Such a fun brunch experience! Our group ordered most everything on the brunch menu so that we could sample and every dish was phenomenal. The food, ambience, and service is great. Highly recommend. read more

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give it a A+! All the food was so delicious ! What a great place for birthday lunch! Food, service, and beautiful restaurant all in one! Strongly recommend! read more

Istanbul Hawaii - Happy Birthday Paula!! - Mediterranean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Lunch was so full of flavor and service was wonderful! We were celebrating my birthday and Istanbul did NOT let us down! The space has a warm energy, with lots of cheery colors throughout. All the staff members we encountered were friendly and efficient. Orders were accurate, yay! This was only my 2nd visit to Istanbul Hawaii, and it surely won't be my last lol read more

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My sister and I both fell ill after having dinner there. We had the maze platter and tomahawk steak, along with desserts. It was the only common meal we shared that day and even after writing to them personally, instead of rectifying the situation they went into an interrogation of what else did I eat that day, what did I eat after, what are my symptoms. After my reply they went ahead and again said that they do not feel that it was food poisoning because no one else alerted them and because I didn't get a test done. They basically gave no fucks. There are so many better places and I'll never dine here or even recommend them to anyone read more

Mediterranean food is one of my favorites and I'm glad Honolulu has one that is pure deliciousness. In the heart of ward, this restaurant offers indoor outdoor seating and an array of dishes from Kebobs, hummus platters, desserts, and all. It is on the pricier side, but perfect for birthdays, date nights, or a new type of cuisine if you haven't tried it. The chicken Kebob was so delicious and moist, seasoned perfectly. I will be back! read more

Istanbul Hawaii - Chicken Kebob - Mediterranean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Istanbul Hawai'i is exceptional! We visited the beautiful city of Istanbul twice in the past 4 years. This beautiful Hawai'i restaurant seemed to capture the essence of the city and its cusine. My father lived in Atlanya for a decade! Outdoor and interior seating was a "Turkish Delight" and our server Ali was friendly, professional and extremely helpful! Bravo! With his recommendation we order the delicious lamb, chicken and beef. Honestly some of the BEST tasting and prepared lamb! read more

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The food here was so good! The appetizer platter was large. The lamb and steak was really good too. Service was efficient. No wait on a weekday evening with no reservations. Highly recommend. read more

Istanbul Hawaii - Mediterranean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This was our second time dining at Istanbul Hawaii, and what stood out most was how elevated the experience felt compared to our first visit. The first time we came (about a year ago), we ordered the whole fish and a meze board, and I still remember how visually stunning everything was when it hit the table. The spreads were vibrant and silky, and each hummus slightly different in texture and depth, paired with warm, fluffy bread. Nothing tasted overly heavy or "spicy" in a harsh way, just really aromatic, balanced, and thoughtfully seasoned. Coming back this time with a group of four, we wanted to try more of the menu and went with the Sultan's Plate. It came out as this generous, shareable spread of grilled meats--chicken, beef, and other cuts--each one cooked differently but all equally tender. You could tell everything was fire-grilled or properly seared because of that slight char and smokiness. The chicken ended up being my favorite, it was juicy, deeply marinated, and had this subtle tang and herbiness that made it stand out from the rest. The lentil soup (mercimek) was another standout. It was smooth, comforting, and had that slow-simmered flavor that feels homemade. We also ordered a fresh salad (I'm pretty sure it's their Mediterranean-style one), and the tomatoes were surprisingly one of the highlights--super ripe, slightly sweet, and paired with just enough acidity to balance the richness of the meats. Everything came with rice, and the portion sizes were honestly perfect for four people. We left full but not overly stuffed, which I appreciate because the food is rich but still feels intentional. A lot of reviews mention how shareable and generous the portions are, and I definitely agree--it's meant to be enjoyed family-style. We sat inside this time, and the space itself really adds to the experience. The decor feels curated and authentic with the warm lighting, textured details, and a lively atmosphere. It does get a little energetic/noisy when it's busy, but it adds to that communal dining vibe. Overall, what keeps bringing us back is the consistency in flavor and execution. Everything feels intentional--from the seasoning to the plating--and it's clear they put a lot of care into both the food and the experience. Definitely one of those places that lives up to the hype in Honolulu, especially if you go with a group and share a variety of dishes. read more

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One of the best restaurants on island and worth every single penny. You can tell everything is made with fresh ingredients and intention. This was our second time here. Everything is always delicious and service is always friendly. This time we sat at the bar to get some drinks and bites. We got the lamb shish, the meze platter, and a few cocktails. The Hamam cocktail was recommended to us by the bartender and it was such a cute presentation, it came in a little bathtub and the cocktail itself was light and refreshing. If you like rose you'll love that cocktail. Highly recommend coming here at least once but you'll definitely want to come back for more read more

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If you're craving Mediterranean and want a high end great service experience, Istanbul is the way to go! I personally think asking to dine inside is much more elevated experience. The outside patio is not as nice. Let's get straight to the food. It's amazing. Mouthwatering.... So good. We had a table of 3 adults and shared the Sultan's Table. It was more than enough for all of us. Salad was so good, though the soup was a little weird (soup was the only thing I didn't like.... It was basically ground up beans). The meats were incredibly tender and tasty, especially the lamb. For your bread, get the meze, it's INCREDIBLE! I could have only ate the bread for dinner. Service was pretty good, though our server seemed to forget about us a few times as the tables near us turned twice before we got our check. We were waiting a lot for her to come by to get us things or bring the check. I feel like for the price point, I expected better service. With drinks bill was $400 something for all of us. Plan on spending about $100 a person! read more

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One of my favorite places in town at the moment. I've eaten here four or five times now, and it's been great every time. The menu is pretty extensive, so there are lots of options if you've got a picky eater in your group... All the lamb dishes have been great, as well as the kebobs- of which I've tried the lamb, steak, and chicken... I especially like the pirzola (grass-fed lamb chops from Ni'ihau...) The wait-staff is attentive and helpful. There was a flatbread appetizer I really enjoyed that got cut from the menu, and the waiter figured out what it was, since I couldn't remember the name.., (it's Za'atar,) and it was made for me, off-menu. Hard to beat that. Lots of different sides and small plates too. Some of the items (like dips and vegetarian options) are not my style, but the other people I was with raved about... There are also a lot of interesting cocktails and desserts. I've had a few of their ice creams: pistachio gelato, turkish cardamom coffee gelato, and a sumac rose sorbet (which tasted a bit like raspberry...) All were very nice. I also really like their turkish delight, which is like a cross between a marshmallow and a gummy candy, but with a subtle floral quality. A little on the pricey side, so maybe keep that in mind. With cocktails and dessert, it's easy for two people to get into the $200+ price category... But definitely recommend the place. Extremely good. read more

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Came here for a girl's brunch and didn't see anything I liked on the brunch menu so went for the lamb skewers instead. I've heard rave reviews about Istanbul so I was expecting a little more flavor in the dishes. The lamb was cooked well and came with 2 skewers, some saffron rice and tomatoes for $27. I also got a mocktail which was $16 which I would pass on next time. The mezze platter was good for sharing and a good way to try a bunch of different dips. Others got the shashuka, cilbir and benedict. It didn't seem like they enjoyed the cilbir due to the temperature difference between the yogurt and eggs as that was unexpected. The server was really nice and we didn't feel rushed at all even though they were busy. It was super easy to split the check and conveniently had Apple Pay available. The decor is so cute and it was a little noisy in the restaurant but overall was a cute spot and I'm glad I got to try it! read more

Istanbul Hawaii - Mocktail - Mediterranean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Despite it being a bit busy I was seated immediately. The host was nice and the server was good as well. The server also explained everything that came on the meze platter. Which was gorgeous , I loved the presentation and it tasted amazing. The ambiance inside is also very much giving a Turkish vibe, it feels like you're in another country. Overall, the food is a bit on the pricier side for what it is, but I enjoyed it so I'll be be back. - get the lamb or chicken shish kabobs AND the meze platter and you won't regret coming here! read more

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The meze platter is always a great call. fresh, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. But the real MVP here is the Anatolian doner. Honestly awesome every single time. They didn't have the Rabbit Hole Dareinger on tap this visit, but I tried the Cave Hill for the first time and... eh, it was pretty good. Not terrible, just not my favorite. Still, good food and good vibes make up for it. Will keep coming back. The doner alone is worth it. read more

Istanbul Hawaii - Meze Platter - Mediterranean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Tried Istanbul recently and really enjoyed it. We got the Sultan's Table, and it was a really good amount of food to split between 4 people. We also got the meze platter, which was a great choice for a group since we got to try all the different dips with our bread. Everything came out fresh, hot, and full of flavor. The meats were well seasoned, tender, and there was a nice variety so everyone got to try a little of everything. We sat outside on the patio and even caught a glimpse of the sunset while we were eating, which made the whole experience even better. Service was friendly, the atmosphere was relaxed, and overall it was just a really nice spot to sit down and enjoy a meal. I'd definitely go back!!! read more

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We tried Istanbul for the first time and it was wonderful. We got seated outside (maybe because I'm in a wheelchair) but it wasn't too loud. Attentive servers and delicious food. Can't go wrong! read more

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Istanbul is always a solid option for all meals and for all occasions. While I usually get the rib eye shish, I ordered their branzino today and it was so good. Market price was 50 dollars and you get a full fish. Service here is always so efficient and the servers are awesome. Jarren is our server and tonight, we had a party of 9 and he was so attentive to us. He checked in often and made sure everyone was taken care of. 5 stars! read more

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The location is easy to get to. Lunch is quite busy, but with a reservation, there was no problem. The food was good enough as far as taste, but for the quality vs price, I would suggest looking elsewhere. They have an extensive alcoholic menu, but if you just want a beer, it isn't so easy to get. You can add 3 skewers of beef to a salad for an additional $25. My issue is that I was quite offended when they offered to give me a free dessert for a Google review. I tried to do it, but the system was down (confirmed by the waiter), and they still did not offer me the dessert despite me trying and going through the hassle. I was also annoyed that they almost seem to badger you into giving 5 stars on Google for the dessert. It messes with the integrity of the review. The atmosphere is nice, but when I was sitting outside, my conversation was interrupted by a noisy car. read more

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Vibe is so cute in there! I forget the exact name -- but the mule was very good. The pita is next level! Our group shared the mez platter? We got the regular and vegan version. So good. And the chicken kabobs were fire!!! Vanilla ice cream + olive oil and salt. Do it. I'll be back! read more

Istanbul Hawaii - Mediterranean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Loved the friendly staff and service. Best of all the amazing food!! Best ever!! Ambiance was perfect! read more

Lovely evening atmosphere with outdoor and indoor seating. Great breeze if you sit outdoors. Dinner menu features delightful assortment of Turkish food. Lots of vegan, VEGITARIAN options! We tried the lamb yahni, pirzola, manti, and meze platter. All were extremely delicious, well-spiced, and rich in flavor. Portion sizes were generous. Ice cream was delicious as well. Servers were quick and cleaned the table after every course. Free parking in garages. read more

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Lovely restaurant. Food, service ambiance. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner all wonderful. A true gem in Hawaii.

I love this spot for Mediterranean food! Istanbul has a full menu that truly has something for everyone, plus a newer vegan menu, which I really appreciate. It's also woman-owned and led, and the hospitality here genuinely reflects that care and intention. The lamb kebab is a must-order! The lamb is unbelievably tender, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. It usually comes with rice pilaf, but this time I ordered it over their classic salad, and honestly... I might do that every time now. The salad made it feel even fresher and more balanced, and somehow elevated the dish even more. We also had the lamb yahni (braised lamb with sweet potato and chickpeas), which was deeply comforting and full of rich, warming flavor. Everything here is served family-style, which makes the meal feel communal and meant to be shared - exactly the kind of dining experience I love. We paired everything with red wine from their solid drink selection, and to finish the meal, I had the Turkish coffee, which is an absolute must if you've never tried it before. Bold, rich, and intense in the best way. They also always end the meal with a complimentary Turkish delight, which is such a thoughtful touch. This time it was rose flavored, and I absolutely loved it! Fragrant, lightly sweet, and the perfect way to wrap up the night. Istanbul consistently delivers on food, warmth, and hospitality. It's the kind of place that makes you slow down, share plates, and enjoy the moment with the people you're with. I'll always come back. read more

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This is one of our favorite restaurants on Oahu. We were surprised by the quality of service and delicious food and ambience . Our server recommended the plant based köfte as a vegetarian option, and it was amazing. We also recommend the fries, perfect seasoning. read more

Hub's fam likes it there...we've been with them like 3 times. We are always on the big table inside by the bar. Love the space except this time people were seated behind us which meant we were butted up against each other so i had to move every time someone needed to squeeze past or out. Also heard the conversations of the couple behind us... he was loud, but we were just too close for comfort. Every time we've been they have run out of the shank. Hubs tries to get it. This time dinner was at 5:30, so very surprised that they had 1 left by then. We were there for his sister's bday, so he let her have it. 3rd time he missed it. For some reason Baklava is ALWAYS out. Not sure how you are supposed to get on the wait list for that one. Steak we wanted was also out. Couple things he needed to check on what was left. I don't know if it's just poor planning or really not wanting to having anything leftover at the end, but very disappointing when so many things are out or on the verge. Luckily the food we had was good...but not what we really wanted. But I thought the naan was better than normal though. Fries are a must. So good. So addicting. So good. And that feta dipping sauce...I didn't other stuff in that too. Baby ate a lot so that made me happy. read more

Goodbye 2025! It's the end of the year and how do we celebrate? By going out in style with delicious food. My better half loves this place and since it is New Year's Eve, we decided to splurge. Istanbul is kind of pricey (isn't all eating out pricey these days?) so we don't do this regularly. Booking a reservation a week ago on OpenTable, we grabbed the 6:45 PM seating. We got the Spinach Borek, Lamb Yahni and Lamb Tenderloin as our appetizer and entrees. The Spinach Borek is essentially Turkish spanakopita, being super flakey, with a good filing of spinach and feta. A safe starter for people not previously exposed to Turkish food. The Lamb Yahni had small pieces of seasoned lamb, with potatoes, carrots, along with various small fruits cooked in a savory stew, served with two thick olive oil drenched pieces of tasty bread. A bit too fruity for me, but my partner ate it all up. The Lamb Tenderloin was my favorite dish, made of three medium rare lamb kebabs drizzled with a savory sauce. The meat easily came off the skewers, to be dipped into what appeared to be a tasty yogurt sauce. The pilav (or pilaf) served with it was well seasoned and provided starch to enjoy with the delicious tender lamb. They were running a holiday special where if you wrote a Google review (yeah, google review, not Yelp, what gives? I still did it), they gave you a free scoop of sorbet or gelato. We got the Turkish Coffee and Waialua Chocolate Gelatos. Both were placed over a bed of what appeared to be crisped rice. The Turkish coffee was delicious with a balanced coffee flavor, not quite as good as Hammond's Vietnamese caramel coffee ice cream, but that's from a different part of the world. The Waialua Chocolate was topped with sea salt that sometimes overpowered the chocolate. However, both were delightful. We also got the Bursa helva, which is sort of like a crème brulee, but more of a flour roux pudding than an egg based custard and with much less sugar on the top. The Bursa Helva was very creamy, but without the richness of the egg, which may be what you're looking for. It also came with a huge walnut at the center. Not bad, but the gelato is definitely more worth the calories. As for booze, we got the Afternoon at the Pera Palace, which was served in an adorable little tea cup, is a mix of locally made Kohana rum, cardamom, damask rose, waialua guava and apple banana. Surprisingly the drink was not that fruity, which speaks to a good balance. Served chilled and frothy. Recommend outdoor seating as it can be cramped indoors and it's much louder indoors. Parking is generally good in the various nearby parking lots. Bathroom is clean. Staff are polite and efficient. read more

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I've been here a handful of times and I haven't tasted anything I didn't like. The meze platter and the wagyu shish are my go-to favorite dishes. The shish is always so tender and is perfectly seasoned. The platter provides us with options which is a relief when you want to try everything. The chicken was surprisingly moist and flavorful. I didn't think I'd be a huge fan of it and I was proven wrong. I'd order it again for sure. The portion is a little large, so I do think it's big enough to share with another person. The service was okay. They tried their best with the rush and all. It did take some time for us to order drinks. If you do arrive earlier than the rest of your party, I recommend letting them know ahead of time that you'd like to get drinks started before everyone gets there. Otherwise, you'll be waiting till they all show up to get service. Ambiance inside of the restaurant is trendy and modern. I recently went during Christmas time, so they had a tree up with lights. It is a smaller restaurant, so highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time. read more

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Saturday night out with the bestie. It just so happen to be the same night as a huge tribute concert at Waikiki Shell. My BFF suggested to stay away from Waikiki for the evening and so my idea was to be in Kakaako instead. It's been a while since I've ate at Istanbul Hawaii and he was down for it. Booked our reservation for two on OpenTable to be seated at the bar for more casual seating. It was even a better idea because the outside lanai tables were packed and it was a very hot evening. Sitting at a bar can be self conscious for me as you don't want to be that attention seeking customer, you have to keep in mind that you're sharing a communal counter. But customers didn't stay that long and dined in early that evening. The one and only bartender became our server at the same time. A few items on the menu were already off the menu, which is fine considering there were many more appetizers and entrees to choose from. We both shared the organic hummus, he chose lamb tenderloin while I picked the gold wagyu ribeye steak. Dessert we also shared baklava served with ice cream. Dinner was absolutely delicious which made it better with a fantastic bartender. I couldn't believe the abundance of servers this restaurant had. Customer service is great. Free ample parking. Energetic ambience. I'd suggest being seated indoors when the temperature is warm outside. Although I've been to the Mediterranean Sea twice before, summers are extremely hot! read more

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My boyfriend and I came here on our anniversary. The restaurant is beautifully decorated. It has both indoor and outdoor seating. We were sat inside and given their menus. Their menu is pretty expansive and if you've never had Mediterranean food before, it is quite hard to decide what to get. We first went with the Meze Platter as it was the perfect way to try as much as possible without ordering a regular portion of everything. My partner and I really enjoyed the regular hummus, spanakopita, and the sourdough pide from the platter. I would note that the tables are VERY small. Logically speaking, the table sizes just doesn't make sense to accommodate for ordering more than 1-2 items overall, especially as the dishware are all very large. Once we ordered our entrees and they came, there were absolutely no more space and we had to pack the apps into a box and put it on the floor as again, there is NO SPACE? We got the SRF Wagyu Ribeye Shish & Pirzola. Both of these were delicious, flavorful and I would heavily recommend. For dessert, we got the kunefe with pistachio gelati. I would recommend this as dessert as well. It is quite sweet and dense but worth it for the experience. Overall, I would heavily coming to Istanbul to try dishes that you otherwise would not be able to experience else where. Be warned that they are on the pricier side, and I have heard their true authenticity being called into question by some. read more

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Brunch at Istanbul Honolulu was a really enjoyable experience. The décor is beautiful--colorful, warm, and thoughtfully designed--which makes the space feel inviting the moment you walk in. We ordered two dishes during this visit: the pancakes and the burger. Both were delicious and well-presented. The flavors tasted fresh, and the portions were satisfying without being too heavy. Service was friendly and pleasant. The staff was welcoming and attentive. Overall, Istanbul is a solid choice for a relaxed brunch with great food and a unique atmosphere. I'd definitely come back to try more dishes next time. read more

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I finally got to try Istanbul on Oahu and it truly exceeded my expectations From the moment you walk in, the space is beautiful--warm, inviting, and full of charm. The details are everything... from the copper plates to the floral tablecloths and hanging decor, it really feels like you've been transported somewhere special. The food was just as impressive. We started with the mosaic of meze platter and it was honestly one of my favorite parts. Everything was so fresh and flavorful--the hummus, muhammara, babaganoush, and labneh were all delicious, and the spinach börek was warm, flaky, and so satisfying. Loved all the little touches like the pickled winter cherry, hibiscus, olives, and the fresh sourdough pide. For mains, we had the shaved lamb & beef doner pide wrap and the lamb tenderloin pide wrap--both were amazing. The meat was juicy and perfectly seasoned, paired with crisp veggies and that creamy sauce... every bite was so good. Even the sides like the hyssop potatoes added something special to the meal. And the bread... wow. Fresh, soft inside with a slight crisp on the outside, drizzled with olive oil--I could honestly eat that all day. We ended with the Hatay künefe and Turkish coffee, and it was the perfect finish. The künefe with the warm cheese, crisp phyllo, lehua honey, and kaymak was absolutely delicious and unique. The Turkish kahve was strong, rich, and beautifully presented with a side of fresh made Turkish delight. Service was friendly and welcoming, which made the whole experience even better. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to and bringing friends and family. Highly recommend if you're looking for something unique and really enjoyable on Oahu read more

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My first time here, my date and I opted for the plant-based menu. Started off with the lehua honey cold brew coffee (honey is a.better sweetener than sweet cream!) Tried the mosaic of meze.platter for sharing as an appetizer just in case we couldn't handle an entire, and I'm glad we held off on more food. This was a meal in itself since we weren't terribly famished. The sourdough pide is gloriously fluffy and goes amazingly well with the hummus (ethereal--you can't find any hummus like this in Hawaii), baba ghanoush, muhammara and leek-date tarrator (which I'd love to try as a soup one day). Ended the meal with creme brulee, which is kind of a brulee take on the popular Dubai chocolate (so much pistachios!). Jaren was our server, and he was on top of everything. Runners were always there clearing dishes. We sat outdoors, which was perfect for a crisp October evening in Honolulu. Traffic noise is not noticeable. read more

Istanbul Hawaii - Mediterranean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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The food was excellent, the service was impeccable, and the ambiance was wonderful. This was my second visit, and I'm so glad I had the chance to come back. I'll definitely be returning again. read more

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Istanbul was absolutely delicious!! When visiting Oahu, I really wanted to try different cuisines and explore different flavors. Right off the bat, the staff were extremely friendly and bubbly. Although we sat outside, the interior and decor was beautiful. We started off with falafels and bread with labneh (yogurt and honey). Both were absolutely delicious, and we ended up getting more bread to enjoy with the labneh. We ordered the chicken and ribeye Shish kabobs as our entree. The chicken had such a unique flavor and a little bit of sweetness, which was such a nice surprise! My favorite was the ribeye kabobs, which was so tender and flavorful. The rice was good and the cherry tomatoes provided a nice sweetness to balance the meal. We finished off the night with some tea! I highly recommend trying Istanbul and embracing the culture through food! read more

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I've been here for dinner years ago but this was my first time going for brunch. Started with the mezza plate, absolutely delicious. My favorite was the spanakopita Benedict. I haven't had anything like that before. My friend and I shared that and the diner wrap but it was so much food I took home half the wrap. My other friend had the pancake and it was so light and sweet it was simple and delicious. The service was really good, we came for a birthday brunch so they gave a Turkish delight on a candle. And always I love being inside the restaurant because it's so pretty. read more

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Been here before but last night we celebrated our birthdays. Made reservation and was seated with Samantha as our server. She was energetic and lovely and there to make us all comfortable with our experiences. Food was excellent and would like to try more red meat options. read more

First time at this restaurant. It was very refreshing to see the diversity of new restaurants in Honolulu. I moved back to California in 2011 and my last visit was 2017. This restaurant opened in 2020? The waitress was excellent and the staff were very attentive to our table, food was delicious and the hummus selections were amazing, As we arrived at 1245pm the inside of the restaurant was full as well as outdoor dining. Ambiance was very nice and with touches of wood details. Give this restaurant a chance, I know you would love it! read more

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Been here multiple times and have to say it's my favorite restaurant on the island. Very high quality food that always tastes amazing and great service. My go to is the baba's kofte and affogato. Highly recommend! read more

Istanbul Hawaii - Mediterranean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Always love coming to Istanbul! Food is always consistent, ambience is fun and lively, and the service is great! We were celebrating my mom's birthday, and I really appreciated the cute birthday decor that was put on the table and on her dessert. read more

It was my first time there and I was impressed. Love the ambience, I thought I was in a different county. Food was great, I loved their appetizers and the service was great. read more

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