Daphne Cafe
5811 Ellsworth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232
Daphne Cafe Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Pittsburgh for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
5811 Ellsworth Ave
Pittsburgh, PA, 15232 - Phone (412) 441-1130
- Website https://daphnecafepgh.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Gregory G.
Nice little family owned spot. The food was excellent. Great hummus, great Turkish coffee, and great atmosphere. The outside patio was perfect for relaxing and enjoying a great meal at a great little restaurant. Nice work guys!
(5)Victoria D.
Stopped in on a Saturday night a few weeks ago to have a cute date night BYOB dinner on an outside patio for the first time. It is small inside, cozy and quaint. The outside patio is nice and there were couples and larger parties enjoying each other right on Ellsworth. We split the Kisir as an appetizer - it was a grain type spread and served with pita bread. It was prepared with the perfect amount and combination of spices. A very different flavor than I was expecting, but still very good. Their pita bread was warm and fluffy and perfect! I ordered the Aegean salad and it had a very nice house dressing on it. Bobby got their savory pocket and while he didn't love it; he didn't hate it either. I had a bite - it was good, but I probably would have tried something else! We split their baklava...incredible. Literally, mouthwatering. The service was very friendly - wouldn't mind going back just because I feel healthy when I am eating Mediterranean food and it was a nice, quaint little atmosphere for a date before stepping out for some drinks.
(4)Lauren D.
Great place and service. We went while they were hosting a wedding party outside, so the staff had their work cut out for them. We waited a little, but our waitress made sure to take care of us when she could. I got the doner salad which was a decent size. The lamb was well-seasoned and the vegetables were fresh. Try the aryan if you're feeling adventurous. It's a salty yogurt drink. They make it fresh, which is far better than the bottled version at the local middle eastern stores. I wouldn't recommend this place for date night unless you get outdoor seating. The inside is a bit sparse and casual. Outside would be great. The bride and groom clearly thought so.
(4)Anthony P.
Hello Pittsburgh - Love the city and the people - had a great visit! Found this little place nestled away on I believe what's called Shady Side area of town - which is beautiful. On with the review - I had the HOME MADE (in house) Turkish Doner (Gyro) with Bulgar along with side salad. Exceptional - rare to find homemade Doner - so when I found this place I was psyched - and it exceeded expectations. The Doner is thinly shaved and has an added peppery flavor. Also tried the bulgar, which was great. This was my second night - the first night I tried the sampler platter which included Flavor filled Lamb Chops, Moderately spiced yet flavorful Adana kabob, MOIST and tender chicken breast kabob and the Doner. All were superb. Truly Authentic Turkish meal. Try the Non-GMO Organic Turkish Tea - be sure to ask how it's grown. Overall experience was great - The owners were warm and welcoming - they enjoy sharing their culture. The music added to the experience - was able to decompress from the day and do some reading while eating. Felt like an evening at a friend's place relaxing. Great find indeed!
(4)Abe O.
No, no, no, no, and no! This place has the consistency of a monkey on a seesaw. I've been here more times than I'd care to admit...sometimes it's good, sometimes it's terrible, sometimes it's just OK. I can't figure it out. This is just another example of what happens when mediocre food lands in an unbelievable location. The lentil soup is the only thing I could recommend....but honestly, it's not worth the trip.
(1)Ali L.
Service wasn't the best, with one girl working the whole place, but the food was very reasonable for the price. The Turkish coffee was alright, definitely not the best that I've had, but the Gyro wrap was big and tasty, though I asked for a side of the sauce since it was a bit dry. I'd definitely give this place another shot, it's right off the main strip in Shadyside, and it seems like a great takeout option with lots of veg friendly options. I'll return.
(4)Derry R.
Ever since I came back from spring break in Greece, I have been obsessed with Mediterranean food. I hadn't explored many of the aforementioned cuisine here in Pittsburgh, though. I found this place and it looked great. Upon walking into the dining room, I knew that I would have a great experience. Not being super hungry, we just ordered an appetizer sampler and a Greek salad. This was enough to fill me up, surprisingly. The sampler was the best option in order to maximize utility for your dollar. The Greek salad was very fresh. I always like to try new things and so I ordered a Camlica. It was a carbonated beverage similar to a Sprite and very delicious! I will be back soon to try more!
(4)Ragini G.
Ate there last night (Saturday) for dinner. BF and I both got the gyro (lamb) platters. There was a lot of meat and the sides we got were good - I really liked the bulgar pilaf and the salad had a light oil dressing on it which was yummy. The serving size was pretty great for the price and the food came out quickly. It wasn't really very busy which was nice that we were attended to quickly. The waitress could use a little more pep, though. Overall, we are glad to have found a mediterranean place that we like. We will def be returning.
(4)Shannon M.
This is a great hidden gem in Shadyside. We arrived around 8pm for dinner and sat on their patio-which is perfect for warm weather dining. The service is very prompt and attentive. We started out with the Mediterranean dip with warm pita. It was a great mix of flavors, however you must like tomatoes as the main ingredient is tomato paste. We ordered the doner platter to share and it came with a large amount of shaved lamb, rice, cacik along with grilled tomatoes and peppers. The ingredients were all very fresh and tasty. Make sure to order turkish coffee at the end of your meal along with some baklava! Also, they are byob if you are in the mood to bring along some wine.
(4)B.ozen O.
If you looking for a delicious Mediterranean food don't go further. Family own restaurant and friendly people. We enjoyed it a lot...
(5)Leslie H.
Daphne's has very tasty, healthy Turkish food and an especially cute patio. I like dropping by in the summertime to sit in the sunshine and grab lunch on the weekend. It's an under-appreciated spot in Shadyside-- I have never seen it crowded. The interior is very casual and less welcoming than the outside. A few more decorations and music/ambiance would make it feel more like a sit-down place and les like a take-out spot. One bone to pick--they charge (or used to charge) an absurd amount (maybe $6 extra?) to add a protein like chicken to their salads. This seems really silly to me and disproportionately pricey; I hope they have changed that. They have an excellent Greek salad and I'd be a much happier camper if I could get a little chicken on it and not pay $15 dollars, when everything else on the menu is in the $8-10 range.
(4)mo m.
Food is fantastic here, the owners are so friendly, definitely recommend this place. The only thing is they need to hire more waiters for busy hours, so expect some delay if you go there in busy hours but it is worth it.
(5)Mia Minyan Z.
Awesome food. I can eat that eggplant with yogurt and garlic dip all day long. Also, best pita served I have ever had! Great platters, especially the lamb, so juicy and tasty! Love it!
(5)Christine Y.
If there's a porch I can sit at that absolutely transforms the vibe and view of Ellsworth Ave into something close to "romantic"....bonus points!! Also, tiny Turkish coffees on giant Turkish gold platters with a delicious tiramisu of unknown origin...regular points!! Who knew this place was so neat - and affordable, too, judging solely by dessert experience and a cursory reading of the full menu. Should have asked who Daphne was.
(4)Matthew C.
We were visiting Pittsburgh and sort of stumbled on Daphne Cafe while looking for a nice casual dinner. It's a small place, family-run and friendly, with a rewarding and interesting menu. I've eaten at many Turkish restaurants through the years, in different US cities, and while they vary from place to place they tend to have a pretty standard menu - meaning what you might eat in Istanbul. But Daphne Cafe has a more unusual, though equally delicious menu--featuring food in the style of the city of Ismir. It was a pleasure to try several new things, and everything we had was honestly terrific - good portions, but also very flavorful and freshly prepared. The owner was really friendly, and came by to chat after we had finished dinner (and pointed out a special dessert to try as well). The service is a bit slow and sometimes distracted (meaning you have to get the attention of someone, who may be back stocking shelves, as it's a place where everyone does everything). But well worth a visit.
(4)Barry A.
Ate there last night. Not many people, probably due to the bad weather. However, the food was excellent! Everything I could have asked for. The food was served in generous portions, and tasted great. I felt that I was back visiting Turkey. Daphne is a family run operation, not some chain. You could tell that there was pride in every plate served. The owner asked if he could pull up a chair to talk after we finished eating. He joined us for a bit of very enjoyable conversation. THAT'S what makes an establishment like this stand out and be special!
(5)Laura M.
It was so cute! The deck outside and whole atmosphere. The service was wonderful and the food was amazing! I will definitely be going back.
(5)Michelle C.
Came here and got the babaganoush (AMAZING. Their pita is also fantastic: warm, and slightly chewy). Also got the Turkish Doner (Gyro) plate with rice. It came with a cool and refreshing cucumber yogurt that balanced out the rougher texture and savory flavor of the lamb. Be aware though that the plate ONLY comes with meat and rice. That's it. So if you're looking for some veggies, you'll have to order that separately.
(3)Jan N.
The food was the best out of the few Mediterranean places I've tried in Pittsburgh. The Ezme appetizer is very good and fresh tasting. I had the Lamb Adana for an entree and it was seasoned to perfection, not too salty, and not overcooked. The pistachio baklava, which I had for dessert, is also very good. Service was decent, and friendly. I would recommend this place and will be coming back.
(4)Jess P.
We finally tried this place and loved it. We brought our dog and ate at a table on the sidewalk. We had the platter so we could get a little taste of everything and it was delicious. Lamb is one of my favorites and they know what they're doing with it here. We came in on a Friday night? Maybe? And it was still early so not crowded at all. There were three women working and we didn't feel ignored or under-served once. So perhaps they've finally worked out the kinks in service? Either way, this place is really affordable and tasty. I'll definitely be back for a gyro!
(5)Faizan Z.
Zero stars for this place, I had to put one because it doesn't work that way. They have no professionalism or manners. Their customer service was so bad, we didn't even stay to finish the food. We got boxes, packed up the food, paid the bill and immediately left in protest. Firstly my friends were embarrassed by the manager who rudely interrupted them in the middle of their prayer (they are muslim). After ordering food, my friends had specially moved out side on to the dark and wet patio for the prayer(it was after sundown, it had just rained and no one was there) to make sure that the guests inside would not be disturbed, I saw the manager take a look at them and then walk into the kitchen. A few seconds later he and another female employee interrupted my friends in the middle of the prayer and forced them to go inside saying: " You cannot pray out side, this is not your country, this is America". The people on the table next to us started staring and we sat there in silence after getting publicly embarrassed, thinking how it would be completely pointless to rationally argue with this person who obviously had no concept of freedom of religion, expression or speech. If that wasn't enough already, the waitress was super rude to us as well. The waitress clumsily dropped the top bread of my kofte' burger on the table in front of everyone, put the rest of the burger in front of me, didn't even stop to apologize in courtesy or pick up the bread and just walked away. I was completely stunned at this non-professional attitude and downright rudeness. I called the waitress back and she casually asked: "what do you want?" and I asked for a replacement on the burger, to that she said:"I will bring you another top part of the bread" and then walked away. We immediately asked for boxes when she came back with the top bread. They gave us boxes after making us wait for another ten minutes, we paid the bill and we quickly left.
(1)Mary G.
Really good, cheap Mediterranean food. After a lot of searching, and a lot of disappointing meals, I was so happy to finally find this in Pittsburgh! Don't let the unassuming atmosphere fool you - the food is great. I especially liked the chicken kebabs, which were incredibly moist. And you get a ton of food for the price! BYOB.
(4)Madiha O.
Extremely rude staff.Horrible place.Went for a dinner with friends and tried to say our prayers after food in the patio but was cut off in the middle of the prayer and told you're not allowed to pray in the restaurant. This is America. This is not your country. You cannot pray everywhere. Well for your kind information This is the United Stated of America that preaches freedom of speech and expression. Why open up a place that serves Halal food for Muslims in the first place if you think its not a country for Muslims. The staff was extremely ill-mannered. I would not recommend this place to anyone
(1)Kristen H.
Daphne Cafe is another restaurant I always forget about until I walk past it on Ellsworth - and this place is worth remembering bc they've got lots of outdoor seating which is at a premium in Shadyside in the summer! The first few times I came here the food was good but the service was kind of meh. The food has improved, and so has the service! I think they just needed to work the kinks out. Let me tell you something: there's little I wont do for hummus, and they've got great hummus here. Everything tastes fresh and is inexpensive. It's not a fancy restaurant, but its a nice restaurant and the past two times I've been here everything has been great. If you havent tried this restaurant I suggest you do so now, bc its been increasingly crowded with each return, I think word is getting out.
(4)Onder H.
The Best Turkish food ever. You can not find anything frozen or premade. Everything is so fresh and tasty. There is really nothing comperable for me, so If I like to eat Medeteranian food I always go Daphne. Me and my wife used to eat their kebabs salads and their mixed appetizer plate then when we tried their fish that is shipping from mediterranian sea is just so delicious. Its sad that they dont have it all the time but I would recommend you to ask if they have fish. Their prices are also great you will be paying double when you go to brandy restaurands and you wont even get the same freshness and taste.
(5)Ellen M.
A true gem of a restaurant; great family run place by a Turkish family that serves up some authentic, delicious dishes. After returning to Pittsburgh from some time abroad in Istanbul, I was pleasantly surprised to find a place that served such excellent Turkish food in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The cacik and kisir were two favorites at our table. The owner himself stopped over to welcome us, and after hearing we'd been to Istanbul and had the baklava there, he was generous enough to give our table some of their baklava to try. (It was outstanding, high quality pistachio baklava - highly recommended!). Thanks for a great dinner, Daphne Cafe - we'll be returning!
(5)Dee D.
BYOB...Enjoyed the outside seating today. Very nice and clean place, inside and out. It seems that there is only one waitress, but our dishes did come out promptly. The Mediterranean dip with warm pita was delicious. It was mostly tomato based with olives, walnuts and a drizzle of olive oil. The stuffed grape leaves were tender with a hint of citrus, served with tzatziki sauce. The Greek salad was your standard and was decent as Greek salads go. Iskender kabap was the entree. It was Gyro meat in a nice tomato broth over pita with a few grilled peppers and tomato. The Baklava was probably the best I have ever tasted. I was not blown away by anything that we ate and, for my taste buds ... I wish it was a bit more spicy and I did need to add some salt. The service was friendly and all in all, the meal was pleasant and affordable.
(3)Anne C.
Sorry Daphne Cafe but I wasn't too impressed and for a number of reasons. The place was hardly packed but our server never filled our water, asked how the meal was, or cleared the table. I overlooked that but the fact that they never told us how to pay so we sat there waiting like idiots was my biggest complaint. The waitress didn't particularly seem to enjoy working so it left us feeling a little awkward. So besides the service the food was good - not great. I went with a group and we ordered a mozzarella panini, daphne panini, gyro panini, and gyro wrap along with a side of fries. My friends got the turkish coffee which came out in these really cute ornate cups but it wasn't a lot considering the fact that you pay 2 dollars for a little more than a mouthful of coffee. Careful though, it's pretty strong. I wasn't particularly blown away with the food, the gyro wrap didn't have enough sauce on it so the wrap seemed a bit dry. The daphne panini wasn't to my taste and seemed exceptionally simple for something that was supposed to be "special." Overall, I don't think I'll come back, but the restaurant did have a great feel to it. The outdoor seating seemed popular on the day that we went.
(3)Julie W.
nice place halal food tasty but i hope next time food will be better service nice girl :) i will returning next time and try another entrees
(3)Rose C.
I live so close to here and I don't know why it took me so long to try this place!! First I'll talk about the service, I agree with most of the reviews about being understaffed because there was only one girl waiting on all the tables (not busy yet still not attentive to customers needs? Super nice though). I feel bad because I did notice the "HELP WANTED" sign, so they're searching!! The owner, on the other hand, is INCREDIBLY accommodating!!! Brought my dog and sat down with my friends (who grabbed a table outside) then the owner politely asked me to anchor him onto a tree on the sidewalk then suggested we sit on the sidewalk and put together tables for us :) options is always a wonderful thing!! Now the best part, FOOD!! Let me just say that this chicken on the chicken salad I had was probably one of the best chicken I've ever had in my life-- tender, cooked perfectly. Tried my friend's hummus and dip (I forget what it was called but it was red) oh my goodness... So smooth, creamy yet bursting with flavor every bite!! Pita bread = perfection and warm. Love this place!! Can't wait to try more!!
(5)Aakash C.
3.5 stars. Good food. Quick service. Reasonable prices. Order the appetizer trio for 10$. Food quality has deteriorated over last couple of years but it's a good quick place to bring a date. This place is BYOB and it's about $5 for bottle fees so don't bring one big bottle or you will be ripped off.
(3)Jason D.
I've been here several times and haven't had a bad meal. Most times I get the gyro. It is big and tasty and when I find something that I like I tend to stick with it. The hummus is fresh and the grape leaves were really good. I would certainly stop in for a meal here if you are in the neighborhood. The outdoor patio is quiet and tranquil. I will continue to come back and try new things b
(4)Ana S.
What a wonderful little place in Shadyside. This is Turkish food that is super fresh, very homemade and all around excellent. Beyond that, the couple who owns Daphne Cafe could not be more sweet. Take the time to get to know them and you'll realize it's not just the food that keeps people coming back.
(5)Michael S.
This is my go-to for takeout in Shadyside. The walk-in service is quite good; prompt, cordial, and they even let you sit at a table while you wait. I definitely prefer getting something to go here than eating in, because the staffing here is minimal and usually just has one young lady working both the indoor and outdoor seating. If you eat in, it won't necessarily be very efficient. (The staff has always been quite nice, just not quick.) For food, any of the gyro dishes are delicious - particularly the gyro salad, which is simple but very filling and has a tasty, garlicky dressing that isn't too heavy. The hummus with pita is good too, but I'd most recommend a side of their French fries, which are crisp yet meaty and have a jealousy-inducing aroma. Luckily, you get a ton of them for your couple bucks, so it's not a big loss to share with a friend. I'd recommend this place any day of the week...except Monday, seeing as they're closed.
(4)Brandon B.
Where do I start...first and foremost the food tasted like it was straight out of a Turkish kitchen. Fresh!!! The pita bread was fluffy, warm and airy. We got the combo platter which was enough food for 2. The lamb was tender and perfectly seasoned. I could have continued to eat even though I was full. We finished it off with the most perfect of desserts. The rice pudding. Never have I had rice pudding that was as creamy as this. It just married your tastebuds with the slight citrus flavor and perfectly cooked rice. Seriously, I would eat it over ice cream any day!
(4)Samantha T.
One of our favorite family spots. Great food and service. Islander plate is our favorite. Love that we can bring our own wine.
(5)Joseph T.
I'd consider Daphne to be a Mediterranean restaurant with a few Turkish options as opposed to a Turkish restaurant. That said, I opted for a house special - the Daphne Panini. It was made with Surek - described as a beef pepperoni - which intrigued me to try it. Essentially, the panini was a spicy meatball sandwich. At the time of this review, the cafe was understaffed; however, it is searching for new employees, so I expect that to change soon.
(3)Emily R.
My little brother and I checked it out... Nice place to sit on the patio and drink some Turkish coffee (ugh so good). I'm a vegetarian so I got the falafel wrap which I give a 3.5... I have had yummier falafel elsewhere, but the gyro my brother got smelled awesome and he loved it. I sense that the lamb here is its main selling point. The atmosphere was very sweet, seems very family owned and operated.
(4)Ghali S.
I moved recently to Pittsburgh, and i'm a huge fan of The Iskander, i tried one the downtown and it wasn't good, i saw this restaurant in yelp and i thought i'll give it a try, the Iskander and the Kunafa is the BOMB!! You really should try them both, absolutely coming back
(5)Robert H.
This is my second visit here, and it gets better. I ordered the grape leaves app, and Iskenderun kabap for main. Personally I think they make the best grape leaves in the city, better than Salam market's. The real surprise is the Iskender kabap. The gyro meat is tender and is perfected by the tomato sauce. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves Greek food but seek more flavor. Service is good too. Come here on a sunny day for lunch, sit outside and you are in for a treat!
(5)Heidi S.
I stopped into Daphne Cafe early this winter for a falafel wrap. I thought the falafel itself was pretty right on - nice crispy exterior with warm soft center and decent flavor. But the wrap was a white tortilla from Sysco (the tortillas were in the display case behind the counter, that's how I know! Tacky!) which I thought was gross and weird. I mean even Sysco sells pita, which would have been a slight improvement. My next pet peeve about this falafel is that there were no cucumbers on it. My next pet peeve is that there were pale-totally-unripe-flavorless tomatoes on it. Sorry, I just hate pale tomatoes; if they are not in season or ripe, please spare me. The lettuce was iceberg, not the biggest deal. It had tahini on it, so that was right. I don't think I will go back to see if they use higher quality ingredients in other menu items.
(2)Kristen B.
I love this restaurant. The food is always amazing. The outside seating is cozy during the summer. The service is kind of slow, so don't plan on having a quick dinner, but it's only slow because they make everything from scratch. This is a real family owned restaurant, which is a rare treat. Also, I have never had to wait for a table here which is amazing.
(5)Bill M.
We have been here many many times and have never had anything that was excellent. Truly a great place that deserves far more traffic.
(5)Vikas R.
Very authentic, and has a homely feel to the place. I highly recommend this place.
(5)Marne O.
Let me preface this review by saying that I never actually got to eat here, so I have no idea what the food is like. My date and I showed up on a Friday night to an almost empty restaurant/slightly full (small) patio. It took quite a while just to be seated outside where there were 3 empty tables, and that is where our service ended. We sat unattended for over a half hour with not once glance towards our table. No water was brought, no appetizers were ordered. It's BYOB, so my date had to go fetch a bottle opener himself and we proceeded to both drink an entire beer before we left, never once speaking to a member of the staff (2 servers). I witnessed a patron (who seemed quite familiar the one woman working) in a party of 4 take his own order and fetch water for the table. I feel bad leaving such a shit review, but to never once have 30 seconds to at least explain "oh no 2 servers didn't show, we're sorry" seems pretty unbelievable. Especially right after a write up in the City Paper. I can only assume that this was normal for them.
(1)Thomas K.
This place is a great option in Shadyside! My fiancé loves Gyros and she always insists that I take her into Southside and go to Lesvos. This can be a real pain on a weekend night with all of the madness down there so I was determined to find an option closer to home. We can actually walk to Daphne Cafe and i'm really glad we found it. The first time we went, there were only a couple other people in there and we were immediately sat and our food came out quickly and was delicious. The prices you just can't beat in Shadyside and you can get a full dinner for two for around 20 bucks including an appetizer. The second time we went, we got take out and it was just as good. Friendly and courteous just as if we were sitting down. I'm very pleased to have found this place and my fiancé is more than satisfied having a gyro so close to home! We will definitely be going back more and more!
(5)Lauren L.
what a nice find! dropped in for a quick bite so we shared 4 appetizers. for the $ incredibly generous, fresh, tasty. bulgur salad had plenty of fresh parsley. baba ganoush was smokey and delicious. enjoyed stuffed grape leaves: very flavorful and fresh. pita was plentiful and warm. would love to come back for more! and our servers were super nice and friendly.
(4)Max M.
Ate here for lunch, best Mediterranean I've had so far in Pittsburgh! Everything was fresh and the service was quick and friendly. Outdoor seating is great on sunny days. This place is bomb diggity.
(5)Rachel C.
One chick working the whole restaurant. That sucks, right? But it wasn't busy at all. At. All. So the fact that my water wasn't refilled ever... Our hummus came out after 20 minutes.... The extra pita bread we asked for never came... She wouldn't even give us another menu willingly... was very irritating. I'm a big fan of good service (gee... who isn't!?) but I tend to give A LOT of leeway to people because I was a server. Today, it was hard for me to do so. The hummus was actually really good and the pita bread was awesome. Came out warm and moist. The gyro salad was not bad. I liked the meat, but it was a pretty simple salad. I've had much more creative/better ones. I think I'd give it another try because I did like the hummus, but I pray the service gets better because I may start throwing around some pita bread... if I ever got some extra slices!
(3)Michael W.
Fantastic food. I loved the Iskender Kebap! The patio has a real nice ambience and the service was very friendly.
(5)T H.
The food was SO good that it made up for the street construction, to include loud workers, back hoes and jack hammers!
(5)Dabney G.
My boyfriend and I checked this place out because we were craving gyros.. and boy did we come to the right spot! Delicious, fresh Mediterranean food. I was also pleasantly surprised at how large the portion sizes were. Very intimate and welcoming space, and the outdoor seating was lovely.
(5)Lauren B.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Pittsburgh. My husband and I are "regulars," and so we asked if they could cater our rehearsal dinner the night before our wedding. The event was incredible. We held the party in their party room downstairs in the basement, which is gorgeous. It is decorated beautifully and has seating around the perimeter of the room, allowing for mingling and lots of conversation. The food was (as always) also fantastic - I would highly recommend the Iskendar! The couple that owns the restaurant are lovely and so friendly... they did not just cater, they HOSTED the event. They were downstairs with us, encouraging us to have a good time and generally making sure everything was as we wanted it. We felt like part of the family! All our friends and relatives have commented on how delicious the food was, and how unique and special the evening was. I would highly recommend Daphne's if you want to hold a special event, or just for a casual evening dinner. We certainly love it and will continue to go back often!!
(5)Jay M.
We had a party of 4 for Saturday afternoon lunch. One other couple in the whole place. While the Baba app was good, the rest of the food was mediocre at best when it finally did arrive about 40 minutes later (I'd asked for more pita bread for the apps which was never brought until the rest of the food arrived). Waitress (and owner) dropped one of the sandwiches on the floor bringing it to the table - I would have normally always sent this back, but we had waited long enough for food already, were quite hungry, and so - as she seemed quite discombobulated at her job - graciously accepted it anyway. Then she charged full price for it on the bill on top of that! I heard a take-out customer exasperated by the high bill, as was I. Stay clear of this place: terrible service (by the owner yet), unexceptional food, and definitely overpriced. Want the best mid-eastern food in Pgh? Med Grill on Forbes in Squirrel Hill - I'm wishing we'd have gone there...
(1)Ran L.
Cute atmosphere and decent food. We tried the hummus, eggplant with sauce, and ezme. The hummus and ezme were decent but nothing to write home about, and the eggplant with sauce was delicious. The hummus appetizer also came with a very stingy portion of pita, barely enough to even eat half of the hummus. Additional pita costs extra $$. Probably the most off-putting aspect of the experience was the service. We started with an appetizer of hummus but then decided to split the mixed appetizer platter as our meal. Our interactions with our server misled us to believe that we could count the hummus as part of our mixed appetizer platter, so we only listed two other dips that we wanted. Then, when the order came out, we had a platter of those two dips and *another* order of hummus. Had we known that we had to choose three separate new dips for the platter, we would certainly have ordered something new as our 3rd choice. We felt very misled by the server and she did not apologize when we seemed confused, though she did explain that the portion sizes for each of the dips in the appetizer platter were smaller than they are when ordering an isolated appetizer. I think I'll give this place another shot to try some of their other food since there are many other rave reviews of the wraps/gyros/etc, and I bet the outdoors seating will be super cute when the weather is warmer.
(3)Kyle N.
Food and service were excellent! We got the spicy taboulleh to start, then a gyro wrap and veggie sandwich. Prices are quite low, matched with great food... Highly recommend. On a nice day, definitely sit on the patio outside.
(5)Marwan A.
Not bad. But the service is not that good
(3)Eva U.
Greattttttt humus for a starter and awesome portions for the price. Went on a Tuesday afternoon for lunch it was perfect. Staff was really friendly and the lamb gyro was really good. I'd come back for sure!
(4)Rebecca S.
I'm disappointed that I haven't tried this dinner spot until now. The lack of people inside the restaurant while walking by has always been a deterrent. However, I went in to take-out dinner tonight and was more than pleased with the food. I got the gyro salad, which is well worth $9 due to the amount of meat that they put on the dish. I also tried the mediterranean dip, which is a mix of roasted red peppers, feta cheese and olive oil. After sharing with two people, we still have leftovers for tomorrow's lunch. I also brought home the rice pudding, which is house made and has a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. I'm a sucker for rice pudding so this was absolutely delicious. After talking with the owner while getting my take-out, my boyfriend happened to mention that he loves baklava, so the owner gave us a taste of the baklava to bring home, free of charge. His generosity was a reflection of good business, and the baklava did not disappoint. I will definitely be going back.
(5)Ronald C.
Vegetarian review: Grape leaves were good, lebni was decent, falafel was passable, hummus was awful.
(3)Iliana C.
Inexpensive, tasty, and quick food. Usually come here when there's a craving for tabouli or humus. The pita bread is nice and warm when it comes to the table. I had a panini last time which was delicious. Fresh mozzarella and nice warm, soft bread. If you're looking for a quick bite to eat or a quiet place then I would recommend this place. Vegan/vegetarian options. There's also outdoor seating in a cute patio area if you want to eat outside and people watch.
(4)Rachel Z.
My husband and I LOVE Daphne Cafe! Have been meaning to review it for a long time! Really fresh food, cute little place with a nice patio and sweet owners. Also BYOB which is a plus. Amazing hummus with hot pita bread. The soup is the most amazing thing I have ever had- I'm a little obsessed. We usually get the gyro salad, which has a ton of meat- soo good. Delicious dressing too. We also get a veggie-hummus wrap which is great too. Really can't go wrong here.
(5)Evie F.
Great food, but terrible service. Worth it if you don't mind maybe having to remind your server what you ordered.
(4)Matt D.
How have I gone a year without knowing there is a delicous döner kebab for sale 10 minutes from my office?! For those that are unaware, döner kebab is the Turkish equivalent of a Greek gyro (they bill them as gyros here, I think to alleviate confusion). Only it is not equivalent at all, but rather better in every way! The meat is less greasy, and more identifiably lamb (I had someone explain to me once that this is due to döner being halal and gyros, not so much... might be BS, or not). And the accompaniments are better: actual green lettuce, tomato chunks, thin slices of marinated red onions in lieu of giant hunks of raw white ones. And the Turkish yogurt sauce, cacik, while theoretically the same thing, is always somehow lighter and less sour-cream-like than Greek tzatziki. Can't speak to the service, as I had take out, but that was quick. Waited 5 minutes and had a nice chat with the owner about my 3 months as a student in Berlin (where döner kebab is everywhere). Business seemed slow for a lunch hour, but this seemed to have no negative affect on the food I had, which was fresh, hot, and delicious. Will certainly be back soon!
(5)Zachary A.
I discovered this cafe with some co-workers during lunch in the early Fall. It's a great, little hidden gem of a diner. It's pretty simple inside but the food is pretty great! It's a nice spot for a lunch or dinner date with a casual vibe. It's also a nice break from the more expensive options along Ellsworth.
(4)Jessica W.
When Daphne Cafe opened I was excited to try it. I walk by it every day and it seemed like the place I would get lunch from on the weekends or grab a dinner to go on the way home from work. After one trip, I haven't been back. I really appreciate it when restaurants post their menu online; as a vegetarian I can be prepared to go elsewhere if there's nothing on the menu. Daphne doesn't have a website, but there is now a photo of the menu on urbanspoon. Sometimes they have a chalkboard with the menu taped to it outside the door. We went to Daphne to get dinner to go, and it was a disappointment. Their credit card machine was broken, which I can understand, but they didn't tell us until after they had taken our order and put it in. I got the veggie wrap, which was some sad lettuce, tomatoes, and onions on hummus. The gyro looked much more satisfying than my meal for sure. The restaurant is never busy, despite the reasonable prices and BYOB. Maybe it will pick up in the spring when the patio seating opens.
(3)G P.
I went to Daphne's today, after going to the former restaurant in the same location with my family several times. I didnt really like the last mediterranean place as the shish kabob was always dry and the babaganoush was not to my liking. However, today the new Daphne's was excellent. Everything was fresh and kabobs were awesome. Mid-meal, Daphne brought some freshly made grape leaves which were still hot. What a sweet gesture and I have never had a stuffed grape leaf that was so full of flavor. So while visiting Pittsburgh, Daphne's will always be on my restaurant list.
(5)Bob J.
It's always clean. The food is always fresh. Great taste. The baba is outstanding. Salads have gotten smaller since it opened but still a good deal. Hope they do well.
(4)Arlene M.
Daphne Cafe offers phenomenal and unique Turkish cuisine with small business charm. My significant other and I have been going to the Daphne Cafe for over a year. We love the family who owns the restaurant and the delicious offerings. The atmosphere in the dining room is slightly less than desirable as the noise level gets very loud even with just one noisy patron. The tile floors and sparse white decorations give a slightly cold, sterile, and uninviting vibe. In the summer, the patio can't be beat with the shrubs and umbrellas. You really feel cut off from the noise of Ellsworth Avenue and secluded in your own little Turkish getaway. Daphne is the perfect place to unwind. It is BYOB The menu is large but I tend to stick with my favorites. The lentil soup is incredible and unique. The soup is blended and very smooth. The flavors are complex. Even during the hottest days of summer, I have a hard time resisting the lentil soup. The panini are always cooked to perfection and fresh. I prefer the Daphne panini, a combination of Turkish pepperoni and provolone cheese, and the tomato mozzarella panini with huge basil leaves. The salads are also fresh and delicious. I've also had great experiences with their appetizers. My personal favorite is the smyrna dip, yogurt and eggplant pureed together. The only pitfall if you are in a hurry, is the service. The owners are friendly and wonderful, but very slow. I like to think that in their culture dining is a leisurely experience and they want to treat you to a great meal. But sometimes I feel forgotten, especially if we're waiting on change at the end of the meal. That definitely doesn't keep me away from Daphne since their takeout is fast and well prepared. Keep an open mind and enjoy!
(4)I.E. C.
Happened upon this unassuming place one night when we couldn't get into Soba because it was so packed, including the bar. The interior of the place is quite barren. Just some very basic table and chairs and light music. It looks more like a lunch place. However, when we glanced at the menu we decided we would give it a try. For an appetizer, I had the humus and a yogurt type dip (sorry forget the name!). Both were excellent! And then I ordered the fresh mozzarella panini, which came with fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, and tomatos on a buttered panini bread. Quite tasty!!! Definitely will be back. I don't know that I would plan on coming to this place for a nice meal on the weekend due to their being no ambiance, but definitely would come here for lunch or a quick bite to eat at night.
(4)Erin K.
I've had lunch takeout a few times and everything is good so far! It's cooked to order (except for refrigerated desserts) so call ahead if you're in a hurry.
(3)Lydia M.
I love this place and I always forget about it. It's such an adorable spot with great hummus/tabbouleh and a sinful gyro platter. The best part about it is the outdoor patio, it's simply adorned with those soft glowy light bulbs on a string and a bunch of potted plants. A wonderful place to sit with a magnum bottle of BYOB wine and watch Ellsworth go by. The food is flavorful and inexpensive, and the family who runs it is very sweet. I wouldn't necessarily say it was destination dining, but I think anyone who lives in the area would be hard pressed to find a better casual spot to become a regular.
(5)David K.
I just did brunch at Daphne Café with a few friends, and we were very pleased with it. For starters, we ordered an appetizer sampler, in which we got their mild, but delectable hummus, their mediterranean dip, and their ezme salad. All three were gone quickly enough, and the mediterranean dip was full of flavor in all the best ways. The appetizers in general were wondrous. For an entrée, I ordered a gyro platter, or something of the sort: I can't remember the exact name. It was also pretty good, but in contrast to the appetizers and the desserts, the consensus around the table was that the entrées were something this fledgling business might still be working on a bit. It was tasty, but could have used some work in presentation and perceived quality. For dessert, we split a pistachio roll, and this alone sold us on the place: It was perfectly portioned to be split among three or four people, and the flavor was both unlike anything we had had before, and impossible to criticize. Another perk of the place is the Turkish tea, which is mild, slightly sweet, and of a decent quality as teas go. This is a place I would recommend (they're new, and it would be excellent to see more people going there!) and it is a place to which all three of us will return.
(4)Christina P.
Daphne is a new-ish Shadyside restaurant that Tony and I had been wanting to check out for a bit. It is Turkish/Mediterranean, but there aren't a ton of full entrees. The menu was mostly appetizers (baba ghannouj, hummus, etc), wraps, and salads. I had the adana (lamb) wrap, and my boyfriend has the gyro salad. His had a ton of meat compared to mine, but his salad also had a sweeter Greek salad dressing which I really liked. I liked my wrap but wish there was more meat in it. The boyfriend also had the Turkish coffee, and I had the custard dessert which was small, but VERY filling. We might be coming back since we realized Daphne was BYOB (corkage fee was 3 or 4 bucks). I wish there were more entrees on the list, but it would make more sense next time to split some of the appetizers and maybe a salad as a main dish.
(4)Deena E.
Cute little lunch spot on Ellsworth. Nice patio. Amazing roasted red pepper feta dip! Warm pitas, gyro salad, need I say more? If you enjoy Turkish cuisine, you're in for a treat. A welcome addition to the Ellsworth area.
(4)Scott G.
I order takeout from here weekly. The food is always fresh and the owners are very friendly. Definitely try it.
(5)Kiki D.
Wandered in from the street and was absolutely delighted. They have turkish coffee, fantastic baba, eggplant and the Daphne wrap is amazing. Family business with high quality, authentic food. Would definitely return if I am in the area.
(4)SJ L.
Daphne's salads are soooo fresh!! Chicken is out of this world. Cooked to perfection! I love this place for take out lunch i eat back at my office!!
(5)Deniz K.
I've been to this restaurant twice now and have loved it. The owners of the restaurant are really nice and will come and chat with you if you sit down. In terms of appetizers, I'd recommend getting the appetizer sampler because it gives you a small taste of everything on the menu. The pita they give with the sampler is warm and you can always ask for more which is a plus. In terms of main dish they have a variety of kebabs (which is more authentically Turkish than some of the paninis) which are delicious. If you're a fan of spicier meat I'd recommend the Adana kebab but their other kebabs are equally tasty. I wouldn't recommend getting dessert, it isn't homemade, the baklava they served us wasn't very moist.
(4)Teresa T.
This place makes me happy. Daphne Cafe is tucked among the other shops on Ellsworth Street. Casual and BYOB. Outdoor seating. They've got some nice options for dips with pita though their lamb is to die for. Gyro wrap and adana plate are devoured within minutes each time that we have gone. They've also got awesome baklava and turkish coffee, which is no joke coffee so beware. Prices are very reasonable and since there is a laid back atmosphere food is presented in a simple way (such as for the adana plate rice was in one section, meat in a second and the vegetables in a third - fine by me) but there is nice flavor which is most important. Service has always been great too. Waitress is sweet and helpful should you have any questions.
(4)Kostas P.
Very good food. Everything feels like it is homemade and the service is very good as well. Prices are reasonable. Brimg your own drinks of you want to drink.
(4)Liz E.
Yum and BYOB! Stopped by on a whim while searching for a quick lunch venue. Never heard of it but glad I found it! Great dill-yogurt- dip (forget what it's called) and delicious eggplant salad. Plenty of pita brought by a pleasant, cute, waiter with a great voice;)! My friend and I split a salad and three appetizer sampler and got out for about 13 bucks! Next time we are bringing a bottle of wine and heartier appetites!
(5)Tim H.
Great gyros (both sandwiches and wraps). Meat tastes a bit leaner and healthier than most gyro spots. Hummus is pretty good. Baklava is just okay.
(4)Courtney M.
This is a great BYO spot with outdoor seating on Ellsworth. The menu isn't very extensive, but what they do have is very good and the prices are perfect. Their lamb for the gyros and gyro salads is very flavorful, and they give you a lot. The service was a little slow, but it was nice to not be interrupted constantly while eating. It was a very relaxing meal and I will absolutely be going back. I gave 4 stars instead of 5 because I wish there were just a few more apps and/or entrees to choose from. It is definitely worth a try!!
(4)Derry W.
Hummus was really great, best hummus I've ever tasted!!! Ordered a gyro salad too and it was really good. Not too heavy and the gyro was just perfect. Will definitely come back again.
(5)