Istanbul Restaurant Atlanta — Restaurant in Doraville

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Hidden Mediterranean Gem in Atlanta — A Truly Unforgettable Dining Experience!

I rarely write reviews, but my recent experience at Istanbul Restaurant in Atlanta was nothing short of exceptional — and I felt compelled to share just how impressed I was.

From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with warmth and hospitality that instantly made us feel like part of the family. The atmosphere perfectly balances traditional Turkish charm with a modern, upscale touch. Soft lighting, elegant décor, and gentle Mediterranean music in the background created a serene and inviting vibe, ideal for both romantic dinners and group celebrations.

Now let’s talk about the food — the absolute star of the show. Every dish we tried was a celebration of authentic Mediterranean flavors, beautifully plated and thoughtfully prepared. The mezze platter was the perfect way to start: creamy hummus, smoky baba ghanoush, tangy ezme, and dolmas that melted in your mouth. The fresh-baked lavash bread, warm and fluffy with a crisp outer layer, came straight from the oven and paired perfectly with all the dips.

For our mains, we had the Adana kebab and the grilled lamb chops — both were cooked to perfection, seasoned with the kind of care and technique that only a master chef can deliver. The meats were tender and juicy, with just the right amount of char from the grill. The accompanying rice and salad were fresh, vibrant, and balanced the richness of the meats beautifully. My vegetarian friend ordered the stuffed eggplant (Imam Bayildi) and could not stop raving about it. Even the falafel — often overlooked — was crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, and full of bold flavor.

Istanbul Restaurant has also introduced some new dishes and specials that reflect their evolving menu, and it’s clear the chef takes pride in offering an experience that’s both deeply rooted in tradition and creatively modern. There’s a new seafood selection, including grilled branzino that looked absolutely stunning on neighboring tables — I’m definitely coming back for that!

What stood out the most was the impeccable service. Our server was attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely enthusiastic about the restaurant’s story and food. We felt taken care of the entire evening.

To end the night, we were treated to house-made baklava and Turkish tea, and let me tell you — that baklava alone is worth the visit. Delicately sweet, flaky, and rich with pistachios, it was one of the best I’ve ever had.

Whether you’re a lifelong lover of Mediterranean cuisine or new to Turkish food, Istanbul Restaurant is an absolute must-visit in Atlanta. It’s not just a meal — it’s a full cultural experience that engages all your senses and leaves you feeling both satisfied and appreciated.

Highly, highly recommend. I can’t wait to come back and try more from their...

The only reason I’m giving 2 stars is because the staff was very kind — but unfortunately, our experience at Istanbul Restaurant in Doraville was upsetting. While sometimes one person getting sick could be from something else, all three of us — my husband, our 1.5-year-old daughter, and I — got sick after eating here. Our daughter vomited three times, and it was the first time we’ve ever seen her that sick — it truly scared us.

We suspect the issue came from the lahmacun or beyti. The restaurant was also extremely warm — my husband was sweating so much that the staff brought him napkins to wipe his face. That made us later question how safely the food was being stored or handled.

I spoke with Kübra, who was polite and thanked me for letting her know. She asked if it could have been something I ate earlier, but I hadn’t eaten anything for several hours before our visit. She also told me everything was fresh and that she would inform the kitchen — but unfortunately, that was the extent of the response.

It’s now the next day, and we’re still dealing with stomach issues, which makes this even more frustrating. For the price we paid, we expected a safe, pleasant meal — not a night of vomiting and lingering illness. We won’t be returning and don’t recommend this place, especially for families with...

Finally, a true to its roots Turkish restaurant in ATL. Opened mid-2025, Istanbul Restaurant Atlanta is one of the best showings of Turkish cuisine in the ATL for our taste buds. The tell tale sign of a good Turkish restaurant is their İskender. And they have a very good product. In addition we recommend lahmacun (make sure you eat it the right way: squeeze lemon, put tomatoes and parsley, and roll it like a cigar), and manti (Turkish dumplings with garlic yoghurt and dried mint). Nice decor and hard working Turkish chefs in the kitchen, makes Istanbul Restaurant Atlanta a must try for those interested in experiencing Turkish cousine as true to its origins as one can get in ATL. Areas that they can do better: a Turkish beer like Efes in their menu, some Turkish music, and expanding menu to mangal (grill) based foods like İnegöl köfte and grilled fish. Overall we think they are on a fantastic path and we will routinely be bringing our...