Istanbul Restaurant

Istanbul Restaurant is a small beachfront Turkish joint on the Hollywood Boardwalk. Unlike most though, this isn't just a random tourist trap (I'm looking at you Haagen Daaz). It's owned by a gentleman, Hasan, who has been slingin' out Turkish cuisine for about 30 years here. I came right at opening, 11am. I promptly sat on the outside porch as I had the place to myself. I had a craving for some döner kebab since returning from DC. I ordered the sandwich, with fries.The döner here (similar to Greek "gyro") is 100% lamb... and all meat is Halal ftw! Food was out in about 15 minutes. Sandwich was excellent. The problem with gyro at many greek joints or gyro shops around, is by the time the frozen hunk of meat is defrosted/cooked on the vertical split, what results is an overly dried out one-step-away-from-being-warm-jerky. This was still very tender and juicy. Fries were average, McD size/textured frozen kind, but do the trick. Will return again!

I stopped by Istanbul Restaurant while on Hollywood Beach on a recent Sunday. It's a cozy little nook on the boardwalk with Turkish football (soccer) and posters on the wall. My friend ordered a doner kebab gyro, and I just went for tapas and dessert since I had eaten elsewhere.The pita bread I had was fluffy, and the grape leaves had a nice tangy, citrusy taste. I believe these were just filled with rice though served with fresh tomato slices. The hummus did taste like fresh chick peas though the portion was on the small side. It was my first time trying Turkish coffee - different from the coffee in that it's more finely ground to the point of a thicker & almost powdery taste. I will say it was it was really potent, as it kept me up late! My turkish ice cream ("Maras dondurma") was yummy with fresh pistachio grounds and just the right amount of sweetness. The consistency was a little thicker than ice cream here in the US.The service was fairly attentive and with decent recommendations. They do charge automatic gratuity like almost every beachside spot.

Located on the Hollywood boardwalk, this Turkish restaurant is a hidden gem. Have been going to this restaurant for many years and it has been a family favorite. The Turkish salad is so simple but fresh, delicious, and something unique that we always have to order. They used to have 2 different sizes and we'd always go large. The last time we only saw one size and it wasn't really big enough for our 3. It also wasn't the best one we've had. Everything there is tasty and fresh. The views can't be beat and the owner is usually there and friendly. Just check before going as they aren't open every day and sometimes they close for vacation.

Pros: great location, breeze outdoor seating, good service. The fries were delicious.Cons: food was acceptable, I did not enjoy my falafel sandwich, and for that price, I would never eat there again. The falafel just wasn't good. The pita bread was a bit stale, and ofcourse the beverages don't have prices on the menu, because they are ridiculously expensive $10 for coconut water inside a coconut that looked reused, that one was on me for forgetting to ask the price! My husband did not enjoy his meat sandwich either.Will not return.

I understand that renting this beachfront area has to be expensive. Yet the prices here are quite high, and the portion sizes aren't what's to be expected. Turkish restaurants are supposed to fill you up. That didn't happen at this location. Yet I would like to thank the owner and staff. Extremely welcoming and nice people. This is a good spot if you must have Turkish food, but again use your discretion.The kabobs here are excellent. I loved the presentation. This is where you'll want to go for a romantic occasion. My son did enjoy the fries being substituted for his rice. Thank you for making this happen, as he's a very picky eater. I found the kabobs, rice, beets, and grilled green peppers and tomatoes tasty. Yet a little more chicken, would have put this in four star category. Admittedly am a tough reviewer, but I do recommend this.

Nice small restaurant in Hollywood boardwalk, the gyro was delicious and tasty, I got the chicken and also tried the lamb one which was also exceptional the only thing is I wouldn't recommend to order a side of fries because the serving size is poor. Just get the gyro alone.

We are vegan so very happy to come across a lace with many vegan choices clearly marked. The items we ordered were tasty but you don't get much for the money. Also they do not serve tap water so you must buy bottled water or other beverage. We ordered eggplant spread, dolmas to share and each had lentil soup. The dolmas came as 5 small dolma in one order. Again it was good but expensive.

5 stars for this tiny but powerful little restaurant! Everything we had was first rate and delicious!

Lovely restaurant on Hollywood Beach, Fl. Indoor & outdoor seating is available. Customer service was pleasant & welcoming. Portions were tasty & filling. I would eat here again.

February 2024...I went to this place only to find that it's no longer Istanbul...It's some taco place. We were very disappointed!