Special Offer:
Catering Companies, Restaurants, Mediterranean Restaurants
$$, Food Delivery, Happy Hour, Local Favorite, Notable Wine List, Theater District Dining
Cafe Istanbul was founded by veteran restaurateur Erol Girgin, and has become one of Dallas most popular dining destination representing Turkish cuisine. Cafe Istanbul unique appeal is a result of a menu selection of Turkish authentic food recipes. Since Cafe Istanbul is the only restaurant representing Turkish & Anatolian Cuisine in Dallas, every single item in the menu is prepared in house using only fresh ingredients in a healthy and natural environment, Chef and owner, Erol Girgin's inspirations on the recipes depends on a experience of 25 years, back in Turkey with "Mangal Restaurant" and now in Dallas. this is a MUST for the diner who loves to 'feast' on not good food but GREAT FOOD! Catering for Private events! Please call.
If you're looking for a fun spot on the weekend, this is a great restaurant to visit. While the waiters' behavior borders on arrogantly goofy, the food and wine makes up for it. Try the Turkish pinot noir, and go see the belly dancer at 9 pm on Friday and Saturday nights.
Posted 03/04/08 | Report Abuse
Was this review helpful to you?
The most attractive quality of of this cozy , authentic Turkish restaurant is the escapist warmth it provides amid the bustle of the Inwood Village Shopping Center. Erol Girgin's prompt, knowledgable staff serve dishes as rich and filling as the culture that prouduced them. The Iksender Kebap ($13.95) will make all thoughts of Lovers Lane traffic disappear. In addition, a modest but serviceable wine selection complements the entire menu along with several tempting and cheaply priced dessert opitions.
PROS: Atmosphere, Food, Service
CONS: Lunch and weekend dinner crowds
Posted 05/26/05 | Report Abuse
Was this review helpful to you?
This Turkish Restaurant serves exquisite dishes from the eastern Mediterranean regions. Come and experience a romantic night in Istanbul... Or bring your family to taste fresh and healthy cuisines of the Aegean.
The lamp is terrific and other dish tastes good as well. try it. It is really great.
Posted 04/03/05 | Report Abuse
Was this review helpful to you?
Amazing food at great prices
by youngdan63
I was there this past Saturday and I really love this place. I had the Stuffed Chicken and it was absolutely delicious. I can also recommend the Turkish Flan for desert.
The staff was friendly and as an added bonus, we were treated to belly dancing by a real beauty.
Highly recommended.
Pros: Great food, reasonable prices & belly dancing.
Cons: No major cons
Posted 11/09/09
The Best Turkish in Texas
by rekuci
I have been all around the world and tried many cousins,including Turkish.I had the best Turkish food,of course in Istanbul and the second in Dallas,at Cafe Istanbul.I took my friends out for dinner there and the restaurant just made my night perfect.We had appetizers,we were offered salad,amaizing and the main course was just out of this world.Very tender and spiced and cooked to perfection.Ihad lamb shank,braised overnight,my friend had stuffed chicken,swordfish sis and Istanbul Doner.AT the end the waiter brought out the sweetest part of all,some baklava and offered turkish coffee.I reccomend this place to anyone,with one of the best patio end a very nice dining room,surranded with evil-eyes,watching You having a good time.
Pros: 5 star plus one
Posted 10/26/09
Best Dolma around
by kristinrglee
I was craving stuffed grape leaves all week and so I went to Cafe Istanbul on a Wednesday night and was promptly seated. I ordered a glass of wine, dolma and some lamb thing in sauce. (I'm pretty new to the turkish food scene and can't recall exactly what it was.)
The dolma was filled with delicious rice and pine nuts I think. I liked the texture and consistency of them. They weren't too big or too small either. As for the entree, I don't remember the name, but it was very flavorful and the tomatoes which accompanied it were perfectly grilled. I wasn't a huge fan of the entree...it reminded me of the texture of deli roast beef...although I'm sure it was a very good grade of meat. I think I'll just need to try a different entree when I return. And I definitely will return for some of those stuffed grape leaves!
Pros: Amazing Dolmas!
Cons: Huge portions and sorta pricey. Would like to see 1/2 entree options.
Posted 01/28/09
Don't miss Cafe Istanbul
by janeflash
My husband and I stumbled onto Cafe Istanbul this summer and were looking forward to returning.
This second time we had 3 adults and a baby. Since it was Valentine's Day, we made reservations.
We were thrilled that we were able to get a table and that they didn't change the menu for 2/14.
We had absolutely delicious house wine, hummus with straight from the oven warm flat bed.
The lamb and chicken dishes were just right. The pear dessert and baklava were delightful. Very attentive service. We hope to return often.
Pros: Service, Fresh food
Cons: none
Posted 02/16/08
