Istanbul Hawai'i — Restaurant in Honolulu

Once we got in and seated...(ahh Honolulu...make your reservations as far in advance as possible, as this is where all the people come) our mouths and stomachs had a fantastic experience. Getting seated was tough...the website has the language "If a reservation is not available at your preferred time, we do save seating for walk-ins. Please give us a call or email to us, when you can not make a reservation via OpenTable We will do our best to accommodate you & your guests." That made us feel good when we couldn't make a reservation, but when we called the person we spoke with was very discouraging, telling us they were all booked up, an eventually telling us she could make a late reservation at "the counter" where "no one would want to sit." So either you do accommodate walk-ins, or you don't...if you do, you shouldn't overbook your restaurant and allow for people to walk in even if it will be a long wait to accommodate.

Anyhoo...we got seated eventually, and from that point on, even at the counter where "no one would want to sit" we loved everything.

I had the Evil Eye Cocktail which is bourbon based with some date and other flavors. Took several sips for the unique flavors of this cocktail to come through over the initial "standard old fashioned" flavors but once it did it was great.

There are many, many vegetarian options here (gluten free too) which are clearly labeled on their menu, making us feel quite welcome.

We shared the Meze Platter which featured most of the items from the chilled maze section, plus pita and more. The babaganush was uniquely foamy and delicious.

It's nice that restaurants are embracing vegetarian "meats" such as "Impossible" to create authentic tasting versions of dishes that we wouldn't normally get to it. In this case it was the Vegan Izmir Kofte which featured well flavored Impossible "meat". The rice it was served on was great, and the tahini it came with was unique, almost sweet and lovely to dip the “meat” in.

We also shared the Tahini Chocolate Custard with Turkish Pistachio Delight for dessert. The toppings were phenomenal. I wanted so much more of the Turkish pistachio delight, and sesame candy too! The custard it self was rich not so sweet and thick and probably the least interesting part of the dish. If we were able to come again we'd get more of their house made Turkish delight which also come in rose and pomegranate flavors. Yum!

Mediterranean food isn't often at the top of the list of what I want to eat, but when it is, it should be exactly the food they serve here...even if you have to sit at...

Istanbul Hawai’i has been open for a couple of years now, and Chef Ahu and her team have evidently built a local and international fan following. I initially reviewed this restaurant back in 2021 after first eating there with my wife and being blown away by the authentic Turkish cuisine & incredible care put into every dish.

I have to say that the place continues to impress beyond expectations, and after another meal there for a large family gathering last night, I remain awed by the quality and flavours we experienced. From appetisers to main courses to desserts and beverages, every item was delectable & thoroughly enjoyed by every person at the table. There was not a single complaint, and the team went above and beyond to meet our needs.

There are specialities on the menu that one cannot find anywhere else in Hawai’i, and certain things that are hard to find anywhere outside of Turkiye, period. The su borek and saganaki are particularly excellent starters, for example; and getting genuine versions of these in Hawai’i was previously unthinkable! The same is especially true for a dessert like Künefe. It’s amazing, it’s very hard to make properly, it’s very uncommon to encounter it any place besides quality dessert spots in Turkiye. But thanks to Ahu and her team, such a possibility now exists for residents of O’ahu.

Note: the restaurant is somewhat expensive; but to have this level of quality & excellence in Kaka’ako (or anywhere in Honolulu) is rare. We definitely get what we pay for here, and it’s worth it.

Overall, I simply cannot say enough about Istanbul Hawai’i. It really is one of our favourite restaurants in the world and every accolade that Ahu receives for her incredibly hard work is well deserved. She oversees the prep, the finishing of every dish, the function of the team, the satisfaction of the patrons, the ins and outs and everything in between; it’s obvious when one sees her or talks to her inside the restaurant how much she cares and it comes through in the food and the ambience of the place.

Istanbul Hawai’i: still a grand success, and only getting better as it firmly establishes itself as an iconic Turkish gem in the middle of the deep blue Pacific.

Hepinize çok teşekkür ederiz, gerçekten. Size müteşekkiriz! Aloha...

Nestled in the heart of Honolulu, Istanbul Hawaii offers an enchanting escape to the Mediterranean with its vibrant flavors and inviting ambiance. As soon as you step inside, you're greeted with warm hospitality and a beautifully decorated interior that transports you to the bustling streets of Istanbul.

The menu at Istanbul Hawaii is a delightful blend of traditional Mediterranean dishes and contemporary twists. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring an authentic and memorable dining experience. Highlights include their succulent lamb kebabs, flavorful falafel, and a variety of mezes that are perfect for sharing. The hummus and baba ganoush are creamy and delicious, providing a perfect start to your meal.

One of the standout features of Istanbul Hawaii is its dedication to quality and authenticity. The chefs take pride in crafting each dish with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in flavors that are both bold and nuanced. The spices are perfectly balanced, and the presentation is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

The service at Istanbul Hawaii is exceptional, with a team of friendly and knowledgeable staff who are eager to guide you through the menu and offer recommendations based on your preferences. Whether you're a longtime fan of Mediterranean cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore, the staff ensures you have a delightful and informed dining experience.

The atmosphere is cozy yet lively, making it an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy your meal while taking in the beautiful Hawaiian weather.

In addition to its delicious food and inviting atmosphere, Istanbul Hawaii also boasts a carefully curated selection of wines and cocktails that complement the Mediterranean flavors perfectly. The beverage menu includes a variety of options, from traditional Turkish teas to refreshing cocktails inspired by the region.

Overall, Istanbul Hawaii is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and enjoyable Mediterranean dining experience in Honolulu. With its delicious food, excellent service, and charming ambiance, it truly stands out as a culinary gem...