Istanbul Restaurant
2631 Nolensville Rd, Nashville, TN, 37211
Istanbul Restaurant Menu
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Salads
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Soups
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Plates
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Sides
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Desserts
Healthy Meal suggestions for Istanbul Restaurant
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Salads
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Soups
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Plates
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Sides
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Desserts
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Address :
2631 Nolensville Rd
Nashville, TN, 37211 - Phone (615) 248-6888
- Website https://www.istanbulrestauranttn.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
- Mon : 11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
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 : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Leigh M.
Absolutely delicious! I tried this place because my first choice restaurant for lunch was closed. Pulled out my Yelp app and saw a place called Istanbul was close and figured it seems worth trying. I'm so very glad I did! I'm honestly shocked that they weren't busier. Besides me and a couple coworkers who came to lunch with me, there were maybe 3 other occupied tables in the middle of what should have been the lunch rush. Don't let this fool you into thinking this place isn't great though. I ordered the greek salad with doner meat on it, and it was fantastic. The salad itself was picture perfect; everything was arranged so nicely I almost hated to disturb it. Piles of veggies, piles of feta cheese, and a pile of freshly grilled doner meat in the center. The greens were fresh and crisp, the meat was tender and delicious, and the olives & feta were quite olivey and fetaey, respectively. At first I thought it was a tad pricey for a salad, but it was well worth it. They absolutely did not skimp on the ingredients, and the portion is as large as it is delicious. Unless you're practically starving, you can plan on bringing some home with you. I also had their white bean soup, served with some sliced pita bread. The soup was absolutely fantastic with the perfect level of spicyness. I definitely intend on visiting this place regularly. Oh, be sure to park around the back; the few spaces in front are a pain to pull out of, and the funeral home next to the restaurant has quite a few "We'll tow you if you park here" signs.
(4)Jill L.
The owner was extremely kind to my 2 year old son. That means a lot because I know 2 year olds can be annoying and messy! It's not the most, erm, swanky of atmospheres but whatever. It's cheap, the portions are plentiful and the service is great!!! I love it!
(5)Casey S.
Came here on a whim. Got the sampler appetizer which had olives, tabbouleh, falafel (If I remember correctly), hummus, and some cucumber/yogurt dip. All very tasty! I got the Kofta plate, which was very tasty. You get a HUGE mound of rice to go with it. The food was really good, so I definitely recommend it. Atmosphere was lacking; it's a little dive-y if you ask me. Parking lot was TINY--only a few spots. Not sure if they have parking in back or not. The only complaint I have is that we ordered 2 Turkish coffees along with the rest of our order, and they weren't ready until after we were already finished our whole meal. We mentioned it to the waitress after we got our appetizers and then when we still didn't have them, we assumed she just forgot and gave up on it. Not sure why they took so long to make. Especially since there were only two other people there, and they'd been there for a while before us. They were tasty though! I didn't know that Turkish coffee left a lot of sludge in the bottom of the cup, so I had a rude surprise at the end, but my boyfriend said that's normal.
(4)Rania K.
I have no idea where these stars and positive comments are coming from. The parking is so old and small, the inside is old and not clean, the bathrooms are too primitive, and the FOOD was very greasy and not fresh. The chicken was old, the soup was too salty. The fries were absolutely not fresh and fried with very old oil that made the fries look nearly light brown. The worst choice ever
(1)Dafna R.
The food was good, but not great. The spices were a little off, but overall a good meal.
(3)Sarah K.
Favorite Turkish place in Nashville! I always get the Frank's Special (gyro, tabbuleh, and rice in a pita) and a side of lentil soup. The soup is spicy and delicious! I can eat the soup and half the pita and save the leftovers for lunch the next day. Delicious, healthy, and affordable. The hummus is really good too, but maybe that's just the drizzle of olive oil on top talking! :) Never have had a bad meal there.
(5)Cara M.
Wow!! This is some AMAZING food!! The other reviews are definitely accurate about the burger--huge and delicious, according to my husband. I had the chicken plate which was delish! I loved eating real, homemade tabouli! Mm!! All meals come with soup (lentil was pretty good) and pita bread. I will say the one downfall was the pita bread and cucumber sauce. The pita tasted like something I would buy at Walmart and not the typical bread. The cucumber sauce had a mayonnaise taste. Not my fav, but the other food definitely makes up for it. Since this was our first visit here, we decided to try the baklava and Turkish wedding cookie for dessert, since they were made fresh the same day. They definitely didn't disappoint! If you're up for an adventure and homemade food with awesome customer service where the owner/chef will actually check on the tables periodically you HAVE to try this place!
(4)Meghan P.
Love this place! The food is food and authentic, especially the gyro plates and the baklava. Not the prettiest restaurant, but so worth it!
(5)Daniel S.
It was good but not great. Food was fresh and the service was pretty good. The decor leaves a little something to be desired but worth trying.
(3)Rod O.
Fantastic Doner! !! !!!! The Owner told us this is the only Doner in Tennessee! Real Doner is a rarity, this one is Excellent, Superb Flavor! By the only Doner he may mean not only is he shaving the Meat loaf from a Vertical cooking rotisserie, after slicing thin stripes he takes the meat to the grill and sautes it with Olive Oil! The Owner told us that is the real Turkish way to prepare this Incredible Meat!!! All the Meats were enjoyable: The Doner, Beef, and Gyro were my favorites! The Chicken, Shrimp and Kofta were good, seasoned nicely... My next visit I will get the Doner Platter!!!! My Girlfriends Father who probably did not want to eat here was impressed with the Burger (said it was the best one he had eaten in quite a while) I tasted the Burger, it was good and wait until you see the photo, we guessed it was Half a Pound of Meat (I took a Photo)! I Love Turkish Tea, this one was Cinnamon and was Very Nice! Turkish Coffee, this one was GREAT!!! Cardamom makes the difference! We got all three soups: Lentil, White Bean and Yogurt. The Yogurt was the spiciest dish of the meal. All three had good flavor! The Desserts were good! Better than the "Greek" versions! I'm used to a Baklava with Pistachios, less syrup and maybe some Clove, still this was a good one! The Tabbouleh was good and the Baba Ganoush was Very Good! Our Server was great! She and the Owner made us feel at home!
(5)Geoffrey K.
Can you have a bad meal here? I doubt it. Consistently delicious and straight up home cooking. They make you feel like family because that's who's cooking your food and taking care of you. I have been several times and was always happy. Something as simple as the chicken platter was cooked to perfection and a highlight. Do yourself a favor and visit soon. You'll be part of the family too.
(5)Jonny W.
Wow! So good and best service ever. They Definitely have Turkish hospitality. The combos are a good deal, and if you go you have to top the meal off with baklava and Turkish coffee!
(5)Bud M.
Love this place. Love the soup, especially the Lentil soup. I go there for lunch and I always get the Barry Special, well most of the time. I'll get the hamburger on occasion. The gyros are great! Love the fries! One of the best hamburgers anywhere. Go by for lunch or dinner you won't be disappointed.
(5)Lori C.
Love this place! First time in and our dinner was fabulous! The pistachio baklava is especially good!!
(5)Tara S.
I really wanted to like this place. I had read all the reviews and they have an almost perfect star rating. We were able to sample some of their food at the InterNASHional Food Crawl and I must say their chicken and gyro meat were excellent. I was so excited to go back! So the next week we went back and ordered the doner and my husband had a gyro plate. Both tasted decent but, to be honest, the meat didn't taste anything like the ones we sampled. It was mediocre. The ranch tasted like Hidden Valley and they boast that it's homemade. The cucumber sauce was the worst I've ever had. Maybe it's because I'm used to true tatziki? Also there were only 2 tables besides us in the restaurant and the wait time to get our food was crazy. We waited a good 25-30 minutes after we ordered to get our food. That, along with having to back up into traffic because of their parking situation, leaves me not really wanting to go back.
(3)Mark S.
Another great visit to Istanbul Cafe. Mehmet has upgraded the interior a little - new chairs and the ceiling is nicer. He said he will be working on the floor next. It would be hard to upgrade the food - one of the best values in Nashville. I did the Gary Special which comes with a gyros sandwich, choice of either a cup of soup or fries and a soda for $6.99. The gyros meat was sliced fresh, not pulled out of a pan. The lettuce was a fresh green leaf not garbage iceberg, the tomato slice was fresh and the tzatziki was tzatziki not ranch. Again the lentil soup was killer - my father had the white bean and surprisingly it was red in color and not bland white bean soup. I got a can of the Turkish coffee to go. Try this place out folks, you'll be glad you did. The owner Mehmet is one of the most humble men I've met.
(5)Paul K.
Huh... that place was good. I mean really good. I have not attempted the BYOB yet, although I did bring some wine, just was not up for it when I went. The hummus was great, the pita was very good, the rice was kind of waxy - not the greatest rice ever. The falafel - not sure if it was perfect, but it was extremely good. I was well stuffed when I left this place, value was there, I think the rice will improve. Service was a bit slow, but nothing to complain about/
(4)R P.
Excellent Med. food. Service was excellent. Great baklava, not too sweet.
(5)Kim Y.
I'm a skewered greek/turkish meat fiend and this is tied with my favorite place to grab some in Nashville. My other favorite is Anatolia, but seeing as how I can walk to Istanbul from my house and its about $2 cheaper overall, this place edges Anatolia out unless I also want to shop at Target. Don't be scu-red of the slightly run down interior, I prefer to think of it as 'homey' seeing as how they also let you bring in your own beer and wine, like an old friend just stopping in for some lovingly prepared meat on a rotating spit. The service is similar, not bad - just really laid back, but prompt. I've been a time or two when dinner took what seemed like an eternity, but we were the only couple in the restaurant and I think he was cooking up fresh batches of goodness. I'd rather wait then receive lunch leftovers, ya hear me? I generally go with a classic platter. Honestly the rice is ho hum and I wish they gave you a touch more tabouleh or salad to mix around on your plate for crunchy texture, but the meat - oh the meat shines! Compliment it with spicy tea and soft pita bread with tangy hummus. The greek dressing(s) they offer are also extremely good, but I wish they offered a few more zippy sauces in addition to the sad Louisiana hot sauce on the table. (I'm not insulting La. hot sauce, it has its place in the world, I just want a few more authentic hot sauces) Overall a very solid greek/turkish/middle eastern place to score some dinner on a budget or a fun place to take a group outing since its very roomy, rarely busy and is BYOB!
(4)Jan S.
The place is not very clean. The service was average for there only being 2 tables. The food was average at best. Ordered baklava and powdered sugar cookies. Both stale. Very disappointed. The user star ratings would lead you to believe this place was superb. Two stars is generous.
(2)Elizabeth S.
Pretty amazing Mediterranean food -- best Turkish food since visiting Turkey. Tried this based on the Yelp reviews and was not misled. Authentic baba, hummus, and tabbouleh in the appetizer platter; had that along with crispy lamb in the gyro. Lovely spicy bean soup too. Turkish coffee was great but surprised it was already sweetened. Really kind and genuine staff, even though it was one woman's first day. Started talking with the owner -- great guy -- and he offered us complimentary baklava. He was smart -- we'll definitely be back for that, such a pure taste of honey! Have to try the walnut, pistachio, etc. Will definitely be back!
(5)Bobby B.
Cheap? Check Good? Check Hole in the wall? Check Amazingly sweet woman running it? Check This place made our entire trip.We adored her and I really adored my lamb shank and rice dish. Really great stuff. Good felafels too.
(5)Meagan M.
Best Turkish food in Nashville. So cheap for what you get, too. Tabbouleh is amazing, as are the lamb Kuzy and yogurt soup.
(5)Steven K.
Yes, the neighborhood is a bit sketchy, the restaurant interior is dim, but the food is fantastic.
(4)John S.
My wife and I have been eating at the Istanbul Restaurant since it opened. We have probably eaten there thirty or forty times. We have eaten just about everything on the menu. We ate there again to night, and nothing has changed since we started eating there. The dishes are still freshly prepared. The service is prompt and courteous. All reasonably priced!!!
(5)Eli C.
My favorite Greek restaurant in Nashville. The owner is super nice, too. Best Greek salad in town.
(5)Frank C.
THE BEST PLACE TO EAT ON NOLENSVILLE PK..... I've been going here for 6 years. Lunch, dinner, takeout & even catering. If you want great Turkish( Mediterranean) food and lots of it for a good price then this is your place. Istanbul Cafe is a true family ran business. There is only 2 people you will see that cook here, Memet or his son Yusif. While the wait staff may vary from time to time, you'll be treated like family. Parking is tricky. There is 5-6 tight spots out front, or you can park around back. If you're not sure if you like Turkish food and want to play it safe, then get the 1 pound cheeseburger. Its seasoned and cooked perfectly with very lean beef. I think its priced around $7.00 w/ fries. A coworker killed off 2 of these in 8 minutes 25 seconds on a dare. No small feat. Let me know if you can beat that and wanna throw the gauntlet down. The grilled chicken tenders platter, approx $7.35 w/ (basmatti rice, tabouli & cucumber salad) is my "go to meal". The 4 big chicken tenders are marinated for no less than 24 hrs in a variety of seasonings and then cooked on the flat top to the point that they just cut easily with a fork. Their gyro is really the best I've ever had. You gotta try the Tarhana soup. Its a yogurt based soup, but not the kind of yogurt you're thinking of. It has a "Hot & Sour" type of taste that's more addictive than most forms of opiates. Get the "donner" plate or sandwich. Specially seasoned strips of beef that is considered a predecessor to gyro. Make sure you get it with the cucumber sauce, it just goes better with it. Speaking of sauce... what Memet calls "ranch" is more like Tzatziki & Ranch combined with a more yogurty base and sour taste. Its always homemade and you will wanna drink it as a beverage. The Mediterranean Salad (romaine, onion, feta, tomatoes,kalamatta olives, tabouli & cucumber) with chicken or gyro for $8.25 is gynourmous. The lamb shank falls right off the bone and fills the plate full of "the best rice ever" with its juices. Most regular plates can be shared by 2, but you really wont want to. Split one of the big "specials/ combos" with a friend and have a variety of all the meats they offer and then some left over. Consistency is always there. Its the definitive "MOM & POP" place for easy going Turkish food. itanbulrest.com try a "Franky Special" w/ chicken, gyro or donner.
(5)Colleen E.
Either we visited on an off day or we ordered the wrong dish, but our experience was less than impressive. The chicken was dry and the baklava was *extremely* sweet and soggy. We were the ONLY diners on a Sunday at lunch, and the restaurant was freezing. I'm hoping it was just an off day, but I'd have to be convinced to try it again.
(3)Dalton Q.
I went to Istanbul Restaurant during lunch today and found the food and pricing to be great. I got a small cup of lentil soup which was like finely ground lentils and it was wonderful. I also got the shrimp pita, the portion was small and it was appropriate for the small price I paid. The flavor was nice and the tea was very different. I also had some of the beef kabob and it was great. The person who brought me said it was explained to him that the tea was a blend of spices of some kind. I brought some home for my wife who is picky about tea and she loved it. The decor is not very interesting, but the people were quiet but friendly. The servers visited our table many times and never let our drink run out. Overall I had a great experience for eating lunch. I can tell they care about the food and is different from our usual diet. The bathroom was run down but clean and I think a clean bathroom tells a lot about what you can expect with other things. You aren't going to find a better price for the food and it is good.
(4)Trey-Jen M.
really good food, thoroughly enjoyed it. hole in the wall feel which is fine by me. baclava was a bit on the pricey side though...
(4)Tina S.
This place is fantastic! I went there for the first time last night, and I already want to go back. I had the stuffed eggplant, and it may be the best thing I've ever eaten. The spices are amazing! The service was great too. They're going to start serving varieties of fresh juice, and I sampled one made with guava juice, kale, carrots, spinach and apples, and it was delicious. I can't say enough about this place.
(5)Eric E.
The Tarhana soup was on point! It had a nice kick to it, and the rack of lamb I got, kuzy, the meat just fell off the bone. Food is delicious, and prices are fair. 4 stars because service is inconsistent.
(4)Lindsay W.
Came here on a whim one night and was not disappointed. The gyro plate was delicious and the portion sizes are HUGE. I originally came in because I wanted some baklava. Ended up taking it home with me uneaten because I overindulged on hummus and gyro meat. Oh well... at least I knew when to cut myself off. The baklava the next morning was perfect. I want to keep little triangles of their baklava in my pocket to snack on.
(4)P P.
I came here because of a Scoutmob deal and, as a Turk, I was very pleased. The lentil soup was almost as good as my mother's. The pita bread was fresh and delicious. I had the Doner platter and was pleased. The Chicken Shish, which my friend ordered, was excellent. The chicken was juicy and not overcooked. Both platters came on a generous portion of flavorful saffron rice. The staff was friendly and attentive without being smothering. The exterior is nothing to brag about and the ambiance is divey and comfortable, but this place is about the food not the decor. The prices are very reasonable.
(4)Joey K.
You know those sitcoms where there's that cute foreigner who despite not quite saying the words right you can't help but love 'em? Well my waitress obviously learned english as a second language and was a little difficult to understand but I got it eventually. I couldn't help but smile at that. I ordered a Kopof plate with the taboulleh salad. It also comes with a soup, don't know what it's called. The food is fabulous and spicy. The rice really stood out, its tender with a subtle taste. Despite this being in a rough section I think this is a real hole-in-the-wall gem!
(5)Bret D.
Get the cucumber sauce; it is much better than ranch; great gyro. This is my favorite Mediterranean food in town. The atmosphere has a lot to be desired but they are making efforts to upgrade. I come here for the food which is very good and a great value.
(4)Antony H.
First of all, this place is a dive, but it smells absolutely great. So basically, I knew this was going to be awesome. It's the "Nolensville Road Effect". When the place is as ugly as the food smells incredible, my mouth starts to water. Ordered the Shish Kifta. It was perfectly seasoned and cooked, and did not have the gamey "Overcooked Burger" texture and taste that so many other Nashville Mediterranean places have. It was delicious, and complimented my rice and salad well. Be very careful with the Hummus because it is very addictive. The hummus is so delicious you have to take care to not stuff yourself with pita bread before your meal. It's fantastic. Also take care to not load up on the falafel which is superb. Heck, the appetizers are as good as the meal, and you need to save room, because the portion sizes are big enough to feed Zangief from Street Fighter II. Oh yeah, the Yogurt Soup. My lord the Yogurt Soup. I would walk 4 miles through broken glass barefoot up a gigantic mountain while it rains freezing lemon juice just to have another bowl. Okay, I'm overexaggerating. But not by much, bro. Not by much. Finally, I wish I could magically teleport this restaurant back home with me to Austin. Texas has woefully bad Mediterranean food and this restaurant located on Guadeloupe would make bank. Every time I go to Nashville, I hit at least one Mediterranean place. And when I only have time for one, this one is IT.
(5)Rachel S.
Mmmm was the food at Istanbul Cafe good today. I can sense this is a totally dependable restaurant that serves authentic homemade food that should please your soul if you dig Mediterranean food. We tasted two soups, the white bean and yogurt soups. The white bean soup was tomato based and harbored some very fresh beans that I would be shocked to find out that were once canned. The yogurt soup was thin, and had a very strong yet not placeable flavor. It was good, but the white bean was the winner. We had a gyro sandwich and a Mediterranean salad with falafel and gyro meat. Oh, the gyro meat was SO tasty. The falafel was fried well and exhibited extremely aromatic and pungent Mediterranean flavors. The salad was really fresh and other than lettuce included tabouleh salad (not enough tabouleh in this salad for me, it was awfully heavy on the parsley), feta cheese, and Kalamata olives. And the dressing was tzatziki. They've got a small selection of desserts which looked great too, including, of course, baklava. Prices are cheap to moderate. This area is a mecca for small family-run ethnic restaurants, and Istanbul is totally worth a stop.
(4)Simon K.
I really enjoy places that you can take at face value. It's a family-run business that enjoys serving good food. That's all anyone should expect from a restaurant. The cook in the back was so proud of the lamb that he cooked. He told me "I cooked it for 4 hours." How could I not appreciate that? When's the last time you had a meal that took that much time to make? Btw, the lamb was delicious. It's slow cooked, soft, and tender. The chicken wasn't as spectacular, but that was probably b/c I was expecting it to be like a middle-eastern kabob. It was cover in spices, cooked well, and overall tasty. By far, the chicken platter is the best deal on the menu. $8 for 4 large chicken tenders; it was enough meat to make 2 chicken sandwiches. It's a strong 4 stars; really hearty meal, priced well, and genuine service. For Nashvillians, they need to try something new. At the least, it's a good experience of a different culture. I'll be coming back.
(4)The Yelp-inator W.
OK - its on Nolensville Rd...not where I usually hang out...but a friend raved about this place so we went. The atmosphere was - nothing special. Service was good. - very nice pleasant server - our food came out in a reasonable amount of time. Here my take on what we tired. Gyros - excellent - really nice sized - great ingredients - tasty Cucumber salad - excellent - Basmati rice - really good Kofta - fair turkish tea (I've had better) Humus - fair Flafals - pretty good - but not a good value IMHO We tried all of the desserts: Here's my opinion: The Seker Pare, Revane, and Kurabiyei - were all fairly good - The Baklava it is really good - this is the real deal - my mom did not like it and she has been making this for years - perhaps she was jealous? Everyone else loved it! If I had a friend who I knew was going there I would tell them to get a gyro and maybe a piece of baklava.
(4)Amanda M.
I have three words to sum up my experience at Istanbul: WOULD GO BACK. Since my first visit, I have told no less than five friends about our experience... not to mention the delicious food! Don't skip the hummus! (I probably ate my weight in pitas.) And I highly recommend the Gyro Platter. It's huge, so you might want to go ahead and get a to-go box ready. Also, if they don't randomly bring you the white bean soup (they did to us!), order it. It's delicious. As if the food wasn't enough... the service is outstanding. ...AND (like you need yet another reason to visit), it's BYOB. We rolled up with three bottles of Two Buck Chuck and they were happy to bring us wine glasses and a bottle opener. We declined the opener, however, because we'd brought an entire corkscrew set ourselves. We're classy like that.
(5)Jeremy M.
After getting hooked on Doners in Germany and Falafel in Iraq, I figured that I should try some Turkish food in Nashville. First off my waitress was very friendly and attentive without smothering me. I ordered the falafel and a doner sandwich and they both tasted excellent. The falafel was seasoned perfectly and was served with a delicious cucumber yogurt sauce. The doner was different than any that I have had before. As opposed to the shaved lamb/beef combo it was more like a chopped version. Still very tasty but a little on the salty side in my opinion. I would definitely come back for the falafel but I would probably try something different for my main dish. Overall it was a great experience.
(4)Deryk L.
after reading great reviews i decided to give this joint a try! the food was very good, i went with a gyro sandwich and the bean soup--both were awesome. the restaurant is definitely run down though. i would be a little nervous to inspect the back of the house, if you know what i mean! SOOO, yeah, the food was good though! enjoy!
(4)Beeps Y.
Excellent food. Though I've been a couple of times when they didn't have any doner (sp?) kebob, I love the chicken kebob as a substitute. Will be back again!
(5)J H.
The iced tea is amazing! Everything else was good, not overwhelming, but good. Fast and friendly service. The wedding cookies are great!
(4)Izzat A.
This place is very very good. I can't count how many times I've been here over the years. The gyros are great and the service is wonderful too. There is no ambiance and it's a cheap no frills kinda place. They do serve amazing food though. Definitely recommend it.
(4)Kamal S.
I have never in the history of eating out, have ever walked out of a Restaurant. Friend and I drive down Nolensville Rd around 8pm and stop to get a bite to eat. It was about 8pm. We walk in and the (owner maybe?) And worker were cleaning and mopping the floors and rearranging chairs and tables and we just sat there in the front waiting to be greeted. She finally just tells us to sit wherever we want. We sat down, and waited atleast 10 minutes before she came to our table. She gave us menus and asked us what kind of drinks we'd like, I asked if there was anything special (as in specialty turkish drinks) and she yells, WE DONT DO FREE DRINKS. Absolutely rude, i never asked for a free drink, i asked if there were any cool drinks that are special to this restaurant. Any case, we moved on and ordered drinks, she came by gave us our drinks...took 3 or 5 straws stared at them threw them on the table. yes literally threw them on the table. and breathed out heavily as if she wasnt having it that day. We literally got up, and left. And told the owner who was mopping the floor...that this was our first time walking in here and we will never come here ever again. Now if you TRULY want good Turkish food, go to ANATOLIA on white bridge rd, WOW! Now that place is an experience, and their customer service is TOP NOTCH!
(1)Boston B.
Good dinner/lunch type food. Dinner for 2 big plate of rice (lots of rice) and meat coast $22.99 I think is good price.
(4)Michelle B.
One star for the owner being a nice lady. The other star is for the food being fresh. That's about all. The flavors are bland for Turkish food. Too much tahini in the eggplant and hummus made them taste bitter. The pita is rubbery. The meat-- very dry. Clean space. Bare decor. Cleaning the floor while eating is not only unsanitary but bad for my allergy.
(2)Caroline H.
Loved this place. I came with a group of 6 last weekend for a friend's birthday lunch. We arrived at 1pm on a Saturday and the place was completely empty. (There's parking around back, FYI!) But by the time we left at 3pm, the place was packed! Odd timing of meals, I guess? We started with some hummus and baba ganoush which were both tasty (and we got refills of pita!) Then a round of soup for everyone. I got to try all 3 soups. The white bean was tomato based and tasty, but the least popular at our table (Mildly spicy). The lentil wasn't spicy at all and creamy and delicious. The yogurt soup was super spicy in a totally delicious way and was a hit at our table. Next, most of us ordered a combo platter of some sort (some with shish, some with gyro, some falafel, etc). Everything on my plate was awesome. I was a little disappointed that they didn't have doner available (wanted to try it due to the super reviews on here!) but it was still marinating. Bummer! (Next time) Our waitress was really sweet and attentive and brought us wine glasses for the champagne we brought to toast the b-day boy. Then she brought us some baklava with candles and started up the birthday song! It was really fun and we all felt really well cared for. I'm not sure if she hooked us up with a deal or what, but I paid for myself and the birthday boy and with tax and tip it came out to around 35 bucks (for 4 courses!) AWESOME. I felt like family here and it was a delicious, filling, and fun (and not expensive!) experience.
(5)Hanna H.
My husband and I love Istanbul! We get there about every three months or so and it's always been a great experience. We normally go on Saturdays at odd times so it's never been crowded. The hubs is a standard gyro guy and he says they are great! I sometimes get falafel sandwiches or Greek salads. Both of which are satisfying. I will say the Greek salad is one of the best I've ever had (close second to Euro Grille, which I'm not sure still exists). During our most recent visit, the waitress brought us samples of two soups to try and they were delicious! The hummus is fantastic and we always get an appetizer to share. Our son loves it! We may or may not always get baklava either to go or to eat in. I mean, why wouldn't you?! It's honey heaven! The atmosphere is very welcoming and friendly and it feels like you are just hanging out in a friend's living room. All this talk about it makes me want to go again now!
(5)Katya W.
Absolutely yummy!! The owners treat you like family! The food is amazing! My husband and I had the gyro sandwiches, they were huge and yummy. We also had the lentil soup it was so creamy and earthy! They make their yogurt from scratch, yummy!! Also, their deserts are amazing!!
(5)Kevin M.
For my first visit, a solid and delicious meal. Starting with the white bean soup and Turkish tea, both of which were very good, the stage was properly set. The Doner plate was excellent. Finding authentic Doner is a rarity and this offering is one of the best I've ever had. Succulently tender and juicy, while being subtly spiced in a way that defies the detail of ingredients, but culminates in a unique symphony of flavor. Looking forward to many return visits.
(4)John S.
I don't get why this place is not far more busy - they have great food, a friendly staff, and it's cheap. I've been here a couple times, and it is always tasty and cheap. This time I just came for a to-go order, 2 gyros. They were actually very custom, so to speak, since I wanted only certain things on each one and not othersm and some extras. I had one with just the meat, the lettuce, and cucumbers. And the other, mine, had the standard, minus tomatoes, plus feta, parsley, and a few other things. And sauce on the side for both. I had no problems at all, it was done quickly, and each gyro is only 5 bucks, normal price. It's also kind of huge for a gyro sandwich - it was very filling and if I'd gotten a side it would have been far too much food. The meat itself was flavorful and not dry at all, while the vegetables tasted fresh, the lettuce and onions crunchy as I like them. Overall, delicious and it makes me want to come back here more often. Small FYI, they don't take Amex.
(5)David B.
Very good food and service. Like that they have an open kitchen.
(5)doug d.
I love this place! i won't repeat what all the others have already said, but will say that if you are a falafel freak like myself, give theirs a try. It took a few times for it to really grow on me, but now I am addicted to theirs big time (more subtle then kalamata's version). All the people i have dealt with who work there have been super nice too.
(4)Ian R.
Stopped by with the family after a trip to the Zoo and was rewarded with some good middle eastern food. The restaurant was completely empty and it seemed like we were there at on off time, but the service was friendly and it was nice to have the place to ourselves. My wife had the Okra stew special and I ended up having the Chicken pita sandwich. I was a little disappointed because they were out of the donner kebab that I have heard is pretty authentic. The Sandwich was good and the stew tasted like home cooking. Also got to try a sip of the Turkish coffee and it was intense and tasty. Overall, the Istanbul Cafe left a good impression, but I feel like I need to sample a little more at a busier time of day before I give it the full sign off.
(3)Natasha P.
This was the best Mediterranean restaurant I've ever been to. Others have come close in the deliciousness of the food, but the overall experience is hard to beat. Mind you, I've only eaten there once (because I was visiting from CA), but the service couldn't have been any better and the falafel was incredible. The server got out drinks to us very quickly and served us with a smile. I really wanted tabouleh, but they didn't have any parsley (due to the weather, or so he said), so he gave us yogurt soup on the house. We also got the cucumber salad with our meal. When it came time to pack up my leftovers, he brought me a box with extra rice and a side of sauce. We had an incredible meal, at a great price with fabulous service. I wish I could go back without having to fly half way across the country! Be sure to check Istanbul out for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Stacie F.
The service is unbeatable! They brought us tons of stuff to try that we didn't order because we mentioned to them that we were traveling to Greece soon and wished that we could make it to Turkey. They were so nice and gave us some great pointers on our upcoming travels and food decisions. The owner even brought me a free baklava and hot tea. Very sweet! The meats were all really good. We got a sampler platter of lamb, beef and chicken. The yogurt soup was very tasty. The pita bread was piping hot and delicious with the hummus. We will definitely eat at Istanbul Restaurant again!
(5)Mike M.
I love family-run businesses. This one is very friendly and serves excellent food. The gyros are huge! The soups are amazing. Break out of your rut and enjoy some turkish food and say hello to the owners.
(5)Mark M.
Really good food. Great rice. Nice hummus (nice paprika, but I think mine is better....I use more garlic). I had what I would call shish kafka. It was beef instead of lamb, but it was delicious. Warning, it looked like Mr. Hankie on rice....but tasted awesome. Nice tabbouleh. I think next time I am going to get the sampler with chicken, meat, and Kafka kabobs. More variety. Nice service. Nice price. I also want to try the falafel. Going towards downtown, its on the left. Going away from downtown, its on the right (mapquest is confused).
(4)Carla C.
Don't let the no frills atmosphere sway you from enjoying a meal here. The food is authentic and good.
(4)Leslie P.
Exquisite, freshly prepared food -- as in cooked from scratch and not processed, frozen or out of a can. No preservatives, msg and very little, if any, salt. It's all refreshingly fresh, an oddity in a town that serves up platters of fried whatever, greasy canned veggies and loaded baked potatoes. The neighborhood may not be the best but some of my most memorable epicurean experiences have been in the most unexpected locations, so don't let this deter you. It is perfectly safe. The atmosphere is casual and the chief cooks and bottle washers are members of the most delightful family you will ever meet in your life. The current waitress is attentive, friendly and most accommodating. I eat at Istanbul on a regular basis and have been doing so for nearly five years. I can honestly say that I have never put anything in my mouth there that I didn't like. Nothing. If I were forced to name a favorite, I'd be hard pressed to limit it to one or two items. Oh, I love the lentil soup, the hummus with that lovely pita bread, the veggie platter, the Kuzy platter (the lamb melts in your mouth), the combo platter (beef, chicken, gyro), the Mediterranean salad, the gyro sandwich, etc., etc., etc. And this doesn't even get into the out-of-this-world tea, including unsweet, and the homemade desserts. The owners are dressing up the place a little but I hope it will always be the same lovely little neighborhood bistro -- quiet, friendly, inexpensive, and above all, absolutely delicious.
(5)Carr F.
The dining area is nice and comfortable. I tried the lentil soup and was overly disappointed at how bland it was and also how thin. The tabbouli was yummy. I had the shish combo and the chicken and lamb were well seasoned. Overall, it's good for a quick fix. I wish there was more wait staff for lunch because it took a while. I did not receive any pita bread which was surprising since it's normally paired with soups. Also, they did not have any unsweetened tea. I heard another customer ask for it as well.
(3)Shaun S.
Seems authentic, but what do I know? All I do know is that I left happy.
(4)Laura P.
I have been frequenting this restaurant for about 2 years now. The owners are very friendly. The food is very fresh and fantastic. They used to give us free yogurt soup with every order because I think they were sure we would like it. And I love it. I now crave it all the time, especially when I'm sick. It's slightly different every time I get it, but it's delicious every time. My boyfriend always orders the mediterranean salad with gyro meat, but it is so huge, we split it and still have left overs even after we both have soup. Even though there was a Scoutmob for this place, we agreed that they still deserved our full patronage every time, so we never used it. Definitely give this place a try! I also want to add that I love their gyro meat. It is the best I have ever had! It's not thin and dry like I have experienced in so many other places. I can hardly eat Mediterranean anywhere else now because it is so yummy here!
(5)Patrick R.
I love Mediterranean food. It speaks to me. And when I'm not on the East Side to dine at my preferred Greek restaurant (Chicago Style Gyros), Istanbul is a pretty damn fine replacement. While they specialize in all the delicious items you'd expect at a place called Istanbul (hummus, gyros, falafel, et cetera), they also allegedly make a very tasty burger. Istanbul is just a short walk from Phonoluxe Records and one of my favorite Mexican joints in town, La Hacienda. Nolensville Road is a bit overwhelming, since it is packed with countless foreign food joints, and it's difficult to tell what's good and what isn't. Istanbul is genuinely tasty and authentic but relatively cheap. Just the other day, I got their gyro plate, which included lots and lots of lamb with long-grain rice, tabbouleh and pita. It was just over $7. There is plenty of room to dine inside Istanbul, and it makes for a good spot to have a casual, quick lunch. They are located next door to a funeral home, and those guys are very strict about parking. You'll need to park around back to avoid getting towed. The staff at Istanbul is pretty nice, but you might feel a bit ignored from time to time. They have a habit of speaking to one another in their native tongue at great length while you're trying to place your order. No big deal, though...it's just part of their charm.
(4)Jessalynn W.
My husband and I used to live in the Woodbine community and would frequently get take home gyros from Istanbul. After we moved out of the neighborhood, we were in the area and decided to stop in for a sit down dinner. My only regret about Istanbul is that we didn't dine in when we actually lived right down the block. The food is wonderful- believe what you hear about the yogurt soup, it's deliciously creamy with just the right spice. My Kuzy platter was so heaping that I enjoyed the huge and mouthwatering lamb pieces for dinner and had an equally large lunch the next day. But beyond the food, the people are awesome. Our server was so kind and helpful in making choices, attentive while giving us space to enjoy our meal. And while we savored our food, we noticed a table of 3 guys shooting the breeze. The owner sauntered over and one of the guys shook his hand and invited him to sit with them, saying, "Do you remember me? My friend and I came by here last winter and you were closed but you wouldn't let us leave without feeding us so you opened up your kitchen and cooked." GUYS! How rare is that kind of servant attitude, that kind hospitality? I'm sure many people pass this place by since the decor is a little dated and the facade blends in with the surroundings. They are missing a diamond in the rough, both the food and the people are definitely worth stopping in and making this place an old favorite.
(5)Rahul I.
Small little restaurant....good Middle Eastern food.
(4)Josh F.
We were visiting Nashville and decided to have lunch here. It was highly recommended. My wife ordered the gyro kids meal and I had the gyro "regular sized" meal. It was amazing... a ton of meat. And honestly, the kids meal probably would have been enough for me too. A side of fries and a Dr. Pepper topped it off. While the food would superb, I might say that the service was even better. The owners noticed that it was our first time here, so they gave my wife and I each a cup of soup "on the house." The lentil soup was really good... if you like lentil soup :) All in all a great experience and we will be back next time we're in town.
(5)Mike B.
We had the opportunity to dine at Istanbul on May 11th. The restaurant is unremarkable from the outside, with parking both in the front and the rear. We arrived in the early evening, and there was only one other table seated when we arrived. We were seated immediately, and our order was taken by who I assume was the owner. We started with the hummus and pita. It was well executed, creamy and sufficiently spiced with garlic and tahini. It made an excellent start to the meal. My sig-ot ordered the three lamb chops and basmati rice. It was served with soup and salad, so she chose the lentil soup and taboulleh salad. The soup was delicious, if a bit salty for my taste. The taboulleh salad was also well excuted, with a good balance of oil and acidity from the lemon juice. There are instances when the lemon juice can be overpowering, but in this case it was spot on. The only complaint from her dish were the lamb chops. The flavor was good and the seasoning well done. However, she ordered them rare, and they arrived medium or better. It is disappointing to get a cut of meat prepared incorrectly. For my entree, I had the doner kabab platter with cucumber salad and the white bean soup. The cucumber salad was good but unremarkable. The white bean soup, on the other hand, was excellent. Again, a bit salty for my taste, but I tend to undersalt most dishes, so this is a common complaint for me. The doner meat was perfect. It was sliced thinly, seasoned well and not dry. That is my typical complaint with doner meat. There is nothing worse than biting in to a slice and finding it bone dry. And there is no way that I can rave enough about the cacik. Unlike tsatziki, cacik is supposed to be thin and creamy. It had just enough mint to taste, but not overpower the cucumber and yogurt flavors. It was an excellent complement to the meal. For dessert, we had the baklava and turkish coffee. There is no better end to a meal, and both were well done. The baklava was sweet and flaky, and the coffee intensified the sweetness. And the price. For a comparable piece of baklava in Memphis, you can expect to pay $2.50 to $3.00. At Istanbul, it's a bargain at $1.39. Have two pieces. You'll thank me later. As an additional bonus, my sig-ot was given a piece of sekerpare (sugarbit) as a Mother's Day treat. I had to look up the dessert, because I've never had it. It is a beautiful little hazelnut dessert made with flour and semolina and steeped in a lemon juice and sugar syrup. It is sure to satisfy the sweet tooth of even the most discerning sugar addict. Overall, we had an excellent experience at Istanbul, and I would recommend it should you find yourself in Nashville and an inexplicable craving for Turkish.
(4)Hassan A.
Just came back after having a House Combo. I must say that me and my spouse kept on trying the different meats on the plate and kept on getting surprised by the deliciousness and the flavor. If more than one person is ordering it is HIGHLY recommended. For a single person combo platter should do the trick. If you like Humus, their humus plate is also a must.
(5)Riffi O.
We tried this restaurant because we had a coupon. The food was so good that we returned two weeks later with friends. The food here is delicious, reasonable and authentic. It's BYO at this point with no corking fees. THe owners cook and often wait on customers. They are friendly. Portions are generous, and we have not had a dish that wasn't well-prepared. Like others expressed, the bean soup is heavenly, as are the house-made desserts - go for the baklava.
(5)Lauren S.
Note: Istanbul Restaurant and Istanbul Cafe are the same place. I LOVE ISTANBUL. Their gyro is super addictive, and their Turkish tea is beyond compare. I probably go here once a week. The basmati rice is real basmati (not one of those hybrid types) and is never undercooked. The lentil soup has a great flavor and the pita is always hot (you just have to find it under the napkins). There are two main guys who are always there and they make it best, which is why I would recommend dinner over lunch (tends to be a little oilier). The tables are nice and large, the prices very reasonable ($7.99 for a gyro platter that is HUGE) and it is very clean. They also have a wide selection of desserts. I've been to Kalamata's and Mediterranean Cuisine, but haven't returned to either after finding Istanbul. They are also open from 11-9 without the afternoon break that most restaurants take, so it's nice to have lunch at 3pm. FYI - There is parking in front, but be cautious parking in the funeral home lot next door as they have eagle eyes and quick dialing phone fingers.
(5)E. D.
I love, love, love the Istanbul Cafe! It is healthy and yummy and affordable. It is also easy to get to from where I work which is why I frequent it so often - book in hand, table for one by the window. My favorite dish is the chicken kabobs that come with both chicken and vegetables, basmati rice, yogurt sauce and pita bread. This is a lot of food for one person, be forewarned. Also recommended is the falafel, which is crispy and warm with just the right texture. Istanbul is on the wonderful strip of Nolensville Road that also houses Phonoluxe, La Hacienda and many other Nashville favorites. Strangely, I've found that every time I introduce someone to the cafe they say they've never heard of it and/or been there. Stop the madness and head that way.
(5)Carl M.
At first sight, this place can feel a little sketchy based on appearance alone, but once you meet the fantastic owner, and try the food, you'll be pleasantly surprised. I love the falafel sandwich, and the lentil soup. Both are made with care, and very delicious. And while fries are never a good choice, their fries are seasoned very uniquely, and are super addictive! In my opinion, this is one of Nashville's best kept secrets for vegan/vegetarian food. According to them, the falafel sandwich without the yogurt sauce is vegan. And a HUGE value! Don't let the ethnic, ma and pa vibe scare you off. I think that comes with the territory with this style of food. Enjoy!
(5)Tara K.
The hummus was good, but not the best I have had. I must admit I was a little disappointed in the lack of spice in the rice... Almost seemed overcooked as well. I ordered the kafta special. The kafta was good and cooked nicely. The meat was good and helped spice up the rice. I would like to come back to give the place another try....
(3)Kristin Marie S.
Wow, what a restaurant! I stopped in on Saturday to get a chicken pita, hummus, and baklava. I cannot complement them enough on their hummus. It was delicious, really amazing and fresh. The tahini taste was just as I love it. Usually I gripe that I never get enough pitas with the hummus, but not here. They load you up with the perfect amount! No pita left behind, no hummus left behind. The seating area is simple, but clean. The waitress was quick and friendly. She let me take my time while I scanned the menu. Overall it cost me $13 for the pita sandwich, hummus, and a slice of pecan baklava. Not bad, right? I would also like to mention the baklava was fantastic. I wish I bought like 5 pieces of baklava!
(4)Aleatha R.
I highly recommend the molded ground beef thingy. Sorry I forgot what they called it! Everything we had here was really good, but that stuff was outstanding. I'll be getting a full order next time instead of the steak kabob. Last time I just stole a bite of husband's to try. Glad I did though. The baklava was awesome. The ground beef was awesome. The steak was good. All in all, excellent dining.
(4)Anj S.
It's a shame I don't live in this state because the food is so good here. We were looking for something different and this place came up on Yelp. We ordered the half and half, (half hummus, half baba ganoush), Istanbul combo and gyro sandwich with fries. The food came out hot and the portions were decent. The meat was well seasoned and the hummus was great. The service was friendly and attentive. The young lady who took care of us was kind enough to give us a free piece of baklava and wedding cookie when we ordered rice pudding only to find they were out of it. I'd come back to this place next time I visit Nashville.
(5)April M.
Everything here taste awesome. Serviced is hit and miss depend on who is the waitress. But the food is perfect.
(5)Daniel R.
Mimet really puts his all into his business, and it really shines through. From the meat to the veggies, the flavor profiles are exactly what you'd hope to find when your out searching for the unicorn of a gyro outside of Chicago. My father loves calling me a few times during the month to remind me that we should go eat white bean soup at Istanbul because it reminds him of home. Have I mentioned the Turkish coffee?! Lunch can get packed, but there's parking in the back!!!
(5)Jonathan W.
Phenomenal Iskender. So good. The owner is very hospitable and conversational, and what the place lacks in atmosphere it makes up in its gyro and doner meat alone.
(4)Carol K.
Let me start off by saying how I have been in town for a year and a half, searching this city high and low for a place that makes a good chicken and beef kabob. Coming from Toronto, I had no idea how spoiled I was in that department and thus my standards were far too high moving down here. However, I visited nearly every single restaurant in the greater Nashville area and for the most part the chicken was either stale, hard, and overall just pretty disgusting. The claimed "authentic Greek" restaurant Tzaziki served probably the worst chicken I've ever had in my life lol. Regardless, I wish I never wasted my time with the other places because this place was incredible compared to every other kabob restaurant in the city. The chicken came pipin hot off the grill, the beef kabob was tender and the kofta was great. I'm Lebanese, so the tabbouleh was not my mommas tabbouleh by any means but I appreciated the fresh taste. The saffron yellow rice tasted like home. It was pretty amazing. I was really surprised by the value - unbeatable. I paid $15 for a drink, soup, 3 diff kinds of meat, rice, and 2 salads plus bread. For any kabob cravings you may have, do yourself a favor and come here! Unlike most of the other places, it's actually fresh. Enjoy
(5)Omar N.
I really didn't like the food... I've tried Moroccan and Afghan dishes which I think would be the closest to what I expected their food to be. Complex spices savory sauces...instead the lamb shank I ordered was the equivalent of a boiled chicken with a dusting of Adobo seasonings. The redeeming value is its customer service, my waiter was nice and offered I tried dessert baklava... nope. It was so old and stale...nice try A for effort...not sure I would ever go back.
(2)Homa R.
Yummy food! The best baba ganoush we have ever had.
(5)Kristina L.
Venturing down Nolensville Road the other evening, the German and I decided we needed sustenance. Instead of our typical fare, we opted to try out Istanbul. My husband knows far more about Turkish cuisine than I because his home town of Hamburg has a very large Turkish population. Me? Not so much. My foray into most Mediterranean cuisine hinges on the mundane and typical little gyro shop. So I am not one who knows if it is authentic or not, instead I go by what my taste buds prefer. Parking was a challenge. We circled the block 2-3 times and finally were able to score a spot in front of the restaurant. Neither of us was certain as to why there was such a difficult time snagging a spot because upon entering, we were two of only six patrons. It was quiet when we entered. We were able to select our seats and peruse the menu. My German opted for the Iskender and I ordered the Kuzy. I was asked what type of soup I wanted and I selected the Tarhana, a thick, nippy yogurt soup. I like spicy and hot but this got to be a bit much for me to keep spooning into my mouth so I finally started dipping the warm, fresh pita in it and found that much more to my taste. Without being asked, my husband was brought a small bowl of the white bean soup. It too was a bit nippy but not nearly as much so as my Tarhana. It was thick, like a bean chili (which, as a native Texan is an oxymoron because chili should NOT have beans in it - but that's a horse of a different color) and had a tomato base. It was deliciously satisfying and he and I both agreed that we preferred his soup over mine. When our entrées arrived we were both overwhelmed with the sheer quantity of food we both had in front of us. My Kuzy plate came with one lamb shank (you can order a second for $6.00 more) with delicately fragrant yellow rice, tabouleh and cucumber salad. There was also a dipping sauce referred to on the menu as cucumber sauce. It was thinner that tzatziki and much sweeter with less creaminess. It was good but a bit too sweet for my taste so I'm glad it was in its own ramekin versus coating my lamb shank. Speaking of the lamb, it was lovely! Lightly seasoned and well prepared - it quite literally fell off of the bone when I first cut into it. For $12.99 it was a bargain to be sure! You would be hard pressed to pay less than $20 at more upscale places for the meaty deliciousness that was my lamb shank. My husband's Iskender was a base of toasted pita covered with lamb gyro, coated with what is referred to on the menu as house marinara (which is a rich, tomato base with a wonderful bit of heat to it) and then a large serving of yogurt on the top which is sprinkled with fresh herbs. I am not typically a fan of yogurt (unless it is frozen and chocolate) but this yogurt was scrumptious! Thick, velvety, smooth and just the right amount of tang. It was the perfect complement to the spice of the sauce and the richness of the lamb. But my favorite part? The toasted pitas underneath just hanging out there and absorbing all the essences of the lamb and that marinara goodness were almost transcendent. His dish was so large that we brought over half of it home and shared it the next day for lunch. At $12.99, that was the biggest bargain of the evening since we ate off of it for three complete meals. Neither of us saved room for dessert. Next time I will because the baklava looked amazing. I'd also like to have a cup of Turkish coffee as well. I did not think that prudent on an evening when I'd have to work the next day. I do prefer to sleep some at night. We are both looking forward to going again and trying a few other items on the menu. I'll keep you apprised of what we try next
(4)Calvin L.
We ordered the House Combo Kabob on a Friday night. It was a total disappointment. Aside from the gyro meat, which was average, but a little dry, the chicken was completely dried up. It tasted like it was cooked yesterday and reheated on the grille. Kofte had flavour, but once again, tasted like it was made several days ago. Rice was alright. The baba ganouch was decent, hummus was decent, but needs salt and lemon juice. Pita bread tasted like it was purchased from a grocery store and reheated. Falafels were decent. The best part was the Turkish coffee. My overall impression was that service was good, staff was friendly, but food tasted like everything was made 2-3 days ago. I would not go back again. I uploaded the photos of the dried up chicken to show how bad it was. Take a look yourself
(2)Chelsea L.
Was not impressed. Very basic Mediterranean food. Will try again because I feel like they can do better
(3)Danny N.
Istanbul was the only Mediterranean place I could find open on New Year's Day. It is not in the best area in the city at night. I ordered a three meat platter and a hummus & baba ganoush appetizer. The kabobs were flavorful and the dips were very good. The owner was quite friendly. I'll go back.
(5)T J.
Finally tried this place due to all the positive reviews, and unfortunately our experience was poor and we are unlikely to want to return. This place needs to up its game to earn all the glowing reviews here - which are a bit astonishing after trying it myself. Ordered the following plates: one falafel, one combo hummus/baba ganoush, one gyro meal, one combo with gyro and chicken. Hummus was average at best, we can easily make better at home. Baba ganoush was inedible, a strange smooth consistency and odd color. After first taste we left it untouched, and didn't finish the hummus. Falafel was average and not particularly flavorful. The main courses were dried out, not fresh at all, and as we were hungry we forced ourselves to eat through it with a hefty covering of hot sauce (which was tasty). Tabouleh was a let down, and cucumber salad made for the tastiest bites of the meal (it was cut fresh!) I've had Turkish food in Turkey, and London, and elsewhere, and getting it right just isn't that difficult. Grill the meat fresh!! Same goes for all other dishes as well.
(2)Andrea B.
Excellent Mediterranean food!!! The hummus had a perfect flavor and the falafel was insanely good! Usually falafel that I have had is kind of plain, but these were full of flavor. The service was very attentive. My husband and I were passing through Nashville and it was very easily accessible- right off the interstate. I loved every bit of my experience.
(5)Amy K.
I've been going to Istanbul for years, and every time I leave completely happy with my experience. The food is delicious, plentiful, and flavorful (and a great bargain!). Between the toasted pita and creamy hummus, all the delicious soups (though I'm partial to the spicy yogurt), and chicken, gyro, and doner, the owner Mehmet always knocks it out of the park. And surprisingly, he has what is probably the best burger in Nashville. And his baklava? Flaky, sweet, and delicious. Along with the great food comes great, attentive service. My cup of hot tea is always filled, and I always get a nice chat with Mehmet or his sweet wife. Located conveniently off of 440, Istanbul is a true gem that you don't want to miss.
(5)Ray D.
Average food and average service. I would eat there again, but I wouldn't go out of my way to do so. House of Kabob is a couple of miles away and much better food.
(2)Clara Sue B.
I've been meaning to stop by Istanbul restaurant for quite sometime and finally had the pleasure today! I had Turkish hot tea, spicy yogurt soup, and the Mediterranean salad with gyro meat and cucumber sauce(1/2 order was definitely large enough). It was great! There was barely a soul in there, but I went around 1:30. The main guy behind the counter was so sweet and friendly. Best thing was it was all under 10$! I recommend!
(5)Praveen P.
BEST BURGER in Nashville ! Not expected, but it is what it is.. Great service as well Burgers at Pharmacy, Burger up, Melrose are not even close
(4)Samantha B.
Love this place. Whenever I'm craving Greek food in Nashville I come here. They have great hummus and gyros.
(5)Thomas Z.
This place is great ! Delicious, freshly prepared food with with friendly service. I've been to this place four times in the past six months, and have always thoroughly enjoyed my meals. They usually have a freshly made juice from several green vegetables. Extremely healthy !
(5)Jen R.
Good food. Ordered the house sampler, sampler appetizer, lentil soup, & white bean soup. There was nothing i disliked. Felt like eating at someone's home which was a very welcoming atmosphere. I thought it was a reliable family owned restaurant
(4)Joe S.
I have eaten here a few times and I have NEVER been disappointed. The chicken kabobs are my fave.
(5)