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Istanbul Restaurant
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
12 reviews for Istanbul Restaurant
Review Highlights
12 reviews in English
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Review from Marty K.
Edmonton, AB
4/30/2012
OMG!!!!! This place is off the chain!!! This was my first visit....and it will MOST DEFINATELY will not be the last.
The staff is super friendly, attentive, and will answer any question about the food.
The food.......WOW!!!!!! There wasn't enough pita ( freshest I've ever had) to soak up the sauce from the calamari, so I used my spoon. I'm sure they would have brought more pita, but I couldn't get the sauce in me fast enough!
I had the Istanbul Mix, which is a sampler platter for two. It is INSANELY good!!! The meats were charred to perfection, and seasoned above and beyond expectation! Just the right amount of heat and flavour.
With the platter, for dessert, you get a choice of either Rice Pudding, or honeyless Baklava. My girl chose the pudding, and I had the baklava. I damn near fell out of my chair. INCREDIBLE!!!
The prices were very fair. The platter, dessert, two coctails, and tip (I'm a heavy tipper), came out to just over 100 bucks. Decent!
I can't wait to go back, as I want to try EVERYTHING on the menu!!!! -
Review from Lea A.
Talk about a hidden gem in the north side of Edmonton!
The food is FANtastic! The special calamari people have been raving about? I saw my husband lose his manners and try to lick the bowl in public. Just the perfect spicy sauce that complimented the seafood really well -- and the squid was not overcooked, it was just the right chewiness; hard to find in land-locked Alberta.
The lamb chops were just perfectly cooked, too: the right medium rare. My husband ordered the Iskander kebab which was very unique -- donair meat with a tomato sauce that he curiously found familiar tasting (he is Polish!) and tasty. Every person who ordered had generous servings on their plate.
On Saturday nights they have a belly dancer which just added to the ambiance.
On top of which, the owners graciously accommodated our large group of Yelpers with friendly attentiveness.
Highly recommended! What a great evening! -
Review from Laurel P.
3/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
If there is one food item that repulses me, it's eggplant. I don't know what it is but the taste and texture really don't sit well with me so I was a little worried to see that the only vegetarian entree was heavy on the eggplant. However, my apprehension was short lived. The dish was absolutely fantastic. Instead of the pile of steaming eggplant I was envisioning, the dish was actually a mixture of pan-fried vegetables covered in a tomato-yogurt sauce. Trés bien!
The belly dancer was awesome. Sometimes I find it kind of awkward when they come out. However, I felt like she fit right into the atmosphere of the restaurant. She was super engaging and definitely knows how to get a crowd excited. She even managed to get some of my fellow yelpers up and dancing!
As for the service, all of the staff members were super friendly and attentive. You can tell the family really takes pride in their business. It all felt very personal. They genuinely seemed to want to make a real connection with their customers. I will definitely be back.Listed in: Five Star Alberta Eats
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Review from Brittany K.
Edmonton, AB
YES!!
I think I've found a new favourite restaurant, and it's all thanks to the awesome Edmonton yelpers! A talk thread spawned a trip to this place for one yelper, which in turned led to more and more visits, and eventually, a UYE!
I accidentally showed up at 6 PM when our reservation was for 7. The manager was very nice and encouraged me to stay and have a coffee, but I assured him I would return in an hour.
When I returned, I joined an almost-full table of about 10 other guests. Even with our big group and a full restaurant, the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive the entire evening. We ordered appies and entrees, then settled in to chat and chat and chat and - everyone shut up, there's a belly dancer!
The belly dancer was amazing. I really wanted her hair and her outfit and everything. She looked like a mermaid! And she was an amazing dancer. Mesmerizing!
The appies came out soon after, and shucks darn it, am I disappointed I didn't order one. The platter Kristin K ordered was a massive stack of some classic Mediterranean bites. And that calamari sauce was delicious - I could have had it as a soup!
My chicken kebab was ridiculously tasty. Two hot skewers with plenty of flavour, plus humus, bulgur (my new favourite rice substitute - like the most delicious thing ever but with less carbs and more fibre), and a yummy salad with plenty of cucumber and tomato.
The best part of all? My Katinga, or sweet roll. Apples and cinnamon in phyllo pastry, deep fried and drizzled with chocolate. Yes, it was as good as it sounds.
I really can't wait to come back to Istanbul and bring everyone I know. Delicious food, very attentive service, dancing, plus a chef that reads your coffee grinds! I loved every part of it. -
Review from Kim H.
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
There has been some discussions about this restaurant on Yelp lately and I wanted to see what the fuss was about. It is my bff's 30th birthday this week, so I wanted to take her somewhere different for her birthday.
We arrived around 5:40 on a Wednesday and the restaurant was empty. We were promptly greeted & seated and started to drool over the menus. Both of us tried the Turkish Tea (sour cherry) and it was so delicious. The appetizer was the Instanbul Special Calamari...and yes, it is liquid gold. The leftover sauce came in really handy as we had ordered the platter which comes with various Turkish meats/kebabs, salad and dolmades. With the platter you also get dessert - we both tried the baklava. The pieces were small, but honestly, I couldn't eat much more!
There was still enough food leftover to make a 'lunch' meal for my friend to take. The food was served quickly, tasted great, and we both found our server to be extremely friendly.
We've decided we'll be back! -
Review from Mystery D.
Edmonton, AB
Third Review and im excited about this one; I asked and boy did i receive!
First impressions: When you first walk in the door, there is a big red sign that reads "Once you enter our doors you are no longer a customer, you are our guest of honour." It was charming and I was excited to see if they would live up to the claim... in short: yep.
We walked in and looked around, it was empty... a scary thing to see when you enter a restaurant at 5:30 on a Saturday. We were seated and my gf asked me if Edward was the vampire or the werewolf? It was at that point I blocked out a large section of the evening which I assume consisted of twilight talk and or being run over by a Zamboni - Both about equal on my list of things id like to experience.
I only snapped out of it when i heard a thunk under the able... I looked down and realized the table was to big for her kick to reach me! I laughed to which she responded with "I have a Fork, A knife and even more painful, a spoon... keep it up." Memories of Robin Hood Prince of Thieves danced threw my mind, and I took the subtle cue and took a look around... what do you know, the place was full!
Im not sure how much time had passed in the Twlight discussion/Zamboni massacre coma, but in that time they managed to fill all there tables... and bring me food, that frankly, I dont even remember ordering!? But boy am I glad they did. It was a dish they call Istanbul Calamari, and without question, one of the best calamari dishes I have had in the city. It is not battered and fried like you are use to with most restaurants; instead it is cooked in a spicy curryesk type sauce. I dont think words can express what I felt for it.... I immediately started planning our future together... visions of kids... a house by a lake... Christmas' and anniversaries. I could see it all, but more immediately I could see me licking this plate clean (Which was a hard task since it comes in a clay dish sizzling straight from the oven).... the burns were worth every delicious scream.
Next came the lamb chops for me and the chicken for her. I couldn't taste much of the food due to the burns on my tongue but the gf said it was tender and cooked perfectly. Each plate came with a salad and a rice-type dish, with pita bread and hummus. It was at this point i noticed a tiny glass my gf was sipping on... I guess since I refuse to drink dirty water i asked her for a review... here is what she had to say.
"Its tini tiny, but Deeeeelllicccious. Packed full of fragrances and just enough sugar to balance out the bitterness"
Wow she should be writing these reviews.... I should end this review now and go reconsider what events in life have lead me to a point where my gf is better at reviewing food then me:(...
---
Short review:
Atmosphere: 3/5- Not the worst, not the best. Dark with nice music in the background. The environment was perfect for a date that isnt to formal or a group were no one would feel left out.
Service: 5/5 - Fast, and friendly, I truly felt I was an honored guest and here i thought the sign would be forgotten:).
Food: 5/5 - Are you kidding ? I took out a second mortgage to buy a love shack for my new mistress - Frailty, thy name is Istanbul Calamari
Dinning experience: 5/5 - I left happier in a better mood then I entered.
Price: 4/5 - Cost 70$ for two of us, could have been a lot less had I not felt the need to dine on lamb:)
Overall: 4.4 - Will i be back? I had to stop myself from asking if they rented rooms in the back:).
And for Mike - "Make sure tell those yelpies thank you" - Truly, Miss Mystery D. -
Review from Kristin K.
Edmonton, AB
I brought my Mom to Istanbul last Saturday night as a special dinner before she flew south for the rest of Winter.
I chose Istanbul thanks to Yelpers Mike & Mystery D! Thanks guys!
This is my FAVORITE new restaurant!
It's located just North of the Yellowhead on 82nd street, in a strip mall. Don't be put off from the outward appearances or somewhat hard to navigate parking lot - you are in for a TREAT!
It's a small little restaurant - I'd estimate that it has 15 tables and reservations are definitely recommended.
We totally lucked out that we made reservations for 730pm on a Saturday because that's the exact time their Belly Dancer comes on Saturday evenings. She was surprisingly good and really gave our night out a great ambiance. She only stayed for half an hour, and our server, Lori, later told us that 730-800pm is her typical Saturday schedule.
We started our meal with the fellow Yelpers recommended Istanbul Calamari - served in a "creamy soy sauce" - though, I would argue that it has more of a curry feel! The calamari were steamed and tender - not fried! The appetizer was served with a side of toasted pita bread which my Mom and I quickly used to sop up the remaining sauce that shall be here on known as "liquid gold!" I was seriously contemplating asking for a spoon so that I could slurp up the remaining liquid gold - it was as rich as a seafood bisque.
Next, we shared the appetizer for two which consisted of 2 delicious chicken spring rolls, 2 cheese rolls (much like a spring roll - feta and seasoning wrapped like a spring roll, 2 dolmoths (spelling?) of rice wrapped in grape leaves, and house made tzatzki and hummus with pita bread. It was a good sampling of their items - our favourites bing the chicken spring rolls and cheese rolls. The tzatzkii was heavy with dill (not my personal favourite) and freshly made. The hummus was average on this occasion.
And lastly, we shared a kebob plate - (they let you mix kebobs here if you don't want 2 of the same) 1 chicken & 1 beef. My mother preferred the chicken and I preferred the beef - both were delicious and moist! The entree came with a side of bulgar wheat (I think it was tomato infused), a house salad that my Mom loved (unfortunately I didn't love it because of the red onions in the dressing), house hummus, and toasted pita bread.
I enjoyed Turkish tea with my meal - served in a little glass with one cube of sugar on the side (complimentary refills). At my next visit, I plan on trying the Turkish coffee. I've been told by a fellow Yelper that if you turn your cup upside down on your saucer, the owner will come and read your coffee grounds!
The restaurant was warm, cozy, and decorated tastefully.
I cannot wait to go back and try some new items on their menu! The Istanbul special Calamari will be a staple for sure!
I've uploaded pics of all of our food and a few of the restaurant! Including the sign as you walk in stating, "As soon as your enter our doors, you are no longer a customer, you are our guest of honour." And it truly did feel like that! The service we received from Lori was among the best I have ever had! Cheers to Istanbul for a fabulous night out with my Mom, for phenomenal and fresh food, & for perfect customer service!
$$ 2 appetizers, 1 shared entree, and tea came to just under $45 $$Listed in: All Star Food!
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Review from Mike W.
This restaurant is fantastic. Friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, and chef is excellent for the food. Been there twice already with friends. Steak, lamb chops, chicken legs were all perfectly cooked. The Istanbul creamed calamari is to die for and probably the best lamb chops in Edmonton. This place is a hidden gem in Edmonton and we have not come across anything that was not cooked to perfection. The meal is well worth the price and the portions were more then enough. You will enjoy the food and have a great experience of the Turkish delights here.
Also there is a belly dancer on Saturday night.
As for Mary Lou review below, maybe she should realize that ethnic food will be different then what you are used too,,,obviously had a bad day to give this restaurant a sad review -
Review from Jennie M.
Edmonton, AB
2/17/2011
We first went to Istanbul Restaurant for my husband's work Christmas party...since that time we've eaten there & ordered out from time to time. It's a bit too small for a large party, there were belly dancers which kept us entertained for the evening though the music was so loud it was difficult to talk to others at our table. The servers are very friendly & quick.
Delicious kebabs - I especially enjoy the char BBQ flavor. Everything is spiced nicely (spiced does not = hot).
Lentil soup: tasty, a bit tangy, great with the included pita.
Sheppard Salad: fresh crisp iceburg lettuce, the house dressing was quite a bit like Olive Garden's.
Humus: very garlicky, I'm a fan!
Dolma: I'm not a huge fan of them but everyone else seemed to enjoy them!
Beef Shish Kebob: Tender & moist.
Chicken Shish Kebob: Unfortunately I found the chicken a bit dry, though the flavor was good.
Adana Beef Kebob: My absolute favorite! Moist & tender, this is a mixture of spicy (hot) beef & lamb with a yummy char BBQ aroma!
Adana Chicken Kebob: My second favorite, more moist then the chicken shish kebob, spicy & has a delicious char BBQ flavor!
Baklava: It states they do not use honey but I found this Baklava too sweet for my liking.
Turkish Coffee: Smoky dark rich flavor. -
Review from Liv V.
Edmonton, AB
5/11/2011 ROTD 3/4/2012
Istanbul was Constantinople now it's Istanbul not Constantinople...well, I could go on... Istanbul is one of a handful of Turkish restaurants in Edmonton, and this kitchen rules as far as I am concerned. Intimate, cozy atmosphere, excellent service, subtle background music and delicious food make this north side spot a treat. I highly recommend ordering the platter, which has enough food for at least two people. We savoured three kinds of kebabs: lamb, chicken and beef, all of which were juicy and cooked to perfection. The hummus and pitas cry out for another bite and then another. The Turkish tea is a work of art. A tall, ornate pot with tiny, matching cups coaxes the diner to mindfully sip this tannin-rich, sugar-sweet beverage in calm repose. A beautiful end to a well-composed, exotic meal.
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Review from Steven W.
4/15/2010
We asked at the front desk of our hotel for a good place to have dinner. The guy at the desk immediately recommended Istanbul. It was a bit of a cab ride to get there from downtown but was definitely worth it.
The staff were very friendly and helpful and had great personality.
The food was some of the best Turkish food I have ever had. I had the Hummus and the Kirkouk (sp?) Beef. The meat was spiced perfectly and the couscous and salad were fresh and tasty. The Hummus was also quite good.
Will definitely go back next time I am in Edmonton -
Review from Marylou P.
Edmonton, AB
5/29/2010
Ok, so, where to start... Good things - service not bad, atmosphere good, portions very hearty (entrees). Was surprised it was not packed on a friday night. Not so good things - calamari app was hot and tender but coating had no flavour. Presentation of all things was like eating at home. Both me and my friend ordered steaks (midrare) - they came to the table butterflied & covered (drowning) in sauce! Not a gentle napping of sauce but swimming. I ordered mine with the pepper sauce expecting a rich peppercorn sauce what I got was a rich sauce with ground pepper. The salad came on the plate with the meal I would have preferred it on the side plate - good dressing on it, and just the right amount. The bulger starch was tasty and different my friend didn't care for it but she liked everything else about the meal. The hummous was mild and innocuous - not really there. The should serve it as an appetizer with their fantastically warm and tender pita bread. They'd have a winner there but they'd probably screw it up by putting a ratty old tea towel in the bottom of the bread basket again. Dessert was balava, of course. They mention in the menu that they don't use honey, that's ok because it tasted fantastic - what there was of it. The little diamonds came three to a plate and were about the size of Turkish delight pieces. They were also the height of a fluffy pancake. All in all not terrible impressed - oh, and for the next few hours at the movies, no less! My gut and friends gurgled with gas and other things so probably not going back, ever.
