? Good! Anonymous moaners and whingers will not be missed on the terrace.



A very satisfied customer.

Wireless


Joined: 10/08/2008
Posts: 157

Message Posted:
08/08/2009 15:14

If only I could remember the name of the Harbour restaurant - all I remember was that as you walked around down the harbour from the main large car park near the law courts at the roundabout where the turkcell shop is - it is on the left hand side next a gift shop.



As to the comments - did'nt you look at the prices then of course I did look at the menu and the food was steep but like many others I did not check item by item what the drinks cost and this was where they really stung me. I guess I do not expect 6ytl for a can of coke.



As for the exchange rate - no they did not display this

berkeh2001


Joined: 28/02/2009
Posts: 455

Message Posted:
08/08/2009 15:43

archway one of the best

guidosp1


Joined: 30/12/2008
Posts: 341

Message Posted:
08/08/2009 18:10

godzilla, i am sorry that you didnt find us to your expectations on the service side but what yo must realise is that we are not a take away or a fast food restaurant. we cook almost everything to order and fresh. that is why our menu it's limited.large menu have always pre-cooked or frozen food . i am surprise that someone like you dosn't know that. never mind.

guido

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
08/08/2009 18:21

Good fresh food is always worth waiting for, we have a special place we visit in the UK always have to wait up to 1 hr but worth it when it is served, always local produce used as much as possible.

Godzilla


Joined: 23/07/2009
Posts: 24

Message Posted:
08/08/2009 23:18

Mr Guido, I have eaten in many 1st class establishments around the world, with far more variety on there menus, and so yes I do know what I am talking about. The next time I am over the other side of Girne, MAYBE i will try you again.

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
08/08/2009 23:32

Godzilla, another email 'flasher' and may I suggest you get yourself a full blood transfusion to eradicate those GC viruses now running around in your veins. How are your mates, Milti2 and co? Did you get your daily pep talk from them on the next strategy of attack? You have the brains of a dead ant and I'm being kind!



Richard

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 01:19

rich you are this person clearly hates me without ever comig in as most of the knockers. now water of this ducks back xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxspeaking of duck just made duck pate xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 01:24

I have to say how sorry I am for this thread. I have only heard good about it and i dor ecommed it I wld hate tese comments to turn against them xxxx

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 01:33

I posted this on the thread for turcansv Why the hell xxxxxxx

guidosp1


Joined: 30/12/2008
Posts: 341

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 02:43

godzilla it will be my plesaure to welcome you

guido

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 08:32

Guido, Let me know when he makes his reservation and I'll be there to welcome him with my trusted friend, the bazooka!



Richard

guidosp1


Joined: 30/12/2008
Posts: 341

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 10:14

richard, godzilla's name is jenny so i think she is a girl and hopefuly not a kaiju.

guido

dalartokat


Joined: 14/04/2008
Posts: 734

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 10:31

We have just returned (yesterday)from a weeks holiday in NC and every restaurant served good food with the exception of the one at the beginning of the harbour next door to the gift shop(British Hotel end) where he has all the tables and chairs outside cramped together. When you walk pass he always harrasses people to go in. The food in our opinion was not worth the money he charged and he became a nuisance to everyone when a party of 10 arrived and expected everyone else to move around for them. Which still seems to be the norm for most restaurants. Ezic Peanuts is another one for that(food was very good)witnessed a TC throw toys out of pram because he could not get to the outside tables overlooking the sea. Head waiter then caused more chaos than the TC by moving tables and having waiters "running" about. It certainly did not go with the view which was calm.

Going back to the harbour restaurant one of the party of 10 wanted her steak "blue" .....cont.....

dalartokat


Joined: 14/04/2008
Posts: 734

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 10:41

....it took 4 attempts on behalf of the customer to make him understand but fortunately we had left to witness how this "blue" steak came out. Certainly not the right restaurant to have steak, could not even get the rice right. It was an experience and you just learn to remove it from your mind for the future. Best "Seftali" ever was at a restaurant at "Pashans" I think it was called, by where the Fire Station and Bakery is. Although he nearly lost it with the service, he had been caught out on the Monday night with 2 parties of 12 people, but he managed to bring it back together and the food was lovely. Best Lamachun "Oz Gulen Kebap" down the road that ends with Leman Hotel and the Taxis and the cheapest. The Hut, nice salad just a shame about the "ex pats" just staring as the people walk in which can be off putting to the tourist. The Courtyard, food was really good but even "Mo" could not stop one local moaning at the top of his voice that he had waited "1 hour! for his onion bhaji

dalartokat


Joined: 14/04/2008
Posts: 734

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 10:50

...cont......... but "Mo" being "Mo" he smoothed it over. Over the week we had really good food in various places and you cannot fault it in my opinion. Service is somewhat erratic and don't understand why when most restaurants have enough staff to deal with it. Which brings me now to "Kybele" we booked in advance and had table 7, we were picked up along with another couple. Seated and given menu. Asked for bottle of water which was left on the side table but no one to pour it for you which used to be the first thing anyone does. Starters Calamari and Hellim really good. I ordered Fillet Steak mash potato and "seasoned" veg and my son ordered T Bone steak with wedges and "seasoned veg". Unfortunately when "Nigel" moans about frozen veg on this occasion I would moan with him, one portion of "frozen" runner beans, carrots, cauliflower between the two of us. My steak was doen exactly as I wanted but the "T-Bone" came up on a wooden board with a hot plate sizzling like mad..!!!..

dalartokat


Joined: 14/04/2008
Posts: 734

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 10:57

....cont.. so much so it "sizzled" all over my sons new shirt and when you were waiting for it to stop it continued cooking till it was overdone. There was another customer who gave his back and asked for the fillet, which really we should have done. When we asked about a sweet we were told it was over on the table and we were to help ourselves when I pointed out to them we had not been told we just got a shrug of the shoulders. Shame because our bill was 139TL, expensive night out for a "splattered" shirt and a shrug!! but they did take us home!!.

This is my opinion as a tourist and we had a good time, we stayed at Pia Bella and could not fault it.

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 10:58

Us Brit's will always find something to moan at, its when we stop moaning youv'e got to worry !!

dalartokat


Joined: 14/04/2008
Posts: 734

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 11:04

Cooper totally agree with you, but there are other nations that do exactly the same, if not more. Thats why the TC get what they want. Food in NC is good but its not cheap. Wait when it all opens up with Thomas Cook etc. then you will see the moaners!!!!!

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 12:43

Did you get the room you wanted at the Pia Bella, was there noise from the Casino? we didn't hear any so just wondered why people are put off staying there.

dalartokat


Joined: 14/04/2008
Posts: 734

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 15:22

Woodspeckie never heard a thing inside or out. We had the room immediately overlooking the Sportsfield 1206 and if I looked to my right we could see the neon signage but it never came into our room as we were on 2nd floor. Anyway there are net curtains and heavy ones. If there was a criticism its the bathroom, they are a bit worn out. Anything wrong was put right immediately. Pia Bella has done a fantastic job of turning things around, they work hard and young Ali is still the same with his enthusiasm for the place. Its clean and tidy and the food was brilliant for breakfast(did not have evening meal). There was entertainment everynight for people and on Sunday last was "movie night" which I thought was a novel thing to do and it was full. We saw Johnny Hawkins(think that was his name) and although not my type of music those that were there enjoyed themselves. 8tl for Smirnoff Ice, not keen on the Brandy Sour that was made!!! but no other problems, certainly would go back.

wldorfstatler


Joined: 08/08/2009
Posts: 6

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 21:03

we recently stayed for 4wks and ate out as much as possible (well when on holiday we dont cook!) we found most of the restaurants to be excellent. Our 6yr old's favourite places to eat at was Dolphin (alsencak) and Sevener (also alsencak) sorry if i havent spelt it correctly! My husband and i always tried to choose places where the locals eat as opposed to somewere filled with brits(no offence). Acmenya (alsencak) cooked a fantastic steak to perfection and the kleftico was to die for! We tried several 'quirky' places with very limited menus and no signs of a price list, were the food was ok but nowt sparkling and the prices tended to differ day to day (depending how many customers had been in that day i suppose!)



When we come back(hopefully soon) we have made a list of 'places still to eat at' that have all been recommended to us that we didnt have enough time to visit!



We recon that you could eat somewere different every night for a year and what an experience that would be!!!

chezzi


Joined: 12/03/2009
Posts: 162

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 00:40

Acmenya has been recommended a few time, can anyone tell me where it is in Alsancak, I havent noticed it before.

Thanks,

Turtle


Joined: 28/05/2007
Posts: 2669

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 00:59

Bear left at the Golden Lady, 1st left heading for the Riverside its on the right.





Very nice too

norma jean



Joined: 29/05/2008
Posts: 191

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 01:02

Archmenya does one of the best meze's on the island, then you have your main course!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dessert and coffee and of course brandy are on the house. What a great place to eat, and the service is top notch.

littlejohn


Joined: 09/03/2009
Posts: 316

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 01:15

Bellapais Gardens is excellent but for the sycophantic little shit of a head waiter! With a moustache he could be Groucho Marx - without the talent!!

scoobydoo


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2434

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 06:58

Littlejohn,



I guess you don't like the head waiter at Bellapais Gardens!!!!







We don't either.