cafe istanbul in Manchester

Mixed grills are tasty, and one portion is enough to satisfy two people.

The best restaurant and the best doner kebab in Manchester

Fantastic experience! The food was good, service quick. Highly recommend this restaurant for a dining.

We had the best Adana kebab in Manchester, freshly grilled in the center of Çarşı. Thanks for everything. When we stopped by again, our place was determined.

Absolutely amazing and fast service, delicious food, would definitely recommend 👍

Offering a vibrant culinary experience that transports diners to the bustling streets of Turkey. Upon entering, we are greeted by the tantalizing aroma of freshly prepared Turkish cuisine and the warm hospitality of the staff. The restaurant's interior is adorned with traditional Turkish motifs, including colorful mosaic tiles, intricate lanterns, and ornate furnishings, creating an inviting and authentic atmosphere. The menu at Cafe Istanbul features a wide array of classic Turkish dishes, meticulously crafted using the finest ingredients and authentic cooking techniques. Signature dishes include succulent grilled meats, such as lamb kebabs and chicken shish, served with fragrant rice and grilled vegetables. Mezze platters offer an assortment of appetizers, from creamy hummus and smoky baba ganoush to crispy falafel and stuffed grape leaves. For those with a sweet tooth, Cafe Istanbul offers an indulgent selection of desserts, including baklava, kunefe, and Turkish delight, accompanied by traditional Turkish coffee or herbal teas.

We love Cafe Istanbul, with good service and amazing food, you can’t go wrong. We don’t tend to have a starter as the portions are so generous. This time I enjoyed chicken shish kebabs, two generous skewers of perfectly seasoned chicken, with salad and a slither of lavas bread, absolutely scrumptious. My husband had halloumi and falafel, with hummus and salad, again delicious. Served with a complimentary portion of lavas bread and dips, food fit for a king. We love it here and can’t wait to return. I am salivating just thinking of the kebabs!

Super fast and friendly service. Really tasty food. We went here by chance for my birthday meal. Will be going face yo try the rest of the menu. Really enjoyed the vine leaves and the lamb and hummus.

Beautiful authentic Turkish food, including balloon bread.

I’ve recently moved to Manchester. We wanted have Turkish food which we’ve been craving for a long time. I googled it and found this place. We really made the right choice. The service, food, hospitality were great. I ordered hot meze which was a full and tasty plate. After meze, I had Iskender that was a mouthwatering aroma of cooked meats. I wanted to stop but I couldn’t. I had kunefe after iskender. What a great experience! Cafe istanbul will definitely be my regular restaurant. You got a regular customer:) thank to the manager mr kadri as well, he and his team is great.

Me and my husband ended up in here after debating for what seemed like hours about what to eat. We definitely made the right choice! The meat in the mixed kebab was cooked to perfection and had so much flavour. The grilled halloumi (one of my favourites) was incredible and the garlic mayonnaise was probably the best I've ever had (I've tried quite a few!) Cheap prices, lovely atmosphere, great for a spontaneous meal or even a basic date night. Plus if you sit in the window, you can watch manchester as you eat. Highly recommend.

As regular customers of the old Cafe Istanbul this was our first visit as a party of 8 since the new owners took over and revamped it. Gone were the old comfy seats and more tables crammed in canteen style. One table for two having the bums of customers queueing at the bar in their faces. The food was only Ok-ish, with accompanying dishes of rice or chips missing. As Bursa kebab, my favourite, was no longer on the menu I ordered Iskender kebab not knowing until I googled it afterwards they are the same thing. I was served in an elaborate brass dish some dried out shards of donner meat along with bread croutons and a side of yoghurt. When I got home and consulted Google it was obvious that the chefs in preparing this classic Turkish dish had not added the meat to tomato sauce to marinade just heated up slices of donner meat which had overcooked and dried out before adding croutons. If the chefs there make such a basic mistake then you have to question the authenticity of their other Turkish dishes. I contacted the restaurant the next day but a week later have had no reply. We shall not be returning. Our party spent well over £400 this is terrible customer relations.

Fantastic food freshly made in front of you. Great lunch deal. Little bit quiet at lunch.

Had a fantastic lunch at Cafe Istanbul and was very good value for money. Had visited many years ago but not been for a while. A colleague was in town and wanted to try somewhere to eat near the office so I suggested Cafe Istanbul. We arrived on the dot at 1200 (opening time) due to another meeting and were warmly welcomed despite being a little early. We had the lunch set menu, flatbread, hummus to start and lamb kebab for mains. Everything was cooked well, hot, and prompt service. Would return just a shame I didn't have more time to enjoy!

Delicious food, good portions. Single staff member on counter is a very nice and polite man. He went out of his way to tell us we can avoid ordering hummus separately as it can be included in the wrap dressings. Very nice of him. I recommend this place

Highly recommended, my experience was so good. The food was delicious and fresh. The service was good and very welcoming. The price was a bit high according to the amount of dishes

The best value in the city centre as well as the best wrap doners

We were looked after from the minute we stepped through the door. Food was delicious especially the baklava. We will definitely be back very soon.

Very extensive menu with plenty of choice. All the food was freshly prepared and the grilled meats were made expertly. I highly recommend the turkish pizzas too if you haven't already tried them. Service was great and we weren't rushed at all.

I had a terrible experience with the bald guy very unwelcoming kept shouting at me because my friend took two seconds to tell him what sauces to put??????very unprofessional and rude👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻

Delicious food and l observed the meat cooked on fresh charcoal the reason why the mixed grill is so tasty. The price is not over the budget for the location. Thanks to waiters. See you soon.

Discusting looking donner, lahmactun for 12£ lol. I would recommend to avoid this place. Place near my house called todays restaurant serve better stuff for 4.50£

Food taste good, but overpriced and very little quantity

Food was great and was the real reason I had lunch there, service was a little but can be expected when the place gets busy, would suggest to play some Turkish music or create some Turkish vibe to make the ambience a little more cozy.

A lovely meal at reasonable prices. Very good quality and excellent value for money.

Made a booking for a large group and was quoted a price for a set menu, only for it to last minute be almost doubled, clearly taking advantage of us not having another option at that late stage

We visited Cafe Istanbul in February 2024, while staying In Salford near Manchester City Centre, exploring Mediterranean halal restaurants, we found this cafe Istanbul was nearby on a short walk. Located in busy area, no car parking. Good sitting area and environment. Very friendly, kind, helpful staff. Quite expensive with food quantity to price Tasty, freshly cooked hot food. Complimentary Turkish bread and Turkish tea.

Nice for lunch time with colleagues. Food quite nice.

Tasty food & kebabs cooked on a traditional Turkish charcoal grill. Friendly staff

Lovely place to eat with tasty food and very friendly and helpful warm staff , quite spacious for some larger groups too

Brilliant food, freshly-prepared and well-presented. Great value two-course set menu at lunchtime too.

Booked a table for 12 on Valentine’s Day, turned up for a nice lunch and it was closed.

Attentive staff. Way too much food on plate. Unable to eat more than half of it.

Not eaten here but disgusted their website says alcohol is present in some dishes. Would not consider this a halal restaurant at all. Some Turks have forgotten their roots

By far the best in Manchester. Quality flavours and cooked perfectly.

I loved it, i needed place to dine in quietly ppl were so nice and food was good and affordable

Three of us called in here for an early evening meal and left slightly disappointed. The food was good but not great and we will leave it a while before we return. If you are planning on going, I would definitely book. Even though it was early the restaurant was nearly full and had a really good atmosphere. Our Slovakian server was also excellent and looked after us really well. We had three different main courses and none were great. The moussaka was okay but lacked flair, I had some kind of kebab in pastry which was a bit tasteless. The lamb kebab was the standout dish though and it shame the other two didn’t match it. We wanted to have a Turkish wine and they had two on the menu but only one in stock. This was really average and expensive for what it was. 10% was added to our bill as a discretionary service charge which I also really dislike.

Great food, lovely people the pide is amazing

5* lunch a complete taste of Turkey. A superb lunch for two - quick and incredible food. Highly recommend. Best Turkish in Manchester.

I came over to order some food to take away and they have been extremely friendly. I was given a nice cup of Turkish tea and baklava while waiting. Fantastic service, food and atmosphere. Definitely recommend it!!

Underrated restaurant in Manchester. The takeaway is also great. Best Turkish food in the city. Great vegetarian options

Food was good and loved the atmosphere! They have highchairs and the place is pram-friendly. Halal food👍

Really delicious food, we enjoyed our meal and the hospitality was very welcoming 🙏

The best Turkish restaurant I’ve ever visited, cannot recommend highly enough

Turkish restaurant in the centre of Manchester. The last time I ate here was around 10 years ago and it's changed quite abit, both the decor and food, I wonder if it's changed hands 🤔 the natural brown and cream decor is present enough but bland and I was disappointed with the food. I've always had the vegetarian moussaka but it's changed completely. It's OK but not as good as the previous recipe. This one was chopped vegetables, aubergine, onion, courgettes and tomatoes in a cast iron dish with a small amount of bechamel sauce ontop. Very similar to a lasagne. I couldn't taste any nutmeg or cinnamon or any species. Previously it was more traditional, more Turkish, now it tastes like an English version. Pity. The cheese roll starter was nice enough but I think there should have been more than 2 pieces of hallumi cheese, at least 3, 4 would be even better. In summary I think that they've turned down the Turkish element in every way, probably hoping to suit the more bland English palate. I won't be rushing back. 😌

I was disappointed with the food. I usually have the vegetarian moussaka but it's changed. The previous one was a traditional Turkish version eith spices and sliced aubergine etc. This one was OK but not as good it was mainly chopped vegetables of; aubergine, onion, courgettes and tomatoes in a cast iron dish with a small amount of bechamel sauce ontop. Just like a lasagne. I couldn't taste any nutmeg or any species, now it tastes like a bland English version. The cheese roll starter was nice but the hallumi starter was a little small with just 2 pieces of cheese. It's a pity as it was a traditional Turkish restaurant now it feels like a bland English version.

Very delicious food 🥲delicious turkish pizza thank u for ur service Highly recommend for u guys Very polite staff Very fresh and delicious food Thank u so much 🥰😍🙏

Never a bad meal from this place all the workers are friendly and happy making it a nice place to eat would highly recommend.

This was our second visit to Cafe Istanbul, albeit an 18 month gap between visits as we don't visit Manchester that often. We enjoyed the food that much on the first occasion we thought we should give it another try. This time we visited on a Saturday afternoon and opted for the two course set menu for £13.90 per person and a bottle Kavaklider Angora Turkish red wine at £23. For starters we had the Humus and Falafel and it came with Lavas Bread and three dips. For the main course we had Moussaka and Chicken Casserole. The humus was delicious and a decent portion, however the falafel was three pieces and although it was tasty I thought it was a little on the small side. The moussaka and casserole were both very tasty and good portion sizes. With regards to the wine it is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan and we both would highly recommend it. The waitress who served was polite and friendly. When the bill came it had a service charge included. I didn't notice anything on the menu about the service charge and nothing was mentioned by the waitress who served us. I don't know if this is something new as neither of us could remember if was include when we last visited. It came to just under £5, so I decided to just pay it.

Food good, service good and fast. 20% service charge spoilt it, the menus were grubby and need replacing, won't be going again.

I went with my sweetie wife . She loved the restaurant and told Turkish food is the best but never seen as fresh lamb chops. We had tasty meal . Lamb chops were made perfect tender juicy . Calamari was done just right . Prawn was little bit raw but tasty is good . Service was fantastic Environment was romantic We will visit this restaurant again

Wow so good best place in manchester

Was amazing and will visit this place again! Don’t have a sweet tooth but the dessert was quite delicious, despite the fact it was super sweet. Lamb was cooked nicely and could’ve been cooked crispier but still satisfactory, chicken was on the dry side. One of the waiters were extremely charismatic and was overall good. Will say toilets are a bit dirty, scuffs and marks on the wall, which is probably the only let down.

Lovely little place from the outside, lovely place inside too. Food cooked fresh to order. Attentive staff. Overall great experience

Probably the best mix doner I have had in the UK!!! Superb!

Delicious food and brilliant service! Portion sizes are very generous for every part of the meal, we left overly full - we couldn't stop eating as it was that delicious!! Would highly recommend for a function or just a casual meal, the food is made fresh and was quick out. The best were definitely the feta cheese rolls.

Soooooo good in here. The lamb and chicken Shish is unbelievable!! Can’t recommend enough.

Great meal with work, set meal for Christmas. The Salmon was amazing!

It was amazing, I recommend it.

The food was fantastic, service was outstanding, we didn't have a booking but the staff managed to fit us in.

Really nice food/service, and cozy atmosphere.

Baba Ghanoush and Bread edible, soup tasteless and cold and chips dry and tasteless, presumably over their keep-time. Complained, rebuffed as this was untimely. One has to raise the issue in the moment of discovery and not at the end of the meal.

Service was excellent ! Atmosphere was good But the food was bland. The chicken was under cooked and had to send it back to be cooked more and the service charge at the end was 15% £8 which doesn’t say anywhere. Abit of a suprise but I paid it anyway. Won’t be going there again

We were hankering after some grilled meat and Cafe Istanbul was a great call. We started with lahmancum (think, small pizza with lamb topping - light and tasty), grilled Haloumi (served with hummus) and Pillow Bread. Charcoal grilled lamb chops and chicken Shish completed the main course. Effes beer and Turkish white wine accompanied. This is eastern Mediterranean comfort food!

Nice tastey food, excellent service

Great food! The food came on time and the customer service was excellent. I'm definitely going back soon

Very tasty cuisine, large portions, pleasant atmosphere

The service was good, however, the food was average. I ordered a mixed grill and I feel it needs more spices to improve the flavour.

We were flying through Manchester, had a few hours to kill, tried to go to Dishoom which was having kitchen problems so wondered up the street and found Cafe Istanbul. Great food and staff were very friendly and attentive even though we had all our luggage with us. Turkish wine was also a new experience for me 😋

My experience at this restaurant was nothing short of amazing maybe because I was out there for a date but the customer service was top notch and staff were so friendly. As we got in we had a bottle of wine ( Pinot Grigio) which tasted so good. Then the meal came in we had chicken and lamb platter with rice. The meal was so much that I had to take some of the platter home. The Flavors were bussing if I am allowed to use that particular word😂😂. The ambience was so cool and the atmosphere was giving privacy. Loved every bit of it especially the food. You can come here for a family dinner or a private dinner with your partner and you won’t be disappointed. The menu was affordable in my opinion at least if sharing each person could pay less than 30 pounds. I would be visiting this restaurant again when next I’m in Manchester. It’s a thumbs up from me.

The lamb chops and kebab were excellent. The shawarma was (good) but not delicious - one of the best grill restaurants in Manchester. Grape leaves are very good *The price is quite high

Food was good and staff very accommodating.4 stars as it was very very loud inside.

Super tasty and super friendly, this restaurant more than deserves 5 stars. Quality and taste like in the Orient…

This review relates to the takeaway shop next door. Unfortunately, I don’t have any photos because, immediately I get my kebab, I demolish it. I have only ever ordered the lamb doner. Seriously folks, i’s the bestest, tastiest bloody kebab I’ve had in the city centre. And you know what, it’s a guilt-free kebab as it feels so damned healthy!!

I was tempted in early evening. Plenty of diners, but also spaces, so go in on a walk-up. Extensive menu - I went for a baba ganoush,which was really tasty and served with a wonderful freshly-cooked flatbread. Sadly they didn’t have any lamb left (they always sell out early evening the waiter told me - there’s a solution to that) so I had a Chicken Iskender. This was a bit of a disappointment - lacking in taste, flavour and love, it just turned into a rather large plate of food to get through. I should have gone for something off the grill, the shish looked good. I’ve heard good reports about this place, so perhaps it was just an off night. I’d still recommend it, if even just for the flatbreads

Tasty. And very friendly staff.

Food was good but unfortunately overpriced in my opinion. Otherwise we had a lovely time the staff were superb 👌

Quick service and delicious lamb donner wrap!

The food was absolutely disgusting there was no flavour or test and it was really dry as well and the portion was small never ever gonna go back there it was just waste of time and money

I ordered the lamb doner wrap for £9.90, which included a side of chips. Portion was extremely generous, I even ended up taking it home. I love the fact it uses chunks of lamb in the wrap and includes a refreshing salad inside with their homemade chilli sauce. The chips that came with it was nicely seasoned and freshly made. The service was a little slow but expected during lunch time rush.

Still as good here as ever. I've been here several times over many years as my office was just across the river. Great location with many great bars along Bridge Street which can be visited before or after a great meal. These are wonderful, as you would expect from this Turkish restaurant. I've had the lamb shank a few times but the freshly baked bread is to die for. All of the favourites are there too, the humour, tatziki and baked cheese in filo pastry

Visited for the first time on Friday 6/10. Most certainly won't be the last time! Warmly welcomed. Incredibly impeccable service and simply delicious food. Loved it!

Food is delish and staff very friendly. I'd recommend it

Good food and amazing customer service, such a friendly team. Ambiance is good too

Another gorgeous meal at Cafe Istanbul. The Chicken Iskender is a must!

Really nice place for kebabs. The food was great and nicely done. We were all happy with the food and drinks. We had brought in a cake to surprise our friend and the staff were brilliant. They brought it in with music, a really good version of the song, and they got the whole restaurant clapping. Had a great time and the staff were wonderful.

Delicious food, the lamb chops with rice were absolute perfection. Somewhat pricey, but worth every penny. A must try!

Brilliant restaurant. Friendly and professional staff. Lovely food, a great place to dine

It's shrunk since our last visit and I was a bit apprehensive. I needn't have been. The food was much better than that on offer pre covid. We enjoyed a chicken stew and moussaka which came with rice, a huge bread and pickles.

Great atmosphere we had the chicken and lamb kebabs. They were fantastic. Service charge is put on the bill. Highly recommend 👍

Food was a bit smelly and there was no board mentioning HALAL. but the chef said it's halal.

I received a nice and quality service, the products are fresh and delicious, I recommend everyone to go there.

A great authentic Turkish restaurant in the heart of Manchester. Super atmosphere, great service and absolutely first class food. Staff were great and made us very welcome. I can hardly wait to go back again soon!

We wanted something quick and relatively healthy so went into Cafe Istanbul after seeing their lunchtime offers. We both got wraps, 1 lamb and 1 chicken and both came with fries. They came shortly after and looked quite substantial. They were really tasty and at £32 for the food and a couple of drinks wasn't too bad. I'd definitely go back.

Waitress was to busy talking . And also seamed stressed about failing her exam.

Nice Turkish restaurant... Went there while waiting in line for Dishoom ! :-)

Second visit love this place highly recommend

Tasty, fresh food. Defo recommend it

Nice venue, stylish and comfortable. Great food, some of it prepared in the open kitchen. The service was fabulous, particularly Abdul, helpful and attentive without being in your face. Impressed.

Le saumon servi sentait très mauvais, retour en cuisine mais pas de rabais sur la note pour autant. La garniture servie avec la daurade est vraiment très pauvre et pas assaisonnée. Le thé commandé n'a pas été servi mais bien facturé. Pas de verres pour la boisson. Je me demande comment cet établissement peut recevoir aussi souvent une note de 5/5...