Istanbul Grill Cafe & Bakery

We opted, as first timers, to get the mixed grill, basically a meat sampler of meats, lamb chops, chicken and other meats. Very good. The chicken was dry, but everything else was tender and juicy. The first item under appetizers was the sampler, that was extremely good. The baba ghanoush was the best we have ever had! Hummus was ok, the avocado feta was great. Falafel very good. Stuffed grape leaves delicious. Next trip that sampler will be my meal. Our waitress was knowledgeable but no check ins after we got our food, I wanted to ask for Taziki. Sauce. Our water glasses remained on empty. The bread they offer was a little chewy, but the second batch we asked for it to be a little crispy and it was much better We had a piece of the milk baklava for the price, not all that impressed and we got the four for 12 to go and I think the two of us each got one bite each. so that’s also pretty pricey for 2 small bites so next trip I’ll skip the baklava It just wasn’t that great. The place is big and beautiful. Looks like it could easily accommodate any size groups.

We opted, as first timers, to get the mixed grill, basically a meat sampler of meats, lamb chops, chicken and other meats. Very good. The chicken was dry, but everything else was tender and juicy. The first item under appetizers was the sampler, that was extremely good. The baba ghanoush was the best we have ever had! Hummus was ok, the avocado feta was great. Falafel very good. Stuffed grape leaves delicious. Next trip that sampler will be my meal. Our waitress was knowledgeable but no check ins after we got our food, I wanted to ask for Taziki. Sauce. Our water glasses remained on empty. The bread they offer was a little chewy, but the second batch we asked for it to be a little crispy and it was much better We had a piece of the milk baklava for the price, not all that impressed and we got the four for 12 to go and I think the two of us each got one bite each. so that’s also pretty pricey for 2 small bites so next trip I’ll skip the baklava It just wasn’t that great. The place is big and beautiful. Looks like it could easily accommodate any size groups.

WOW! I remember when Istanbul Grill popped up earlier this year, but I never bothered to try it until just recently. For a family member's birthday present, we ordered takeout and we were really happy at not only the quality of the food, but the taste as well. Today, we decided to give them a second try after the first went so well for a New Year's Eve lunch. We ordered takeout for the rest of the family, but we got to experience the friendliness of the staff as we waited for the food to be cooked and packaged up. Deniz was extremely friendly, told us that we could take a seat at a table while waiting, and even gave us some bread, dip, and water. We had ordered two coffees as well and got to enjoy them while we waited for the rest of our takeout order. Just a great experience overall and I am very appreciative of the kindness of the staff, the taste and quality of the food, and the fact that we have authentic Turkish food here in Iowa! We ordered the baba ghanoush, an order of Turkish bread, the Sultan's Delight, a side order of bulgur, and a vegetarian pide which we enjoyed at home. I'm not someone who eats eggplant of any form , but the Sultan's Delight was smoky and incredible. A great way to dip the bread as well. The pide was really good, bulgur and baba ghanoush hit the spot, and we were very glad we ordered the Turkish bread to dip in both the Sultan's Delight and baba ghanoush. This is definitely going to be a place we frequent often, and I'm looking forward to experiencing the full dine-in experience next time! We also tried some of the baklava, and the pistachio one is absolutely amazing. February 7th, 2026 update - My family and I dined in and it was fantastic. Everyone was friendly, the food was great, and this is definitely our favorite restaurant near where we live!

WOW! I remember when Istanbul Grill popped up earlier this year, but I never bothered to try it until just recently. For a family member's birthday present, we ordered takeout and we were really happy at not only the quality of the food, but the taste as well. Today, we decided to give them a second try after the first went so well for a New Year's Eve lunch. We ordered takeout for the rest of the family, but we got to experience the friendliness of the staff as we waited for the food to be cooked and packaged up. Deniz was extremely friendly, told us that we could take a seat at a table while waiting, and even gave us some bread, dip, and water. We had ordered two coffees as well and got to enjoy them while we waited for the rest of our takeout order. Just a great experience overall and I am very appreciative of the kindness of the staff, the taste and quality of the food, and the fact that we have authentic Turkish food here in Iowa! We ordered the baba ghanoush, an order of Turkish bread, the Sultan's Delight, a side order of bulgur, and a vegetarian pide which we enjoyed at home. I'm not someone who eats eggplant of any form , but the Sultan's Delight was smoky and incredible. A great way to dip the bread as well. The pide was really good, bulgur and baba ghanoush hit the spot, and we were very glad we ordered the Turkish bread to dip in both the Sultan's Delight and baba ghanoush. This is definitely going to be a place we frequent often, and I'm looking forward to experiencing the full dine-in experience next time! We also tried some of the baklava, and the pistachio one is absolutely amazing. February 7th, 2026 update - My family and I dined in and it was fantastic. Everyone was friendly, the food was great, and this is definitely our favorite restaurant near where we live!

I live in the Urbandale area and Istanbul Grill & Café/Bakery is easily one of my absolute favorite restaurants, 10/10! I’ve been here multiple times, and it has become my go-to spot for special occasions because the food is consistently incredible. Everything is high-quality and flavorful. My favorite dish is the Sultan’s Delight. It is tender marinated beef served over eggplant purée. Even if you think you don’t like eggplant, this dish is so amazing it might change your mind. I also got the mixed appetizer platter. It’s perfect if you love trying new cuisines. The desserts are also amazing. I usually get the baklava, which is made in-house and I would say the best I’ve had in Iowa. But for this meal I got the creme brulee instead, still to die for. The atmosphere is always calm, ideal for a dinner date or family outing.