Istanbul Lounge & Cafe — Restaurant in Calgary

It was happenstance, no, a coincidence (when two lights illuminate the same darkness) that brought me in to this deli market restaurant. I just missed the last of last Sunday's baked bagels at Montreal Bagel, on the corner of Elbow and Heritage. I was hoping for a quick bite around 3 or 4 in the afternoon. Well, there was Istanbul (Turkish for The City?) 2 doors down from Montreal Bagel, named after another beautiful city. How wonderfully both cosmopolitan and metropolitan! I walked in like a brick, not knowing really what this place was? (I won't say if I was on my stupid phone at the time of my brief oblivion. How would I know? I was oblivious! But the owner was not. I played the tape back in my head later. There were a couple welcoming my wander from a perfect distance as I racked my eyes down the wall of wooden shelves perfectly stocked with coffees and biscuits and other shapes with dark deep colours that swirled with carpets, pictures and deuces running the opposite entry wall? I think? I rounded the horn of shelvings and my eye landed on her, waiting in the perfect spot to welcome me! At the perfect distance. I found her quite attractive, about my age with jewellery that belonged on her. And then a man there. Yes, a family business. A serious family by the look of him keeping his serious business. Well, I said I'm sorry I'm sure the wind just kind of pushed me this way... (No. I didn't say that! But Leonard Cohen (Ed. note Robbie Robertson would have met Leonard on the Blue Train! My apologies to all of the people whom enjoyed Robbie's music and love! How could I have erred so sadly! This first draft review of Istanbul's is dedicated to Robbie Robertson. Slow your life fellow people, have a Turkish coffee and hum Robbie and Leonard songs warmly in your beautiful hearts! Thank you.) would have said it and would have been in the perfect place too!) As the two of us began a friendly turn together I noticed the coffee station. For the lack of the proper word I'll call it that. But it was something more than that. A lot of silver and steel and glass, grinders, mills, urns, grills and churns ( not sure what a churn is?) And beads? This was their open kitchen/ prep/service at the back of the more long than narrow place that is now our own little Istanbul! And a deli bunker, not massive, just roughly the size of perfect? And I will quickly share my apres pirouette ( Mon francaise, c'est tres mauve'! But my Turkish is getting better. My twirls seemed right. Oops! I mean left. Was the last one that lety eyes land on the perfect little weather-covered yet still gardeny balcony deck. Go to this place, be in this brand-new ancient space. And watch your eyes get caught by these swirly baked goods that I described to a Turk I know as looking like those oval rugs Gramma used to make out of worn-out nylon stockings ( they finally do wear out?) I'm sorry I can't remember the name but you say it differently than how I thought it should sound. About 5 letters, starts with a B? There's a K in there? A couple of those marks (there's a name for those slashes, dots and tents flouting above assortments of word letters?) It's about 5x8 inches of meat-filled delicate pastry and delicious on-my-go lunch. And a good lunch for me! I could easily put in a day's work on that meal! I ate every bit of it. (On a convenient set of steps out front) After a necessary moment of composure, I knew this coincidence was more than luck. I was meant to be here. And these people meant to have me. I assured the most warm, attentive and interested staff, now accumulated, that this swirling Canuck of a man will quickly return for what my guide assured me is the perfect cup of Turkish coffee. Exactly as they serve in Istanbul? Exactly right here, she smiled. Perfect. Elbow and Heritage. Parking right out front. Overflow, at back....

My husband and I went there tonight to eat for the first time. Very underwhelming experience to be honest. When we first walked in the door, there was kids running wild everywhere (one very small child running with a broom, and the others standing on tables and chairs and jumping all over/climbing over walls). We waited by the door for a few minutes, and were finally spoken to so decided to sit down. The table we sat at was dirty and had food stuck to the top of the table, so we asked if we could have a cloth to wipe it (which the young woman quickly got a cloth and wiped the table off while apologizing). We were given one menu at first and after a bit was offered a second one (which wasn't a huge deal). We decided to order the mezze platter which came with a choice of 4 items. We also ordered turkish tea and water. We ordered 2 main dishes to take out/home for the next days lunch (chicken shish platter and stuffed meatballs). The mezze platter was ok (quite bland in taste. The hummus was gritty and dry, but the salad was ok) We had bulger salad and stuffed grape leaves also. They were a little better. Everythjng was served with lemon to garnish) and looked nothing like their menu pictures. We paid and left with our takeout. Upon arriving home, we opened our meals to see them. My husband got a completely different meal than he ordered and paid for (stuffed dumplings instead of the meatballs). My chicken shish platter was missing the bread/pita, fries and looked unappealing compared to the description and photos online. The salad looked ok, but the serving size was minimal for what we paid (also considering they left out part of the meal).

The staff were friendly, but took a while to come back to the table or bring items we requested (or they forgot all together). It wasn't like they were busy, as we were pretty much the only customers in there at the time.

We...

“Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Cafe" is a real gem recently opened in the heart of Calgary. From the moment you step inside, you are transported to a cozy and inviting atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. The decor is a perfect mix of traditional and modern, with comfortable seating and warm lighting that adds to the overall ambiance of the cafe. The menu at Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Cafe offers a variety of authentic Turkish food and drinks, freshly prepared and served with a smile. From the savory appetizers to the delectable breakfast platters, every dish is crafted with care and attention to detail. I particularly enjoyed their succulent lahmacun, and freshly baked burek, which were bursting with flavor, not to mention very reasonable prices. The drinks at the cafe are also top-notch. They serve a wide variety of hot and cold beverages including Turkish tea, coffee, americano, cappuccino and traditional beverages like linden tea and salep, all of which are freshly brewed. Their signature drink, a frothy Turkish coffee, is a must-try for any coffee lover. But what truly sets Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Cafe apart is its exceptional service. The staff is friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the food and drink they serve. They go above and beyond to make sure every guest feels welcomed and well taken care of. Overall, I highly recommend Istanbul Grand Bazaar and Cafe to anyone looking for a taste of authentic Turkish food in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The food, drinks, and service are all top-notch, making it a must-visit spot for anyone living in or...