Cafe Istanbul
Advertisements
Quick info
About Cafe Istanbul
Cafe Istanbul is a Turkish restaurant at 79-81 Bridge St in Manchester, and it has nearly 40 years of experience as the longest-established independent Turkish restaurant in the city. Dishes are cooked to order on a coal fire grill, and the menu covers Turkish and Mediterranean food. Kebabs, savoury rice dishes and mezze platters sit on the list, and the mixed grill comes as a chicken shish skewer and a lamb skewer. Lahmacun is also on the menu, and cheese künefe is available for dessert. Vegetarians have an extensive choice of dishes, and the restaurant keeps a wine list for those who want a glass with the meal.
Advertisements
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention mixed grill, lahmacun, cheese kunefe and baklava with ice cream.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention mixed grill, lahmacun, cheese kunefe and baklava with ice cream.
Customer Review Summary
Diners most often single out the grilled meat, with the mixed grill praised as well seasoned and cooked just right, and the meat described as tender and juicy. Close behind are the lahmacun, cold mezze, minced meat pide, chicken wings and cheese kunefe, with one reviewer calling the baklava and ice cream the best they have had, and another praising the sultans dream. Several describe friendly, welcoming staff and real Turkish tea. The recurring complaint is portion size against price. One reviewer found a mixed grill of one chicken shish skewer and one lamb skewer not much meat, and another reported six or seven pieces of meat with small rice and salad. A third called the meal expensive for the flavour. One group booking found half the menu sold out at a mid-afternoon Sunday lunch in a nearly empty dining room, forcing them to choose from what remained. Even so, the meat there was called delicious, and one reviewer who found the meal expensive still plans to return.
Customer Review Summary
Diners most often single out the grilled meat, with the mixed grill praised as well seasoned and cooked just right, and the meat described as tender and juicy. Close behind are the lahmacun, cold mezze, minced meat pide, chicken wings and cheese kunefe, with one reviewer calling the baklava and ice cream the best they have had, and another praising the sultans dream. Several describe friendly, welcoming staff and real Turkish tea. The recurring complaint is portion size against price. One reviewer found a mixed grill of one chicken shish skewer and one lamb skewer not much meat, and another reported six or seven pieces of meat with small rice and salad. A third called the meal expensive for the flavour. One group booking found half the menu sold out at a mid-afternoon Sunday lunch in a nearly empty dining room, forcing them to choose from what remained. Even so, the meat there was called delicious, and one reviewer who found the meal expensive still plans to return.
Featured reviews
- Paul Jackson
“Good food card and nice friendly service. We came midweek and it was surprisingly quiet. I love the hussle bussle and the vibrant chatter of fellow diners which has been the case when we have been previously. The food is lovely and decent amounts. We'll return again as we do like this place”
- Katherine Keango
“Amazing food 😋…had the sultans dream which was so delicious. Also had the baklava and ice cream for dessert. Best baklava I’ve ever had”
- Ayse Candas
“Cafe İstanbul in Manchester truly delivers the authentic Turkish flavors we were craving! Mustafa Burak’s warm hospitality and friendly service made our dining experience even better. We had the minced meat pide and chicken wings—both excellent. Finally, a restaurant in the UK that makes genuine Turkish salad just the way it should be! Thanks a bunch for the real tea and keep up the great quality🙏🏻”
- Victoria Juc
“Everything was a must. The chefs , the waiter were amazing and helpful, the food was excellent. I’ve been craving this specific food for 3 days and they really made it exactly as I wanted. I would totally come back and I wish you would too.”
- Ehsan
“An outstanding experience from start to finish. The atmosphere is warm, relaxing, and beautifully designed, making it a perfect place to enjoy a meal. Everything was exceptionally clean and well-maintained, which really stood out. The staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and attentive, providing excellent service throughout our visit. The food quality was exceptional. The meat was perfectly cooked—tender, juicy, incredibly fresh, and full of flavour. Every dish was prepared with great care using high-quality ingredients. If you’re looking for delicious food, a fantastic atmosphere, and outstanding hospitality, I highly recommend Cafe Istanbul. I’ll definitely be coming back.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Savour the delicious flavours of Turkish cuisine at Cafe Istanbul. We are the longest-established independent Turkish restaurant in Manchester, with nearly 40 years of experience serving delicious and authentic Turkish and Mediterranean food to everyone. Whether you like kebabs, savoury rice dishes or even mezze platters–we have you covered. All our dishes are prepared using only fresh and best-quality ingredients and cooked to order on our coal fire grill for that authentic and mouth-watering taste. Not just that, we even have an extensive option for vegetarians and wine lovers! At our restaurant, we care for your complete satisfaction, so everything from the ambience to the service is taken care of. Book a table with us today.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible seating · Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Location
Restaurants near Cafe Istanbul
- Bem Brasil Deansgate4.79,2790 miVegetarian optionsWheelchair accessibleGood for kids
unlimited sides, lamb and gammon, beef stew
- 0.1 miWheelchair accessible
50% off deal, halloumi bites, lamb chops
- La Bandera4.51,3370.1 mi
carrilleras de cerdo, pulpo a la gallega, tortilla española
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cafe Istanbul | 4.41,436 | — | mixed grill, lahmacun, cheese kunefe |
| Bem Brasil DeansgateVegetarian options · Wheelchair accessible · Good for kids | 4.79,279 | 0 mi | unlimited sides, lamb and gammon, beef stew |
| OCASA | Mexican Restaurant and Bar in ManchesterWheelchair accessible | 3.6265 | 0.1 mi | 50% off deal, halloumi bites, lamb chops |
| La Bandera | 4.51,337 | 0.1 mi | carrilleras de cerdo, pulpo a la gallega, tortilla española |
The 3 nearest restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
Similar Restaurants nearby
0.1 miSix by Nico Deansgate
0.1 miThe Oast House - Manchester
0.1 miEggslut Manchester
0.1 miComptoir Libanais Manchester
0.1 miThaikhun
0.1 miLas Iguanas - Manchester - Deansgate
0.1 miNando's Manchester - Spinningfields
0.1 miEl Gato Negro Tapas Manchester
More to explore in Manchester
427 places
Restaurants in Manchester
Photo: MyLahore Manchester · 4.7 · 21,838 Google reviews
See all 427 restaurants in Manchester
4.5 · Only Yu Oriental CuisineChinese restaurants
55 places
4.9 · Circolo Popolare ManchesterItalian restaurants
24 places
4.6 · Nùr Cafe ManchesterCafes
84 places
4.9 · Boom Battle Bar Manchester PrintworksBars
182 places