Kim T.

This was my first time here and unfortunately my last time as the business is closing. We had the Cacık (Jajik) - home-made yogurt specially prepared with chopped cucumber, fresh garlic and dried mint which was delicious with their fresh pida bread. I ordered the Sucuklu Pide (Sujuk Pide) - cheese pide with Turkish beef sausage which was great. I wish it was baked a little more for structure to hold up all the cheese. The service was great and the restaurant is a quaint little place. Not a lot of parking. Wish I found this place before. They've been there for so many years hidden in the Rice Village area.

Iqbal L.

We had our Sunday lunch at Istanbul Grill and loved it. We got here by noon and there was no wait. The food came out quickly and everything tasted great. Our server suggested ordering a few dishes and he would prepare a family platter as we were 6 in our party. The Doner kebab was our favorite and we loved the Pastrami Pide as an appetizer. The restaurant was decorated with authentic Turkish mosaics and art work.

Sunny B.

Istanbul was an average experience for me. There are very limited vegetarian options and I was sad to see that falafel sandwiches are only offered until 4pm. The only two entrees I could see were a falafel plate and a cheese pida for vegetarians. I opted for the the cheese pida and a salad as I felt like my dinner needed some vegetables. The salad was plain tasting consisting of a lemon based dressing and cubes of tomato, cucumber, bell pepper. The dressing was not strong and I wished it had more flavor. I took it home and added my own dressing from home the next day. It's unfortunate that they charge an additional $1.50 for feta cheese which would have elevated the salad flavor. The cheese pide was good and a very large portion size. I wish there were some vegetables added however. The dough was delicious. Istanbul grill does make good bread. The pita bread was also good, very soft, and tasted fresh. It was busy on a Saturday night. Decor is minimal inside and ambiance was family friendly. Most of the tables were families with children. I will note that the interior was on the warmer side for a November night. Overall likely would not return just because of limited vegetarian food.

Diana J.

Fresh baked bread when you sit with a good dipping sauce. I got the mixed kabobs and they were all juicy and tender. No sauce needed, very flavorful. The baklava is fresh made there as well. Drink refills are scarce so I was very thirsty the whole time. Great spot for food tho in rice village, parking is terrible since it's in rice village.

Devangi D.

Istanbul Grill is one of our go-to spots for a casual, satisfying weeknight meal. The falafel is always crispy and flavorful, and the fresh bread (not pictured!) is a highlight -- warm, soft, and perfectly seasoned with za'atar and olive oil. It disappears the moment it hits the table! We also had the cheese pide, which was rich, melty, and delicious. The chicken kabob is consistently juicy and well-seasoned. My only wish is that they offered a falafel rice platter -- that combo would be perfect. Still, it's a great spot with reliable flavors and friendly service.

Robert Z.

After all the times I've been to Rice Village, I don't know how I failed to notice this restaurant but I'm glad I came in and tried it. My partner and I came on a Saturday night and it was fairly quiet and empty, we were having a later dinner so we may have just gotten in late. Staff was friendly and our server in particular was super nice and checked in on us without being over bearing. He also let us know that the kitchen was baking fresh bread and asked if we'd want any (the obvious answer was yes). We ordered a couple appetizers along with a main each. All the appetizers were great and went so well with the bread. The bread was warm, fluffy, crisp from the oven, and delicious. I basically filled up on bread and zataar oil. The mezze we ordered was also excellent, with the eggplant soslu being my personal favorite. I got the meat pide and really liked the lamb filling, it was juicy and nicely spiced and the bread, again, was baked perfectly to hold it all. My partner got the lahmacun which had the same filling but wrapped in a lighter, thinner bread but still excellent all the same. Price wise, I'd say it was fair considering current inflation. We got quite a bit of food and had enough for a second meal, again, we did fill up quite a bit on bread as well so that helped. Overall, I'm glad to have found a Turkish spot that's not too far. Also great that its in Rice Village so there's the 2 hour free parking in the garage.

Sophia S.

The ambiance was better than I expected--definitely on the more casual side, but it still had that cool café vibe. The outdoor covered patio was a nice bonus! Also, shoutout to the staff--the service was genuinely great. Now, onto the food: Turkish bread: So fluffy, so yummy. You could absolutely tell it was fresh. Warm, soft, and perfect for dipping--I could've eaten a whole basket. Ayran (yogurt drink): 0/10. I really don't recommend this one--consider yourself warned! Super salty and bitter. I'm usually into trying new things, and I typically like yogurt drinks, but this one was not it. I managed maybe three sips before I tapped out. Thankfully, the waiter didn't even charge me--she knew. Yogurtlu Tavuk Adana (chicken kebab): 9/10. The kebab was full of flavor, perfectly cooked, and paired beautifully with the tangy yogurt sauce and grilled tomatoes. I usually lean more toward shaved meats, but this still hit the spot. The spice level was chef's kiss. Overall, it's a cute little lunch spot with very limited parking--but honestly, the food makes the hassle worth it.

Justin T.

Istanbul Grill was so good that I had to write a review right away! Full disclosure, Mediterranean or food from that region isn't my go to. Don't get me wrong, I like the food, it's just not something I crave or seek out. I was invited on a little lunch date and happily obliged. I actually had this place bookmarked and have always wondered about it when I am out and about in Rice Village. I've had many a drinks next door. We came between lunch and dinner and the place was empty. They have just a few spots to park in front which we were able to snag. Otherwise, street or garage parking is the other option. We started off with one really nice young guy as our waiter and then it transitioned into two other young ladies. All of them did a great job and were super attentive and helpful. I stuck to what I know I like when it comes to this type of food. I got myself and iced tea to beat the summer heat, but my lunch date got Elma Cayi which is apple tea. I tried a sip and it tasted like I expected it to, hot apple juice. I actually liked it alot, but couldn't see myself getting it when it's hot out. For a starter, we went with the Yaprak Sarma or dolma as I know it as. Stuffed grape leaves is what it is and it was very good. I've had my fair share of this dish in my days and this was hands down the best I've had in Houston. It is served cold which again was nice on a hot day. It was stuffed with a very well seasoned rice mixture. It's a small dish but the grape leaves were stuffed solid and ate hearty. Other reviews mention their fresh out of a brick oven bread. This bread was addictive and so delicious. They bring it to you fresh out of the oven with olive oil. It goes with everything. Don't be shy to ask for more like we did. For mains, they have Turkish pizza, veggie entrees, grilled entrees and sandwiches. We decided to share the Mixed Grill. It came with an assortment of their kebabs and I believe some doner. It was served over a bed of rice and chick peas and salad. Everything about this dish was excellent. The meats were very well seasoned and cooked to perfection. Everything was tender and juicy. If I had to choose, I would say the chicken was my fave and it really stood out to me. When looking at the restaurant, I noticed they have the fresh meat displayed. Nothing is frozen. Love that! Usually the pilav (rice) is an afterthought at most places, but the rice too was delicious. We finished of our meal with their award winning rice pudding. It was a perfect way to end the meal. It was served cold. It had just the right amount of sweetness and had a good consistency to it. When it comes to this type of food, Istanbul Grill has moved to the top of my list. I will definitely be back!

Sandra K.

I've been coming here for over 20 years and they never fail to disappoint. The complimentary bread and dip is spot on and helps stave off the hunger before the delicious meal. My husband got lamb kebabs in a yogurt sauce and I got the kofte per usual. My meat was tender and well flavored and the salad had the right amount of dressing. Also the rice here was delicious. It had the right amount of butter and salt and I honestly could have eaten just that for dinner like a weirdo. Service was fast and fantastic and love the outdoor ish option where it's not too hot. They have designated parking spots in front of the restaurant too!

Iris T.

Still a solid place! We still can't have anything other than the Cheese/Egg Pide, bread, rice, dessert, and drinks so it is the only thing we get. Since my last review, we've added another member to the family... who has multiple food allergies. He can only have the rice, rice pudding dessert, and water/ayran (but he doesn't like the ayran). He's not as much of a fan, or perhaps it'll take multiple tries. However, my eldest LOVES the pide here. Positively in love with it. She goes through periods where she'll want it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner - the carb fiend she is. The leftovers I used to get from my husband now go to her. We have dined in twice over the last few months as a result. The only new thing I have to report is I now find the egg pide superior to the regular cheese pide. It doesn't look too different at first glance but the cheese on top is a little fluffier/lighter and not as salty. They mix the egg into the cheese. I still wish each order of pide came with more slices of tomatoes (they only come with 2 each) and still order ayran to drink and şekerpare for dessert when I go. My eldest is also a fan of the şekerpare so I get to share that with her as well. We only get the complimentary bread and herbed dipping oil when we're in a larger group. I haven't stopped crossing my fingers that we'll be able to have more options on the menu that are healthier, but at this point, I'm sure it's just wishful thinking, haha.

Jess F.

A cozy spot with authentic and delicious Turkish food, especially the lamb kebabs. One of my friends grew up eating Middle Eastern food and says this food reminds him of what he ate in his childhood. Servers are attentive and kind. A place that's unique in ambience and hard to beat in cuisine! Dolma - very good, one of the best I've had in Houston. Patlican (eggplant) - amazing, especially with the bread they provide. Kuzu lamb - their best lamb kebabs, much better meat texture than the Adana kebab. Flavor is always amazing, and the rice is incredible. Rice pudding and triangle baklava - the cold pudding and the sweet warm baklava are a perfect pair. Finish off your meal with a Turkish tea for the perfect touch! I'll come back to this restaurant again and again.

Edwin R.

Istanbul grill is a hit and if you're looking for good Turkish food this is the place, place has a nice atmosphere and real good tentative and friendly service. You get started with complementary warm bread and dipping oil, I would recommend ordering from the appetizer menu eggplant dip/spread for the flatbread it's delicious and healthy and lots of flavor. there are few entrees I would recommend If you have kids and they don't eat this type of food i suggest ordering a pide (Turkish pizza) always a hit for my kiddies side it with chickpea rice. The falafel is excellent cook to perfection and such healthy option that gets you full. The kebabs are delicious I recommend the chicken and or beef, the kebab plates come with a refreshing salad and side of chickpea rice. Everything that I've had on this menu so far has been amazing, see my photos for reference. They do have some imported drinks like sodas they have Turkish version of sprite and Turkish version of orange fanta, they also have teas regular and apple and the coffee I recommend trying if your a coffee drinker it's strong and grainy. Baklava was great but the rice pudding that was charred on top to give it a crystallized crunch was amazing I highly recommend this dessert. The only thing I dislike is that this place barely has no parking about 6 spots minimum everything else is all street parking which are metered so good luck on busy days you may have to park a block or two or maybe park at the parking garage across the street. I recommend this place if you're looking for some good Turkish food.

Sara G.

We went there on Friday night that wasn't that busy. The place was ok nothing crazy about the decorations. Since I have been in Turkey several times I knew the foods. So hobby and I ordered Skender kabab and Adena kebab. I liked mine it was really tasty just the yogurt was sour but hobby didn't like his Adena he says he had better Adena before. All in all, it was not bad experience but I don't think that I'll back.