Taste Of Istanbul — Restaurant in Reston

Update : I hate to do this, and I hate to see it. When good restaurants introduce the community to something new, then they just nose dive in quality but that is exactly what has happened here!

I've been here three times recently over the past month. Once accidentally ordering the Lahmacun Flat Bread which did not come with any Doner on it despite it being advertised on the menu and was cold, and fries that were a literal Rip Off for the price.

The other two times I ordered my usual (Lahmacun Doner Wrap and Fries) and I didn't recognize the food I got. The fries are a ridiculously small portion for the same price, taste terrible, and look like supermarket fries you'd buy at the Harris Teeter up the road. You would get a better deal at Teds Bulletin, The Counter, or even Jacksons for 6 USD! The wrap is not made as advertised anymore either missing the fries, tastes awful, and now features burnt and dry doner meat. The worst part is that a 24 USD meal I used to be able to split has shrunk and declined in quality so far that it leaves me hungry. For 24 USD!

I'm not sure what happened here; If this place changed management or was sold, but it is terrible now. A complete certified rip off! Overpriced and with terrible food compared to where it was 6 months ago. I would avoid it and go somewhere else until they can get their food quality back under control.

So sad to see what could have been a neighborhood favorite go up in flames, and so quickly. I will definitely not be coming back anytime soon.

Below is my old review I posted a few months back, just to demonstrate the stark contrast in quality:

All honesty, the food is great for the price and in Reston town center, you don't see much if that. I've been here twice and have...

Taste of Istanbul in Reston is truly a one-of-a-kind spot for anyone craving genuine Turkish cuisine. Honestly, the flavors here are so remarkable that they can compete with—and even outshine—many eateries in Turkey!

As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted by a cozy and inviting atmosphere that sets the tone for an unforgettable meal. Each dish is a work of art, made with great attention to detail and overflowing with authenticity. The delicious meze, freshly baked bread, creamy hummus, crisp salads, and perfectly grilled kebabs are simply outstanding. And let’s not forget the baklava—it’s a real showstopper! The Turkish coffee is the perfect way to wrap up your meal, leaving you wanting more. This isn’t just dining; it’s a culinary adventure to Turkey, taken to extraordinary levels.

Liver is another story, highly recommended, the taste and crisp is amazing, really must to try

The team at Taste of Istanbul is incredibly warm and welcoming, and the owner’s hospitality is truly impressive. They went the extra mile to ensure that every detail was just right, making us feel like cherished guests. Our group of 15 was served quickly, with every dish arriving fresh and delicious—a true testament to their exceptional service.

We stumbled upon this hidden gem thanks to a dear friend, Nour, who knows her authentic food and highly recommended it. Nour’s suggestion was spot on—Taste of Istanbul is a must-visit for anyone who loves Turkish cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or trying Turkish food for the first time, this restaurant will leave you amazed. I can’t wait to go back and indulge in these incredible...

Please beware of the portions and products this place offers. It's my second time ordering from this place and was shocked at what I received today. One item I ordered was the Mezze platter which stated that 8 or 9 items listed on the menu for $ 14.00 for a single person. For an extra $ 8.00 you can have a meal for 2 people. This looked like a great deal for $ 22.00! Once the food arrived I saw that there were only four items with measley and small portions, also although the food was for 2 people they only provided only one burnt pita bread. This is plain and simple thievery and a major rip off!!!! I called the restaurant to voice my disappointment and the young lady on the other end did not really care to correct the matter. She said that they changed their menu a while ago was all she gave as an excuse. As a business I sure hope that you update your information once you make changes. This is just plain and simple common sense. She just gave a very fake sounding apology and never even offered to refund me which she would do if she was an honest human being!!! So heads up check your food and make sure that you are getting the full worth and amount of food you purchased. I will never order from this spot ever again. I don't mind paying for good food but being ripped off needlessly is not on my book!!! It's a real shame this took place, because I used to live in Turkey and love the people, culture and food. Thank heavens there are other Turkish restaurants in the area...