Actually, I had decided not to write reviews about any places that belong to franchise organizations. What's the use of writing a review about yet another Starbucks? What would we think could be different about two burgers sold in two McDonald's that are only separated by a KFC and another Starbucks? But then again - after having been to Le Pain Quotidien at Kanyon several times now, I think a little comment is needed. Yes, you get a really yummy breakfast, there's absolutely nothing to complain about. The coffee is great, and even though the Starbucks is on street level and much easier to get to, I sometimes make my way up the escalators to get my cup of latte at Le Pain. And I love to buy my bread there, of course. Again, not really very surprising. They gladly sell it to me, they scrape all of their English language knowledge together, and I in turn try my best at a few words of Turkish. All really nice, really helpful. But what really made me write was my last visit there. I pointed at a dark bread that I wanted, nice one, with raisins, really yummy, and says a lot about me, because I really don't like sweet bread. This is different. Not sweet, yet with raisins. Hard to explain. Anyway, I point at this bread, and she points at it directly, asking me if I it's the one I meant, I nod, and she kind of frowns a little bit, says something in Turkish, slightly shaking her head. Then she raises her finger, she has an idea, and starts to look into a cabinet below the counter. Meanwhile, her colleague has joined us, explaining that she had pointed out that the bread I had requested wasn't really fresh anymore, and that she would look for something very fresh. Soon enough, she reappeared, showing me a bread that must have just escaped from the oven that morning. She smiles, hands me the bread, I gladly approve, pay, say a big thanks, and take the bread home. I'd say that's worth a review, wouldn't you? :-) read more

The meaning of Le Pain Quotidien is fresh, daily bread. Its story began in that way: Alain Coumont, one of the members of Coumont family from Liege, decided to make his grandmother's breads as a young chef in Brussels, Belgium. The first Le Pain Quotidien opened in Brussels in 1990. The rustic breads made by Alain Coumont were meeting with a wide population with its 10 branches as the time went by. Coumont enlarged your business. He opened several branches in New York and Los Angeles. He carried his fame to behind the ocean. Le Pain Quotidien opened its the first branch in our country in Kanyon Mall. There are also branches in Suadiye, İstinye Park Mall and Buyaka Mall. You can find organic breads, tartine and muffin kinds, organic soft chocolates, organic jams, soups, salads, pastas, sun dried tomatoes, special olive oil, breakfast food and desserts. Hot and cold coffee kinds made from organic coffee beans and organic brewed tea accompany to these tastes. Coffees are serving in French style, bowl shaped, without handle cups. The secret of their breads is the milling organic flour with stone, slowly fermenting with natural yeast in cotton baskets before cooking hot ovens. One of the most characteristic features of the venue is long, wooden tables. The enlightment is creating a dim atmosphere. Their summer menu is available between June and October shortly consist of artichoke with olive oil, salad with artichoke and black eyed peas. (Mediterranean greeneries, rocket, avocado, sliced green olive, cucumber and red beet pickles, parmesan cheese, capers) spagetti with shrimp ( Mediterranean sauce with fresh tomato, rocket and grated parmesan) summer hodgepodge with meat (zucchini, potato, carrot, sliced aubergine, beef meat, fresh kashar cheese) steamed sea bass with artichoke (mushroom, red and green pepper, sponge morel) Chia pudding (chia seed, almond, sourcherry jam, strawberry, kernel) and lemonade with sweet basil. The foods in the menu are serving as seasonal and prepared as organic at the right consistency. You can easily consume them as an alternative to fast food style. The prices were high but it was related with its location and the ingredients using in them. You can take a look to the shelves for soft chocolates and organic jams before leaving. read more

The best bread, the best location, the best salads, the best tarte au citron in Kanyon!

I feel compelled to review this cafe because of the sub-par service I always seem to encounter here. The last time I visited Le Pain Q. in Kanyon mall will truly be the last time I ever visit this place. Nothing is wrong with the food, but as I say, the service leaves a lot to be desired. I was there a couple days ago and after finishing my meal, which cost 30tl according the the menu, I alerted a waiter who asked me if I was finished then proceeded to take away my dish before I asked him for the bill, using the Turkish word. I then sat there for about 20 minutes with no attending me. I looked around and try to call one of the waiters but they were preoccupied, diligently tending to other customers. I decided to go up to the counter to pay so I ask one of the waiters for a bill, which he does not give to me but informs the cashier that I have to pay 35tl. Maybe it is because I am a foreigner and they don't think I can understand simple Turkish but I got very angry and demanded a bill saying my dish on the menu was 30tl. Only then did they somewhat reluctantly print my bill. I always tip so if they were trying to cheat me out of a few extra Turkish liras, it was entirely unnecessary. I felt very cheated and never thought I would encounter such behavior in the rather upscale setting of Kanyon. The waiters don't act outwardly unfriendly but they are very shady. Will never patron this place again. read more