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1. HAYDARI
EGGPLANT SALAD
ISTANBUL SPECIAL SALAD
HOT MIX
About
Istanbul Restaurant Cary
Welcome to Istanbul Restaurant Cary, where the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine come alive right in the heart of Cary, North Carolina. Nestled at 914 Kildaire Farm Rd, this warm and inviting establishment offers a delightful journey through the culinary traditions of Turkey.
For those seeking an authentic taste of Istanbul, this restaurant is certainly a must-visit. Customers rave about the meticulously crafted dishes, which range from tender lamb chops to savory pitas. Frank Moynihan, a satisfied diner, notes that the food is not only fresh and delicious but also served in perfectly sized portions. Don’t leave without indulging in their Turkish coffee and a selection of teas — they are simply divine.
While some might find the atmosphere less dynamic than anticipated, the stellar service more than compensates. Jamaal Jameel shared his experience of delightful dishes served promptly, even amidst a busy dining room. A mixed platter that serves four boasted an impressive variety of chicken kabobs, beef and lamb kofta, and succulent yeero meat on a bed of fluffy rice, all adorned with roasted tomatoes and hot peppers — a culinary feast that left an indelible impression.
Family-friendly dining is part of the charm at Istanbul Restaurant Cary. Abdulla Hida talks about his memorable experience enjoying a mixed grill platter, which features a harmonious blend of lamb, chicken, and kofta, perfectly paired with their fresh bread, dips, rice, and salad. The friendly and attentive staff only heightens the overall dining experience.
Another highlight that should not be overlooked is the satisfying selection of cold appetizers. Many diners recommend the baba ghanoush, a delectable spread that has received praise as one of the best around. And if you're a fan of sweet indulgences, make sure to try the baklava — it’s a wonderful treat to savor after your meal, as shared by “goodvibeswithnora.”
In conclusion, Istanbul Restaurant Cary stands as a bastion of delectable Middle Eastern flavors, making it a top choice for anyone looking for a hearty and healthy meal. From the enticing menu options to the attentive service, this spot promises a satisfying dining experience that will keep you returning for more.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ If you’re looking for Middle Eastern cuisine look no further than. Istanbul restaurant has a wide variety of menu options. Their food is fresh, delicious and right sized portions. From their lamb chops to pitas you won’t be disappointed. Don’t forget to try their Turkish coffees and teas YUM! Service was top notch. Highly recommend Istanbul Restaurant for a healthy yummy meal. ”
“ The food here is so delicious! Very fair pricing and very nice portions. Atmosphere is lacking, but the service and food taste/quality make up for it. We happened to come just before a rush, so it took a while for our order to be taken and for the free bread & olive oil (with bits of olive in it to come out). But I can’t count against that in my overall rating because it was apparent they were short staffed. We were lucky to get our order in first before all those that came in after us, and surprisingly, it only took about 15 minutes (so not bad since we were scarfing down the complimentary bread and dip). We got a HUGE mixed platter for four and a couple other dishes for the kids. Chicken kabobs, chicken kofta, beef/lamb kofta, and yeero meat served over a bed of rice and garnished with some roasted tomatoes and hot peppers. I almost forgot, we got cubed liver as an appetizer (garnished with onion and sumac - I think), and I got a yogurt drink. Overall, super pleased with our dinner that evening! ”
“ Cold appetizer plate was good. Doner Kebab was not the best, but still is tasty. In their menu, there are more options to taste. ”
“ Istanbul Turkish Restaurant never disappoints. This time I went with the mixed grill platter. It included lamb, chicken and kofta. Everything was perfect from their bread and dip to the meat and rice and salad. Great family atmosphere and good vibes. The staff is friendly and attentive. Highly recommend! ”
“ We were greeted by two very kind people, and were served with delicious food! The food was warm and rich in flavor. We talked to the waiters about our upcoming visit to turkey and they gave us good advice about our travels. While waiting for the check, we were surprised by complementary tea that was very delicious. After, they gave us another free treat of baklava. The baklava was my favorite part of the meal as it was flavorful and had a great texture. My dad says that he had the best baba ghanoush that he’s ever had. My family and I highly recommend this restaurant. ”
“ We ordered 7 dishes and all of them are good, except falafel. The service is casually nice and friendly attentive. Each menu of different meat: kabob, lamb shop, beef and chicken is smoky and tasty. We left this place highly satisfied. ”
“ My first time eating Turkish food and it didn’t disappoint me. It was full of delicious flavors and textures, sultan sherbet and Turkish coffee my drinks and #20 & #23 my meals, everything amazing in each bite. ”
“ Istanbul Restaurant is my new favorite place! I've wanted to explore Turkish food for a while and it did not disappoint. Highly recommend. Everything I've eaten here has been for lunch, and has been fresh, tasty, and well-priced. Service was incredibly friendly and kind. They've done a great job in creating a nice, easygoing atmosphere with a mix of Turkish decor and music. A lot of options are vegetable-heavy with good protein. So far: - The cold mix is awesome! Really nice mix of 6 or 7 dips and grape leaves. Great diversity of flavors, and probably the best baba ganouj I've ever had. Pair them with the pide bread they bring you. - The kofte kabab (lamb and beef) was cooked perfectly. Moist and with great flavor in the seasoning. The pilaf it comes with is also seasoned well. And you get haydari (similar to tzatziki) to dip the kabab in, which is a nice creamy complement to the meat. - The lahmacun (beef) had a great depth flavor. It's kind of like a really thin crust, personal-sized pizza in some ways. Great for dipping in the haydari, or the oil/herb mix that comes with the table bread (pide). - The table bread, called pide, is really soft, even after coming home with me and sitting in the fridge for a day or two. - The baklava and teas are also great. I really like the amount of tea they give you because it's a smaller glass that's nicer than a big mug after such a hearty meal. (And also, who doesn't like a cute little glass?) :) ”