Cafe Istanbul & Market

 

9

22

Deliah R.

Scottsdale, AZ

I was not super impressed.

I had lunch with some co-workers with high hopes. I was really disappointed. The hummus had no flavor, the pita was hard, my gyro meat was yum but the sand which had no lettuce, tomato and the sauce was scarce.

I prob won't be running back. The people were super nice so that would be the only reason to do so.

I am going to stick with Pita House in Old Town.

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Elite '08

34

73

Jennifer W.

Phoenix, AZ

I've been here a bajillion times because I used to live up the street. I've tried every type of meat and all of the vegetable dishes.  

The falafel is a little bland, but if you cover it in their garlic dip it doesn't matter.  Other than that, everything is fabulous.  The first thing I ever ate was the baked lamb sandwich and it was divine.  I just had lunch there yesterday and I'm salivating writing this review and thinking about it.

The restaurant is very nicely decorated and the family that runs the place is super nice and friendly.  I can't believe how empty this place usually is, especially since Pita Jungle is across the street and parking is impossible over there.

They have a lunch buffet but I've never partaken.

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23

47

Sara B.

Tempe, AZ

I hemmed and hawed over whether Cafe Istanbul was a three-star or a four-star joint, but the belly dancer pushed it over the top. Four stars.

But let's take a step back.

I don't actually like belly dancing, really. I knew these girls in college who got really into it. They were the kind of girls who wore anklets and gushed about how they had studied abroad in Chee-lay and actually used the term goddess when they weren't talking about salad dressing. I'm from Oregon, so I probably knew dozens of these girls. I am not one of them.

No, the belly dancing is awesome for an entirely different reason -- it makes my gay friend very uncomfortable. This amuses me to no end. While he tries to avoid eye contact, I smile at the dancer encouragingly, using my best "come hither" look. She comes to the table, gyrating just inches from my friend's mortified face. I am gleeful all night.

They also have food. It's Lebanese, and it's pretty good. In addition to the standard "stuff in a pita" fare, they have some interesting dishes -- like a pizza-esque item filled with ground lamb and spices. Yumm.

In terms of Middle Eastern food on Apache, I prefer both Haji Baba and Tasty Kabob. But I'll definitely be back. Just as soon as I can trick my friend into it.

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22

13

Brian G.

Phoenix, AZ

"You should Yelp more." "You should review that on Yelp." "Why aren't you Yelping this?"

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I hear ya. The problem is, I'm a man of few words when it comes to likes and dislikes. It's usually a thumbs up or thumbs down for me. I use Yelp a lot, so I should probably try to contribute more. So here goes.

When someone wants a suggestion for a restaurant that's non-corporate and not standard fare, I suggest Cafe Istanbul.

I've never had a bad meal there. If I could legally marry the chicken shawarma, I would. When I'm with  friends and suggest we get the garlic dip for an appetizer, their eyes light up and they say, "Yes please!" Even something as simple as the lentil soup is a sheer delight. The food is flavorful and delicious and always leaves me too full for dessert.

Sometimes the service can be a bit slow, especially if they are hitting the hookah themselves, but they are always super nice otherwise.

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Elite '08

117

165

David S. B.

Phoenix, AZ

The legendary Orient Express train ran from Paris in the west to Istanbul in the east. Coincidentally, along Apache Boulevard heading toward the eastern end of the Phoenix light rail line, right by Dorsey Lane, there is Cafe Istanbul. The similarities end in the restaurant's name, however. Despite the inclusion of Turkey's largest city in its name, Cafe Istanbul is not a Turkish restaurant. Instead, its food is mostly Lebanese.

The menu begins with choices similar to those found at nearby Tempe Middle Eastern restaurants Haji-Baba and Phoenicia. The appetizers include well-known mezes such as hummus, baba ghanoush, and dolmas. There's also the inevitable lentil soup. Cafe Istanbul's is a little thinner than many others, but the low viscosity is offset by bits of pasta in the broth. Those looking for more adventure at the start of the menu can sample souju, a spicy Armenian beef sausage, or lamb tongue sauteed in garlic.

Entree selections also combine the classics with more esoteric choices. The chicken shawarma is nicely moist and flavorful; the rotisserie meat is available in either a pita wrap or as part of platter with soup or salad, rice or vegetables, and pita. There are numerous red meat options in term of beef and lamb shawarma, kofta, kibbe, shish kabob, and gyros. Vegetarian offerings include falafel and a hearty vegetable moussaka with baked eggplant and a bechamel sauce.

Unexpectedly, Cafe Istanbul also features several Italian-style pasta dishes. These may please finicky eaters who don't wish to sample Lebanese food, but otherwise they seem an underutilization of the kitchen's energy. In addition to its regular lunch and dinner menu, Cafe Istanbul provides a lunch buffet. The cold portion features the usual supects: hummus, baba ghanoush, etc. The hot portion of the buffet varies, but tends to feature stews and casseroles. Some seem more appropriate than others; beef stroganoff, like the pasta dishes, seems potentially out of place, no matter how well it is prepared.

Beyond its dining room, Cafe Istanbul incorporates a patio with outdoor seating and a small market. The market features canned and jarred Middle Eastern ingredients along with a deli counter with meats and cheeses. The market never seems all that lively, but the products stocked still appear fresh. Cafe Istanbul does not have a liquor license but does feature a wide variety of fruit juices. There are several types of sweets available for dessert, but it's also possible to enjoy a nice end to the meal across Dorsey at Chill. Service at Cafe Istanbul varies. It's generally more responsive inside than outside. Customers seated on the patio may have to step inside occasionally to wave down staff. Eating indoors is the better strategy for those on a tight schedule.

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0

2

Mike S.

Tempe, AZ

Have been there several times. I'm quite fussy about where I eat and quick to condemn, so my continued custom says it all.

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Elite '08

25

62

Micah D.

Tempe, AZ

I love this place.  It's run by a Lebanese family who are just really really nice.  The hummus is awesome as is the tabouleh and labni.  My favorite though is something they call "garlic dip" which tastes like some sort of avatar of garlic came up and punched you in the mouth and then french kissed you while you were passed out.  Bring breath mints, but don't skip the garlic dip!  They have a buffet for lunch on the week days which is pretty good.  I like the gyro pita and the falafel pita.  Hell, I like just about everything I've had here.

When you're done stuffing your face, go check out the market.  They have some awesome stuff if you're into mediterranean food, some halfway decent teas, fresh olives and feta, halal meats, the whole deal.

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28

131

Kelly W.

Tempe, AZ

I love this cute, quaint restaurant. You can even catch belly dancing here on the early weekend nights! The food is amazing. Be sure to try the thick hummus and the Shawarma.

Even the drinks are unique. I had one of the best glasses of lemonade (it was extremely fresh tasting and it had a pleasant aroma) and was unlike anything other lemonade I've ever sipped.

There's also a market inside the restaurant where you can pick up a pound of Feta.

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