Cafe Istanbul Mediterranean Cuisine

Cafe Istanbul was a huge let down. The atmosphere is relaxing and the restaurant is clean. The staff was very friendly. Based on the appearance, I was looking forward to a delicious meal. I started with Ayran yogurt drink which frankly tasted like a glass of plain yogurt (my first disappointment). After a 30 minute wait for my food, I was shocked to see a plate with two TINY strips of lamb meat. I almost thought it was a joke, but that was my meal along with rice and veggies. I wouldn't recommend this place to anybody. You can find better Mediterranean food at little hole-in-the-wall markets and cafes at half the price and with larger portions. Save your money and time and look else where for a good meal. If you want to pay for overpriced, blah tasting food just to eat in a nice restaurant, then Cafe Istanbul is for you, but I will never eat there again. Pros: Nice atmosphere Cons: Below average food at high prices more

My boyfriend & I went there for the first time on our anniversary in 2005. The decor was wonderful and the service was great. I'm a vegetarian, so there was plenty of appetizers and such to choose from. Unfortunately, my entree of grilled veggies was bland and overgrilled (black, crispy, and tasting of ash) and with a side of plain white rice. I expected a marinade or sauce of some sort, but the only condiment that was provided was plain yogurt (ewww). My bf loved his dish (some kind of beef kabob), but hated his appetizer (can't recall what it was). He was also disappointed that he was served green beans as a side dish. He daid they were overcooked. But they have the BEST rice pudding ever!!! The pudding was worth braving the tasteless entree. All in all, we will go back and try different things on the menu! Pros: atmosphere, service, desert Cons: bland veggie entrees, overcooked sides, a little pricey more

I have been to Cafe Istanbul at Easton not long ago and I ordered a salted crusted fish which was the best red snapper that I have ever had. The presentation was wonderful, our server was superior. I think everyone should try the salt crusted fish at Cafe Istanbul. There is one think you need to know, you should order the fish at least 2 days in advance. Also, they debone the fish perfectly for you. Thanks to our sever and the manager.We had a wonderful time. more

It was my first time trying a Turkish cuisine and to be honest, It was the best food i have had in my life. They cook the lamb very tender. The appetizers are awesome. It is a restaurant for all type of people, vegeterians, lamb lovers. It is definitely worth to try. Also the servers were really kind and helpful. Try it, you would never regret it. more

This is one of the few (if not the only remaining) offering of authentic Middle Eastern food, albeit with a Turkish flair. I highly recommend this place for its friendly and helpful staff and athentic menu, atmosphere, and staff too! Pros: Great food-fair price, Authentic Middle East, Great overall experie more

Servers were very attentive from the moment we got there. Atmosphere was very nice. And the food was great! So much to choose from, we didn't know where to start (lots of great vegetarian selections too). The appetizer sampler (all vegetarian) was really good. The best part was the patlican salatasi - very similar to Middle Eastern baba ganoush. Best I've ever had! We would definitely visit here again! Pros: Good parking, Vegetarian selections more

Refers to Cafe Instanbul at Easton... We felt immediatly unwelcome when walking in with our 8 month old (but stayed hoping it was our imagination). He didn't make a peep the whole time, but we received very poor service and tension that he might misbehave. The food was tasty, but we didn't enjoy it, trying to hurry up with our meal. more