Istanbul Cafe and Restaurant

Welcome to Istanbul Cafe and Restaurant, where the flavors of Turkish cuisine come alive in every bite. Located at 1378 A Main Ave Clifton, NJ, this establishment offers a wide range of amenities including outdoor seating, delivery, takeout, and even catering services. Whether you're looking for a casual meal with friends or a special celebration, Istanbul Cafe and Restaurant has you covered.

As a food reviewer of Restaurant World, I had the pleasure of sampling the menu at Istanbul Cafe and Restaurant. The variety of dishes, from cold appetizers like Babaganoush and Hummus to grilled steaks and kebabs, truly impressed me. The attention to detail in each dish was evident, and the flavors transported me to the streets of Turkey.

One standout item was the Chef's Specials, particularly the Braised Lamb Shank and Ali Nazik. The tender lamb paired with flavorful spices and sides left me craving for more. The Baklava desserts were the perfect ending to a satisfying meal, with just the right amount of sweetness.

Customer reviews echoed my sentiments, with many praising the authenticity of the cuisine and the welcoming ambiance of the restaurant. Families, couples, and large groups all found something to enjoy at Istanbul Cafe and Restaurant.

For those looking for a taste of Turkish hospitality and delicious food, Istanbul Cafe and Restaurant is a must-visit. Make a reservation, bring your appetite, and prepare to be delighted by the culinary delights that await you.

Istanbul Cafe and Restaurant Menu

Location

Address: 1378 A Main Ave Clifton, NJ 07011
Phone: (862) 238-8888

🕓 Work Hours
MON 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM
TUE 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM
WED 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM
THU 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM
FRI 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM
SAT 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM
SUN 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Business info

  • Takes Reservations
    Yes
  • Offers Delivery
    Yes
  • Offers Takeout
    Yes
  • Many Vegetarian Options
    Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Apple Pay
    Yes
  • Accepts Cryptocurrency
    No
  • Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Casual
    Yes
  • Quiet
    Yes
  • Offers Catering
    Yes
  • Good for Groups
    Yes
  • Good For Kids
    Yes
  • Good for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert
    Yes
  • Street Parking, Private Lot Parking
    Yes
  • Waiter Service
    Yes
  • Free Wi-Fi
    Yes
  • Covered Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Private Dining
    Yes
  • Happy Hour
    No
  • Alcohol
    No
  • Drive-Thru
    No
  • Dogs Not Allowed
    No
  • TV
    No
  • Heated Outdoor Seating
    No
  • Bike Parking
    Yes
  • Bring your own container allowed
    Yes
  • Provides reusable tableware
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Ralph K.

    31 May 2024

    Outstanding. I'm from a Turkish background. It was as though my mom was cooking .I enjoyed it completely. The place is pretty and the service was professional.

  • Author: Elizabeth H.

    08 May 2024

    Really enjoyed this well prepared Turkish food and comfortable ambiance. Came here with a party of 11 to celebrate Easter. Ordered a variety of apps and entrees, the most memorable and delicious being: assorted Turkish Pide, manti, Shepard's salad, mixed grill, lamb shank, lamb chops, Iskender, as well as Turkish coffee and milk pudding. The meat was super moist and flavored perfectly. Service was overall very friendly and good. Parking lot outside and large open space indoors to accommodate big parties were a plus.

  • Author: Nadia A.

    07 April 2024

    Amazing food and amazing service ! It's my favorite place to eat especially when I have a hug amount of people to feed.

  • Author: Jay M.

    12 February 2024

    Date night and we' were in the mood for Turkish cuisine. My GF decided on Istanbul Cafe & Restaurant, a local gem conveniently equipped with ample parking space. The restaurant's interior boasted a charming Turkish flair, enhancing the overall dining experience. To kick off the evening, I opted for a Turkish coffee, and it turned out to be the best I've had in quite some time. The brew exhibited a remarkable taste, impeccably layered with no discernible harsh notes. Moving on to appetizers, I tried the stuffed grape leaves, which were ok, with the pine nuts providing a distinct flavor and crunchy texture. For the main course, we ordered the Sac Kavurma and the Cokertme, both featuring lamb. The Sac Kavurma emerged as a standout, possibly the best Turkish dish I've ever savored. The seasoning and flavors were nothing short of perfection and had me picking food off of my GFs plate. In contrast, the Cokertme held its own as a good dish but couldn't quite match the excellence of the Sac Kavurma. Turning to dessert, we tried the kunefe and pistachio baklava. While the kunefe was good, it had a fault in being excessively sweet, prompting me to suggest offering sugar level options for customers. On the other hand, the baklava fell short, displaying a somewhat stale and dry texture, hinting at extended exposure. Despite the mixed dessert experience, the overall impression of Istanbul Cafe & Restaurant was highly positive. The outstanding Sac Kavurma alone is reason enough for a return visit. With a slight improvement in the dessert department, this spot has the potential to become a regular dining destination for those seeking an authentic and flavorful Turkish culinary experience.