Istanbul Kebab House Reviews

4.1

2,184 of 13,358 Restaurants in New York City


Reviews

Whenever we are in New York, we come here..

By NewJerseyMari |

The food has always been delicious when we have come here. It is a small restaurant with a few tables. They probably have a lot of takeout orders. Many locals seem to eat here. We have had the soups (lentil, chicken noodle), the sharwma platter, chicken kebob platter, falafel sandwich) which were all tasty and freshly prepared. We recommend this place and visit whenever we are in New York.

amazing food

By ziyaemre1990 |

We were looking for turkish food in city we found this place it is not too far from times square very good food we tried grill fish lamb done kebab salad falafel and turkish tea everyting was fresh

Great Food, Great People

By Murat S |

Went 2 times on our short trip to NYC, found about the place on Zabihah. Had different dishes and Kebabs, and each time delicious and big portions. I advise rhis place to everyone!

Good lamb for a good price in NYC

By Aline C |

I can not judge how original is the food, but I enjoyed my meal. I had lamb, rice, and salad. Good sized portion and decent service.

Decent food

By Tunaidi |

There's a lot of Turkish/Halal food in NYC, so I wouldn't say that Istanbul Kebab House is anywhere near the best. However, the food here is decent, though with higher than average prices for this time of cuisine. Delivery is also prompt.

Excellent Lamb Kebab

By K H |

Lamb was tender and lean, rice flavorful. The falafel was the freshest, BEST I have ever had. Really small place with take-out available. Only five tables.

Great lamb gyros

By ianshamshey |

It was cold one night recently and I went out to get something to eat. I had had the lamb gyros at the Istanbul Kebab House before and they were great. It is a small place with take out services in the front and a small number of tables as you go further into the restaurant. I ordered the lamb gyro again which came stuffed with lamb and yogurt and hot sauce. The service was quick and efficient and I would recommend and return.

Delicious

By KiwigirlBrisbane |

Delicious, yummy food. Service was great and very friendly staff. Tiny restaurant but lovely atmosphere.

SMALL PRTION...EXPENSIVE

By frank_king99 |

I had lunch there yesterday..Lamb Kebob consisted of 4 small cubes of lamb.......waiter was on his cell phone yakking away the entire time...expensive and NOT WORTH IT!..I hate to post a bad review but this was mediocre,lukewarm and expensive.

Great authentic taste

By yamani27 |

We ordered lamb keban in pita and it is completely delicious both sauces de yogurth and hot one perfect

Always a favorite

By KMW |

This place has/is always a favorite of mine. The food makes me feel so comfortable. All the food has so much flavor and always tastes so clean! I always recommend this place...

Delicious food, ok service

By Ronald C |

We came here with a deal voucher. The food was excellent. The servers seemed so used to having take out orders that they forgot we were there and weren't very attentive. We can look the other way on this because the meal was so good and at such a good price. Highly recommended for good Turkish food!

Yummy Lunch!

By Bay5 |

Stopped here for lunch. We were going to carry out, but when we entered and saw 6 tables, we decided to stay! Nice service, good answers to all our menu questions. We decided to go with a lamb gyro and a chicken gyro. Delicious! Fast to our table as well. Everyone was getting the Turkish Tea, I will be sure to order that next time. And there will be a next time, this was a delicious, and affordable, meal!

Tasty, fresh & affordable lunch specials

By Saranger |

Stopped in here today with spouse for lunch. 11-4 daily lunch specials about $6 each. Had a falafel pita and a lamb shawarma pita (included a drink). Friendly service (waiter from Azerbaijan) and delicious food. Restaurant is on the small side (6-8 tables) but the food is excellent. Free delivery available with $15.00 minimum order. Look forward to going back.

Flavor suddenly went south, used to be delicious

By RanjanDutta |

I have been frequenting this place for a month now and I must say, there was a sudden drop in flavor since last 1 week. Now the chicken tastes like a regular grilled chicken, earlier it used to smell and taste so delicious. Seems there has been change in recipe or a change in chef. If possible, please go back to old ways.

A favorite!

By Jake S |

Favorite falafel place to go when in the city. Great selection, quality & quantity, service is good too. I really enjoy that they have multiple types of bread to enjoy a falafel on. As a vegetarian sometimes my options can be very limited at other restaurants so it's nice to be able to mix things up! I've been more times than I can count already.

Excellent Kafta

By MarcL1234 |

Tasty food, enjoyable service, ample portions. Will return next time I want mediterannean in the area!

Delicious and interesting

By Zipnugget |

We stopped in here fairly late on a Friday night and the restaurant was pretty busy. We sat at the back and enjoyed watching everything going on. The food was delicious and what the other tables were having looked amazing. I had the lamb gyro shawarma and I'd go back without hesitation.

Delicious food, huge portions

By Laurel M |

Two tour guides told us to check out 9 Avenue near 50 St for good food. Istanbul Kebab House certainly caught our eye. Most of their business seems to be takeout but there are 4 or 5 tables inside. The dinner falafel plate with 9 falafel, hummus, rice, salad and bread was easily enough for 2 people. But he got the small order of lamb shawarma and was happily full. NiceTurkish soft drinks, leftovers for tomorrow, friendly staff and we left very satisfied.

Good Halal restaurant

By tilda54 |

They only have three or four tables, but this was a great choice. I needed a Halal restaurant to eat with a Muslim friend. I started with falafel and hummus, and was really impressed. These were clearly freshly made falafel and were melt-in-your mouth delicious. Then we both had kebab platters. Again, the meat was tender and freshly prepared, the side salad items were delicious and the rice was first rate. I was really impressed by the quality of food in this small place.

Simple food - fresh salad

By riclaw |

We had lentil soup and Mediterranean Salad. Both items were tasty. Baklava was the highlight of the meal; served with Turkish tea.This is a small restaurant that is clean without much atmosphere.

Nice

By huz5253 |

Tried Turkish cuisine for the first time... Had fun... The best part about new York is getting to try all types of cuisine... Nice staff... Mixed up my order and refused to acknowledge his mistake.. But nevertheless decent.

Small restaurant near time square - you should go!

By Deb B |

We stopped here for lunch - and it was worth it. We all got gyros (schwarma) - lamb version. My daughter had hers in a pita and I had in turkish bread. Get the bread!! Drinks were included in cost - good size lunch portion.

Tiny restaurant, great food

By SraWagner |

Not far from the Gershwin Theater there's this small restaurant with wonderful aromas coming from the fresh and wonderfully seasoned food. We ordered the calamari (tender with a light batter) and hummus for appetizers. The lamb and rice were flavorful. This establishment seemed busy with constant carryout orders which is a compliment to their food. This did not deter our attentive service.

Don't be fooled!

By Antonio P |

The food here is not authentic in my opinion. We didn't pay a lot of money, but we also got what we paid for. I ordered a lamb Shawarma wrapped in lavash bread, and a chicken soup. What I received was bland tasting gyro lamb in a soft tortilla wrap. My chicken soup tasted like it came from a can, and was somewhat metallic. When we sat down, we realized they were playing Mexican music at the chef station. That's fine except it explains why I received a tortilla wrap instead of Lavash bread. I would have been more happier if they just served decent Mexican food. I felt jipped!

Not worth money

By Emma F |

Very expensive for what you get staff one in particular had an awful attitude, advertise specials out side of the shop when you order price goes up and a long wait for food mine was only to take away

Awesome!

By mdog117 |

Delicious and awesome service. Our waiter brought us complimentary tea after our lunch that was fantastic.

Disappointed

By Mahmoud I |

The food and service was not what we expected . Nothing taste authentic . Could not continue with our meal because of awful taste .

Delicious and sumptuous.

By DennyLong |

Very small Turkish restaurant with almost completely authentic food. The service was very friendly to quick. Prices for NYC cheap and you get well fed up with the portions.

Excellent Lamb kebabs

By Deepak_Nayak |

This place has amazing Lamb kebabs and shawarma. The restaurant is quite small with probably 5-6 tables but the food is very tasty. I went to this place twice and tried different dishes and all were good. Staff are very friendly. Looking forward to visit this place again

GREAT FOOD & SERVICE!

By Gary B |

I travel often & LOVE Istanbul, food here reminds me of Turkey! GREAT food & service! Kabab's are GREAT! Flavor of food is the REAL DEAL!!!!! Owner is from Istanbul and knows how to cook!

Amazing Turkish resturant !!

By SALEH A |

My wife and I visited this restaurant today for dinner. Wow! What shall I say. 5-star is a gross underestimation ! Staff are absolutely fabulous , friendly, attentive and very keen to make guests happy and comfortable. Food is so delicious and fresh. Place is super clean and cozy. I very highly recommend this restaurant if you are in NYC and you are looking for high-quality food , exceptional service and reasonable price.

Just like a trip to Turkey...

By ScissorsAndPens |

All the staff are friendly Turks. The service is Impeccable and the food delicious. Portions are large, prices reasonable. Delicious and wonderful, I will be back!

Aniversary weekend

By Pepe A |

Excelent prices , best falafel ever. Small place 5 or 6 tables, quick service nice presentation Recomended!

This place is OK, but nothing special

By danielt88 |

Istanbul was recommended to me so perhaps I was expecting more but honestly there was nothing memorable about this restaurant. I have had a lot of turkish food over the years as I am from the UK and spoiled for choice in London. The Doner was particularly flavourless and would not order again. Overpriced for a kebab and such a casual setting.

Only reviewing baklava

By JWinkle |

So, I gave this place a three star only because I didn't have anything but the baklava and the other items looked good in the restaurant. The baklava was maybe a 1 & 1/2 star at best. The color was too light on top and it tasted undercooked and doughy. Really the overwhelming flavor was dough. The nut mixture didn't come through. The sweetness didn't come through. In Istanbul, baklava is a touch of heaven on you tongue. My experience at Istanbul Kebab House was baklava touching the bottom of the trash can. Possibly the other food is good, just steer clear of the baklava.

Best Falafel in NY

By Deepak S |

I am a vegetarian and have limited choice for foods when I dine out. Last time, I was in New York, I came across Istanbul Kebab House near Times Square as referred by one of my friends. This is a relatively small restaurant, but still a clean and nice one. The ambience is fresh and the staffs are cordial. I met with Umid the owner of the joint and exchanged a few words with him. I ordered some veg menus like falafel with multiple types of home-made breads. I also took coffee with baklava, which tasted so delicious. I must say they offer the best falafel in NY, although you can get varieties of restaurants around the Times Square. The price is awesome and overall a satisfying experience altogether. A must recommend eatery for dining and takeout orders.

Great find on 9th Ave

By David S M |

Was looking for spot for lunch on Ninth Ave among the many different restaurants and picked Istanbul Kebab. Glad I did, the restaurant was clean, inviting, and the friendly waitress brought me some delicious dishes. Enjoyed the roasted eggplant salad and falafel sandwich. Prices were reasonable too, would definitely return.

Excellent food and service!

By Souad G |

we were looking for halal food near time square , a cab driver recommended it and we decided to try it. It's a small place on 9th avenue , but the food is amazing. We went there twice during our stay, we ordered lamb shish kebab and chicken Kabab both very delicious. Their hummus and baklava are also amazing. Can't wait to go back to NYC to eat there again.

Halal food in New York

By nidaaafia |

It is a small halal restaurant in Mid town area of New York. You can try Lentils Soup which is very good. I am a bit skeptical about the authenticity of Halal food as there is no governing body who certify the restaurant as in UK like HMC certified restaurants where you are 100% sure.

Quick Bite

By silvania T |

Running to eat something light before catching a Broadway Show . Small place, friendly staff, delicious food, amazing tea, and dessert . Very cheap food. Returned again last week with friends.

Frequent customer yet less now...

By bphillips1786 |

We used to come here a lot. Weekly if not more. Yet recently we have not as the service and the food quality has dropped extensively. The service is very mixed yet most of the time it feels your inconveniencing the staff and they are not pleasant. They seem to get a new server every few months who always manages to get the order wrong. The food now is good yet the portions are far less than what they used to be. We ordered shawarma/gyro large plate and it would take only about 5 bits to finish and the remainder was rice and veggies. When asked about more chicken or lamb they said they were out. We also ordered a whole gosh that was small compared to other places and very undercooked. Perhaps it was the hour we ate yet even so they were still open. Very disappointing experience.

Avoid!

By Muj2290 |

Very poor restaurant/cafe. Food quality pretty low. We went there about 10. Chicken gyro was sold out, oven closes at 8.30 so nothing from the oven but the restaurant is open till late for God knows what. Remaining menu was very less to choose from. Food quality very poor.

Mr

By Skyline |

I've tried most Greek and Turkish restaurants in New York, but Istanbul Kebab House is the best Turkish restaurant among all of them! Lovely food and ambience. Service with a genuine smile. Really cool place. Smart friendly staff, food attractive and lots of flavour! Will definitely be back. I am always very pleased with the food quality and amazing service. I highly recommend this place!!!!

Great little hole in the wall!

By Surabhi C |

Loved this place! The food was delicious and the service was lovely. The Turkish tea will stay in my memories forever

Delicious Food

By Francis M |

I had the mixed shawarma with chips and a beer and it was really tasty, great value and good service.

Delicious and A+

By Fontanaditrev |

Istanbul Kebab House is exactly like going to someone's house! It is hard to find it since it's hidden in between other unnecessary restaurants. Make sure to slow down when walking. They are on 9th ave. between 48th st. & 49th st. in the east side of the street. You will appreciate everything on their menu with so many delicious selections. This place is an A+ and you can't wait to go back for more! Their prices are very reasonable too!

Meals

By alex9z |

I thought I lost my taste after eating here, I even went for a Covid test. Negative result. It’s just the food that has no taste. Here you go. A great moment of silence for my taste buds.

Worth a repeat visit!

By Zacass |

The last time I ate at Istanbul Kebab house was in 2018 and really enjoyed it. We decided to have a pre-theater dinner. Our meals were delicious. My companion had a hearty portion of lamb doner/shawarma. I had the veggie platter. The rice, bread and hummus were very tasty as well. I ended the meal with Turkish coffee. The service was incredibly warm and friendly. We definitely will return.

Great Adana Kebabs!

By Krivokrasov |

Having spent a fair amount of time in Istanbul, I'm always on the lookout for good Turkish food. This tiny place certainly delivers in that respect. I ordered the Adana kebabs, and they were simply excellent, as were the sauces that came with the meal. The rice and bread were not quite as good, but I'd happily return to this spot if in the area.

Substantial portions

By Zacass |

A friend and I stopped here for lunch last Sunday, a place he had visited before. He ordered a lamb and chicken kebab combination and I had the grilled assorted vegetables platter. Both dishes came with a healthy serving of rice, hummus and salad, as well as a side order of bread. The service was very hospitable and friendly.

Best Doner Kebob Since Turkey

By WisconsinTravelB |

There was a hungry post-sightseeing group of 5 that came in around 8pm on a Friday evening. They were kind enough to put 2 tables together in back to accommodate, and the restaurant seating filled up quickly behind us. Although small, the seating was available when we arrived, and the restaurant offers carry-out, as well as free delivery. A variety of dishes were ordered, the Donor Kebob being the item garnering the 5 star review. My husband, an US Army vet having had spent 2 1/2 months in Turkey, declared it "the best Donor Kebob since Turkey" and his sentiment was echoed by one of our travelling companions that chose the same. My choice was the Chicken Gyro and while good, would have gotten a Very Good rating. The other dishes we sampled were good enough to please all.

Fantastic Turkish Rest. in NY (Halal)

By mu’awiah |

You would definitely love the food and the service of this restaurant, although it’s a small one, but it’s cozy and very nice, ask for Yotes the Cashier (Manager) where she is a superb host that will take care of you and serve you perfectly, we had a very great lunch for two (which was actually enough for 4) only for 70$!!! If you’re close this is a must-try, if not, they deliver 😉

Food is always good!

By Marie T |

Everytime I am in NYC, I eat at this place. The food is reasonable priced and really delicious. I recommend the chicken shish kabob and rice pudding with their free hot tea.

We always eat here! Amazing Mediteranian! Good job, guys!

By Elena L |

The best dish are eggplants! The lamb chops are amazing! The choice of salads is great! Too bad, there is no beer allowed! :-)

Tiny Mom & Pop Place w/Good prices.

By Dr. Bob |

There are only 4 or 5 tables, so it gets really crowded at lunch. We went for dinner and had lentil soup (squeeze the lemon in and add a little salt), a large mixed grill called Istanbul Special Kabab (delish & enough for 2) and 2 Snapples. Bill was $42. Our waiter, Ramiz, was a young, attentive and very friendly kid from some obscure country like Uzbekistan or Kyrgystan. He was also very honest. He actually returned my $10 tip because he thought I put extra money in the folder by mistake. Talk about an unexpected gesture in The Big Apple! Great little find for some tasty Turkish food, which you can also order to go.

Best Mediterranean and Turkish dishes

By Vinod S |

The first time I came for a takeout from Istanbul Kebab House, I have not expected much except some regular lamb kebabs and soups with some breads. But, they have changed my thoughts altogether with their refreshing kebabs and fresh-made breads. I feel quite homey with their foods and they taste so authentic Turkish. The best joint for rich Mediterranean and Turkish dishes, I ever have ordered. Their shawarma and adana kebab sandwiches are just mouth-watering. You will love the taste of all types of veg and non-veg menus on your platter. Whether you are ordering for takeout or having a lunch and dinner in their restaurant, you will find their staff cordial, well-behaved and attentive to you at all times. One of the best food experiences in the New York. A must go for all Turkish and Mediterranean food lovers.

Delicious kebabs

By Kglauner |

This was a late night stop for us between bars and it took a bit waiting for our food to be prepped but it was well worth it. The shop itself is very small and we were standing and waiting for food for a bit - but again, it was so good and we got to watch them cook. We got it to go and it was easy enough for us to split between two people as a small snack while we walked down the street.

One of our favorite meals from this trip

By Sturgismathgod |

Ordered the gyro with Turkish bread. $10 for a huge sandwich. My adult daughter only ate half of hers. Generous with the lamb. Provide two types of sauce (white and spicy) that you apply yourself. Very small place with great food and service.

Delicious - melts in your tummy kind of food

By LPK-RSA |

Friendly service and great food that is well prepared. Everything compliments one another. The first time we went there (on a groupon in Feb 2013) we had the lamb gyro on a plate with the bread- it was succulent and tasty. Now when ever we are in Manhattan we make a point to have the lamb gyro at least once during the weekend. We recently tried the dessert and we recommend the Baklava with the tea. Try the tea on its own, then when you take a sip of it after you try the dessert, the tea is just right and the whole meal is satisfying and complimentary- wow. This place is a small venue but the service, ambiance, value for money and food is definitely a thumbs up and worth trying for either takeaway or sit down.

Good food

By Eddie NYC |

My daughter and I ate the chicken Kaba and lamb kabab. Both were tasty. Could have been a little bigger for the price. Would like to try some of their other dishes

Good Lunch

By ckatmomi |

Istanbul Kebab House is a very small restaurant with only six tables. While we were there they had many takeout orders coming in as well as deliveries. The staff was friendly and the service good. I had the Chicken Adana which was good and my husband had the Lamb Shawarna sandwich which he enjoyed. Prices were very reasonable. I would go back.

Simple and filling

By junsui |

This place serve food that is very homey. Food is not fancy but solid and well priced. The hummus is fresh and the chicken kakbob is jucie and not dry.

Best salads

By BEHAPPY60 |

Very small dinier, only 5 tables, perfect lamb kabobs, Greek salads. Every thing served was fresh. Very reasonable prices, Friendly service.

Good for quick snack/ halal food seekers in NY downtown

By FlameFlower |

Close to Times Square, small space yet very diligently working staff. Merji soup and shawarma were good, Turkish tea was something I missed for a long time. Prices are relevant to the location. Limited space is a big limiting factor (was not comfy to sit facing the toilet door from the right, but no choice due to number of guests and wish to eat ASAP:). Hope they would be expanding, considering the huge number of clients especially in the evening (we had to wait for 20 min on foot to get the free table).

Delicious, delicious & delicious!

By Fontanaditrev |

Always promising & always delicious! Very small restaurant but its worth every moment! We have returned more than once & they seem to always get it right with the same order over & over! That's why it's called "a very good restaurant". Perfect location especially in the middle of competitions but not to worry! This restaurant will be there for many more years since they are very good with making best food ever! Take your time when you're there because you will really appreciate the food! We always do!