Galata Halal Restaurant and Grill — Restaurant in Long Beach

I was rooting for this place and really was looking forward to trying it out... but alas, I left hangry as I was so upset by the poor food quality and lack of flavor. I will preface this review by saying that we did not order any meats and the customer service was great (which is why I gave one star). I also tipped 25% because they tried their best and it wasn't their fault the food was not edible.

I've worked and traveled to Istanbul for years for work and am VERY familiar with its amazing favors and spectacular cuisine. Which is why I found this restaurants's food so offensive, as it DOES NOT represent Turkish food at all. We ordered the vegetarian appetizer sampler, potatoes, falafel, Shepard salad and cheese rolls.

It was clear that the appetizer sampler all came out of a jar or a can. I could taste the preservatives in each bite. I was appalled by the lack of flavor the dolmas and eggplant had. As someone from a Middle Eastern background I know my humus, tabbouleh and baba ghanouj. They didn't even attempt to "doctor it up" with some lemon, olive oil and salt. Same goes for the Shepard salad, terrible quality of vegetables. No flavor. The falafel was so hard with zero seasoning. It felt like they had just reheated them in a microwave from last night. Same goes for the pita bread, was burnt and so hard I took a piece and literally tapped it onto the table and it made a loud knocking sound. The potato cubes were a travesty, no flavor and mushy. Don't get me started on their garlic sauce... I've never seen a runny garlic sauce until that place. The cheese rolls were the only OKAY part of our meal. But paying $73 for this entire meal of appetizers was NOT OKAY.

This place cuts so many corners with their food quality that its truly shameful. I get times are tough in the restaurant business but my advice to the owners, is if the meat(s) and wraps are your biggest sellers don't bother with the vegetarian appetizers unless you are going to make them fresh. Best to turn it into a sandwich shop.

My recommendation is to save your money folks and walk a few steps to Open Sesame for...

I was looking forward to eating here but I noticed they changed prices for our group. I planned on getting the shawarma sandwich since I wasn’t super hungry, which was listed for 11.99 online, they upped the price for our group to $24. That is a single sandwich pita with no sides. Everything is overpriced for the place and portion sizes. A plate of one skewer with rice and salad is $30+. The soup is obviously reheated and not thoroughly, chunks of unheated soup visible. We were told some items were on the house but we actually got charged for them. One being a tiny cup of tea (maybe 2 ounces) for $4. They came to wipe down our table and the rag wreaked of wet mop smell which transferred to our table. I probably won’t be back. Overall, the price range they are trying to hit here is not matching with the restaurant atmosphere, portions, etc. I noticed most of my friends only ate the meat and left the rice untouched.

Service is good although they seemed overwhelmed by our group and took orders 2-3 times for the same people. They were also taking photos and videos of us without permission. I understand wanting to get promotional footage for a new restaurant but asking would have been nice so we could get out of the video/photos if we wished. I should also mentioned a number of us commented to each her on how the music is too loud. Might be a thing to look into as well.

The owner and staff seem eager to please so I’m sure they will adjust the items I mentioned above, at which point I’d be happy to give it another try and...

Tried this place on 18 May 2024 and really loved it. Having grown up in Turkey I was looking forward to going here and it didn't disappoint. They had recently opened up the ice cream shop next door and everything looks amazing and authentic. From what they told me the Maras Dondurmasi is actually flown in from Turkey (I didn't try it this time around).

When we arrived it was at busy lunch hour and all tables were full. They offered us (4) a table in the ice cream shop while we waited and served us tea. When we sat down the first thing you notice is the decor from around Turkey. The place is a bit small and if everyone is talking at once it does get a little loud but apparently they do have plans to expand the size a bit.

We ordered the sigara borek to start with and it came out piping how filled with feta...very tasty and I definitely recommend.

For the main course we got the mixed grill that came with a very large assortment of meats and Pilav. Everything was very tasty and I think my favorite were the lamb chops.

We had a mix of deserts starting with the Kunefe for 4 cut/served at the table...spot on except there wasn't any Kaymak (not a big deal). The baklava and Kazandibi were also amazing as was the Sutlac. As for price...it was a little on the pricier side but then again for the quality and authenticity it was well worth it.

They do not have a liquor license yet so no alcohol but not a big deal...