by Martha L.

I've been wanting to go here for a while. I went on a Thursday night, so it wasn't as lively as on the weekend, but it still was everything I expected and more. We ordered the baklava, which immediately became my favorite dessert. They also have belly dancers and flavored hookah. I recommend this  for a date or a group of friends because even if the night is not going so well, the atmosphere and delicious food makes up for it.

by Jackson H.

Disappointing.  All the right signs are there.  The menu looks good.  There are hookahs, occasional belly dancers, and a good lunch deal.  I guess the sitting-on-the-floor thing could go either way, but it seemed like a good sign.  However, I thought the food was kind of dull.  Not that it was offensively bad or anything -- perfectly adequate, and I'd go again for a big hookah get-together on an off night.  I've tried it three times now, each time thinking I must've just been on an off food night, but no dice -- not much flavor at all.

by Sandra J.

SLOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW Service! and it's summer it's the owner of this place familiar with A/C???

by Paul Y.

Go for the experience!  Go for the atmosphere!  Go for the hookah!  But do not go for the services or the food!  Both mediocore!

by Michael H.

The food was very good but thought it was kinda "icky" on the inside.  I think my wife would rate it higher than me, and I am NOT usually one to complain about decoration, but the seats were falling apart, the table had burns on it, the plates had burns on them, the salt shaker was covered with nast, etc.  Leaving that stuff aside, the food was really good.  Not very big portions, but very good quality.

by sidra a.

This restaurant has improved in the past year. There is much more space to relax instead of being cramped in or having to wait for a seat. People say they don't go to a Turkish restaurant for pizza but their spinach/feta pizza is really good! Their hummus is my favorite out of all the places I've tried. The atmosphere is also nice if you want to just go and hang out. If you don't like the busy scene you can always go during the week for a quieter dinner.

by Stephanie S.

Hookah Bar!Belly Dancers!What more can a person want from a guaranteed fun, exciting night! Caf Istanbul has been one of my favorite adventures in Atlanta since I discovered it back when I could drink legally. The place is decked out with paintings on the walls and scarfs hanging over the lights, and if you don't mind waiting, you can sit on elaborate pillows on the floor to watch the belly dancer entice you with her jingling hips and slip her a dollar bill. I've seen it all from belly dancers with filled wine glasses on their heads to guests getting up and putting on their own belly in your face show. Where else can you get that kind of entertainment in Atlanta?! Oh, and the more hesitant you are to get up and dance, the more they will force you to shake it. I've been there late on a Friday night when it turns into a dance party and have spent hours dancing with the owner. I got so addicted to this place that they knew me by name for a while and would always ask which of the guys I was with was a dating that week (haha...).The hookah is amazing. If you haven't tried it, I suggest you do. I am not a smoker, but I am all in favor for the sour apple tobacco or the mango flavored ones. Get a hookah for the whole table, and just keep passing!The food is delicious, authentic Turkish cuisine. Get bread for the table with hummus and yogurt dip. Try the Iskander, braised slices of lamb meat with yogurt, some red sauce, rice, and bread. The Turkish coffee is the strongest I've ever had, and it'll keep you up for the dancing. I also am a fan of sucking on the sugar cubes.Pretty much this place is great for groups. Make reservations!!! If you do, you'll only wait maximum 20 minutes, if you do not make reservations, it can be 2 hours. And expect the experience to last till they close, actually it is more fun if you stay till they kick you out.Try the hookah, try the food, try the dancing, and I'm sure you will be convincing your friends to come with you next week.

by Steven K.

I love this place and I was tempted to rate it much lower since its more recent popularity has made it increasingly difficult to get a table on Fri and Sat nights.  The food is great, even though they will tell you that they are not a Turkish restaurant if you order a falafel (isn't Istanbul in Turkey??).  Anyhow, they have hookahs for around $15 each in a variety of flavors, I recommend the apple, and belly danceres to give it a nice middle eastern feel to it.  The restaurant is split into two parts, one with tables and one where you sit on pillows on the floor.  I go there for drinks occasionally ($$$) but since it is so near to my house, I often go to grab some food.  They have a good vegetarian selection and kabobs for us carnivores.

by Jon B.

I love this place!!!  really good food...  and Hookah.  definitely a place to go with a good group of people.  it gets crazy on the weekends so call ahead or con a friend to get there early to get a table if you don't want to wait for ever..   also parking can be a bitch.  Over all its the SHIT!!!!

by David Z.

I didn't take part in the main attraction for a lot of people, namely the hookah. Thus my experience was limited to the food and service, both of which were mediocre. I recommend the Mediterranean chicken.

by Margo R.

Another typical Mediterranean restaurant? Hardly. In fact, I feel like I've left Georgia upon entering this Turkish paradise. Professional belly dancers dressed in long skirts and tiny beaded tops grace this establishment on the weekends. Patrons quickly fill the silky pillows and low tables in the restaurant's hookah lounge on Friday and Saturday nights. Cuddle on the cushions, order flavored Hookah, listen to the exotic music and wait for the dancers to appear. While this is a great place to relax and enjoy, some girls get up and dance with the ladies. The atmosphere is lively and exciting on the weekends and the people are very warm and friendly. Oh yes, and there's food. The menu is a range of authentic Turkish cuisine, which I find to be healthy and appetizing. Try a marinated chicken kebab and the Mediterranean salad if you are in the mood for a safe dish. If you are feeling a little adventurous (I always am) order something you can't pronounce. I enjoy the vegetarian stuffed budemjune, which is eggplant filled with rice, walnuts, and other exotic goodness. There are no dancers on the weekdays and the atmosphere is low key. While I still recommend it during the week for a nice meal, the restaurant comes to life on Friday night. There is limited seating in the hookah lounge and you may wind up in the more standard dining area to the left. People tend to stay for a while once they arrive at Cafe Istanbul, so if you want to grab a spot in the lounge, get there early!

by Ferdinand H.

I'm torn.  Four?  Five?I came on a sunday afternoon, listened to the strains of Bangra, had a glass of Efes, and had Tas Kabob.  Brilliant way to spend an afternoon with a pal.  No Hookahs for me; the nicotine doesn't sit well with me.  But the sumptuous carpets lining every surface available, as well as the cloth covered ceilings and walls -- ruffles of velour in deep burgundies and wine.Lavish. I might have to edit this review after eating more of the food here... because I do have to agree with Jackson H. that the food isn't as scintillatingly flavourful as I might like.  But the food goes down easily, allowing the ambiance to be enjoyed with blissful abandon.I've yet to see the belly dancing, etc.  So... who knows what I'll think after that?Best Turkish food available in ATL?Quite possibly...Course, it might be one of two...4 out of 5?

by Shelly D.

Where to begin?????Friends brought me to Cafe Istanbul shortly after moving to the Atlanta area.  Although it is on the other side of town from my home, I am willing to make a 45 minute trek there for fantastic food (and regularly).  When you walk in the door, the ambiance assists you in letting go of the everyday.  As if you've teleported to Turkey, you come in sit down, feast and have fun.  I've always ordered kabobs, but my most recent meal was the stuffed eggplant.  I now have a new favorite.  The music, the hookahs, the dancing, and cuisine make this a unique place to dine.  When out of town company visit  Atlanta, I choose to bring them here.  The prices are great and the quality is outstanding.  Please, please, please try it.  You won't regret it!

by Delia P.

We haven't been here in a while, since we moved south... But let me tell you how much we love this place!!!! The food is delicious, it's great fun with the belly dancers. They also have hookas with flavored tobacco. We had a friend's bridal shower there - that is my only complaint - when you make a reservation with a big group of people, it's only for 2 hours - which they hadn't told us and so we had to evacuate the premisis at the last minute. The waiters are always great and friendly. It's a really fun place to eat.

by Tom C.

I like this place. The food is pretty good and seems authentic (I've never been to Turkey, so who knows?). The place gets loud when the belly dancer comes out (every 15 minutes or so). You sit on the floor, and it is very comfortable. You can get a hooka, which is pretty cool. They have free valet, which is crazy stupid, because the parking lot is TINY and right up against the building. It is really just a way to squeeze a couple of bucks out of you.It is dark inside, and it may be very dirty (as one review here says it could be). The service was OK. Nothing special, but nothing terrible. I'll go back, but it is not going to be a MUST.

by David S.

Too bad I could not select a 0 for the rating or even minus -50 for the cleanliness. I cannot believe that we are talking about the same restaurant. I do have to admit the food was good and oh what an experience that my wife and I had. This was an experience that I hope that no one ever has.My wife and I finally got out just to two of us, something that has not happened in a LONG time. My wife and I were driving around trying to find somewhere nice for dinner to relax and talk, so she said lets go to Cafe' Istanbul. We pulled up to this restaurant, I said no, lets go, it looks very dirty in there! My wife said well, we don't eat on the outside, lets go in and see, so I said ok, sure it is our night out.I should have listened to my gut feeling to leave. We sat on the floor. We were talking, we ordered, the food came out along with a roach on the wall. The roach walked down on my wife's pillow top. She yelled, I took a napkin and killed it. We were grossed out, but said anything could happen. All of a sudden my leg started itching like crazy, so I lightly scratched it and felt something wet. I looked down and I had three bleeding red marks where something had bitten me. I was really upset. I didn't want to make a big stink because my wife and I were on a date so to speak away from the kids. So we continued to eat when another roach walked onto the table. She yelled again, I took another napkin and killed it, I said BULL, LETS GET OUT OF THIS FILTHY DUMP. We called the waiter over, as he was walking to us, another roach crawled across the table. At this time the waiter had heard my wife scream and heard us talking about the roaches in this place. Not ever did this guy said that he was sorry or there was a problem. The waiter said your food was no charge, have a good night. All of a sudden he could not speak English, when he was talking our order he spoke perfect English with a slight accent.I went home, looked up the board of health and called them the next morning. I told them what had happened the night before. The inspector said she would call me back with her findings. Not more than a few days letter, I received a call from the inspector. She told me that as soon as she walked in this restaurant she said the roaches on the wall. She moved around the pillows and found much more. She told me that this restaurant has a serious roach infestation problem and she recommended for the to shut down until this problem is cleared up. She also said the owners of this Cafe' Istanbul said they will close to remodel, I have not yet seen this place close for remodeling. She also told me that the day before that I called and the day after that I called there were two other people calling to file a complaint about the roaches in this restaurant.It is your choice if you wish to go here, but we will never step food in this place again. I did forgot to mention that around 45 minutes after eating here, my best friend became the toilet for another hour at least.For those who don't believe what happened to us, I personally invite you to call the Decatur, GA board of health and see this 3 complaints in a row about roaches. I am sure there will be much more complaints other than our 3. This place is filthy and should not be open for business until they clean up their act.

by Laura M.

We had a great time here for a friend's birthday party.  from the outside and surrounding neighborhood, you would never think that this little place would be so cool and the food was actually really good.  Definitely make reservations if you're planning on a big group and don't expect this to be a place that your parents or grandparents would enjoy---unless they're really healthy and can still hop up and down from the floor!  Seating is on pillows on the ground!  I've uploaded some pictures from our party--good times!

by Christina A.

Cafe Istanbul is...one of a kind.Yes, there are other hookah restaurants in Atlanta. This one's different because it doesn't really attempt to be upscale. It's in a cruddy shopping area, with horrendous parking options. I imagine that if the lights were bright, people would shudder at the building's shabbiness.They are horrible about refilling your water glass. They pretty much refuse to, actually. Service altogether could make this a one star review.Lastly, there are these old men who always hang out there, as "friends of the owners." They are shady. If you are friendly back they will not give you peace. You are warned.However, there is hookah. Delicious double apple or mixed fruit hookah. Other flavor options exist, but why mess with a good thing.There is also really good hummus. It's regular style (no red pepper hummus here!) with a couple of diced tomatoes and olives on top and lots of warm pita. I always order this.The kebabs are great. The pizza is different but a winner. A friend likes their rice pudding.Ordering food here would be fine and dandy if they actually brought it out. Forgotten and tardy orders are a problem. That one star service situation rears its ugly head!This place is also just fun. If you're lucky you get to sit in the seating area with pillows at low tables. The belly dancers do their thing in the middle of the room, so customers sit against the walls; this makes for prime people watching. Sometimes there are random drummers who hit it to the beat of the sound system's Arabic music. If you're very lucky, drunk white people will dance to the music. I  think they attempt belly dancing. It's hard to tell. A little warning though: I've been here many times with girls, and we've ordered lots of things on the menu, it was fine.I double-dated here ONCE (keep reading). The other girl and I were having a great time. The night was just getting started. Or not. The boys both said they were ready to leave. Yep, they'd had enough. We go our separate ways.I find out the next morning that both of them got ridiculously sick that night. Not puking. The other varietal. Yeah.They refused to go in again. I don't even know what it was that they'd eaten, but it was one rough night for them. So you're warned. Enjoy.

by Craig K.

Went here with some friends on a Saturday night at around 8 and waited in a line. By 10 pm we are still in line but further back?? Everyone seems to know the waiter's brother or his brothers mothers grandpas friend or something.  Definitely NOT worth waiting. Make reservations if you do decide to go, otherwise there's a Waffle House across the street.The food is nothing to die for. Dinner was fairly inexpensive, but I guess you get what you pay for. I wouldn't have minded paying a little more for some friendly/faster/cleaner service.Definitely think there's a lot of hype about this place. I'm reading some of these reviews and just wondering if these people are talking about the same place.

by Julia W.

Meh. The food was okay. It was more expensive than I expected it to be. The turkish wine is a ripoff. The glass was $7, and it was like 1/3 of a glass of wine. It cost me like $20 for my stuffed eggplant, and one glass of wine. They require you to spend at least $15 per person before you can do hookah. The first thing of tobacco is at least $15, charcoal is $3.50, and refill tobacco is at least $7. That is really expensive, just for hookah. I doubt I'd ever go back, especially since Udipi is just a couple doors down and infinitely more awesome.Oh, I also have to say, I hate the belly dancing, and I hate sitting on the floor. Since I went with a young professionals group, they reserved the part of the restaurant that was on the floor, which made it totally awkward for me - having my feet fall asleep, worried I was going to bump into someone while I was stretching out, etc. And THEN, the belly dancing. Good lord. Things would be quiet and pleasant in the room, and then once the belly dancer came in, they would BLAST the music so it was basically impossible to do anything other than stare at the belly dancer, because otherwise you'd have to shout over the music. Yeah, not a fan. Please allow me to have conversations, thanks.

by Stasha O.

Really, people aren't lying about the horrible service. From the moment you walk in you just kind of stand awkwardly in the corridor wondering if you're supposed to seat yourself or if the host/ess was devoured by a giant monster before you entered. Eventually a waiter was gracious enough to lead us to our room after an exhausted, turmoiled sigh. This was a Tuesday night, too. If you're stressed out to the point of obvious irritability at 8:30 on a Tuesday, God bless your coronary system.The decor inside is definitely beautiful albeit a little over the top. Traditional doesn't have to mean a harem recreation, but I understand the image they're trying to portray. It would certainly be a romantic, movie-esque scene if it weren't for the unfortunate noise level. Their shisha/hookah is pretty pricey. But I guess you're paying for the combined atmosphere/smoky experience.I forgot the name of my dish, but it was lamb in pasta covered with a peppery yogurt sauce. It was really tasty but not something I'd be knocking down the doors for. After waiting 20 minutes for our check post-meal I was really ready to get out of the Cleopatra movie set. I'm typically patient to the point of meekness at restaurants, and willing to forgive shoddy customer service for amazing food. And on the other hand, I can look fondly at places with average food but a great staff. Cafe Istanbul really needs to choose at least one of these to amp up, preferably both.

by Kim N.

I've had fun times at Cafe Istanbul. It's almost always busy on weekends, with big groups sitting on the floor and smoking hookah. I love the mix of Turkish, Indian, and Middle Eastern music, which inevitably gets louder when the belly dancer arrives for her rounds. She has a pretty good sense of humor; I've seen awkward frat boys try to dance with her while everyone in the room laughs. I've also witnessed one very enthralled little boy, whose parents encouraged him to put a dollar bill in the dancer's top. Let's talk about the food. My friend and I always start with the chai, which is exceptional. Drink it with a couple sugar cubes. I sometimes find myself craving this chai specifically, which makes me say, "I need to go to Cafe Istanbul." Next, I like the tabouli as an appetizer. It's a "salad" made of parsley, scallions, tomatoes, onions, bulgar, lemon juice, and olive oil. It's very fresh but not for people who don't like lots of lemon and parsley. For dinner, I usually get the Mediterranean Chicken. It's more flavorful than most of the other dishes, probably because it boasts "an unforgettable blend of nine spices." (This line really sold me for some reason.) Don't get the Tas Kebob; I found it bland and kept adding hot sauce to it. Finally, you can top your night off with hookah for $15. It's flavorful, relaxing, and one of the main attractions, so go for it!

by Kerry G.

I have never come here on a Friday or Saturday night, so I can't speak to the service or atmosphere during the busiest nights. However, I have had lunch and early dinners here on weeknights, and have found the food to be outstanding. Service--slow, yes, but I expect that at just about every ethnic cuisine restaurant and consider it a plus if they're quick.My favorite dish is the chicken choban. The jajoukh (yogurt sauce) and zatar bread are perfect accompaniments to the steaming hot, peppery-tomatoey goodness of the chicken. My mouth waters just thinking about it. Other great dishes are the manti (tiny dumplings in a yogurt sauce) and the eggplant.

by louis n.

This place serves up some tasty kabobs. I love the atmosphere and the voluptuous belly dancers on set nights.  Opt for floor seating, that's where all the action is on the weekends.  It gets packed early so plan on waiting awhile.  Order up a round of Efes Turkish Beer and ask for their special spicy sauce and dollop on their moist kabobs and enjoy!

by Rachel A.

Different Experience. Great Atmosphere. The Food was only ok. The service....absolutely horrible. It makes no sense for a group of people who ordered food at the same time to receive their orders an hour apart. I never even got a refill on my drink during the 3 hours I was there. If you do go here to try the food, I recommend the Mediterranean chicken or the beef shish kabobs. The belly dancer was kind of cool, but I will not be attending this restaurant again.

by Courtney M.

While the service isn't top notch, and it can get very crowded very quick, I always enjoy my time at Cafe Istanbul. The guys (servers) are all very nice, the belly dancers always give a good show (beware: they will try to pull you up to dance if you look like you're enjoying the music...just drink more wine, it will give you the liquid encouragement to get up and shake what your momma gave ya), and the food never fails...and neither does the Efes beer (yummm!!) I always get the chicken or adana (steak) kabobs...they are freaking DELICIOUS. The hummus is scrumptious as is their addictive pita bread, which I always ask for more of . Finish off with some rice pudding before you leave...trust me on this one.Make a reservation if you want to go, especially with a group of 4 or more. Grab a seat on the floor, don't bother with a table -- do it right! The pillows are comfy and plentiful....you'll snuggle up and feel right at home as you puff on the hookah, which may I recommend the mixed fruit flavor? Almost as tasty as the food ;-)

by Sarah E.

People are giving this place bad reviews for service, and I guess it can be on the slow side.  Despite what other reviewers have said, I have never noticed any cleanliness issues.  This restaurant is in a tiny strip mall and has small, single-person bathrooms.  However, my food has always been excellent and I've never felt the place was dirty overall.Service may be on the slow side if you come at night.  If you're looking for a good meal rather than an experience, I recommend lunchtime instead.  At night, there are belly dancers and (I think) modern belly dance music.  It's very loud, and while I have never partaken of the hookah myself, I hear people enjoy it.  The hummus is to die for.  As for entrees, I almost always order the exact same thing (Iskender), because it is yummy, gyro-y, tomato-ey, garlicky yogurt goodness.  However, my dad recommends the kebab.Edited to add (1-17-09):  I am sad to say that I am bumping Cafe Istanbul down from a "5" to a "3" based on my last experience there.  The service was even slower than normal, the portions had magically shrunk, and there was not enough garlic sauce on my Iskender.  I will update this rating if I go again and it seems better.  I'm really hoping this was just a freak occurrence.

by Fabiola M.

During my college career, I had the pleasure of stopping by this place a few times. I gotta say, the first time I ever went I couldn't even stay inside because the hookah smell was overwhelming. I think it was my first time going to a hookah place, so it's not their fault. And, if you feel it's too much for you, there's outdoor seating which we enjoyed that first time. :PThe place offers a very mediterranean feel to it. For example, the tables are super low and you sit on cushions on the floor - pretty authentic, which I like. There are a lot of rugs on the wall and other such decorations which makes place authentic. On weekends, there is a belly dancer which is lots of fun.As for the food, please please please try the "mediterranean chicken". Yes, that's what it's called. I don't think I'm EVER going to forget the taste of that chicken. In fact, I miss it so. The desserts were also delicious. The kabobs were delish. This place is totally happenin'. Parking's no prob. The service is outstanding. Need I say more?The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because of that first time. Other than that, try it out and you might just like it.A

by Jon W.

Cafe Istanbul is quite alright... nothing amazing, but well worth a visit.  The service was a bit slow but we didn't mind since we were drinking on Bass and Amstel Light while puffing on the Hookah.  They also accidentally overcharged us by one Mediterranean Chicken meal and this took about 10 minutes to clear up.  The food is decent, the kabobs looked like the best option from what was on our table, also try out the jajoukh sauce with the zatar bread (yum yum.....). The ambiance is great, but they don't seem too pleased to serve you ...  service without a smile!

by Isabel E.

Definitely a fan of this place. Rather garish on the outside, but looks super legit on the inside. Looks a little like Turkish Disneyland with the painted walls and low lighting. Make a reservation and confirm it before you go! Last time, they lost our reservation, but we still got seated immediately because we confirmed and they figured it all out ahead of time. We also requested to sit on the floor. It's definitely fun and authentic to sit down on the pillows, but the meal + hookah can get kind of lengthy (due to slow service, watching the belly dancing, and a 2nd hookah before hitting the road), and if you aren't sitting with your back to the wall, it WILL get uncomfortable. I went with three guys and we played musical chairs to spread the pain around.It definitely gets crowded. If you don't make a res, I have seen people wait for hours for a table here. The belly dancing is nothing to speak of, kind of awkward, kind of entertaining. When I was there, people were letting their little kids put money in the belly dancer's ...money pockets. I was semi-creeped out not gonna lie. The food is also nothing special as far as Turkish food. But it honestly is a really fun dinner out! Different from the usual atmosphere for sure! After here we went to Brick Store Pub in Decatur, and the combination just made the night a grrreatt successss.

by Jane N.

My friend's got the connections so we rarely wait very long in line, which can be a stretch on some nights.First off, parking sucks. The lot is tiny and I always worry my little head about either hitting something or someone hitting me once I've parked. They kinda borrow the lot next door at an auto place but it's not any better. The spaces are not outlined so people tend to park wherever they want, sometimes even blocking your car from getting out at the end of the night. Go early or carpool.Other than that, awesome place. It's fun, its different, its entertaining even if you're just sitting there on a pillow on the floor, with a hookah in your mouth. The belly dancers are quite cute and mesmerizing, the music really gets you off the floor, eventually, and to join in on the others dancing. The decor and atmosphere is authentic and inviting. There's a good mix of young, even teenage, customers and the older ones. The food is generous and  filling. I usually just get several appetizers since they're not as messy and time-consuming to eat when you just want to hang out, chat, smoke and dance. The hummus, tabouli, zatar and cheese bread and baklava are all traditional but delish! When it does get busy, it's difficult to get the waiters' attention, especially when you have more than one...The wait for food, drinks, sometimes the hookah is a little too much. They could get a bit more organized about that.For a place so busy, I expected the bathrooms be to bigger. But it is a small building anyways....They are single bathrooms and kinda cramped. I worried about the sanitation of it because of those reasons...

by T H.

I've been a fan of Cafe Istanbul since I first tried it. I always make reservations and haven't had an issue getting a great seat. Last night was no exception, 6 people at 8:00 PM and we were seated immediately at a round table in the corner, perfect. The waiter came out quickly took our drink orders, appetizer orders, gave us a couple of minutes to select our entrees and took our order. The appetizers arrived promptly and so did the food. We order chicken, beef, and lamb kebobs and everyone ate the meats and said they were delicious. I ordered the Iskander and it was okay, I was hungry so my plate was clean. The ambiance was great, music, lots of people looking like they were having a great time. The belly dancer was a nice touch, the only problem there were the dudes that would dance around with her. Hey guys, let the lady do her thing.The hookah was fun too and relaxing. I'd come again with a group, especially for those that never experienced this type of restaurant.

by Zack E.

Not very good.  Not very authentic.  If this is your idea of authentic "Middle Eastern", you've been watching too much Fox News.Parking wasn't an issue for me, but the general cleanliness of the restaurant definitely was.  Once seated, we discovered that our table was still fairly dirty, and we asked for it to be cleaned.  We were extended that courtesy after about 15 minutes.  Later on I came to find all sorts of "mystery items" underneath the cushions I was seated upon.  Pretty sure it was some sort of food product that someone had dropped back there a while ago. The whole feel of the place is seedy.  It's dark, it's smokey and the whole night I kept thinking about what other horrors were hidden underneath those cushions.  Time and time again I find that places will have you sit on the floor and get some poor scantly clad woman to twirl around and people will flock in droves for the "authentic" experience.  Anyhow, the belly dancer here was fairly competent at her trade, but the flocks of drunk sorority girls trying to do their best Shakira impersonation was a both funny and disturbing sight.The food didn't take very long to come out (we were a party of 4), but mine didn't come out with the rest.  The waiter assured me it would "be right out".  Fifteen minutes later, I inquired where it was, at the rest of the party's food was getting cold waiting on mine.  He again stated "it will be right out".  Five minutes or so later, it was. I got the chicken kabob and it was "ok".  I liked the thyme/oregano (zaatar) bread.  It was nice and fresh, but maybe a bit too buttery.  We also got a hookah and it wasn't bad, albeit a good bit more expensive than you'd find at other establishments.  They also charge a tidy bit for charcoal refills.One extra star for the "ok" food, I suppose.  I don't think the focus of the restaurant is the food, and the place would be better served as a hookah lounge.  To summarize the whole establishment in one word?  Creepy.

by Angela K.

I've dined here twice love the decor, sitting on pillows and the food.  The borek is delicious, as is the zatar bread.  The chicken choban is very yummy.  My only complaint is that a child (not sure if it was the child of a person that works there or another customer) would come to our table alot.  It was cute at first, but when he started grabbing sugar cubes, licking biting into them and putting them back in the bowl or on our plates, trying to take off with my drink and jumping around and behind us on the pillows.  I felt like we deserved a discount for babysitting after having to tell this child 'no' several times.

by Ron K.

I've been to this place several times with a group of friends.  The atmosphere is great and has a very authentic feel to it.  I believe we ordered the mint berry hookah, and it was great.  The food took a while to reach our table.  However, when it arrived we scarfed it down. The hummus is very delicious.  The dancer is exquisite, and I felt like I was in a trance watching her.  It was fun, but Ibiza is nicer.

by Peto F.

One of the most original and fun placesin Atlanta. My favorite placeis Chiken Kabab. It is pretty close to a typical Restaurant in Turkey.

by Zlatko U.

Cafe Istanbul is a really different from most restaurants. You sit on the floor. Its so radical, I nearly fainted the first time I went there. No joke. Anyway, the service is a bit slow given the place is usually packed. However, I never had my waiter forget something, or screw something up. There is a belly dancer on certain days and there are hookahs all over the place. If you are going, I suggest you call in the afternoon and make a reservation. It will prevent you from standing in line looking at everyone eating and having fun. Also, save a few ones for the valet parking. Its free, but you still kinda sorta have to tip. Ah yes, before I forget, the food is great. Make sure you take a look at the menu on their website so you know what you are getting yourself into, and that you can order faster. Remember the service is a bit slow. Overall, this place is a great restaurant that has a certain flavor that you can use to impress your internationally confused friends or your date.

by Vida M.

As an after dinner lounge for drinks this place is perfect. I went for my first time this past Friday night for dinner and drinks with my boyfriend. The food was good. He loved it more so than I. He is also a true meat eater. I was a vegetarian for 10 years, so all the red meat was to heavy and too much. The rice was great! The bread they serve is awesome. AWESOME. I went back the next with two girlfriends for their birthdays. We showed up fairly late for drinks and hookah, and were seated between two parties, not sure if it's the atmosphere, or the drinks but everyone was very friendly.  I think this is a cool lounge/bar. I'll definitely go back. Especially since they are open to about 1.

by Sharise C.

Ooof, it pains me to have to write this but in fairness I must. There is nothing more disappointing than taking friends to a place you brag about and having the experience be less than stellar. The atmosphere itself was still great but the food was a partial let-down.This past Friday night (11/27) it was packed with the usual mix of dating couples, young friends and families, which was cool because that's always part of the experience. Hookah to the right, belly dancer to the left and FABulous music.The bread was still a hit but the Tahini Red Snapper I'd loved so much the last time and recommended to my cousin was disappointing. The fish itself was actually well-seasoned but it had practically none of the delicious lime tahini sauce that made it so great the first time. What little sauce was there had a grainy texture and floury tase, like they really didn't have any tahini and were trying to improvise. No hint of lime whatsoever.So, it was embarrasing that my cousin ordered this for her bitrthday meal and I knew it wasn't all it could be. Her friend ordered the Chicken Iskendar. It came out looking like a crust-less frozen pizza made up of flat, 2-inch square pieces of chicken topped with sauce and a yogurt drizzle.The fiance said right away it was not authentic and the person eating it said the sauce tasted like canned marinara. He didn't even eat a third of it before giving up and resorting to the bread.I don't know what was going on in the kicthen that night but at this point I have to say consistency is a problem. Thank goodness the Mezze plate was great. I hope to be able to update again with a review of redemption for the kitchen. Cafe Istanbul looks deceptively small from the outside with its narrow patio, but inside is a deep…

by Jada G.

cafe Istanbul is an Ok place. I love the atmosphere, the dancers and the drinks. I never tried to Hookah (i'm a non-smoker and haven't got the nerves). this seems to be a very popular place. When i left at 12, people were still coming in. I went on a Saturday and it was a wait list for seats. You should get a reservation. When diners come they stay a while. We stayed 3 hours! i was so excited to taste the food, as I love Mediterranean food. Their bread was good. I ordered the Mediterranean chicken, which they advertise as having 9 unforgettable spices-HA! i couldn't taste not one spice. I won't be getting that anymore. My friend had the Gyro...not good either. My other friend tried something else, she said it wasn't good. We all had a greek salad...not good. Are you sensing a pattern yet?The waiter took FOREVER. we had to yell and waive our arms in the air (like we just didn't care) just to get on his waiting list of diners needing assistance. So ask for 2 waters/refills at a time and hope he remembers to bring you everything when he comes back (good luck). The belly dancer was good, but she only came out twice while we were there. I wish she would have come out more often.

by Jada G.Sharise C.

cafe Istanbul is an Ok place. I love the atmosphere, the dancers and the drinks. I never tried to Hookah (i'm a non-smoker and haven't got the nerves). this seems to be a very popular place. When i left at 12, people were still coming in. I went on a Saturday and it was a wait list for seats. You should get a reservation. When diners come they stay a while. We stayed 3 hours! i was so excited to taste the food, as I love Mediterranean food. Their bread was good. I ordered the Mediterranean chicken, which they advertise as having 9 unforgettable spices-HA! i couldn't taste not one spice. I won't be getting that anymore. My friend had the Gyro...not good either. My other friend tried something else, she said it wasn't good. We all had a greek salad...not good. Are you sensing a pattern yet?The waiter took FOREVER. we had to yell and waive our arms in the air (like we just didn't care) just to get on his waiting list of diners needing assistance. So ask for 2 waters/refills at a time and hope he remembers to bring you everything when he comes back (good luck). The belly dancer was good, but she only came out twice while we were there. I wish she would have come out more often.Ooof, it pains me to have to write this but in fairness I must. There is nothing more disappointing than taking friends to a place you brag about and having the experience be less than stellar. The atmosphere itself was still great but the food was a partial let-down.This past Friday night (11/27) it was packed with the usual mix of dating couples, young friends and families, which was cool because that's always part of the experience. Hookah to the right, belly dancer to the left and FABulous music.The bread was still a hit but the Tahini Red Snapper I'd loved so much the last time and recommended to my cousin was disappointing. The fish itself was actually well-seasoned but it had practically none of the delicious lime tahini sauce that made it so great the first time. What little sauce was there had a grainy texture and floury tase, like they really didn't have any tahini and were trying to improvise. No hint of lime whatsoever.So, it was embarrasing that my cousin ordered this for her bitrthday meal and I knew it wasn't all it could be. Her friend ordered the Chicken Iskendar. It came out looking like a crust-less frozen pizza made up of flat, 2-inch square pieces of chicken topped with sauce and a yogurt drizzle.The fiance said right away it was not authentic and the person eating it said the sauce tasted like canned marinara. He didn't even eat a third of it before giving up and resorting to the bread.I don't know what was going on in the kicthen that night but at this point I have to say consistency is a problem. Thank goodness the Mezze plate was great. I hope to be able to update again with a review of redemption for the kitchen. Cafe Istanbul looks deceptively small from the outside with its narrow patio, but inside is a deep…

by Jada G.Sharise C.Vida M.Zlatko U.

cafe Istanbul is an Ok place. I love the atmosphere, the dancers and the drinks. I never tried to Hookah (i'm a non-smoker and haven't got the nerves). this seems to be a very popular place. When i left at 12, people were still coming in. I went on a Saturday and it was a wait list for seats. You should get a reservation. When diners come they stay a while. We stayed 3 hours! i was so excited to taste the food, as I love Mediterranean food. Their bread was good. I ordered the Mediterranean chicken, which they advertise as having 9 unforgettable spices-HA! i couldn't taste not one spice. I won't be getting that anymore. My friend had the Gyro...not good either. My other friend tried something else, she said it wasn't good. We all had a greek salad...not good. Are you sensing a pattern yet?The waiter took FOREVER. we had to yell and waive our arms in the air (like we just didn't care) just to get on his waiting list of diners needing assistance. So ask for 2 waters/refills at a time and hope he remembers to bring you everything when he comes back (good luck). The belly dancer was good, but she only came out twice while we were there. I wish she would have come out more often.Ooof, it pains me to have to write this but in fairness I must. There is nothing more disappointing than taking friends to a place you brag about and having the experience be less than stellar. The atmosphere itself was still great but the food was a partial let-down.This past Friday night (11/27) it was packed with the usual mix of dating couples, young friends and families, which was cool because that's always part of the experience. Hookah to the right, belly dancer to the left and FABulous music.The bread was still a hit but the Tahini Red Snapper I'd loved so much the last time and recommended to my cousin was disappointing. The fish itself was actually well-seasoned but it had practically none of the delicious lime tahini sauce that made it so great the first time. What little sauce was there had a grainy texture and floury tase, like they really didn't have any tahini and were trying to improvise. No hint of lime whatsoever.So, it was embarrasing that my cousin ordered this for her bitrthday meal and I knew it wasn't all it could be. Her friend ordered the Chicken Iskendar. It came out looking like a crust-less frozen pizza made up of flat, 2-inch square pieces of chicken topped with sauce and a yogurt drizzle.The fiance said right away it was not authentic and the person eating it said the sauce tasted like canned marinara. He didn't even eat a third of it before giving up and resorting to the bread.I don't know what was going on in the kicthen that night but at this point I have to say consistency is a problem. Thank goodness the Mezze plate was great. I hope to be able to update again with a review of redemption for the kitchen. Cafe Istanbul looks deceptively small from the outside with its narrow patio, but inside is a deep… As an after dinner lounge for drinks this place is perfect. I went for my first time this past Friday night for dinner and drinks with my boyfriend. The food was good. He loved it more so than I. He is also a true meat eater. I was a vegetarian for 10 years, so all the red meat was to heavy and too much. The rice was great! The bread they serve is awesome. AWESOME. I went back the next with two girlfriends for their birthdays. We showed up fairly late for drinks and hookah, and were seated between two parties, not sure if it's the atmosphere, or the drinks but everyone was very friendly.  I think this is a cool lounge/bar. I'll definitely go back. Especially since they are open to about 1.Cafe Istanbul is a really different from most restaurants. You sit on the floor. Its so radical, I nearly fainted the first time I went there. No joke. Anyway, the service is a bit slow given the place is usually packed. However, I never had my waiter forget something, or screw something up. There is a belly dancer on certain days and there are hookahs all over the place. If you are going, I suggest you call in the afternoon and make a reservation. It will prevent you from standing in line looking at everyone eating and having fun. Also, save a few ones for the valet parking. Its free, but you still kinda sorta have to tip. Ah yes, before I forget, the food is great. Make sure you take a look at the menu on their website so you know what you are getting yourself into, and that you can order faster. Remember the service is a bit slow. Overall, this place is a great restaurant that has a certain flavor that you can use to impress your internationally confused friends or your date.