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Café Instanbul: Definitely Delightful

By
Industry Observer

Ever since my visit to Ephesus in Plano last month I have been craving more Turkish Food.  The flavors were so wonderful and vibrant that anytime someone says "What are you in the mood for?" my immediate response is Turkish!  Well, time does not always allow for the drive to Plano, so a friend recently suggested that we try Café Istanbul.  And I'm glad he did.

Café Istanbul is located in the Inwood Village shopping center at Lovers Lane and Inwood Road in Dallas.  Before we even sat down, I was excited because Café Istanbul has outside patio seating and the day I went there was an unusually cool day, so despite offering an inviting and comfortable dining room, al fresco dining was just the ticket that day!

The food at Café Istanbul was delicious.  We began our meal with the Meze Tabagi which is an appetizer platter.  You can choose 4 items from their cold appetizer selections to create the platter.  We chose their Humus, Kisir (Tabuleh), Acili and Beyaz Penir (Turkish Feta Cheese).  All of these choices were excellent.  They were all fresh and tasty in generous portions for 2 diners and satisfying, but not so filling that they left us too full for our entrées.

For an entrée, I had the Doner Durum, which was described on the menu as "Tenderized beef and lamb layers grilled in the vertical rotisserie, rolled in thin dough and served with yogurt sauce, tomato and cracked wheat (bulgur) pilaf on the side."  My dinner companion opted for the Kuzu Sis Kebap, "Skewered, tender lamb charbroiled with natural charcoal and served with rice, red cabbage and onions."  As with the appetizer, portions were nicely sized, well prepared and delicious. 

The staff were all friendly and attentive and the Turkish wines that we selected with our meal were both very good as well, so if you are looking for an authentic Turkish meal in the Dallas area, now you have 2 great choices and Café Istanbul is one of them!  Give it a try.

Comments (7)

Liz Moras Migic
Chilliwack, BC
Chilliwack, British Columbia - Realtor

Turkish - hmmm - is that like Lebanese?  I'm from Croatia originally - and Turkey is their favorite vacation destination outside of our own country.f....however I unfortunately have not been there.......but I do know how to make Turkish coffee !

Sep 20, 2008 02:20 PM
Steve Shatsky
Dallas, TX

Hi Liz... Turkish food is similar to Lebanese or Middle Eastern, but the seasonings are a bit different.  I want to go visit Turkey... maybe next year!

I love Turkish Coffee! Yum!

Sep 20, 2008 03:10 PM
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty - Spring, TX
Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro

STEVE, I LOVE to eat outdoors.  I'm not all that familiar with Turkish foods I guess I will have to keep my eyes open for a restaurant in my area.  Now for a few days I'm still in NYC so who knows maybe I will find one here.  There is a wide selection.

Sep 20, 2008 03:47 PM
Steve Shatsky
Dallas, TX

Hi Marchel... Like I told Liz (above), Turkish is similar to many middle eastern cuisines.  Very flavorful and well seasoned, but not spicy hot.  I am loving it.  Hope you are having a great trip to NYC! I am sure you can find Turkish food there.  :)

Sep 20, 2008 05:26 PM
Maureen McCabe
HER Realtors - Columbus, OH
Columbus Ohio Real Estate

We have a Turkish restaurant near by and it is wonderful. It is ugly, in a strip mall so I envy your outside eating...  We have only been a couple of times because they are so slow... if we are hungry, pressed for time, tired we rule it out.

I'm hungry for Turkish food now... Greek or any Middle Eastern would do.

Sep 21, 2008 08:59 AM
Steve Shatsky
Dallas, TX

Hi Maureen... When I lived in CMH there was a great Greek restaurant downtown I went to a few times.  Very upscale, but it is probably long gone.  I love mediteranean foods.  Yum.

Sep 21, 2008 10:41 AM
Maureen McCabe
HER Realtors - Columbus, OH
Columbus Ohio Real Estate

I can't think of a Greek place downtown.  Lots of turnover.

Sep 21, 2008 11:48 AM