Istanbul Hawaii
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I came for lunch on a Sunday. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The inside was crowded, but they still had a few seats open outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Generally, we park in the TJ Maxx parking lot when going to Istanbul, but there is a lot of parking in the area. We got the Meze platter and the Doner plate and loved everything and even ordered an extra Sourdough Pide. Our daughter loved the Labneh, but the Spinach Borek was my favorite from the platter. Also the Doner plate is our favorite when dining there. The staff, as always, is extremely nice and attentive. Istanbul is one of our favorites and we love going there.
The hammam cocktail with reposado (casamigos), turkish apricot, elderflower, rose foam, and olive drop is a fun and luscious drink. Worth ordering for the fun "cup" alone. The bee finesse cocktail comes with a bee pollen rim, blanco (casamigos), mastiha, honey, kula lavender, and hint of sahlep. Would order both again but I also now want to try all the other cocktails. I've had the döner here before but it's not quite as good as home. The lamb şiş and the rice was so good. I had no left overs to take home. Bread pudding had potential but they did not list raisins as an ingredient. My other half ordered it but happens to hate raisins. He ate the ice cream that comes with the dessert. Their lokum is perfect end to a meal. I've even had them sprinkle lavender blossoms on mine when I mentioned enjoying a day to myself for self care once. Thoughtful staff. Items on the menu have gluten free and vegetarian options marked.
I recommend putting in a reservation if you want indoor seating. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior of the store is very aesthetically pleasing![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The drinks were amazing! I had the Hürrems Emerald Spells and the pistachio was not overwhelming. We also had the Meze Platter, which our server recommended, and it was a good choice because we had a little bit of everything! For my Entree, I got the Jidori chicken and they did advise us to order it earlier as it takes 30 minutes to prepare:) which was nice of them to give us a heads up. The chicken paired perfectly with the rice. One of the most scrumptious meals I've had on Oahu! But they are on the pricey side but considering its location and dishes, it makes sense! The story behind the restaurant is also inspiring! It is on the menu so please do read about it when you dine there.
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!
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!
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.
[[HIGHLIGHT]]Istanbul Hawai'i is a beautiful seduction. The location is superb, the room glows with that expensive amber warmth designed to make everyone look richer and slightly more desirable[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], and the service was gracious throughout. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere whispers Istanbul by candlelight--or at least Istanbul after a very successful meeting with an interior designer.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] And then, alas, came the meat. We ordered three meat platters. The skewers that arrived were so diminutive I wondered whether the rest of the kebab had escaped somewhere between the kitchen and our table. Chintzy is the appropriate word. Perhaps even charitable. Turkish and Middle Eastern hospitality has always possessed a certain magnificent excess: bread appears before you ask, meat arrives smoking from the fire, and a host would sooner insult his ancestors than allow a guest to leave hungry. Serving kebab in these infantile portions feels almost like a theological disagreement with the culture itself. The flavor? Not bad. Not great. Pleasant enough to avoid condemnation, insufficiently memorable to inspire forgiveness. Which brings us to the delicious irony of Istanbul Hawai'i: in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. Honolulu has precious few upscale Turkish or Middle Eastern restaurants, and so Istanbul Hawai'i sits rather comfortably upon its lonely throne. Here, it can be royalty. Transport the same restaurant, portions, prices and all to Los Angeles, New York, London, or Dearborn, where Middle Eastern diasporas actually sharpen the competitive blade, and the crown would tumble rather quickly. In Turkey, presenting a kebab this small might not merely offend the customer; it might awaken the Ottoman dead. And yet, I wood not call it a bad restaurant. That would be vulgar, and worse, inaccurate. It is a beautiful restaurant offering an expensive approximation of abundance without actually practicing it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Go for the location. Go for the attentive service. Go dressed well, order a cocktail, enjoy the seductive lighting, and admire the theater of it all.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Just remember: the room feasts more lavishly than you will. One star for for ambiance and one for service .
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.
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!
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
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!
[[HIGHLIGHT]]Such a beautiful place and food to match![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Even their table setup was pretty.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They have so many meat and vegan friendly options too, and all of them sound so yummy! Their desserts were really good too, so nice to find a place on island that serves baklava! The staff were also super friendly and even explained the menu to us because we weren't familiar with it. On the slightly pricier side but definitely worth it!
Review Insights
24 days ago
Wonderful experience, serving plates set theme and mood. Great food and service. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Outside dining is very pleasing with a nice breeze[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Megan read more
19 days ago
Great experience at Istanbul Hawaii! This time I took my husband and we had the best anniversary dinner ! Great service and the food was spectacular!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]What a beautiful restaurant!![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I love the story behind it ! Can't wait to go again !! read more
21 days ago
I came for lunch on a Sunday. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The inside was crowded, but they still had a few seats open outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Generally, we park in the TJ Maxx parking lot when going to Istanbul, but there is a lot of parking in the area. We got the Meze platter and the Doner plate and loved everything and even ordered an extra Sourdough Pide. Our daughter loved the Labneh, but the Spinach Borek was my favorite from the platter. Also the Doner plate is our favorite when dining there. The staff, as always, is extremely nice and attentive. Istanbul is one of our favorites and we love going there. read more
The hammam cocktail with reposado (casamigos), turkish apricot, elderflower, rose foam, and olive drop is a fun and luscious drink. Worth ordering for the fun "cup" alone. The bee finesse cocktail comes with a bee pollen rim, blanco (casamigos), mastiha, honey, kula lavender, and hint of sahlep. Would order both again but I also now want to try all the other cocktails. I've had the döner here before but it's not quite as good as home. The lamb şiş and the rice was so good. I had no left overs to take home. Bread pudding had potential but they did not list raisins as an ingredient. My other half ordered it but happens to hate raisins. He ate the ice cream that comes with the dessert. Their lokum is perfect end to a meal. I've even had them sprinkle lavender blossoms on mine when I mentioned enjoying a day to myself for self care once. Thoughtful staff. Items on the menu have gluten free and vegetarian options marked. read more
1 month ago
I recommend putting in a reservation if you want indoor seating. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior of the store is very aesthetically pleasing![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The drinks were amazing! I had the Hürrems Emerald Spells and the pistachio was not overwhelming. We also had the Meze Platter, which our server recommended, and it was a good choice because we had a little bit of everything! For my Entree, I got the Jidori chicken and they did advise us to order it earlier as it takes 30 minutes to prepare:) which was nice of them to give us a heads up. The chicken paired perfectly with the rice. One of the most scrumptious meals I've had on Oahu! But they are on the pricey side but considering its location and dishes, it makes sense! The story behind the restaurant is also inspiring! It is on the menu so please do read about it when you dine there. 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 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
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
1 month ago
[[HIGHLIGHT]]Istanbul Hawai'i is a beautiful seduction. The location is superb, the room glows with that expensive amber warmth designed to make everyone look richer and slightly more desirable[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], and the service was gracious throughout. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere whispers Istanbul by candlelight--or at least Istanbul after a very successful meeting with an interior designer.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] And then, alas, came the meat. We ordered three meat platters. The skewers that arrived were so diminutive I wondered whether the rest of the kebab had escaped somewhere between the kitchen and our table. Chintzy is the appropriate word. Perhaps even charitable. Turkish and Middle Eastern hospitality has always possessed a certain magnificent excess: bread appears before you ask, meat arrives smoking from the fire, and a host would sooner insult his ancestors than allow a guest to leave hungry. Serving kebab in these infantile portions feels almost like a theological disagreement with the culture itself. The flavor? Not bad. Not great. Pleasant enough to avoid condemnation, insufficiently memorable to inspire forgiveness. Which brings us to the delicious irony of Istanbul Hawai'i: in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. Honolulu has precious few upscale Turkish or Middle Eastern restaurants, and so Istanbul Hawai'i sits rather comfortably upon its lonely throne. Here, it can be royalty. Transport the same restaurant, portions, prices and all to Los Angeles, New York, London, or Dearborn, where Middle Eastern diasporas actually sharpen the competitive blade, and the crown would tumble rather quickly. In Turkey, presenting a kebab this small might not merely offend the customer; it might awaken the Ottoman dead. And yet, I wood not call it a bad restaurant. That would be vulgar, and worse, inaccurate. It is a beautiful restaurant offering an expensive approximation of abundance without actually practicing it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Go for the location. Go for the attentive service. Go dressed well, order a cocktail, enjoy the seductive lighting, and admire the theater of it all.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Just remember: the room feasts more lavishly than you will. One star for for ambiance and one for service . read more
2 months ago
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
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
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
12 days ago
[[HIGHLIGHT]]Such a beautiful place and food to match![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Even their table setup was pretty.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They have so many meat and vegan friendly options too, and all of them sound so yummy! Their desserts were really good too, so nice to find a place on island that serves baklava! The staff were also super friendly and even explained the menu to us because we weren't familiar with it. On the slightly pricier side but definitely worth it! read more
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
2 months ago
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
23 days ago
Love the food here! I've been for both brunch and dinner, and every visit has been great. I definitely recommend the hummus, calamari (it has a nice kick), bread pudding, Wagyu ribeye, and lamb tenderloin--they're all delicious. The pomegranate gazoz is just as tasty and refreshing. It's always our go-to drink whenever my friends and I eat here! read more
6 days ago
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
6 months ago
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
22 days ago
Meze platter is a generous portion to split with a table & try a little of everything. The staff are very knowledgeable on the extensive menu & thorough. I always leave satisfied & never over full like some places. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The indoor space & outdoor space are completely different vibes, which I appreciate having the option.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The outdoor space is more city elevated dining, whereas the inside is a more cozy, authentic setting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Both are great for different occasions! read more
2 months ago
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
27 days ago
Tye was an amazing server. So knowledgeable and really made it a great experience for us. The food was top quality. You could tell the love and craftsmanship that went into every dish. Everyone from chef, to food runners, to servers all worked seamlessly to make it one of my best restaurant experiences read more
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
3 months ago
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
7 months ago
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
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
4 months ago
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
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
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
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
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
9 months ago
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
17 hours ago
I had a great experience at Istanbul with AMAZING food and service. I have been for lunch, brunch, and dinner and all have been phenomenal. The ambiance is also very relaxing and comforting! read more
10 months ago
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
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More info about Istanbul Hawaii
1108 Auahi St
Ste 152
Honolulu, HI 96814
Ala Moana
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(808) 772-4440
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https://www.istanbulhawaii.com
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Ask the Community - Istanbul Hawaii
Can I order the dinner menu for lunch?
No, the dinner menu is specifically for dinner only.
What is better counter, inside table or outside table for 2 people?
It's a personal preference. We prefer to sit inside at a table. One important reason: we like air conditioning. Sitting outside is dependent on the weather (temp, wind, etc) and can be nice but we'd rather not have to deal with outside agencies (the…
Do you serve halal meat?
Aloha/ Merhaba Our establishment serves halal lamb and chicken, but not the beef. Thank you/…
What's your Vegan Options on the Menu? Yelp mentions your Vegan Friendly?
I think a vegan would have not problem here, with lentil veg soup, hummus, babaganoush,saffron (?) rice.
Do you have gluten free options?
Yes! so many, the menu has (gf) next to it and the waitresses were extremely knowledgeable!
Where is parking?
Open Table suggested two options when we made our reservations. We parked in the Ward Village deck. You could also park at Whole Foods. Either is convenient.
Is there a happy hour?
No, they do not... but if you're looking bit lighter fare or prices that offer more value, try the lunch menu 11am to 2:30pm.
Do they accept walk-ins?
Aloha, Yes, of course. However walk-in guests may or may not get a table right away. There may be wait time. We do our best to accommodate you.…
Where do you park?
They have parking at any of the garages nearby. You can park at the Wholefoods structure or the TJ maxx building. Both are free parking.
How come Open Table let me make reservation at 245pm on this Thursday and on Yelp you are close at 230pm? I actually want to come at 130pm and sit outdoor. Because of Covid, we refer to sit outdoor.
I guess there must be a problem w OpenTable cos they close at 2:30 pm and reopen at 5:30. I don't know how such an error happened but they definitely are closed then. But we went there twice, sat outdoor as well. The first booking was for dinner and…
Help! How do I make reservations? Link?
https://www.istanbulhawaii.com/ via opentable
Where to park? Thank u
Best to park across the street in the Whole foods parking lot
Does this place serve halal meat?
Aloha/ Merhaba Our establishment serves halal lamb and chicken, but not the beef. Thank you/…
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
106 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
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Istanbul Hawaii - mediterranean - Updated August 2026
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