Spice up your life! Try Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine today!
(214) 646-3672
5450 W. Lovers Lane
Dallas,
TX
75209
32.85118
-96.819658
Neighborhood: Bluffview
Hours:
Lunch: Tues - Fri 11:30 - 2:30
Dinner: Tues - Fri 5:00 - 10:00
Sat: 11:30 - 11:30, Sun: 11:30 - 10:00
Price:
$$
Parking:
valet, garage, street
Cafe Istanbul Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant of Dallas
Last updated 8.13.09
What People Are Saying About Cafe Istanbul Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant of Dallas
The Owner
Cafe Istanbul Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant of Dallas
Owner
Cafe Istanbul was founded by veteran restaurateur Erol Girgin, and has become one of Dallas most popular dining destination representing Turkish cuisine. Cafe Istanbul unique appeal is a result of a menu selection of Turkish authentic food recipes. Since Cafe Istanbul is the only restaurant representing Turkish & Anatolian Cuisine in Dallas, every single item in the menu is prepared in house using only fresh ingredients in a healthy and natural environment, Chef and owner, Erol Girgin's inspirations on the recipes depends on a experience of 25 years, back in Turkey with "Mangal Restaurant"…
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – This local favorite is convenient to the nearby historic Inwood Theatre. Owned by a chef who maintains another restaurant in Turkey, Cafe Istanbul's landmark Aegean-blue awning signals the entry to an antique-filled example of Ottoman culture, blending ornate with cozy. Antiques, photos of old Istanbul and a bevy of copper kitchen tools make conversation easy until table talk turns to seasoned dishes such as iskender kebap (beef and lamb) or tavuk sis kebap (skewered chicken).
Amazing food at great prices
by youngdan63 at Citysearch
I was there this past Saturday and I really love this place. I had the Stuffed Chicken and it was absolutely delicious. I can also recommend the Turkish Flan for desert.
The staff was friendly and as an added bonus, we were treated to belly dancing by a real beauty.
Highly recommended.
- Pros: Great food, reasonable prices & belly dancing.
- Cons: No major cons
The Best Turkish in Texas
by rekuci at Citysearch
I have been all around the world and tried many cousins,including Turkish.I had the best Turkish food,of course in Istanbul and the second in Dallas,at Cafe Istanbul.I took my friends out for dinner there and the restaurant just made my night perfect.We had appetizers,we were offered salad,amaizing and the main course was just out of this world.Very tender and spiced and cooked to perfection.Ihad lamb shank,braised overnight,my friend had stuffed chicken,swordfish sis and Istanbul Doner.AT the end the waiter brought out the sweetest part of all,some baklava and offered turkish coffee.I reccomend this place to anyone,with one of the best patio end a very nice dining room,surranded with evil-eyes,watching You having a good time.
- Pros: 5 star plus one
Best Dolma around
by kristinrglee at Citysearch
I was craving stuffed grape leaves all week and so I went to Cafe Istanbul on a Wednesday night and was promptly seated. I ordered a glass of wine, dolma and some lamb thing in sauce. (I'm pretty new to the turkish food scene and can't recall exactly what it was.)
The dolma was filled with delicious rice and pine nuts I think. I liked the texture and consistency of them. They weren't too big or too small either. As for the entree, I don't remember the name, but it was very flavorful and the tomatoes which accompanied it were perfectly grilled. I wasn't a huge fan of the entree...it reminded me of the texture of deli roast beef...although I'm sure it was a very good grade of meat. I think I'll just need to try a different entree when I return. And I definitely will return for some of those stuffed grape leaves!
- Pros: Amazing Dolmas!
- Cons: Huge portions and sorta pricey. Would like to see 1/2 entree options.
The Details on Cafe Istanbul Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant of Dallas
What to Drink:
Choose from 60 varieties of wine, including authentic Turkish labels (which management claims as a unique feature in the Dallas-Fort Worth area).
When to Go:
Make reservations for four or more, especially on weekends, when live entertainment is professional belly dancing.
Save Money:
Try the wine happy hour from 5pm to 7pm Wednesdays or Thursdays for a $15 bottle of wine, a couple of appetizers and leave with a $20 tab.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Cash, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Theater District Dining, Happy Hour, Food Delivery, Notable Wine List
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
Message from Cafe Istanbul Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant of Dallas
- Belly Dancing on Fridays
- The BEST Dolmas in Dallas!
- Private dining up to 20
Cafe Istanbul was founded by veteran restaurateur Erol Girgin, and has become one of Dallas most popular dining destination representing Turkish cuisine. Cafe Istanbul unique appeal is a result of a menu selection of Turkish authentic food recipes. Since Cafe Istanbul is the only restaurant representing Turkish & Anatolian Cuisine in Dallas, every single item in the menu is prepared in house using only fresh ingredients in a healthy and natural environment,
Chef and owner, Erol Girgin's inspirations on the recipes depends on a experience of 25 years, back in Turkey with "Mangal Restaurant" and now in Dallas. this is a MUST for the diner who loves to 'feast' on not good food but GREAT FOOD!
Catering for Private events! Please call.









