Café Istanbul

This is one of the best Turkish food places in Ohio. The Adana Kabob is similar to the Persian Koobideh.

good food

The food here is absolutely delicious. I tried the grilled mix (adana kabab, kofta, chicken, doner, etc.) and everything was juicy, nicely seasoned, perfect. Also, the rice, vegetables, and fries were nicely done. The problem is that they serve alcohol, which really turned me off and I probably won't go there again because of that.

Upscale prices and lives upto the expectation. Except for the Alcohol, food and service was excellent.

Decorated nicely, service not as friendly as the Turkish restaurant on Bethel rd. Ground chicken kebob sandwich strangely had a lamb like taste to it.

This place is quite cool, decided to stick with the vegetarian selection after looking at in-depth alcohol selection. Best Falafels, $20/person for lunch.

Well grilled and tasty meat entrees. Upscale ambiance. Prices are in line with decor and neighborhood and a nice place to go celebrate and take co-workers. A bit disappointed about their focus on alcohol and wine lists, etc. though.

The quality and taste of the food was MUCH better when before - now there are new owners and the food is just average. I wish they could have kept the old chef because its just not the same anymore.

New owner/chef is Osman. He previously owned and operated Turkish Cuisine on High Street. He gets his meat from Halal butchers in Dearborn.

This is a fancy place.Serves alcohol, if that is a problem for you. Went there for a Muslim friends graduation, there were about a dozen of us, all Muslim. Good food, adana kabob melts in your mouth.Asked staff if it is halal, and they said yes. Even told me where they get the meat from (a meat market on Cleveland Ave. in Columbus).Strongly recomend. Turkish Cuisine is better than this one, however.

I agree with the others that this retaurant is somewhat expensive. However, this is fine dining Anatolia style. I don't know of any other "middle eastern" restaurant with quality this good in Ohio.

The sell Alcoholic drinks and wine so don't go there if you care for Islamic environment

The quality and the taste of the food at Cafe Instanbul is hard to beat for the Columbus area. They have cut back on the portions though and have not lowered the prices. Avoid all the desserts and the grapeleaves. This restaurant is not halal as far as I know, but it is very clean.

The meat is excellent and the rice is cooked well. The portions may be small for the price. The best part is the fresh baked bread and the great ambiance.