This Mediterranean restaurant serves an amazing variety of dishes, including chicken shawarma, gyros, kebabs, and falafel, along with classic sides like dolmas, hummus, and baba ganoush. Everything we tried was full of flavor, seasoned nicely, and tasted very fresh. The portions are huge and very generous, and the prices are quite reasonable for the amount of food you get. The chicken shawarma platter is my go-to, and the delicious pistachio baklava is a must-try for dessert. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it a comfortable place to sit down and enjoy a meal. It has a warm, casual vibe that makes you feel welcome whether you're dining in or just stopping by for a quick bite. One of the best parts of this place is the attached grocery store, which carries a wide selection of Middle Eastern products, spices, and desserts. It's really convenient to be able to grab ingredients or treats after eating. The staff were also very friendly and helpful, which made the experience even better. The only downside is that seating can sometimes be a challenge, especially during busy times. However, the food, welcoming ambiance, and overall experience more than make up for it. I really enjoyed my meal here and will definitely be coming back again. read more

See all

I had a little trouble ordering at first, but it eventually worked out. The first time I called, I was put on hold and I think the person may have forgotten about me. After waiting quite a while, I hung up and called back. This time, they took my order quickly and efficiently. I hadn't been here since they were in their previous location across the street, and I was really impressed with the new dining area. It was clean, well-decorated, and had a lot of open space. The front counter staff seemed a bit awkward or shy, I couldn't quite tell, but it was fine. They let me know my order would be ready in about 10 minutes. In reality, I waited closer to 20 mins todal, but it was absolutely worth it. I ordered the chicken shawarma platter, and it did not disappoint. It came with a delicious side salad made with fresh produce, a light dressing, and generous chunks of feta cheese. The platter also included some of the best hummus I've ever had, along with pita bread for dipping, though I honestly could have used a little more bread. The main dish featured tender, well-seasoned chicken served over rice with a creamy cucumber sauce that I could not get enough of. Seriously, this stuff was dangerously addictive. I'll definitely be back, and next time I'm bringing the whole family! read more

Finally made the visit to Cafe Istanbul after coming across it in our neighborhood. Wow, what a delicious cafe and grocery store. Everything we tried on the menu was so good. We had the falafels which we ordered a large portion to take home because it was so yummy. My partner had the chicken shawarma which was also very refreshing. I had the Istanbul wrap that came with fries and a drink. The service was so prompt and they were happy to help with the menu if you have questions. They have a beautiful mural in the dining area that I enjoyed admiring over lunch. You can also find groceries in bulk that I plan to be back for. read more

See all

Friendly , lively Syrian food. Lots of beautiful dates and baklava. Grocery store with deli restaurant. Service is slow because the food is prepared with care read more

See all

I've tried this place a few times in the hope that it'll improve but have repeatedly been disappointed. The owners are nice but seem to lack knowledge about cooking and preparing food. We ordered some falafel, hummus, "Arabic" salad and chicken pies. The falafel contains not well ground chickpeas which seem to be not fully cooked. It doesn't contain parsley, a key ingredient of most falafels. It's really hard to digest. The "Arabic" salad was water logged and gross. We couldn't finish even half of it and threw it out. The chicken pies lacked proper spicing. Overall this place has consistently served poor quality, poorly prepared Arabic food. I would not recommend this place for decent Arabic food. You can try the attached store, but look at the expiration dates of anything you buy as most of their inventory is old. read more

As a middle eastern person I find it hard having authentic or even decent Mediterranean here in NM... this was by far the best place I've tried here overall. The hummus 10/10. The falafel 8/10 (which is good for me, I'm picky). Overall I has impressed and will be coming back. The prices are good and you get a lot of food. The market side has a lot of options and they even carry Nabulus cheese. :) read more

Cafe Istanbul - International Grocery Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

My daughter and I saw cafe Istanbul and had to stop in. It's a nice Mediterranean market and cafe. I had a chicken shawarma and my daughter had the beef kabobs. We also shared the cabbage wraps. Everything was great. Full of flavor. The service was good. It's basically a takeout place with some tables and chairs. Many folks ordered food Togo, but we chose to eat in. We will definitely be back and take some time to shop in the market. Thank you for a great meal. read more

See all

The food here is delicious! I got the chicken shawarma platter twice at this point and I highly recommend it. I've gotten it later in the day before and the chicken was dry but mid-day it was super fresh! The rice, salad, and sauce are also delicious and incredibly flavorful. I recommend, if you're getting to go, to order your food then shop around in their store and buy the time you're done your food will be ready! All of the desserts are homemade and also very delicious. I highly recommend trying some of their baklavas. The owners have been there for decades and are very nice. It's a nice space where you'll feel like you're in a restaurant somewhere in the Middle East. Definitely felt at home here and will be back for more. read more

Cafe Istanbul - Chicken Shawarma Platter - International Grocery Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

A place w a lot of character a it's attached to a grocery store! I imagine this food is pretty authentic food. Very reasonable prices. No frills. I feel like Anthony Bourdain would be proud to learn I ate here if he knew of the place. read more

I had the chicken schwarma plate. It came with rice, chicken, hummus, pita, Greek salad and tzatziki. I added a side of garlic sauce which was delicious!! It was my favorite part of the whole meal. My entire plate was really tasty. We also had the falafel and it was made well but could have used more seasoning/spices. We loved the pickles on the salad. We had enough food for leftovers. read more

Cafe Istanbul - Chicken Schwarma Plate - International Grocery Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Best hummus I've ever had in my life!!!! They were so friendly here, this place was INCREDIBLE I told everyone I know about it. The attached shop is full of goodies, everything you could possibly want. I would have lunch here every week if I could! read more

See all

Amazing market place that was next door to the restaurant that had a variety of foods and household essentials. We picked up grilled olives, tea, tea biscuits, pistachio baklava, kanafa, and an orange basil leaf drink. Then we ventured into the restaurant and I ordered a chicken and beef shawarma, hummus with pita and feta and olives. The restaurant was clean, and the service counter took our order as we sat down to nibble at the dishes we ended up ordering more pita and a hummus to go. The restaurant was family oriented and service was great! read more

See all

In an effort to try something new, I stopped by Café Istanbul for a gyro. I don't know why I was expecting a sit down deli situation, but it was just a deli where you can order and then shop around for groceries while you wait for your goods. I just went with a standard gyro sandwich and let me say it's fantastic. Also, the prices were very affordable. I grabbed a drink from the cooler and back and a baklava to go. I definitely wanna come back and check out the grocery more in depth. They have a ton of staples for all kinds of recipes and Middle Eastern cooking. The staff was very friendly and quick with our order. read more

See all

Fantastic mediterranean food in a cozy environment. I went back after they expanded to add a full kitchen. The food has definitely increased in quality. The garlic sauce now tastes house made and the meat was very tender and seasoned well. You get a huge portion of food for the price and I had plenty leftover for the next day. They still have their grocery store with a large selection of grocery items, including some high quality organic dates and various desserts. Cafe Istanbul has gotten even better over time! read more

See all

Amazing food at amazing prices!! Authentic Greek food... Deliciouso!!! THe service is fantastic!

Popped in once while waiting for a store in the shopping center to open. I guess that this was during the time that the restaurant was not open. On that trip just got a jar of sour cherry preserves. This time was specifically to go to the restaurant and get sour cherry preserves. You order at the counter from very friendly staff and they bring it out to you. I had the chicken shawarma plate and was pleased to see a very full plate. The only thing that would have made that plate better was if there was a pit of chili paste to add to the rice (the way I like mine). Other than that this is a great place to shop and eat. read more

Owner is very friendly. Very nice variety of items. Best baklava around. Next time, I will definitely have lunch there. read more

What a treat! We have been wanting to try this place since we got back from our recent trip to Turkey. The food was excellent. Prices were great, and the people were extremely nice and helpful. Will definitely return to sample more of their food. read more

Cafe Istanbul - Gyro platter - International Grocery Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

See all

Overall: The food is average but the prices are very good and the workers are nice. Gyro Plate comes with rice, salad, hummus, pita, and tzatziki sauce. The gyro was decent but not the best. I prefer it when the meat is more thickly sliced. The rice was good, fluffy and well separated. The hummus was super salty, and the pita wasn't very fluffy and soft. It was definitely a lot of food with a generous serving of meat for less than $11. Cafe Istanbul is a market with a to go eatery. The market itself is well stocked with dry goods and frozen foods. read more

We use to eat here when it was located across the street. I noticed they moved so I said we need to go back. It is so delicious. I had the chicken shawarma platter. The hummus is amazing and chicken yummy. Make sure to use to yogurt they give you. read more

Cafe Istanbul - Chicken Shawarma Platter - International Grocery Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Family owned restaurant with an attached market. Everything looks and tastes homemade with generous portions. Each time I've been, many people choose to eat inside, I've taken mine to go. I've been able to make a meal or two out of it each time but I'm petite. It's been a gem of a find, will be going back. read more

This place is absolutely amazing. They have it ALL. They had all the teas you could imagine; Middle Eastern black, flavored, Earl Grey, the whole nine. There were all the fruit spreads, exotic nectars and sodas. They had nice cheeses, henna, incense. But the BEST was the restaurant. The last time I went it was a little counter. This time, they've expanded to the whole store next door. They have a whole menu of hummus, shawarma, falafel, Turkish coffee; all the things. I had a falafel and it was delicious. It came stuffed w/ hummus and a pickled vegetable. A family runs it and they couldn't be more friendly and helpful. I also enjoyed seeing the customers from all over the world. It was so much fun. I can't wait to go back. read more

Shop this small business!! Interesting and unique pantry items at excellent prices. If you're going to find KSA dates it will be here. Very friendly service. read more

My son and I came here for lunch around 1:00 pm on a Tuesday. There were a number of patrons already in the casual "cafe". The pleasant cashier seemed to take several takeout orders while we were there. We ordered at the counter. I had the falafel platter. He had the lamb kebob platter. We shared a small plate of dolmas. ALL DELICIOUS!!!... served very fresh. After the meal, we shopped in the grocery store. Excellent selection with reasonable prices. Mula, the owner of 5 years, was very pleasant and helpful. Overall service,selection and quality are excellent. This family run establishment deserves your attention!!! read more

As many have written, you'll find any and all things Turkish/Middle Eastern here in grocery products, but we were zeroed in on their deli, which had a myriad of delectable options. They have a pretty expansive menu, and prepare it while you wait. In that regard I think phone-in orders are the way to go. One nice fella is taking care of the deli, but he does have family members that jump in when it gets busy. Without too much description, their food is outstanding, and quite a good value for 2022. Pitas have an 'extra meat' option, but the regular sized ones have plenty in my opinion. My high school bud lives just blocks away, and he was mind boggled with the selection and will be a regular from now on. Cool... read more

See all

Cafe Istanbul has a diverse selection of Middle Eastern groceries. They are my source for Turkish coffee, Persian tea, and the Sadaf brand merchandise they stock. One of these days I must stop in with enough time to eat on the cafe side of the business, rather than my usual hit-and-run grocery stock up trips. Staff has always been courteous and diligent helping me as I searched for specific items. Fine folks. read more

See all

Cafe Istanbul has moved into a nice location across the street. Nazir and his family are very friendly and welcoming. Their grocery is packed with middle east goodies. They also have a nice small cafe. The falafel with hummus, veggies, pickles, tahini and hot sauce was scrumptious. These flavours and hospitality take me back to my adventures in the Middle East with every bite. Enjoy this taste from my homeland. Thanks for reading. Avram Moshe Dayan read more

I've wanted to drop by for awhile now! You should too! What it lacks in ambience it more than makes up for in food quality. I ordered the Vegetarian Platter for takeout and the falafel, baba ghanoush, hummus were excellent! They're a food market as well so I picked up some grilled olives and canned dolmas. I highly recommend, especially if you're vegan. read more

Great food! Great customer service! Great market! We need to support awesome businesses like this!

PHENOMENAL tastes, smells and a really warm environment. We went in just expecting to get some dolmas to go and ended up buying something from nearly every isle in the grocery part of the store. The impression I got is the store is very much a family affair and everyone was kind. Go to place for our next Mediterranean craving! read more

Here lies a treasure trove of Middle Eastern Delicacies. Unfortunately there is no place to sit and luxuriate over them. You have to take them out. Plus, be sure to ask for silverware if you can't wait till you get home. I'm not kidding. The smells are magnificent and it's hard to resist. Watch out for the olives, though! I almost cracked one of my molars, not suspecting they still had pits in there! But I used the warmed pita to scoop up my vegetarian plate...humus and babagnush ! ( spelling?). Variety of rice and tea's unparalleled! Also check out frozen delights! These people are so nice, by the way. Please support them by stopping by! Tell them Laurie sent you! read more

Awesome food and great service. Had the Gyro Platter and Greek Salad. Will go back again next I'm in town.

Nice local spot ran by a family. It serves as a store for middle eastern goods but you can also order food here during a certain time frame. I usually just call in and ask, but I get my gyros from here and they are fairly cheap for the amount of meat you get! I get that go grab a drink and some dessert for about $12. Such a friendly family and I always feel welcomed coming into this place. read more

Finally, a reopening for the ages. What will grab your attention first is the delicious smells and fragrances of herbs and spices, followed by a robust selection of foods, breads, and drinks not easily found in the Duke City. Café Istanbul is paradise. I needed lunch and saw they reopened their grill across the street from their former location. The chicken shawarma platter comes with hummus, salad, pita bread, and rice. The portions are wonderful for lunch and unlike other similarly styled food in the area, the pita is soft and moist. This is a small, family owned cafe/market in an area that carries way more expensive middle eastern food. Café Istanbul prices their platters fairly, right under the $10 mark. They sell individual falafels or in a pack, which was a convenient option. The hummus alone will enamor you back. Try it out! read more

See all

Excellent baklava! And you can get big pieThis place is jam packed with Turkish food/dry goods. Excellent olives oil & pickled, canned goods. Candies of all sorts. I can't wait to go back. I'll try more of the options. read more

You are greeted warmly, they answer your questions and prepare your Togo meal with care. The food is amazing, we got olives with feta, a gyro plate and a chicken swarma. The plates came with yellow rice, amazing hummus, and a small delicious Greek salad that includes pickles! I had to go back and buy a jar! We browsed their shop while the food was being made. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. Ended the meal with the most amazing baklava I've ever had. We will be back read more

Good Mediterranean food with friendly staff, great service, unassuming decor, and good sized menu of reasonably priced choices. Definitely try the dolmas as they were easily the best I've had anywhere, full of flavor and moisture. read more

See all

I come here for good food and service the young lady is the front is very helpful and knowledgeable about items in the store and the owner is very respectful and welcomes you with good vibes, I love ordering the great rice pudding and dolmas!! I recommend the chicken shawarma platter of your skeptical or your very time trying this lovely place. If your fan of humus you will love this place. read more

Simply delicious hidden gem on the east side. Rarely on this side of town but love this place. Now second time coming, the owner is very kind and welcoming, told me rice would be about 15 min being made fresh and asked if this was ok before ordering. Cute middle eastern market, need to come more often. Their hummus is so delicious - creamy, best in town. Gyro meat fresh, succulent, moist - and they don't skimp. Rice I wish had a little more flavor. I made little gyro sandwiches with the pita they give, wish I had more pita to eat up that hummus! It was enough for two meals, my wife had my leftovers and loved it. Definitely better than Par's and way more affordable. They also kindly gave me a piece of baklava for my wait, which was the best I've had in Abq. Flaky, not overly sweet, even after a couple days in the fridge. I need to come back to try everything on their menu. Come support this family owned business! read more

Cafe Istanbul - Gyro Platter - International Grocery Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Delicious, hot food. Courteous and helpful staff. I love chit-chatting with them when I pick up lunch. Definitely a top-three place to get falafel in Albuquerque. I think hot food is only served until 3/3:30p so if you're craving falafel, make sure you make your order in time. They have a really good store too- all the pickles and pita you can imagine. This a solid local business. If you haven't tried them, check them out. read more