I really do enjoy the ambiance of cafe Istanbul. It has a small town family grocer and diner combined into the same establishment. The servers here are known to be a bit saucy and I really do appreciate their friendly yet zero crap slant on service. The prices are great, the service is timely and the portions are absolutely enough to fill up on. In fact, the only interesting thing I can say about it is that if you choose to pay with a credit card the cashiers sometimes forget to offer you the opportunity to tip out your server. Feel free to try any of the awesome middle eastern sodas that are in the drink coolers along with your meal. This really is a great store and I hope they continue to do well. read more

Love this place. The biggest problem I have is resisting the urge to order too much food. Falafel, dolmas, hummus, and just about everything here is perfect, just like grandma used to make. Though it isn't how grandma made it, the kibbe's great, too. They have a great assortment of imported foods in their grocery. Try the zatar bread and some lebni for a delicious snack. The family that runs this place is very pleasant. Take home a package of the FRESH pita if you can get it. If they have it, it'll be up by the register. read more

I was very confused. Expected a restaurant, but it was a grocery store. Got some stuff time take home, but we were in the market for dinner to be fixed for us lol. Ah well! Seemed like okay prices. Odd name for a grocery though. read more

What a great place. I love the small grocery store and always end up spending $50 or more. This time I bought Iraqi chicken schwarama spices, rice, Turkish delight, a lovely canister of Cardamom black tea (so, so good), and who knows what else. The real purpose of going, though, was for lunch at their cafe. I ordered a salad with a lamb kabob. It's really, really yummy, but rather expensive for what you get (the salad was $4.99 and the single lamb kabob was another $5-6). It's not a large salad-just the size of a salad plate, so I think the prices are a little high for what you get (not that much lamb on the lamb kabob). I also can't help but compare it to a lovely Iranian chain of restaurants in the DC area (Moby Dick, anyone?) that has expensive food, but you get a lot more. Anyway, I digress... Cafe Istanbul's food is really tasty. This was the second time I went (and both times it's been with my daughter). I think I had a platter of some sort last time (probably lamb) that was larger and more expensive. My daughter, as always, had a gyro. Anyway, nothing to complain about with respect to the quality of the food. Delicious and filling. I'll be back. read more

Great Shawerma! Shawerma plate or sandwich are both good. Tip off to the goodness of the food is the high number of patrons who have been to the Middle East. The grocery store under the dame roof keeps growing in content and has interesting items. read more

This place was very busy, but the single server did her best to keep everyone happy. I ordered a lunch plate of lamb which came with rice and hummus and a side salad. I asked for no pickle, but that was on my plate. It also comes with a fresh pita bread - which was excellent. The food was piping hot, but it just was a little bland - now maybe this is how it should be, but I felt myself wanting some more spices/heat. The price was fair for the quantity of food. read more

I've been going here for many years. They have a new larger sitting area for the cafe, and a fairly large market. The food is actually really good. I have taken many friends there who swear "I won't eat stuff like that" and end up major fans. My favorite is the falafel sandwich. Shawarma is very good (sometimes a bit dry though), tahina sauce is really good with the lamb and beef kabob. The hummus and tabuli salad is ok, had many places that are better, but most things are pretty good here. Can get kinda packed by 12:15, so try and go a bit early. Also, their tables and booths don't sit more than 4. I have been there twice with 5, and its really awkward if you don;t sit at different booths. read more

I want to bath in a tub of the spinach kibbeh, they're addictive. Very affordable spices and dried goods. read more

Erik E. has already described the physical layout well, so I won't bother repeating it here. I will give the store itself a plug here, though. It has an amazing variety of things considering its small footprint. Everything from Turkish Delight to pickled radish, bulk spices to meat "hand slaughtered by a Muslim" (seriously; that's what the sign said**) in the freezer cases. Now on to the Cafe. I make an effort to come here every time I'm in this part of town. All of the food I've eaten here has been outstanding. It's all I can do not to embarrass myself by licking the plate to get at the last tasty bits of baba ganoush and hummus. And even when I don't have time to eat on-site, I usually dash in to pick up a few pieces of ambrosial baklava, a container of tasty hummus, or a half dozen hot, freshly made falafel to go. (For take-out orders, go to the back of the store and order at the food counter.) This is a family run business. They rotate through help staff, but the main movers and shakers of the business are always there, and they're all very pleasant and welcoming. (** Yes, I do understand that Muslims have dietary laws governing acceptable slaughtering methods and I respect that completely. I just found the wording of the sign somewhat... unfortunate.) read more

Nicely done middle eastern fare. A casual table setting, but you pay at the counter and there is a tip jar there. Be kind and throw a couple bucks in. I had the Falafel platter, Tim had a Donair. We shared a small Dolmades app. Dolmades were very good. Not the best I have ever had but very good. The Donair was awesome flavorful and tender. The falafel platter was pretty good. the greek style salad, was a standout with the dressing. The salad had lettuce which was not expected but a welcome addition. The Hummus was very flavorful. I thought the Falafel itself was highly edible but a bit dry and could have used a tad more spice, not just heat. The Tzatziki was good but again i would have enjoyed a bit more spices say lemon garlic and dill. Overall we enjoyed ourselves and will go back. I was disappointed that there was no special sheet on our table. They had lamb shank which I would have ordered and have foregone the falafel. I saw the sheet while waiting for our order but alas it was not my fate to enjoy lamb shank on this given day. read more

We have gotten food here for years and always love it. We got the gyro platter this time.

Man, everything about this place is awesome. Super friendly staff, good selection of interesting and tasty new things to try, and the best baba ganoush this side of the southwest. I'm telling you, you gotta try their baba G., it's smoky, creamy, with just the right amount of tang. I always bring this to potlucks when I'm too lazy to cook (I'm always too lazy to cook) and it's always a hit. Try some of their dolmas as well, you work hard so treat yourself. read more

GREAT FOOD! I love the hummus and baba ghanoush! I usually get the vegetarian extravaganza but everything on the menu looks great! read more

Cafe Istanbul - Chicken schawerma platter - International Grocery Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

I have been eating Falafels for 40 years and this is easily the best place for them in Albuquerque . the people are also very pleasant and me and my wife are pleased and will be going as long as they are there read more

Best Eastern European staff in Albuquerque. Now they started to bring more Eastern European products, like Dadu cheesecakes,dumplings and pirogies. read more

The restaurant is now permanently closed. *whimper* Owners told me today when I went in, hoping to get a falafel....thought I'd cry. They didn't tell me why, just that it won't be opening again. Still a great selections of middle eastern and Mediterranean foods/treats and home-made stuff. read more

Best in ABQ must be sleeping on this place. If you're looking for ambience this is not the place for you. If you're looking for the best hummus in town you've come to the right place. I come here weekly to stock up on hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, and fresh pita bread (on weekdays). Their restaurant has limited hours but it is definitely worth carving out some time in your schedule to enjoy the best Turkish food that ABQ has to offer (imo). The prices are good, service is great and their grocery store is fun to browse through too. I can't say enough good things about this business, try it and you won't be disappointed! read more

Let me start off by saying that I've been to Jordan and Israel, multiple times. I know what good middle eastern food is. Cafe Istanbul is as good as it gets in Albuquerque. In fact it's the only restaurant i've been to on this side of the Mississippi that is even comparable to actual middle eastern food. The hummus is fresh and delicious, the shawarma is perfectly spiced, and the waitstaff is friendly and attentive. I will admit it can be a tad slow, and maybe a bit overpriced, but I'm willing to overlook that based on the quality of the food. If you're in the area, I would definitely check Cafe Istanbul out. read more

i recently found this place on a Wednesday afternoon hunkering for lemony hummus. they were in the middle of a renovation, shifting the dining room to consolidate what once was a semi disagregated retail shelves full of middle eastern drygoods. it was less busy. slightly better. i'm crossing my fingers that it improves. read more

I ate here for the first time this afternoon, and I can't say enough good things about it. Coming from Houston, the Middle Eastern food here in Albuquerque has been (for the most part) lackluster until Cafe Istanbul. I had the vegetarian platter (falafel, hummus, baba ganouj, salad, pickles and saffron rice) and the feta and olive appetizer plate. It was a very generous serving of food for $6.49 and every component of the platter was quite good. My companion had the grilled chicken salad and sour cherry juice. Our appetizer, entrees, drinks and two large pieces of baklava totaled $25-- very reasonable for such a large and delicious meal. read more

This place serves quite good, cheap Palestinian food and I have eaten here many dozens of times.. The environment is very simple, the "restaurant" is on the side of the rather large grocery section; which has a mixture of Russian, eastern European, and Arab/Middle Eastern foods.. The selection of groceries is fantastic, definitely the best in the state of New Mexico by far for the categories which this place covers, particularly Russian foods. I love the Russian chocolates! This is a family business (another good reason to support it) . The owner is a friendly guy, if you happen to speak Russian you will discover he is quite comfortable in that language and a big fan of Russian culture, and seems to move quite comfortably between Russian, his native Arabic and English. It is very easy to get to because it is so close to an exit on I-40. read more

If the specials are still going, definitely have the shawarma plate (with hummus and dolmas). I also tried the falafel which was top notch. They have some of the best baklava I've had the pleasure of trying. Staff was very nice! read more

I come here for the groceries. You'll find unexpected and truly amazing foods here that will make you realize why Mediterranean cuisine ranks in the top three. The Turkish cherry jam with pits? OMFG! The sardine collection? Holy mother in heaven! The bulk herbs and spices? The variety of rices? The wonders of this place truly amaze. The kitchen also serves up some pretty authentic, basic Turkish fast food. read more

The chicken shawarma was delicious but I have definitely had better elsewhere. Not a bad choice.

According to the clerk today, the deli is undergoing renovations and not serving food until mid-October. So if you're coming here looking for some freshly prepared food before then, you're going to be sorely disappointed. read more

The food was authentic, flavorful and affordable. The dining are small yet charming. Staff friendly and informative.

This little gem tucked in between a NE Heights gas station & an uncharacteristic strip mall is absolutely delightful. The cafe is inside a family-owned Mediterranean grocery store filled with exotic, ethnic goodies. The staff is young, polite & energetic while being knowledgeable & helpful about the various items listed on the menu. Recently, I enjoyed the meat extravaganza, plenty of food to share & take leftovers, with a yummy sour cherry juice & my husband, David devoured the Falafel Platter with a cup of English Breakfast tea (hmmm) & he left grinning ear to ear. We've briefly explored the grocery items & plan on shopping for authentic Mediterranean items so we can prepare some fun, delicious dishes at home. We both highly recommend experiencing this supremely friendly, yummy little reasonable café! read more

We started with the stuffed eggplant then he had the kafta special & I had the gyro platter. Yum, and it was a lot of food. Just a bonus browsing the spice aisles in the shop after. I also just realized this is great place for lunch on Meatless Monday too! Nicsssse! read more

This place has limited seating and can be pretty busy during the lunch hour. Suggest coming early or late to get a seat. The food is delish and at a decent price. Everything I have ever ordered is very authentic to middle eastern food. Its worth a try if you haven't tried it before. read more

I do recall it being just a tad better, but since the ethnic food here in abq is not quite up to big city standards (quit reading review in disgust here), I'll still give Istanbul 4 stars. mainly b/c of the hummus & pita, pretty much as good as it gets.....make sure you ask for grilled meat, not the sliced junk off the vertical rotisserie, doesn't taste very good, unfortunately. service is about expected for the setting, which is just fine by me. staff are all very friendly, and I've never been sick here in perhaps a half dozen visits, so count me in for a once a month pilgrimage~ read more

I have traveled to Istanbul and that was back in the 1990's. So I came here, thinking I would at least be able to get something resembling, something fresh. Since everything I ate in Turkey was fresh. I discovered that this place is for people who don't know any better...what I mean is this. They don't know what's good. I was there because I was trapped by that hospital there on the corner. I had my mother in there and I couldn't go very far. So it was either the Circle K on the corner there or Café Istanbul. I had a vege sandwich. I was HORRIFIED when I bit into my sandwich! The veges were from a CAN!!!! A CAN? That takes a lot of imagination. I felt inside that they were trying to get rid of something in that can or the can itself. Otherwise, why not just put some fresh veges on that sandwich? And then the bread was stale! I was in complete shock and in dire need of some nourishment. Here I was, eating this canned vegetable stuff on a stale piece of pita bread. And it was an expensive sandwich. There is no going back here. And I repeat, there is no going back here.... read more

I don't know why this place has such great reviews. The food is disgusting. Everything tastes as if it had just been dumped out of a jar. The grocery, I understand, is pretty cool, but, don't plan on a good meal here. The portions are huge by virtue of the fact that they're inedible. I was famished, but, barely touched my food. I rate this place as offering among the worst restaurant food I've ever had. This would be a great place to use as a "break-up joint." Why waste a good meal, when you can buy something revolting to break up over? read more

This place is great. Cheap, kind of cafeteria like seating but a buried treasure nonetheless. The food is cooked by family, which gives this place a warm vibe and authentic cuisine. The perk is that they also have an International grocery section so that you can go by delicacies from all over Europe. From stuff you've never hear to all the way to pita chips from the Mediterranean, this place has it all. Best place to go for lunch and pick up some rare finds at the same time! read more

Its a family run traditional atmosphere and you will be able to fine almost any Mediterranean ingredient you can imagine here. I strongly suggest the chicken shawarma platter or pita, either way you wont me disappointed.. My only issue, they need to open one up on the west side!!! read more

I was at cafe Istanbul today and I definitely think that they deserve a good review. It seems like a family owed business. They have a wide variety of middle eastern, Mediterranean and other international groceries. It is a little disorganized however I found all I needed and more. The family seemed to be very nice, welcoming and generous. read more

Not only is the food phenomenal the staff is extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.

From the outside this place doesn't look too appealing but the food is worth it. This is one of the most authentic Mediterranean restaurants I've been too in the United States. Reminded me of being in some of the countries I've been to in the Middle East. read more

I've been on a Mediterranean food binge and have started stopping in at highly recommended spots to curb my cravings. I eat Gyros and Greek salads from Mediterranean cafes every week... as you can imagine my expenses add up. So I wanted to make my own gyro meat at home because it would cut my cost but every recipe I looked up or watched was complicated. Imagine buying lamb meat and burning it again and again so I never got the guts to actually cook it at home myself. Instead I began looking for a local market that makes and sells incredible gyro meat by the pound. Low and behold Cafe Istanbul was the deli I was searching for. The customer service was great and I felt welcome. I browsed the olive selection and cheese selection before heading to the deli counter. I walked away with 2lbs of tender thin sliced gyro meat and a semi soft Arabic cheese. I ate through the gyro meat in 4 days it was too delicious. It will be a regular grocery stop for me. Thank you cafe Istanbul and please never leave Albuquerque! read more

I have had lunch here probably a dozen times and have been pleasantly satisfied each and every time. I typically order the Gryos platter but I have also tried the Chicken Shawarma. Both are very tasty and come with a pita, excellent hummus and a small greek salad. The owners and employees are very friendly and eager to please. I have brought several friends and family member and they have all been pleased with their experience. read more

Very nice, very friendly authentic food for lunch. The attached grocery is a great place to get spices and rices.