Cafe Istanbul

01/03/10

Be Careful!

by Brewster at Citysearch

On January 1, 2010 I took 9 people to Cafe Istanbul for the evening, because I heard it was up to par, but with a better atmosphere, with Cafe Agora. Six of us (6!) got food poisoning that night and January 2nd was spent in bed and the washroom. Of the 9 people, 6 are of Turkish decent, so it's not like our stomachs cannot handle the food! The experience was awful and I have no intent to give it a second chance. I am still sick and so are three others!

• Pros: Nice Atmosphere
• Cons: Food was awful

09/11/09

Awesome experience

by Krissie770 at Citysearch

I am just returning home from this place, and I have rushed to my computer to write a review because this place is getting totally misrepresented on city search! I read all the one/two star reviews before going, so I was nervous about how the food and service would be. Boy were these people wrong! The food is good, the service is great, and the atmosphere is even better. If you gave this place one or two stars you must have been looking to complain and have a bad time, or completely culture-less or ignorant. I don't see how one could go to this place and not enjoy it. I went on a Friday night around 9:30. Its good to either make a reservation or get there before 10 to get seating. (We were sat right away) It's middle-eastern style floor seating with decorative cushions and rugs. The hookah flavor was delicious. I had one called X on the beach. For food, I had the Turkish meatballs. It was good. I don't know if it is the best Mediterranean in Atlanta, because I have not had enough to judge, but it was very satisfying. It was NOT "greasy" or undercooked like some others have said. I loved that everyone was there to have a good time. No fights, and no snobbish looks. The music ranges from Persian to Turkish to Indian to Arabic with just a few pop/dance hits. The crowd was mostly 21-30ish but I also saw a few older folks (40s/50s) having a good time. I would say at least try this place before you knock it. It will be louder than your usual restaurant, but they turn the music down in between sets so it was a good balance. Some people say it was overpriced, but remember that you are getting more than just food. ( Atmosphere, decor, BELLYDANCER, a DJ, etc.) Also, to note: you are going for a holistic experience: It is best enjoyed with the whole nine yards: IN other words, don't come on a night when you don't have enough $ or aren't in the mood to do it all: Be prepared to eat, drink, chill, smoke, watch, AND dance!

• Pros: music, culture, atmosphere
• Cons: none

05/11/09

It used to be good

by Mysteriousapien at Citysearch

I used to love going to Cafe Istanbul back in 2005 and 2006 when it was not as popular. I liked the atmosphere and how I could sit down on a pillow and relax while puffing on a hookah.

I went there again last week for the first time in almost 3 years and I was really disappointed. I felt like I was in a touristy section of Turkey where everything was whitewashed. Their menus had "Om" signs on them!!! I mean its ridiculous and it does not make sense. Their food was not even that good. The only good thing about the place now is their hookah and their flavors of tobacco.

Its a shame, I really liked this place in the past when it was less popular but now its just annoying.

• Pros: hookah
• Cons: The food, how the place has become too touristy for my taste