As a Turkish-American ManYesterday i came to Paterson for iftar, I dont make any reservation some good place, They are fully Booked and we decide to Go to Istanbul Cafe, I didnt go there over 4 years, last time i had a very bad memory, But i would like to give them another chance to Try. And We did. Food Still Below average, and No Taste. And I understand it is iftar They are busy but. You should know and you should prepare before, And Service was terrible, and They Charge us to our bill %18 tip.. Which is they dont deserve it.... . I live Westchester. I love to come paterson For Shop & Eat. Now Main street Paterson almost Food District. a lot of choice more restaurant coming for good News for competitionParking: that only good
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Sac Kavurma, Lahmacun
Reşit Haciabdul
I visit this restaurant 3 years ago, it was good and like a Restaut, now they change to for lahmacun place, we got lentil soup I think it’s not daily soup, is old we gots kebabs, it ok, service is terribleWe will not go there
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Rajaddin Abdelaziz
Absolutely one of the best Middle Eastern Turkish Restaurant in Northern New Jersey. The food quality is out of this world, and their hospitality & services are phenomenal ?? ????Kid-friendliness: Kids are very welcomeWheelchair accessibility: They have handicap parking
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: All Kebab Combinations, Istanbul Mix Grill, Gyro, Fries
Ahmet Ebubekir TONGA
Due to urgency, we went in to use the sink and asked the Turkish waiter friend if we could use it. However, this waiter friend of ours said that the sink is only available for customers who spend money, and I said that I wanted to spend money at the venue. This time, the smart waiter made up another excuse and said, "You have to sit in the restaurant and you can use it that way." I have no respect for this place, which has such poor quality and unruly waiters. This is their attitude. If you want to see this attitude, I recommend you to stop by one evening, but not for food :).
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Hosam Mardini
Great food and excellent service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: All Kebab Combinations
Malikah P.
The service is very delayed. You have to call and order your food otherwise you should for an hour. They don't tell you that in the dood but when they delayed they said others ordered online. It's very frustrating. I will never come here again. Never.
Roger Diaz Flores
Unbelievable delicious food. I ordered the Istanbul Mix (assorted meats vegetables and rice) this is now my favorite
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Istanbul Mix Grill
Michelle Oten
This is an unfortunate place. The food was alright however, the way they sneakily overcharge you is ridiculous and embarrassing for an establishment. Will not be back!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
aanwar
Chicken Adana kebab and veal liver as a side are good options.
Jay M.
Date night and we' were in the mood for Turkish cuisine. My GF decided on Istanbul Cafe & Restaurant, a local gem conveniently equipped with ample parking space. The restaurant's interior boasted a charming Turkish flair, enhancing the overall dining experience.To kick off the evening, I opted for a Turkish coffee, and it turned out to be the best I've had in quite some time. The brew exhibited a remarkable taste, impeccably layered with no discernible harsh notes. Moving on to appetizers, I tried the stuffed grape leaves, which were ok, with the pine nuts providing a distinct flavor and crunchy texture.For the main course, we ordered the Sac Kavurma and the Cokertme, both featuring lamb. The Sac Kavurma emerged as a standout, possibly the best Turkish dish I've ever savored. The seasoning and flavors were nothing short of perfection and had me picking food off of my GFs plate. In contrast, the Cokertme held its own as a good dish but couldn't quite match the excellence of the Sac Kavurma.Turning to dessert, we tried the kunefe and pistachio baklava. While the kunefe was good, it had a fault in being excessively sweet, prompting me to suggest offering sugar level options for customers. On the other hand, the baklava fell short, displaying a somewhat stale and dry texture, hinting at extended exposure.Despite the mixed dessert experience, the overall impression of Istanbul Cafe & Restaurant was highly positive. The outstanding Sac Kavurma alone is reason enough for a return visit. With a slight improvement in the dessert department, this spot has the potential to become a regular dining destination for those seeking an authentic and flavorful Turkish culinary experience.
Date night and we' were in the mood for Turkish cuisine. My GF decided on Istanbul Cafe & Restaurant, a local gem conveniently equipped with ample parking space. The restaurant's interior boasted a charming Turkish flair, enhancing the overall dining experience. To kick off the evening, I opted for a Turkish coffee, and it turned out to be the best I've had in quite some time. The brew exhibited a remarkable taste, impeccably layered with no discernible harsh notes. Moving on to appetizers, I tried the stuffed grape leaves, which were ok, with the pine nuts providing a distinct flavor and crunchy texture. For the main course, we ordered the Sac Kavurma and the Cokertme, both featuring lamb. The Sac Kavurma emerged as a standout, possibly the best Turkish dish I've ever savored. The seasoning and flavors were nothing short of perfection and had me picking food off of my GFs plate. In contrast, the Cokertme held its own as a good dish but couldn't quite match the excellence of the Sac Kavurma. Turning to dessert, we tried the kunefe and pistachio baklava. While the kunefe was good, it had a fault in being excessively sweet, prompting me to suggest offering sugar level options for customers. On the other hand, the baklava fell short, displaying a somewhat stale and dry texture, hinting at extended exposure. Despite the mixed dessert experience, the overall impression of Istanbul Cafe & Restaurant was highly positive. The outstanding Sac Kavurma alone is reason enough for a return visit. With a slight improvement in the dessert department, this spot has the potential to become a regular dining destination for those seeking an authentic and flavorful Turkish culinary experience.
Sefkan Eşiyok
The place is very stylishly designed, the food is very nice, the waiters are friendly and the service is very good. If you want to eat with peace of mind, this is your choice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Salima Botasheva
Have been there today. Honestly me and my friend left unhappy. We came to have a good time, to talk, to eat nice food. But, the food really disappointed. The only good food you can order here - red lentil soup. That’s it. Today it was really good and fresh. Shish kebab was terrible. Meat was red inside, not fried at all. Impossible to eat it! Veal liver also terrible, overcooked, not salted and it’s became tough. Also prices for the water, 4$ for each bottle of Poland spring. Well… when I asked to bring a water with no ice I thought it’s gonna be for free, but instead we saw in check 8$ charge for two bottles of water.So my suggestion is please learn how to cook food. And after that include 18% tips into your check . Over all no complaints about customer service. The waitress were fast, pleasant.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
Christopher Nolan
My family loves this place. The ambiance is as good as the food. Authentic Turkish cuisine ??
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baklava with Pistachios, Item Mixed Appetizer Plate
As a Turkish-American ManYesterday i came to Paterson for iftar, I dont make any reservation some good place, They are fully Booked and we decide to Go to Istanbul Cafe, I didnt go there over 4 years, last time i had a very bad memory, But i would like to give them another chance to Try. And We did. Food Still Below average, and No Taste. And I understand it is iftar They are busy but. You should know and you should prepare before, And Service was terrible, and They Charge us to our bill %18 tip.. Which is they dont deserve it.... . I live Westchester. I love to come paterson For Shop & Eat. Now Main street Paterson almost Food District. a lot of choice more restaurant coming for good News for competitionParking: that only good
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Sac Kavurma, Lahmacun
I visit this restaurant 3 years ago, it was good and like a Restaut, now they change to for lahmacun place, we got lentil soup I think it’s not daily soup, is old we gots kebabs, it ok, service is terribleWe will not go there
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Absolutely one of the best Middle Eastern Turkish Restaurant in Northern New Jersey. The food quality is out of this world, and their hospitality & services are phenomenal ?? ????Kid-friendliness: Kids are very welcomeWheelchair accessibility: They have handicap parking
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: All Kebab Combinations, Istanbul Mix Grill, Gyro, Fries
Due to urgency, we went in to use the sink and asked the Turkish waiter friend if we could use it. However, this waiter friend of ours said that the sink is only available for customers who spend money, and I said that I wanted to spend money at the venue. This time, the smart waiter made up another excuse and said, "You have to sit in the restaurant and you can use it that way." I have no respect for this place, which has such poor quality and unruly waiters. This is their attitude. If you want to see this attitude, I recommend you to stop by one evening, but not for food :).
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Great food and excellent service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: All Kebab Combinations
The service is very delayed. You have to call and order your food otherwise you should for an hour. They don't tell you that in the dood but when they delayed they said others ordered online. It's very frustrating. I will never come here again. Never.
Unbelievable delicious food. I ordered the Istanbul Mix (assorted meats vegetables and rice) this is now my favorite
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Istanbul Mix Grill
This is an unfortunate place. The food was alright however, the way they sneakily overcharge you is ridiculous and embarrassing for an establishment. Will not be back!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
Chicken Adana kebab and veal liver as a side are good options.
Date night and we' were in the mood for Turkish cuisine. My GF decided on Istanbul Cafe & Restaurant, a local gem conveniently equipped with ample parking space. The restaurant's interior boasted a charming Turkish flair, enhancing the overall dining experience.To kick off the evening, I opted for a Turkish coffee, and it turned out to be the best I've had in quite some time. The brew exhibited a remarkable taste, impeccably layered with no discernible harsh notes. Moving on to appetizers, I tried the stuffed grape leaves, which were ok, with the pine nuts providing a distinct flavor and crunchy texture.For the main course, we ordered the Sac Kavurma and the Cokertme, both featuring lamb. The Sac Kavurma emerged as a standout, possibly the best Turkish dish I've ever savored. The seasoning and flavors were nothing short of perfection and had me picking food off of my GFs plate. In contrast, the Cokertme held its own as a good dish but couldn't quite match the excellence of the Sac Kavurma.Turning to dessert, we tried the kunefe and pistachio baklava. While the kunefe was good, it had a fault in being excessively sweet, prompting me to suggest offering sugar level options for customers. On the other hand, the baklava fell short, displaying a somewhat stale and dry texture, hinting at extended exposure.Despite the mixed dessert experience, the overall impression of Istanbul Cafe & Restaurant was highly positive. The outstanding Sac Kavurma alone is reason enough for a return visit. With a slight improvement in the dessert department, this spot has the potential to become a regular dining destination for those seeking an authentic and flavorful Turkish culinary experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sac Kavurma
Restaurantji Recommends
Date night and we' were in the mood for Turkish cuisine. My GF decided on Istanbul Cafe & Restaurant, a local gem conveniently equipped with ample parking space. The restaurant's interior boasted a charming Turkish flair, enhancing the overall dining experience. To kick off the evening, I opted for a Turkish coffee, and it turned out to be the best I've had in quite some time. The brew exhibited a remarkable taste, impeccably layered with no discernible harsh notes. Moving on to appetizers, I tried the stuffed grape leaves, which were ok, with the pine nuts providing a distinct flavor and crunchy texture. For the main course, we ordered the Sac Kavurma and the Cokertme, both featuring lamb. The Sac Kavurma emerged as a standout, possibly the best Turkish dish I've ever savored. The seasoning and flavors were nothing short of perfection and had me picking food off of my GFs plate. In contrast, the Cokertme held its own as a good dish but couldn't quite match the excellence of the Sac Kavurma. Turning to dessert, we tried the kunefe and pistachio baklava. While the kunefe was good, it had a fault in being excessively sweet, prompting me to suggest offering sugar level options for customers. On the other hand, the baklava fell short, displaying a somewhat stale and dry texture, hinting at extended exposure. Despite the mixed dessert experience, the overall impression of Istanbul Cafe & Restaurant was highly positive. The outstanding Sac Kavurma alone is reason enough for a return visit. With a slight improvement in the dessert department, this spot has the potential to become a regular dining destination for those seeking an authentic and flavorful Turkish culinary experience.
The place is very stylishly designed, the food is very nice, the waiters are friendly and the service is very good. If you want to eat with peace of mind, this is your choice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Have been there today. Honestly me and my friend left unhappy. We came to have a good time, to talk, to eat nice food. But, the food really disappointed. The only good food you can order here - red lentil soup. That’s it. Today it was really good and fresh. Shish kebab was terrible. Meat was red inside, not fried at all. Impossible to eat it! Veal liver also terrible, overcooked, not salted and it’s became tough. Also prices for the water, 4$ for each bottle of Poland spring. Well… when I asked to bring a water with no ice I thought it’s gonna be for free, but instead we saw in check 8$ charge for two bottles of water.So my suggestion is please learn how to cook food. And after that include 18% tips into your check . Over all no complaints about customer service. The waitress were fast, pleasant.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
My family loves this place. The ambiance is as good as the food. Authentic Turkish cuisine ??
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baklava with Pistachios, Item Mixed Appetizer Plate
The food is very good?