Cafe Istanbul Bexley

What a disappointing dinner. We ordered doner kebabs and falafel. The meat was overcooked and chewy, the falafel was burned, dry, and crumbling, and the veggies were a soggy mess. The rice tasted like plain white rice in a dull broth. The only flavor in the whole thing was the falafel.
On top of that food for one person came out to $ 17. For the blandest meal I’ve had in my recent short term memory. With the most mediocre portion sizes imaginable.
I’ve heard good things about this place and I am utterly confused. Was our food shitty because we ordered take out? Or is all of it like this?
I am definitely never going back.

The food was excellently prepared and the service was great! It was my friends first time and they were very impressed!

Excellent– huge portions. Got the house salad and really big enough for 2 or as entrée with a protein. Fresh hot bread with a nicely spiced red pepper dipping sauce. Had Stuffed eggplant– again big portion but could have been spicier for my taste. Large outdoor space but raining so inside but warm wood décor. Because of in between time only table but waitress Turkish so good knowledge of food.

Wow. I almost always leave positive reviews, and I’m finding it hard to make my experience jibe with the others Unilocalers’ experience. The dining room is cozy and nice, the waiter did a good job, but the food just wasn’t there. Four people, four entrees, 2 of them (the adana chicken kabob and the kefteh) were actually gross: greasy, overcooked. The vegetables (carrot and celery) were cooked into oblivion. The «pilaf» seemed like plain white rice cooked in broth to me; it had no sign of toasting, no nuts or add-​ins. Worst of all, when it came time to pay they would not honor the gift card our companion had paid cash for (second time they’ve done this! I think she’s just out the money) even though she had her receipt. Also would not honor their own printed coupon. Manager said they «couldn’t» because the waitress had put the total through the credit card machine before she saw the coupon. Of course they could, they just wouldn’t! It seems very shortsighted to me, since our friend, who lives nearby, is a regular. Don’t they get it: a good customer is eventually going to find someplace else to eat because they can’t be bothered to fix things when a check’s rung up wrong?
Also, aside from my personal bad experience, I think potential customers would be advised to know that Turkish food is similar to other middle eastern cuisines but a lot less flavorful and more meaty. So instead of tasting garlic, sumac, lemon and parsley, you mostly just taste meat. I believe I am being objective about this, that it is not just a reflection of my overall disappointment. I have had the same experience in other Turkish restaurants, though I love kefteh, all kinds of kabobs, lamb, felafel, baba, etc. and I am NOT a vegetarian.
The bread is great (you get one piece, and have to beg for more at which point they bring one piece to the diner who asked, not enough for the table) and the place is clean. Liked the chilled wine glasses. Couldn’t honestly recommend it.

What a horrible experience!!! At first I was really excited to eat here. We came up and there was a nice jazz band playing on the patio and I liked the décor. Well, it stopped there. The service was mediocre. The waitress did not pay much attention to us and it took her a long time to take our order, check on us and bring our checks. I got the small sampler. It makes my stomach hurt to think about it. Nothing on it was super tasty. The only thing I liked were the grape leaves and when I asked for extra bread to be served with it. We also got the kofta. It was probably the worst kofta I’ve gotten at a restaurant. We had leftovers and at first I was going to take it, but then it made me sick thinking about eating it again. So I left it behind. A few others seemed to like what they got. I wish I had their luck. I will not be a return customer.

Wow! Just returned from my first visit to Café Istanbul and it was one of the best food experiences I’ve ever had! We got there late, so the place was about empty, but the waitstaff was kind and patient. I had the lentil soup, a creamy purée of the beans and what must have been sun dried tomatoes, garlic and herbs. It was a revelation! So delicious!
I’d read about the bread and oil, and was impressed with the chewy delicious bread and tangy dipping oil.
I then had the Chicken Sauté which was just what the doctor ordered! Filled with tomato and peppers and chunks of chicken and served with pilaf. My husband had the Shepherd’s stew and he remarked that he didn’t know what was in it, but it must be crack because it was addicting!
Our dinner partner had the Moussaka and it looked like classic Turkish goodness. She took ½ of it home for later!
We had a coupon and so it was really a reasonable dinner for the three of us. We will definitely be back! I want some more of that Lentil Soup!

I had an awesome meal from Café Istanbul last week. I’d heard great things leading up to it, and since I was going to be off work this week, I figured I’d get myself a Christmas lunch before my vacation. It’s definitely not a cheap place for lunch, with everything being at least $ 15, but the food was phenomenal. My only gripe is that the lunch and dinner menus are the same, but I don’t really see how they could make the lunch menu any cheaper or make the dinner menu any pricier.
I ordered the ribeye steak kebab to go, and it came with veggies, rice, and a roll. The ribeye was cooked a perfect medium rare, and the house sauce that it was in was so tasty. Everything was cooked perfectly, and it was just the right amount of food.
I’m definitely coming back to dine in at this location in particular. It’s a very small place for a perfect date night setting. They have a great patio, which I imagine would be an amazing spot during the summer time right in the heart of Bexley.
The parking is a little iffy. I parked on the street, and I didn’t really see anywhere else to park, but other than that, there’s really not a lot of downside to this restaurant that I’ve seen. Everyone working seemed incredibly friendly, and I can’t wait to get back to try the other kebabs. If you’re looking for Turkish cuisine, or really just a great meal period, and haven’t been here yet, you have to check it out.

I came here with my best friend and her 8-​month old for a weekday late lunch at a weird hour, so we were only one of two parties in the restaurant. The service at this time was really great though, the server seemed happy to have some customers and got all our items out quickly. The inside is clean, well-​lit, and cozy. I’d like to come back to their lovely patio out front one day too.
The lunch special is a good deal for the amount of food (we each brought home a box with leftovers). The special comes with an appetizer and an entrée. We ordered tabouli and baba ghanoush for our apps and they were great. The baba was smoky and the tabouli had lots of parsley and they went really well together. Each came out with piping hot little rolls too.
Our entrees were tasty, but they need more vegetarian entrée options at lunch time. There are two and we each ordered one — hearty vegetable stews in tomato sauces. While delicious, they were very similar. I’d come back again, but I’d come back more often if there was a falafel on there. To be fair, the dinner menu has more menu options (including falafel!).

I eat her somewhat regularly and am just getting around to writing this review. Café Istanbul is solid in every aspect. They have an extensive menu and the staff knows it well and can make recommendations. I have tried a dozen or so dishes here and am yet to be disappointed! Every item it well prepared, well played, and always delicious! Big thumbs up for the pre meal bread and oil. I don’t know exactly what’s in the oil but it is addictive. Also, if you’re in the mood for dessert, the almond pudding is delicious. I highly recommend!

Everything here is amazing. I made sure to stop by everytime I visited Bexley. The weekday lunch menu is super affordable and delicious. And you get this bread and oil dip that is to die for.

I have eaten at Café Istanbul many times and have never been disappointed. The staff has always been very helpful. They have a great selection of wines and mixed drinks. The food is always very flavorful and cooked to perfection. Last time I was there I had the chicken kebab and shish kebab and I was very happy with my dining experience. They also have borek which is one of my favorite appetizers. In addition to the great food and service, they have a fantastic patio for summertime dining!

Allergic Unilocalers, beware! I went here with the husband today and let them know I had a nut allergy. I had a reaction to SOMETHING requiring tons of benadryl and steroid shot… not a happy day. My guess is there probably some kind of cross contamination.
That being said, the kebabs we ordered were quite good, and the bread the bring out is piping hot and yummy. Rice and side vegetables were blah… I’m not sure this place is worth the price tag.

You must try there steak and lamb shish kabobs. If you want fresh authentic food its a nice play to try. I am a fan!

My wife and I enjoy Café Istanbul in Bexley so much that when our anniversary came up, we didn’t even have to debate where we’d go out for a delicious meal. The shish kabob is so good. Tender grilled pieces of lamb and so well seasoned. A great wine selection, and delightful Turkish wine as well. They also have legit gyro meat, grilled on the spit and all, which we generally enjoy on a pide. Great service, good for «just the two of us» meals as well as meals with friends and young children. Love this restaurant!
Eat well!

Being a fan of the original Istanbul Café near the Crosswoods then the revamp location at Easton, I’m a fan of this location.
The Bexley location is closer. Very small store with no lot parking. The interior is covered in expensive wood. MY GOD, THE WOOD! It’s like a fancy ski lodge.
Prices are a little higher, but still average under $ 20 per entrée. Good quality food. The fresh bread and dip is one of my favorite things ever.
I like this location, I get to dine with Russians & Jews, something I don’t get to do in Carroll Ohio.
Update! I am bumping this to 5 stars! See you there tonight!

Lunch specials pick 3 for $ 10 from 11 – 3. Park on the street. Full bar. Seating indoors for about 45. Beautiful patio. Decent vegetarian selections. Didn’t get the falafel, but will next time. Had spinache pide which is like a calzone almost. International soccer on in the bar.

The Shepherd salad with feta is the best!
I’ve been coming here for about a year now and can’t get enough! I’m vegetarian, so I was hesitant about trying it because I thought they would only have meat kebobs/​meat dishes, but that is not the case. Like I said, the Shepherd Salad is one of my favorite dishes. It’s similar to what some might know as an Israeli salad or a traditional Greek salad. They also have a yummy appetizer sampler which has about 6 of their cold appetizers on it and it comes with their fresh bread.
Also, I have found the service to be really good. There’s a nice Turkish woman there (who I think is the manager) and she always remembers that I like the Shepherd salad. It seems silly, but I find it to be a nice gesture. It’s hard to find such personalized service these days!

A dinner at Café Istanbul is always a good one. A dinner on their patio– even better. There are lots of meat dishes on the menu, which I do not eat, but speaking for the seafood and vegetables, I give them a thumbs-​up! Best dish on the menu is easy to overlook because it doesn’t sound like much. The vegetable turlu, a stew, has some certain spice or flavor to it that is so delicious and satisfying. You just have to try it to understand. I always think I have built it up in my mind, then I order it and it is still as good as I remember.
But backing up… Each table gets a basket of fluffy, chewy, tasty bread to dip in what tastes like a roasted red pepper olive oil dip. My tip– amp it up with a side of hummus as well. While we are taking apps, I enjoy their calamari. So does my toddler, who starts smiling and asking «camari please» as soon as we get there.
The service is always friendly, prompt, and attentive. The patio is a great place to relax and eat, with 2 water features, pretty stone under foot, big bright umbrellas, and fairly low noise level since Main St is only 25 mph.
I have not been during lunch hours, but I have seen advertised that they have a lunch special with an appetizer, entrée, and dessert for $ 9.95. The items on the list sound good, and include that turlu I raved about. I plan to go this summer and check it out.

This restaurant was good. Contrary to other reviews, we had good service and good food. My daughter ordered a kebab combo and the ribeye kebab was too rare. Other than that all was good.
Ordered rice pudding and custard for dessert. They were excellent.

Service is good. Food has away been good. The interior is small & modern. Actually more seating on the patio than inside.