Istanbul Cafe Bistro

Reviews

• Reginald W.

  star star star star star 7 June 2026

  We've been here six or seven times in the month we've been in London. Everything we've eaten, hot and cold Menze, Istanbul chicken with mushroom sauce (delectable) stuffed eggplant, moussaka, calamari appetizers, Turkish coffee and tea--all have been superb.
  
  Every server we've had has been gracious and accommodating. However, the place can get busy--seems to be very popular, with good reason--so food may be a little slow in coming sometimes. Always worth it. The lovely outdoor sitting area is great, too. Only drawback is that they allow smoking outside which can make sitting in that lovely area not so good sometimes.

• Grahame G.

  star star star star_border star_border 30 May 2026

  It's hard to miss this place as it almost seems to be part of Great Portland Street tube station. I was passing and hungry and, having no better inspiration on places suitable for a non-meat eater nearby, developed a sudden craving for some hummus.
  
  I had a mixed meze to start with, which was beautifully presented and just a good size to quell my rumbling stomach; then decided on the swordfish with baby roast potatoes and garnish - a nicely-cooked piece of fish, although not terribly large, simply presented and tasty.
  
  I finished off with a slab of halva, which came on a wee chopping board, and of course a Turkish coffee; the latter item getting the prize for the best-presented dish of the evening. It came on a small platter with the cup inside an ornate metal container with lid, and a glass of lemon water and another small glass containing what appeared to be a small rose. Fantastic.
  
  The reason I'm only giving three stars is the service. Although things started well and the first two dishes arrived very promptly, the girl serving me seemed to forget about me after that and I waited a good 20 minutes before flagging another server to inquire about dessert. The place was pretty empty when I arrived - most people were sitting outside because of the hot evening - but that's no excuse. Another star comes off for the fug of smoke you have to endure when you walk through the outside tables, which seems to double as a shisha bar - another reason I opted for an inside table.

• Brian D.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 25 May 2026

  I came here looking for a kebab.  Simple right?  Nope.  Got an under seasoned plate of meat.  Fail.  Edit:  and they dont take Amex...save yourself the time and hit the tesco across the street.

• Nicole H.

  star star star star_border star_border 23 May 2026

  Not much to say about it. The restaurant portrays itself as a Turkish cafe, and they certainly have Turkish style food, but it was average food at best. Maybe the coffee and pastry are good, but I wouldn't come here for the entrees. We each had a lamb platter, and it was pretty bland and boring. The only thing exciting our tastebuds was the chili sauce. Portions were skimpy for the price. The staff were only present to take our order and bring our food. We had to chase them down for the bill. By the end of the meal I wish we had gone across the street to the pizza express because I feel it would have been a better value for the money.

• Lindsay J.

  star star star star star 16 May 2026

  This was the first place we ate upon arrival in the UK. We were tired, travel-weary, hungry, and trying to make the best of our first day of travel. We were looking for coffee and happened upon the Istanbul Cafe Bistro and it looked warm and inviting. We were greeted promptly, sat down and stared taking in the menu. I choose a breakfast sandwich with bacon and eggs (adding cheese) and my travel companion chose the bacon and tomato sandwich. Both were incredibly simple but delicious. A word for those who don't know, British bacon is a cross between what Americans are used to and Canadian bacon. It is not cooked crisp, but is thicker and has more meat to it. It's delicious. My eggs were over medium, the bread was lightly toasted and the cheese was a sharp white cheddar. We both gobbled down our meal and enjoyed a delicious white coffee as well..the rest of the menu looked interesting, with both Turkish inspired dishes and Italian. The staff was friendly and you can tell they take great pride in this greet restaurant.