CAFE ISTANBUL

Upon arrival, I immediately sensed that the atmosphere was a bit off. The entrance was congested with patrons waiting to be seated, so I stepped aside near an empty table to avoid blocking the walkway. At that moment, a tall, older gentleman—presumably the server—approached and gave me a look that felt more confrontational than welcoming, as if my presence there was an inconvenience. It confirmed my initial impression that the energy in the space was uninviting. Nevertheless, out of respect for my guest, who was excited to try Mediterranean cuisine, I decided to overlook it. Once seated, we were given menus, but nearly ten minutes passed without anyone acknowledging us or offering beverages. We flagged down a female staff member to inquire when someone might take our order. She informed us that there was only one server (the same gentleman) and that he was assisting tables based on arrival order. Despite this explanation, we observed guests who arrived after us being served, while we continued to wait without even a glass of water or drink offer. We eventually requested two beers from the same staff member. By the time the server finally approached our table to take our food order, I had already decided not to proceed. I expressed my dissatisfaction and declined to order. My guest and I finished our drinks and promptly left. Unfortunately, based on this experience, I will not be returning—nor would I recommend this establishment to others. RESPONSE TO OWNER: Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately, your emotional tone and lack of accountability only reinforce the very concerns I raised in my original review—namely, the dismissive service and lack of respect toward patrons. Rather than taking a moment to reflect on a possible breakdown in customer service, you’ve chosen to respond with sarcasm and paint me as an entitled or impatient guest. That kind of deflection speaks volumes. Thankfully, level-headed readers can see through the arrogance and recognize this for what it is: a missed opportunity to learn, grow, and do better. That said, I truly wish your business continued success. May you, your staff, and your customers be blessed—and may you strive to create an environment where all patrons feel welcomed and valued, regardless of their ethnicity or background.

Tabolueh was really good. Overall vibes are nice, nothing out of this world but good place to try Turkish food and expand your palate. Baklava could be crispier. Coffee was good

Best baba ghanoush in the island! Be patient because service is great but is always busy…. But sooo worth it! It’s on a Main Street and there is very little parking spaces, but you can find a spot on a secondary street around the corner. This cafe has been here almost 20 years… I am sad I have missed so many years of their fabulous food! A Turkish coffee and baklava seal the deal for a great lunch experience

What a wonderful place! The food is delicious, and the staff are very friendly. I highly recommend this place!

We decided to visit after seeing Chef Piñeiro’s post on Instagram and ordered the mixed gyros for takeout. The meat was very tasty, well-seasoned, and the sauce complemented it perfectly. Portions were generous and satisfying. It’s a small spot with limited parking, but definitely worth it for the flavor and quality of the food. A nice change of pace and a different cuisine experience if you’re looking to try something new.