Istanbul Diner Cafe — Restaurant in Saugus

I stopped by Istanbul Diner on Route 1 after seeing a flood of 5-star reviews on Google, expecting a standout meal. Unfortunately, my experience didn’t quite live up to the hype.

The food was a mixed bag. The shawarma had potential but fell short — the meat was dry and lacked the bold flavors I associate with good shawarma. The chicken tenders were another miss. Advertised as breaded, they arrived barely dusted in flour and fried to a texture so tough it was hard to bite through.

On a brighter note, the gentleman waiting on me was generally pleasant and attentive, though he gave off a vibe like he’d rather be anywhere else. Still, he offered me a sample of their rice pudding, which turned out to be the highlight of my visit. It was fantastic — rich, perfectly spiced, and easily a 10/10.

I also ordered a frozen crème brûlée iced latte, and while it’s prominently advertised at the counter (on a warm, sunny day no less), the staff seemed visibly annoyed by the order. The drink itself was disappointing — overly sweet, loaded with syrup and whipped cream, but lacking any real coffee quality. I’d give it a 3.5/10.

Overall, I wanted to love this place. With all the glowing reviews, I expected a top-tier meal, but what I got was a very average experience. The shawarma and tenders were a 6.4/10 at best, with only the rice pudding standing out.

I respect what they’re trying to do here, and maybe I caught them on an off day. But for a spot with a perfect Google rating, I expected better consistency and hospitality.

Would I go back? Maybe for the rice pudding — and in the hopes the kitchen was having a...

If you're ever in the mood for delicious food served with a side of warmth and hospitality, look no further than Istanbul Diner Cafe. From the moment you step inside, you're welcomed with a friendly atmosphere and a staff that's genuinely kind and attentive. The employees here are some of the nicest you'll ever meet, always ready with a smile and eager to ensure you have a great dining experience.

As for the food, it’s nothing short of amazing! Whether you're craving savory Turkish classics or looking to try something new, the menu is full of flavorful options that are expertly prepared. The dishes are fresh, vibrant, and packed with authentic flavors that transport you straight to Istanbul. Every bite feels like a celebration of taste, and you can tell the chefs put a lot of love and care into their cooking.

Istanbul Diner Cafe isn’t just about great food—it’s about feeling like a valued guest from start to finish. The combination of incredible service and mouthwatering meals makes it a must-visit. Highly recommended for anyone in search of a truly delightful...

Delicious! enjoyed the Beef Shawarma platter which came with a side of bulgar made with a tomato sauce-it could be an addiction! The hummus is awesome- smooth and flavorful but not overpowering. delicious crunchy salad is great and the roasted tomato and spicy pepper go beautifully with each bite- and the roasted aroma is wonderful! the soft thick pita is great too. And the sides of garlic sauce and hot pepper sauce are yum. The hot pepper sauce is very hot but it is in a separate cup so you can try a tiny bit to see if u like it. I like spicy so I very much enjoyed it. The platter of food was extremely generous, BUT I couldn't resis desert! I was given free rice pudding as it was my first visit-creamy deliciousness! The people are friendly and explained the dishes to me. Please do yourself a favor and try it. great quality and sooo good!!!! I will...