Terrific Turkish food frequented by many Turks. Casual. Inexpensive. They have a fantastic mezze…read morebar with all kinds of fresh vegetarian appetizers/salads that would be of a meal in itself, included with entree. A number of grilled meats. I had felafel, rice, hummus and the mezze bar. Children welcome. Owner very friendly. There's a buffet at lunch. No alcohol.

No, I don't go around looking for just the buffets when I'm in a new place. I might happen to…read moreinclude some if they look appetizing and seem to enjoy a good reputation. That said, I did go to this restaurant, Istanbul Grilli, while in this city on a stopover. (I ate at a restaurant of another ethnicity using a menu the other night I was here.) They did have a buffet going when I visited. This part of the globe has really short days during the colder months and really long days during the warmer months. Thus, it was dusk when I arrived here to eat, so I don't recall if it was the end of the lunch buffet or the beginning of a dinner buffet, if such a thing even exists. There is also a menu to order from. At Istanbul Grilli, there seem to be two major serving stations: the one toward the left and further back seems to have the meats, chicken, and main dishes and the one to the right and closer to the front seems to have the salads, fruits and vegetables, and some desserts. There is also an area where things like coffee and tea get put together. Some food selections were 3 star items and some things were 4 star offerings. It was good, but it didn't rock my world. (That's probably because I keep trying to like Turkish food as much as I like Greek food.) I don't believe they had kunefe, which I really like, but they had something like baklava. The interior is clean. It's on a major street close to the center, so there are big windows all around and the lighting is good. The service leaned amicable. The price is a good value and fair for this slightly more expensive country. It's also easy to get here, being close to Helsinki's center. The Metro seems to weave across the city and surroundings in an east-west manner, so it won't get you close enough. However, one can easily hop on just one tram or bus and/or walk to reach this restaurant. These latter observations kick up Istanbul Grilli to a solid 4 stars. In addition to that, the restaurant is popular and one will see customers who are locals, probable expats, tourists, and people of Turkish and Middle Eastern extraction. If such a diverse clientele frequents this eatery, that is also indicative that it's a worthwhile stop.

update;: went back to order pide: divine. Great contrast…read morebetween fresh salatalik and mint, with the crust of pide. Worth the wait. see the picture

I really wish that I had tried this place sooner. I am from California and always in search of…read morehealthy, tasty options here in Helsinki-not easy! I did the lunch buffet. Great whole flavorful foods and really yummy recipes! Delicious soft warm bread, tender (falling off the bone) chicken, beautiful mixes of lentils and grains all well spiced, lovely salad (as in fresh and colorful greens and veggies NOT soaked in creams), whole garlic cloves-yes please, gyro meat that was very light and non-greasy, and much more. Coffee was very good, I rarely go for desert so can't comment. Only complaint is the staff seemed a bit lazy on keeping the buffet filled. I had to ask and then PROVE to the girl no bread was in basket and a couple other items were empty the whole time I was there. Staff were playing really annoying loud videos on their personal electronic devices, right near my table. Part of why I went there is it looked quiet and music was nice so it was pretty irritating. The restaurant itself is pretty. The regular menu is more pricy but would be a nice place for an evening date. They are open late on weekdays AND Sundays also a big plus! I will deeeeefinitely be going back for lunch! Well worth the price!

The chicken and potatoes plate I had took my breath away. The chicken was just so juicy and…read moreflavorful and had a nice charred crisp on top. Combined with the yogurt sauce, this plate was devoured by me instantly. The difference maker with this restaurant was its seasoning. Its zucchini, cheese, and chicken all have this unique herb sprinkled on top that adds a distinctive flavor. Hard to describe, but it was memorable. My friends finished their meal very quickly, too, which shows how good the food was. The ambiance was a little weird though. Super, super dark in the restaurant, to the point it was hard to see. They only have candles lit on each table as their source of light. And it was dead quiet. Otherwise, solid time!

Everything was delicious! Very cosy and calm place. Everybody was really helpful and nice. The only…read morething that I found weird is that in my english menu some of the prices were different than the regular-finnish menu, but no differences in the bill though. If I ever go back to Helsinki I will most probably go again to this place. :)

Ordered chicken kebab on pita without tomato and got regular kebab, which was pretty bad. Dunno how…read moreit would've turned out of correct, but I decidedly do not like regular kebab.

Mustard chicken? A good idea? No! I'm not going to argue…read morethat this isn't an authentic place, all I have to say is that it tastes horrible. The atmosphere is weird. The food tasted literally like anus, and I don't use the term lightly. I would avoid everyone from even entering the premises if they can help it.

Definitely one of the best Turkish restaurants in Helsinki/Espoo area. Good lunch and dinner as…read morewell. Friendly and cozy service. Lunch buffet includes always kebab meat, rice and very good salad table with lots of Mediterranean style of dishes. Most days there is also additional main dish.

Good lunch buffet and I go there every now and the for dinner, too. 3.5 stars, actually.read more