Amazing food great experience and best in Ohio. The service was quick. Clean. And very respectful servers. read more

It is my first time trying Turkish food in columbus. I ordered lamb kebab with yogurt (with tomato sauce, yogurand garlic bread). The lamb flavor is a little heavy, but it tastes good with the sauce. I wish the garlic bread was on the side instead of in the sauce since it made the bread very soft. Maybe it was done on purpose to make it easier to eat. Also the dish didn't come with rice so you need to order it on the side for another $2.45. I thought that was a little much. read more

Cafe Istanbul - Turkish Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

We ate at Cafe Istanbul in Easton for the first time yesterday. We will definitely be back! The food was fresh, colorful, and very flavorful. The service was excellent. The decor is stunning. We had a relaxing, delicious meal at lunchtime. The turkish tea is wonderful! read more

Real good and flavorful Turkish cuisine. My wife and I enjoy Mediterranean and this restaurant was no exception! Everything we tried, was absolutely great read more

This place was a pleasant surprise! Great food, great service, enforced social distancing. The lamb sautee was amazing and the Moussaka was some of the best Moussaka I've had thus far! read more

Cafe Istanbul - Wine - Turkish Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Food is amazing and so flavorful. If you like mediterranean, Lebanese, Turkish or food just a healthy eater, you're in for a treat.

Palatable but not great. Average Mediterranean food. Definitely far superior options in the area (Brassica for example). Had chicken kebab platter. The chicken was cooked well but it came w a side of buttered rice pilaf and steamed carrots and broccoli. This is more like an American meal, not Mediterranean- so unimaginative!! Partner had sliced gyro meat (dried out too!!) with the same sides I had- WTF?! The "yogurt sauce" was yogurt mixed w ranch dressing. Pretty gross. There was nothing outstanding this place. Never will return and do NOT recommend with so many other delicious eateries in the area don't waste your money!!! read more

The cafe has a nice comfortable elegance about it. The food was pretty good, steak has a nice flavor but I ordered medium well and it was more like we'll done. The white rice has a nice texture and tasted very good. Vegetables were good. My sister said give 5 stars but I won't bc: 1. When we sat down there was a ring on the table cloth and the hostess tried moving the fake flowers to cover it up, which brings up 2. Why the fake flowers? Just use the red vase and a tea light. I would go again. read more

Cafe Istanbul - Ribeye Kish Kabob - Turkish Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

Kebabs was good; very flavorful. Would not recommend ordering mixed grill for 1 person as portion is very generous

This restaurant was delicious!! The staff were very hospitable and friendly. I didn't wait long for food after being seated. The house bread and dipping oil were delicious (had some herbed up crushed tomatoes in it that were fantastic). Ordered the Moussaka and it was fantastic! I love eggplant and this had meat mixed on and topped with mozzarella. Saved some of the house bread to try with the moat of tomato sauce surrounding the delicious nightshade castle of fortitude in the middle. Couldn't leave without trying the Turkish tea and some dessert. Had the kazandibi (milk custard that struck as similar to flan but had a sprinkling of cinnamon and a honey/caramel-like drizzle of something awesome on top with whip cream puffs on the side). The whole dish was scrumptions and wasn't overly sweet (not as sweet as flan and it's traditional caramel sauce). Be warned: it is much more filling than it looks! (Still worth it!) read more

See all

My friend and I participated in Cafe Istanbul's Restaurant Week, and we had a wonderful experience! This restaurant is an overlooked gem in Columbus, and I can't believe this was my second time here ever. It was my friend's first time, and as soon as we entered, she was awe-struck by the decor. It was such great atmosphere that she wanted photos of us in the restaurant with some of the pieces! We were seated immediate and were waited upon by a very friendly and fastidious staff. They checked in on us frequently and made sure all of our needs were met. For $20, we had a three course meal. I had the lentil soup, chicken adana, and rice pudding. I also had a Turkish Tea for my beverage that was in a traditional cup. The food was very flavorful and very filling. We definitely got our money's worth! We were also served complimentary bread with a delicious dipping oil. Restaurant Week introduced me to this great Mediterranean restaurant and I intend to frequent it. read more

See all

We've never had a bad experience here. We always get the same thing. We share hummus, tabuli, and the mixed grill kebab. This past time we got some ezme as well. All delicious. We always end up having leftovers for lunch the next day too. And the bread... sooooo good. read more

This is one of my absolutely favorite restaurants in Columbus. Delicious Turkish cuisine from a large selection on the menu. Best. Hummus. Ever. And the bread they bring to the table is so yummy! It comes with a delicious dipping oil as well but I can never resist their hummus. Other faves on their menu is the falafel, the pides (pea-day - kind of like a pizza but not quite), any of the kebabs, and the Turkish Tea (like a spicy chai). The restaurant itself is very beautiful inside with lots of great mood lighting and lovely warm colors. The servers are very friendly - though some may complain the service is slow, I believe the speed is right in line with this type of restaurant. Americans can sometimes be in too much of a hurry and this is a nice restaurant to take your time and relax in. read more

Cafe Istanbul - The Gyro Pide, delish! - Turkish Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Delicious Turkish restaurant!! It definitely deserves to be frequented more often. Beautiful interior with huge chandeliers. My partner and I split the mixed grill kabob, and swapped the chicken for extra adana, and split the Shepherd salad. The dish came with adana, ribeye, and gyro meat. The adana and gyro are phenomenal. The ribeye was good but I thought the end were a little overcooked. The salad was tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, oil and vinegar. Simple but tasty. And the large salad was a tremendous portion. Staff was also very friendly. Looking forward to returning!! read more

Cafe Istanbul - From a table in the middle, looking out towards the entrance - Turkish Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I've been to the Bexley location of this restaurant and I remember my food being really tasty (though I couldn't remember what I'd ordered other than grape leaves) so as I was in the Easton area this past weekend I decided to give this a try. I ordered carry out and as I waited for my food I tried an ayran for the first time. To be honest it tasted like salty yogurt and I didn't care for it at all, just my preference however. For the entree I ordered adana kebab (seasoned ground lamb with red bell pepper and onions) and a gyro pide (homemade flat bread topped with mozzarella and gyro meat). The first entree was seasoned well (I could especially taste the red pepper) but it tasted more like a hamburger than lamb. With the gyro pide, I also enjoyed the flavor of the meat, but I think I prefer my gyro without melted cheese (this was my first time eating a gyro with mozzarella). What I didn't get to try was grape leaves, which I remember being amazing last time, so, I'll probably be visiting again and maybe try some different items on the menu. read more

Cafe Istanbul - Menu - Cafe Istanbul - Turkish Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Nice ambiance, great location and food. I like easton location better than Dublin one. Lunch specials are good with options to select from an appetizer , main course along with Dessert of the day. Hot bread from oven compliments the food. Babaganoush, Ezme, Falafel are great. Adana kebabs are so yummy. Definitely one of the best place to have Mediterranean food. read more

See all

I love the food and atmosphere. Service always quick and accurate. I love their tea and reminds me of Istanbul

Went for Valentine lunch with my wife...she had the Grilled Shrimp and I had the Sheppards Casserole...it was fab..very attentive wait staff without being intrusive...definitely will be going back...can't miss with this one.. read more

Cafe Istanbul - Sheppard casserole and Grilled Shrimp..it was fab...went for Valetine lunch with Ann and we both loved it..definitely will be going back... - Turkish Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

This was my first visit to the Cafe. The food was very good, tasty and the service was very quick. The server helped explain the many dishes and helped us choose very good appetizers. read more

This place is to highly consider if you are visiting Columbus and looking for authentic Turkish food.. location is great.. Make sure to site on the riverside read more

See all

One of my favorite places for Mediterranean food, though a bit pricey. The covered patio overlooking the river is wonderful! Despite the pandemic, the menu hasn't changed and the food was as terrific as always. read more

Opened for socially distanced dine-in for now! The staff were extremely friendly and helpful! I got the lamb shanks, and was able to substitute my rice with a plate of unseasoned veggies! The lamb is very fresh!!! They didn't heavily season the lamb shank, and thus the original flavor of the lamb was tastable (i personally like my lambs this way better) the lamb was covered with eggplants (i suppose they were cooked together), and I thought that was brilliant as the eggplant absorbed parts of the lambs fat and was DELICIOUS it was also served with tomato based soup with potatoes. the portion is HUGE; so come real hungry! read more

Cafe Istanbul - Lamb shank w/ veggies to substitute rice - Turkish Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

Good experience. Nicely decorated place. Fresh, quality food. Big menu. I recommend appetizer sampler. read more

See all

Upscale environment. You should dine-in to get the full experience. Warm bread, friendly service, excellent lighting all bring back the loveliness of dining with friends after a long year filled with take-out. Frankly, there is much better middle eastern food out there for far cheaper. The quality is there, but the price runs a big high for the portion sizes. I did have room for dessert. I do see myself returning to celebrate a night out, but will most likely never buy for the food alone. read more

SEVEN WORDS: EXQUISITE AND AUTHENTIC, BEXLEY'S TURKISH HIDDEN TREASURE. Although Cafe Istanbul sits comfortably on a corner in downtown Becley, it's barely noticeable from the nearest curb. . Once you step inside; however, you are swept into a quiet, quaint, and comfortable dining nook. . As its name implies, Cafe Istanbul is a taste of Turkish / Mediterranean Cuisine. . We ordered an appetizer sampler plus a fresh gyro. Service was quick, with an amuse buche of bread and a Sun Dried Tomato-Infused Extra Virgin OIl that left me cleaning the small serving bowl and wanting much more. It was Simply Fantastic. . The Sampler Plate was enough to completely fill two appetites. The gyros were as large as any we'd ever encountered. The fillings were traditionally yummy. The Roast Lamb was earthy and lightly spiced. Unfortunately, we had to doggie bag it to eat later. . The bill for the large Apoetizer and two oversized Gyros came to $45. A little pricy, but with quality this exacting and food this good, the value is what makes this a consistent 5-star Selection. read more

Adana Kabab! That's all I ever get for the main meal. Their ezme is also a great appetizer. Very authentic Turkish plates from what I hear. Try them! Little pricey but delicious. read more

Loved the food both times I visited. A good amount of spices are used, and they have several varieties of dishes to enjoy. I recommend the appetizer platter, one entree, and dessert for two people who don't want leftovers. If you are extra hungry or want more, get two entrees or order a large combo platter. If the weather is nice, sit out on the patio, get a drink, and relax for a long lunch on the weekend. Inside, enjoy the decor and sit tucked away in a semi-private booth. A nice break from traditional mall food, good service, and a cute place make for a must go restaurant. PS...baklava dessert is a great portion size for two or four to share and tastes amazing! Only wish they used real whipped cream. read more

Great place. I love sitting outside overlooking the River. Good - very good food. The location at Easton has great lunch specials!

I believe this is the original Turkish restaurant in Columbus, but I could be mistaken. Been going there for almost 20 years. It is the closest thing to being back in Turkiye. read more

I love the condiment that goes with the bread. The condiment had this tomato sauce to it which was very unique. The taboul, in my opinion, is okay. I have had better one. I got a mixed grill. Everything in the mixed grill was delicious. However, the doner and lamb kabab stood out the most to me. They were super delicious and well cooked. I also like the garlicky taste of the broccoli as well. read more

The food and coffees are terrific! First time here here while being in Denver and what a surprise. So good, we're taking several varieties of Baklava home with us to Alaska! Thank you Istnbul Cafe and Bakery! read more

Two words describe it- bland and boring. ordered the chicken kabob dinner. chicken kabob was okay but a little dry and overcooked, sadly it was on a bed of white rice. you've got to be shidding me! White rice, not even basmati or pilaf? they did include two huge pieces of pita bread - it was not really pita bread, just very large white soft bread. never had any pita bread that was like this crap - enough bread for four people. they didn't offer a side dinner salad so I had to get a large green salad for $9. the greens were good but it was the only good part of the meal. The tomatoes in it however were awful. read more

This is solid Turkish food. We came here as a big party and the service was excellent and the food was pretty good. For appetizers we had the hummus and the baba ghanoush. I personally liked the Hummus a lot, and not the baba ghanoush so much, my wife had exactly the opposite response. For the main meal, I got the Kofta Kabab (beef). It was very good. Their pita bread with dipping sauce is also very good. Nothing to complain about. I personally prefer the ambience of the cafe Istanbul on Riverside Drive a little bit more, but the food here is just as good. read more

I like the food and the environment. Its owners there serve and greet people. It feels like home. Great job!

I love to stop here even if it's just an appetizer and wine. Amina is just wonderful. I especially love the lamb shish kabob . The bread with the dried tomato oil is fantastic. I also love the hummus and the rice pudding is out of this world. I love the decor and all of the items for sale up front. Highly recommend Cafe Istanbul. read more

Cafe Istanbul - So delicious and perfectly grilled lamb - Turkish Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

The fact that this restaurant has been here for so long is a testament for how good it is. I no longer live in Columbus but when I come visit Easton this is a staple! Most recently came for lunch and they have a great deal for 11.95 for app, entree and dessert. PLENtY of food as neither of us finished our entrees and didn't even touch dessert. The bread that comes with the apps is awesome. It used to be pita bread which was just as tasty. Of the entrees I got the chicken Adana-- hefty lunch portion with food flavor. It was quite oily and the rice and vegetables were definitely soaked in butter. It tasted amazing, but definitely not the healthiest option. The wraps are also generously sized. Overall great lunch options given the price, and food had never disappointed! read more

Cafe Istanbul - Chicken Adana lunch portion with rice and veggies. Rice and veggies (while delicious) soaked in butter. Chicken Adana tasty. - Turkish Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

I'm not really a big fan of this place. The food was ok but I wouldn't go again. The falafels were decent and the chicken was ok. Nothing really exciting. The portions for the cost you pay aren't worth it. The veggies were undercooked and for frozen veggies from a bag. read more

Cafe Istanbul - Chicken Adana Kebab - Turkish Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

The service is always friendly, and the food is delicious....the Turkish bread is so, so tasty. Any time we have went the consistency of the food is always good, no matter what we have ordered. You never have to ask twice for a refill, and your food comes out quickly. The drink menu is a little on the pricey side in my opinion, but other than that, this place is terrific. read more

I have never been to a Turkish restaurant before. My culinary experience here was memorable and divine. I chose the Sultan's Favorite. Lamb stewed with vegetables served over mashed eggplant. It was so amazing. I don't know what or how they get eggplant to have that consistency but it is amazing. The lamb is tender and the flavors of the vegetables and the sauce are just so perfect. Besides the food. The restaurant is beautiful inside and out. The restaurant has the most beautiful view of the sunset and trees. read more

Disappointed in the management this evening as I was unable to speak with a manager to explain my complaint. I was shopping at Easton and called an order in ahead - for an item I wasn't able to name but the friendly waitstaff guided me through to what we Thought was the item which I'd ordered several times before. When I picked up the item it wasn't presented to me - but was already tightly wrapped in boxing and plastic. When I got home I realized that what I got was Not what I ordered. I called back and spoke to the same person who assured me that if I was willing to drive the 20 mins back they'd give me what I wanted and was put on a short hold to confirm. Upon return from hold I was told - no - there was no manager who could help me on duty and that I Would Have To Call Back Tomorrow - Friday night and no manager on duty??? The food I was given was uninspiring at best and not what I had come to expect ftom this establishment. I won't return. read more