Divan Turkish Kitchen

The owner has put his heart and sole into the atmosphere, food and service and it shows!

Pros: Best fresh food in town

Cons: none

Posted 11/06/09

I absolutely love this charming restaurant. The authentic cuisine made me feel as if my taste buds took a quick culinary trip to Turkey (they were pretty tired of cheesesteaks). I highly recommend starting with a glass of their Hamam Pleasure (Puree of limes, strawberries, sugar, vodka, club soda). And I'm now addicted to their Turkish Dumplings (the aroma of the garlic yogurt sauce is amazing!).

Pros: food & atmosphere

Cons: none

Posted 10/24/09

THIS PLACE IS ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL. I WANT TO EAT THERE EVERY NIGHT. MY MOUTH WATERS EVERY TIME I THINK OF THIS PLACE. THE DUMPLINGS ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD AND THE LAMB IS THE BEST IN THE CITY, AND I'VE BEEN AROUND. SALADS AND DESERTS EXCELLENT. RIGHT ON THE CORNER OF 22ND AND CARPENTER. WANT GREAT FOOD EAT HERE !!

Pros: FRESH , DELICIOUS TURKISH FOOD

Posted 08/25/09

Great BYOB restaurant with affordable prices, authentic traditional Turkish food and warm and cozy atmosphere. I am a big fan of lamb, so I absolutely loved their lamb shish kabobs and dumplings; as well as falafel with hummus, baklava, milk pudding and Turkish coffee, chicken shish kabobs, Russian salad...mmmm....you name it :-)

Absolutely worth trying - yummy, affordable, BYOB (!), lamb!

Pros: Affordable, Cozy, best lamb shish kebobs and dumplings

Cons: None

Posted 06/28/09

The dumplings are great! Can't say enough about the food, my only hope is that it and I mean all of it...food, service, atmosphere never changes.

Pros: Food, service and outdoor seating.

Cons: Wish I lived closer!

Posted 05/06/09

I love their dumpling dish although havne't yet tried out their other options. It definitely has a unique place in the neighborhood/city and will definitely be going back soon! Their prices aren't cheap but they aren't unreasonable either.

Posted 01/30/09

Enjoyed everything I ate there. There wasn't a bad dish presented. The waitstaff was very attentive and knowledgeable. I would recommend it to anyone who asked. Do RSVP on busy nights.

Posted 12/03/08

This is my favorite place for lunch. It is cozy, friendly and informal. I never had to wait for the table. But usually I am making reservation. Food is delicious. My preferred choices: Kuzu Sis (Lamb shish kebab), Kuzu Pirzola (Lamb Chops), Adana Kebab (Char-grilled Ground Lamb). Prices are not cheap, but not over the board.

Pros: Good Food, location

Posted 11/16/08

We live nearby and wanted to support local establishments in the area. The staff was nice, attentive & helpful. The food was tasty (we shared the two appetizers, the mixed grill, the veggie kabobs and the lamb kabob), the drinks interesting, strong and large! Dessert was excellent and coffee traditional. The place was uncomfortably hot and the bill seemed large for how full I felt afterwords. I will go back - but not as often as other places where kabobs are just as good and cheaper.

Pros: Interesting, large, strong drinks. In the neighborhood.

Cons: Warm & expensive.

Posted 08/01/08

My husband and 10 month old daughter ventured over to Divan after frequenting Cafe Fulya (operated by Divan's owner, Ilker's sister Fulya and their mother). We were excited because Cafe Fulya has become like a second "living room" to us Fulya and her Mother can't wait to play with our daughter (and vice versa) and their coffe and baklava is the best I've ever had (and we're Greek so that's saying a lot!). Divan is beautiful and cozy. We went on a sunday at 4:30 which was perfect because it wasn't too busy and with a baby that is key. We ordered a few appetizers (the Kalamar is excellent) and shared the Lamb Chops. They were perfect, so tender and beautifully seasoned (they even put tin foil on the bone so you can eat with your hands). I wish we could have lingered over some turkish coffee and baklava but our daughter got fussy and we had to leave. We will definitely be back. The neighborhood is on the up and up so no worries there. We love Divan and Cafe Fulya (on 2nd and Monroe) and their owners!

Pros: Parking, Ambience, Authentic Turkish cuisine

Cons: no air conditioning (they have fans though)

Posted 06/20/08

My family and I had our Father's Day Dinner at Divan Turkish Kitchen. We had never heard of this restaurant and since the place we wanted to go was completely booked for Father's Day, we were driving by and decided to give this BYOB a try. We had our own bottle but was urged to try some Turkish wine, which we loved because it complemented almost all the food we had. But the food was even better than the wine. We started with a mixture of starters that were tasty and plentiful. For dinner we tried smoked eggplant, my wife had the lamb which were so tender. It could not have been prepared any better. It was a memorable dinner because of the great food, great service, even the manager came over to check on our table and she was interested in our opinion. Keep up the great work Divan.

Pros: Great Ambiance, Great Food

Cons: NONE

Posted 06/15/08

This is the first time I tried Divan Turkish Kitchen.
The food was delicious. Especially mixed grill plate was excellent. Little bit of every kind of meat they serve was a good idea.
I couldn't eat them all, because earlier I ate alot of their delicious mixed cold apptizer dishes. Humus and Haydari was excellent.
Even on a crowed weekend night, the service was good and our food came in pretty quick.
I would recommend this place to meat lovers. Next time I will try their Mediterranean Sea Bass, it smelt so good when they were serving to the table next to us.
The only thing we didn't like was waiting for our reserved table. They let us wait at least 5-6 mins.
But the food made it up to us.

Pros: excellent food

Cons: we waited to be seated for a reserved table

Posted 04/25/08

I love this place.. Their food is soooo good I wanna go there over and over again. My fav dish is Doner. If you havent tried their doner yet, I would highly recommend it. It's so upsetting to see all the neg comments about this place. I ve never had any bad experiences with them and if you love Turkish food or never tried it before, you should go to Divan and taste their delicious food!

Pros: Satisfying meal

Posted 03/07/08

Both their take-out menu and website have inaccurate prices. I ordered based on their website and had to pay a little extra due to price increases. Also, the picture of their falafel had 4 pieces. We received 3. Other than that, food was very good, very large portions. I'm stuffed and happy.

Posted 02/16/08

I went with a large group for dinner not too long ago. Our waiter was warm and wonderful. He suggested some appetizers for the table and was quick to answer any questions we had about the entrees. The food was fantastic and we never once felt rushed, despite it being a small place and a Saturday night. Great group spot. Am going back again this weekend with my parents, who are visiting from out-of-town.

Pros: Food, knowledgable staff, not too crowded, good place for a large group

Cons: um....?

Posted 12/26/07

When I found Divan Turkish Kitchen's menu and read the reviews on the food, I was excited to order several dishes from them. So on Wednesday Nov. 28 I ordered and drove into Philly to pick it up. The employees were kind and courteous when I called, as well as in person. Unfortunately the rest isn't so great. First we started with the spinach pie, there was barely any spinach and tasted like undercooked dough. It was very tough and bland, we didn't even finish eating it. Second was the Falafel appetizer which was good, it had the right amount of crispiness on the outside and still soft on the inside. Third was the fried Calves Liver, tender but totally bland! Fourth was sliced marinated Lamb "Doner Kebab", it was tender but I don't understand how something can be marinated and still have NO flavor! The rice was good. Lastly we had the mixed appetizer plate, since it is always my favorite in Greek and Turkish restaurants I though possibly it would redeem Divan Turkish. Instead it just made me aggrivated. The Hummus, Haydari and minced red peppers were all good. But the stuffed grape leaves were sweet and mushy and all the eggplant dishes tasted bland, the mashed eggplant Patlican Exmesi had the most awful chemically taste to it. I mean don't they taste this stuff!! So in closing the only good thing I can say about Divan Turkish Kitchen is I'm glad I found this out before suggesting it to friends who, like myself, are use to flavorful Turkish meals.

Pros: Nice service, warm lighting. Lovely bathroom.

Cons: Noisy. Terrible tasting food.

Posted 11/29/07

I went to Divan with my husband and his parents on Thursday night. I'll note that this place is good for a couple, or a group of people - the owners seem really accommodating. We've been here several times before and we always enjoy it. We started with the mixed appetizer plate - it's great for a group b/c you can try a variety of different things (eggplant, grape leaves, hummus, etc). For our entrees, we ordered the chicken and lamb shish kebabs...the chicken is incredibly tender and the lamb melts in your mouth (my husband wanted to ask where they buy their meat). Unfortunately we didn't have any room for dessert, but it looked really good. ps: I'm not sure what the other posters are talking about...every time I've been here, the waiters seem really friendly and the food is consistently amazing. I highly recommend this place!

Pros: food, friendly staff, cozy atmosphere

Cons: I never have room for dessert

Posted 10/14/07

Dear Alexandra17 and Rocco1031
I am the owner of Divan Turkish Kitchen. I have read your reviews about my restaurant and they made me feel terrible. I put my life into Divan Turkish Kitchen, to be able to serve good food with good service and ambiance.
Instead of trying to hurt me and my business with your reviews, you could talk to me or my sister about the issues that you mentioned (rude waiter, corkage fees etc) , you could rather be more positive and supportive and let us try to solve these problems.
If you are real people, who doesn't have hidden agendas by doing these, please try to get in touch with me so that we can answer your questions and try to be more careful for service at our business, and even fire some workers to make you happy.
Warm Wishes to Every Readers and Divan Turkish Kitchen Guests.
Thank you all.
ilker Ugur
918 S. 22nd street Philadelphia PA 19146
215 545 5790

Posted 09/23/07

It is not fair to criticize Divan so harshly because of a corkage fee. Divan has had a full, licensed bar since Spring. Because it started as BYOB, they still continue as BYOB during this transition period. I think that a $7 corkage fee during the weekends is very reasonable considering the extra service. I doubt that they are making any fortune out of it! On the contrary, they are encouraging customers to start using their bar and get a taste of delicious Turkish beer and vine.
Divan is a charming and popular restaurant in the neighborhood. It gets crowded during the weekends and noise level goes up. Authenthic & delicious food and very friendly service make me to go back there again and again..

Pros: Food, parking

Cons: N/A

Posted 08/07/07

Warning to anyone who goes to Divan on a Friday or Saturday night - there will be a $7 corkage fee. I took my father there solely because this place has been advertised/reviewed as BYOB and a very snotty waiter told both us and the people at the next table - "you see the bar, don't you?" Considering how many diners were walking in with bottles tucked under their arms, I'd imagine this restaurant is making a fortune off the corkage fees.

The service was really awful - our waiter kept sticking his elbow in my face as he put the plates down, he continually spilled water in my lap (his excuse: "The table is too small.") and acted very annoyed whenever we asked for something. He glowered at my father when he asked for a slight alteration to an order (allergy related). The restaurant is also very crowded and loud, and we had to ask the diners sitting next to us to get up so we could leave.

The food was good, but by no means the best Turkish food I've had, and my chicken kabobs were quite dry.

I will not be back and I will not recommend this place to anyone.

Pros: Good parking

Cons: Everything else

Posted 07/07/07

Oh my gosh, I loved this place. it was my first Turkish restaurant, and I loved every bit of it! didn't really like their appertizer sampler.<~ very small portion yet expensive. But the main course was delicious. Meat was soooo tender... And their desserts were divine. Gotta try their turkish coffee, too! I'll definitely go there again.

Pros: food. very romantic setting.

Cons: this place is kinda small and you sit almost elbow to elbow with the table next to you.

Posted 05/08/07

Had a great meal at Divan! Our food was wonderful. The owner was very hopitable, our server friendly and informative, the price terrific! We brought our own drinks, but next time we want to try some Turkish wine. Definatly make reservasions, this place is busy. We will be going back for more!

Pros: Kebabs, Dumplings

Posted 05/04/07

loved divan! great for larger parties, great for quiet nights, all around accommodating. must try their desserts - they don't look flattering, but are absolutely delicious! the kabob plates are amazing.

Pros: everything

Cons: didn't have air conditioning last year

Posted 04/21/07

We dined there last night. The food was excellent as was the service. The salads and desserts are terrific. Divan is definitley NOT the place to go for a quiet meal. It is a very busy place and a very small place. Add those two things to good food and you have a very noisy dining experience. AND forget the "romantic dining", unless 30th Street Station is your idea of romantic. Go for the food...not the ambiance.

My only gripe is their seating policy. We had reservations and showed up on time. Even though there were a least a dozen empty tables, we were seated between the stairs to the basement cooking area and the waitstaff computers. They refused to move us to an empty table saying they were being held for other reservations. It didn't spoil the evening but did sour my attitude.

Would we go back? Probably.

Pros: Great food, great service, great value

Cons: Very loud, Parking on the street in a so-so neigborhood, Crazy seating system

Posted 03/24/07

For highly authetic Turkish food that is always fresh and well presented, there is no other place than Divan. The menu has much variety and is a good representation of Turkish food, although I wish they had more. The prices are quite reasonable and the casual, laid-back service and atmosphere make Divan a great neighborhood restaurant.

Pros: Inexpensive, authentic, casual

Cons: Slow service (but always friendly)

Posted 03/16/07

My husband & I both enjoyed our visit to Divan. The service was friendly and fast. Everything thing that we ate from appetisers to coffee was terrific. And I hear that they are getting a liquior licence soon, but will also remain BYOB. We will be stopping by again soon.

Posted 02/19/07

Food was kinda blah.....philo dough things were limp, waiter huffed when i asked to have the fish cleaned. Also dirty glasses and silverware with food remnants. Average ambiance and food. The restaurant is really tiny and it gets noisy. May go back but not sure.

Posted 02/13/07

I've been to Divan several times & plan to keep going back. I love the mixed appetisers with warm bread and stuffed grape leaves. For entrees try the salmon in grape leaves, falalfel or any Kabab -- the side of rice is fluffy & tasty. The baklava is buttery & not too sweet. The service is friendly and informative. The owners are charming & hospitable. Parking is easy. It is a cosy dinning room with lovely turkish touches (even in the bathrooms - which are clean). I highly recomend this neighborhood BYO. Try them for takeout too.

Posted 01/23/07

The menu is quite representative of a middle of the road Istanbul-style Turkish restaurant, although the food is only average in quality. Reviewers who say this is the best Turkish food they've ever had clearly haven't had good Turkish food. The Haydari lacks tartness, the Aci Ezme (hot pepper paste) is a bit bitter, the Manti (ravioli) bears no resemblance to the real stuff. Bread and kababs are of inconsistent freshness/moistness in the times I've been there. It is, however the most authetically Turkish restaurant I know of in the Philadelphia area and the people are nice. Bring your Raki or wine and enjoy yourself without having too high expectations.

Pros: A nice place for basic Turkish food

Cons: I wish there was a better place for basic Turkish food!

Posted 01/11/07

The place was clean, the bathroom was clean, and the food and music was great. The hummus was excellent and the grape leaves were on a sweet side and homemade. All the dishes we tried tasted delicious. They had a nice bar and the parking was free. Will go again and again and so, if you like Mediterranean food you'll love this place

Pros: The food was great

Cons: N/A

Posted 01/08/07

This restaurant is one best restaurants, I have ever been to.
Doner Kebap was excellent with a very tender meat, my girl friend got Manti(Turkish Dumblings) she loved it. Any time I feel hungry, I am craving Divan's appetizers and it's Doner Kebap.
Service was fast, professional and our waiter was so friendly.
The manager told me that they've purchased their own liqueur license and it will still remain BYOB. How can you go wrong with that?

Posted 11/12/06

Went to Divan, the lamb shish kebab was very good and it's definitely not expensive. Parking was plentiful and they seat you promptly as long as you have a reservation. It's very crowded for a tiny place. The only issue is service. They are not attentive and if you happen to sit close to the kitchen which is downstairs be careful, because the chef will hand the food over your head while you're eating to the waiters/waitresses.
Even though they try to make the ambience more romantic, it's really hard to feel romantic when waiters walking up and down with plates over your head in a very small crowded place.

Pros: Food, Parking

Cons: Bad Service

Posted 10/20/06

My date and I arrived a little bit late for our 7:00pm reservation last night, but were promptly seated in the packed restaurant. Our service was almost too swift, with us being in and out of Divan in about an hour and a half. We ate so many amazing dishes...the most memorable being the zucchini pancakes and my date's smoked pureed eggplant with lamb. I definitely want to return soon, and think I would recommend it to anyone!

Pros: Authentic Turkish cuisine, prompt service, fabulous food

Cons: Noisy

Posted 10/20/06

This place is quickly becoming a HUGE favorite of my husband & mine. (We've been 3 times so far & have plans for a 4th visit very soon.) The food is superb. The decor is lovely, and the service is outstanding & extremely friendly. Combine all that with great prices & what's not to like?

Pros: food!

Cons: can be a little bit crowded & if you don't book in advance you may have to wait

Posted 10/18/06

Took a party of six for dinner there and dropped well over $120..... the waiter grumbled at us over not ordering salads and dessert. When he saw we didn't want dessert, he didn't even bother with offering coffee....just threw down the check. The food is good but not good enough to make me go back for more, at least until they get nicer servers.

Posted 09/06/06

I decided to celebrate my 25th birthday. We had a party of fifteen people. It was very easy to make reservations. The food is EXELLENT!!! The service was great. The prices are unbeatable. This place is highly recommended. Awesome place. I am definatley coming back.

Posted 08/12/06

The falafels were the best I've ever had. The service was great, the food was great, the atmosphere was great, and the price was unbeatable. This is a great new gem in Graduate Hospital.

Pros: Parking isn't an issue, Ambience, service

Cons: It was a little warm

Posted 07/20/06