Istanbul Grill — Restaurant in Kissimmee

Rude, Unprofessional Staff – Avoid This Place!

Shockingly bad service. The restaurant claims to be open until 10:00 p.m., but when half of our party arrived at 9:00 p.m. to order for the entire group (with the rest joining shortly after), the server aggressively confronted us, demanding to know when the others would arrive. Despite assuring him we’d place a full order and leave by closing, he refused, saying, "If they’re not here now, we won’t serve you.” No apology, no flexibility—just outright hostility.

The place was completely empty—no customers inside or on the patio, as can been seen in the attached pictures—yet they’d rather turn away paying guests than accommodate a reasonable request. We walked out and took our business elsewhere, to a restaurant that actually values its customers.

Zero respect for patrons. Spend your money somewhere else.

The below is the response to the owner's reply to the above review.

Response to Owner’s Reply:

It’s audacious to claim you "investigated" this incident when you never once contacted us directly—despite our original review being emailed to your official address (as listed on your website) with my phone number clearly provided. Had you genuinely sought the truth, you would have called or emailed to hear our account, reviewed our timestamped evidence, and compared it with your staff’s version.

Instead, your reply—posted near midnight—suggests either:

You blindly took the word of the very staff member accused of hostility, or

That staff member (likely the manager on duty) replied "on your behalf" to dismiss a complaint about his own conduct.

We arrived at 9:00 p.m. (not 9:58 p.m.), and your staff refused service immediately upon learning our full party hadn’t arrived. We never waited until 9:58 p.m.—we left within minutes after being turned away.

Had you contacted us, we would have shown you:

Google Maps Timeline data proving our arrival/departure times

Timestamped photos of your completely empty dining room and patio (taken at 9:05 p.m.)

Your refusal to gather evidence before labeling our review "false" reveals your priority: silencing criticism, not improving service. We’ve reviewed your other responses to negative feedback—you routinely dismiss patrons’ experiences as lies without meaningful investigation. Multiple reviews cite similar incidents of staff refusing service near closing time.

We stand by every detail of our original review. Until you engage sincerely with customers’ documented grievances, we’ll continue correcting your...

My family and I recently had the pleasure of dining at Istanbul Grill in Orlando, and it turned out to be one of the most delightful culinary experiences we’ve had on this trip. From the moment we stepped into the restaurant, we were warmly welcomed and immediately impressed by the cozy, elegant atmosphere that made us feel like we had been transported straight to Turkey.

We decided to order a variety of dishes to share, allowing each of us to try something different. The Adana Kebab was a family favorite — perfectly spiced and grilled with incredible tenderness. The Iskender Kebab was equally impressive, served over crispy bread and topped with rich tomato sauce and yogurt — a flavorful and comforting dish that brought smiles to all our faces. The lamb ribs were cooked to perfection — juicy, flavorful, and falling right off the bone.

To start, we enjoyed a creamy and smooth hummus served with freshly baked warm bread — simple but incredibly satisfying. We also ordered the Lahmacun, which had just the right amount of seasoning and a delightful crispy crust. As a fun touch, we added the mozzarella cheese bites — golden, crunchy, and a hit especially with the kids.

To finish off the meal, we treated ourselves to traditional Turkish tea and coffee, which added a warm and authentic end to our experience. We couldn’t resist the baklava — sweet, flaky, and filled with the rich flavor of pistachios. It was the perfect dessert to close an unforgettable meal.

Every item was fresh, beautifully presented, and bursting with authentic flavor. The staff were attentive, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. They made sure we were comfortable throughout and explained the dishes with great care and enthusiasm.

The restaurant itself was spotless and tastefully decorated, creating a setting that was both relaxed and refined — perfect for a family outing or even a special occasion. Istanbul Grill exceeded all of our expectations, and we’re already looking forward to coming back on our next visit to Orlando.

If you’re searching for real Turkish cuisine served with heart and hospitality, Istanbul Grill is the place to go. Highly...

Istanbul Grill: A Culinary Journey to Turkey

Istanbul Grill is a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Kissimmee, offering an authentic taste of Turkish cuisine. Let’s dive into the highlights:

Food: The moment you step inside Istanbul Grill, the aroma of freshly grilled meats and spices envelops you. The grill platter is a carnivore’s dream—a generous serving of succulent lamb, and chicken kebabs, perfectly seasoned and charred. Each bite transports you to the bustling streets of Istanbul. And don’t miss the lavash bread, warm and pillowy, served alongside your meal. It’s the ideal vessel for savoring every morsel.

Atmosphere: Istanbul Grill strikes a balance between modern elegance and traditional charm. The warm lighting, intricate patterns, and Turkish music create an inviting ambiance. Whether you’re dining with friends, family, or a special someone, the cozy setting sets the stage for a memorable experience.

Service: While the overall service is friendly, there’s room for improvement. Some guests have noted occasional hiccups, such as delays in refilling drinks or minor mix-ups with orders. However, the staff’s genuine warmth and willingness to accommodate make up for these small lapses.

Now, let’s talk about dessert—the sweet finale to any meal. Istanbul Grill offers two delightful options:

Kanufa: This traditional Middle Eastern dessert features layers of shredded phyllo dough soaked in sweet syrup and topped with crushed pistachios. The contrast of textures—crispy, syrup-soaked layers and crunchy nuts—is divine.

Pistachio Roll with Turkish Ice Cream: Imagine a soft, nutty roll filled with creamy Turkish ice cream. The pistachio flavor shines through, and the ice cream’s elasticity adds a playful twist. It’s a delightful way to end your feast.

In summary, Istanbul Grill is a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of Turkey. While the service could use a bit of fine-tuning, the overall experience is delightful. Make a reservation, bring your appetite, and embark on a culinary journey at...