We randomly found Ishtar and were so glad we did! Their dolmas were some of the best I've ever had. I had their specialty chicken and my husband had the salmon, both were delicious. The hummus, bread, olives and pickles were an unexpected bonus and they gave us chocolates as we left. Service was attentive and the atmosphere was charming. I will definitely return next time I'm in the area. read more

First time trying Turkish food and still don't understand the difference. Came on a Friday during dinner time and was asked if I had a reservation but there were still a lot of empty spaces so I don't think a reservation is mandatory. The complimentary bread was delicious, strong sesame flavor with a crunchy texture. Other than that, we ordered: 1. Kuzu Sis - 5-6 pieces of lamb over a pita bread with this red salsa jam thing and grilled tomatoes and peppers. The meat is actually pretty tender but I feel like it doesn't go well with the sweet sauce provided. 2. Tavuk Sis - Very tender, but lacking a lot of flavor because the flavoring didn't penetrate to the inside part of the chicken. 3. Somon - The salmon was extremely tender and the vegetables were very flavorful and paired well with it. However I felt like the sauce they provided was way too strong and salty, even for the light fish. Overall okay meal. Felt like it was too expensive and the portion sizes were too small. read more

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I didn't have a reservation, so I was asked to wait a couple of minutes though they had many tables open. Thankfully, I was seated a couple minutes later and ordered the Tavuk Sis, Kuzu Sis, and Somon. Ishtar gave out some free bread which was actually really good. The bread was really crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Dipped in hummus, it was the bomb. Tavuk Sis- The portion size didn't measure up to the amount of money I paid, but that's okay. The chicken was juicy and had a lot of flavor. I wasn't the biggest fan of the sauce, but the chicken itself was really good. The red cabbage was very good, but the tortilla got really soggy with the chicken sitting on it. Kuzu Sis- Again, the meat was awesome. The lamb was really tender and salted very well. I was a big fan of the sauce on this dish paired with the lamb. I just loved it! Somon- Sadly, this is where things started to go downhill. The fish was overcooked and wasn't the best. The flavors of the dish was okay. This didn't impress me like I thought it would. After eating the two meat dishes, I had high expectations, but this let me down. Overall, the price range doesn't match up to the portion sizes, but the meat was really good! Would come here again and get the lamb and chicken. read more

Visited as a party of three. Our hummus appetizer was served with some really good bread. It was crusty outside, but very soft inside. Each person in the party enjoyed the meal. The risotto was wonderful. The baby chicken was tender and flavorful. The service was great. The staff was attentive and the food was served relatively quickly. I recommend this place. read more

Ishtar - Turkish Near Me - London, XGL

I've eaten at Ishtar twice now, once for lunch and once for dinner. Honestly, I was a bit scared to return after our first amazing visit, but I can now say that this place seems consistently good! Service: This restaurant is not large and there seemed to be only one waitress at lunch, and a couple servers at dinner. Our waitress was nice, helpful, and patient (supremely important when it comes to my picky family). Food took a while though, even at lunch when the restaurant wasn't very busy. Ambiance: Very clean and well decorated. The ambiance is great. Food: Everything, except the complimentary bread (which is dry) is delicious! A few of the standouts: -- Karides Tava - not sure what the prawns were marinated in but I just want to buy a bottle of it and bring it back to NYC. Presentation was beautiful as well. --- Levrek - the seabass was deliciously flaky and fresh. -- Tavuk Sis - my husband and FIL loved this. I don't eat chicken so I can't comment. -- Mashed potatoes - good but nothing especially unique. -- Rice - So Good. -- Chocolate Cake - well presented and quite good. -- Apple Crumble - not overly sweet, which was great. Prices: Ishtar's lunch menu is fabulous and very affordable. Dinner is a bit more expensive but really worth it. Bottom Line: I highly recommend Ishtar and know that we'll be returning for sure. read more

The best turkish food I've ever had , even didn't have like this when I was in Istanbul . Lovely staff and amazing food . read more

I went here with the boyff and another couple on a Sunday night. When we walked in we were greeted by a really jolly welcoming chap and asked where we would like to sit, so we picked a corner table and sat down. It all looked very promising indeed. We ordered our drinks and then looked to the food menu. The drinks took forever, as in I was seriously getting narky as I was thirsty. They then turned up with the G&T for my friend and no other drinks. Strange, then we proceeded to wait and wait some more. In the end my friend went and asked again, and still we waited. We ordered our food and they bought over complementary bread and olives. Finally we got our drinks, although my fanta looked like a foreign fanta as it was that luminous orange colour you get when you are away on holiday. Eventually the food arrived, some of the food didn't have to be on big plates but were, so there was no room on the table and it was all cluttered. We had to move our drinks off the table and put them on a shelf behind us. It did look very good though, so we all tucked in. To be fair, the food was of a good enough standard, the hummus was really good, the feta puff pastry rolls were perfectly crunchy with the warmed insides. My dish Sarma Tavuk beyti - minced chicken skewer, red paper, garlic and parsley grilled then, wrapped in a tortilla, served with cous cous, yogurt and a tomato butter sauce, was rather bland really. Edible enough, but really could have taken it or left it. Boyff had the mixed grill and said everything was well cooked and tasted good and he enjoyed it. My friend had the same as me, and said it was "okay" her boyfriend several starters as his main and said they were all good. I have to say with hindsight, I wish I had done that too, as the tzatziki, hummus, filo parcels,grilled Turkish sausage and halluomi were all very good indeed. As for atmosphere I can't even remember either way, so it wasn't offensive, but equally, it wasn't worth noting either. Also all the patrons were sat up and to the left and the main area of the restaurant was all empty. We got the bill, and they had already calculated the service for us which I think was a bit odd in this type of restaurant and considering, apart from the initial greeting, the shocking was rather naff to be honest. We paid the bill and left. Average food, slightly higher than average prices, lower than average service. I won't bother going back. read more

I'm surprised this place hasn't been reviewed yet. I used to live right down the street from this restaurant and passed by it nearly everyday without giving it a second glance- the restaurant front leaves nothing to be desired and I never thought about going in. One night my friend and I were starving and didn't want to go too far for a meal so we decided to try out Ishtar as it was only a few minutes walk up the street. The inside décor surprised me- it is so lovely and fancy inside with a wonderful ambiance- I never would've expected that. Our servers were great and attentive. We started with the Shared Meze Plate appetizer which included hummus, kisir, patlican ezme, ispanak taratar, & patlican soslu (mind you, the only thing I could properly identify was hummus), plus a bunch of delicious vegetables to dip in the sauces. For my main course I had one of their cubed lamb plates (I forget which one), but it was also delicious and left me wanting more. It's all a bit pricy but I think it's worth it. Looking forward to returning again next time I'm in London read more

My parents and I were visiting from the States and were trying to find a place that was open at 16:30 for dinner near where we are staying. We came across Ishtar and were so glad we did!! We all ordered off the lunch and early menu where you can do 2 courses for £11.95. After ordering, we were promptly brought hot bread and hummus along with a small bowl of spiced olives. The hummus was the best I've ever tasted!! Heavy on garlic, but I'm a garlic fan. Then they brought our starters. I ordered the calamari and, again, I swear it was the best I've ever had! I ordered the iskantar for my main course and it was very good! I've had better lamb, but there were no complaints coming from me. Both my parents highly enjoyed their meals as well. Even my father who typically dislikes ethnic food! Our waitress was very attentive (granted we were only one of two in tables in the restaurant at the time). She seemed very pleased we were enjoying our meal so much and brought us a bit of Turkish delight for dessert! I would definitely recommend this place and would love to return! read more

On the plus side, the dining room was very pleasant - quiet enough for the four of us to have a conversation without the incessant techno-pop that your typical London Turkish place will have. Large noisy parties are accommodated in the huge downstairs dining room. But the surroundings did not make up for the greatly overpriced and mostly bland food on offer. There are many hot and cold mezzes on offer - we shared the mixed vegetarian and an order of falafel. Portions are on the very small side, and nothing was really stellar - M&S does better with their pre-packaged takeouts. Mains had mixed reviews - the tiger prawns were very good with a wonderful simple garlic sauce, but the marinated chicken kabob was served with plain unseasoned rice and seemed to lack the advertised marinade. It was dry and flavorless. The minced lamb with garlic and a yogurt/tomato sauce was flavorful enough, but quite heavy and dense (if portion size is the meter you use to rate goodness, get this dish). The last contender was a special chicken dish with chestnuts and mixed root veggies - but was missing the requisite chestnuts. On the whole, I'd say you could do much better and be much happier elsewhere. read more

Lit was recommended to me by a friend. So I went with high expectations and it didn't disappoint. Iskandar was good, portion was right, not stuffed with bread like other places. We had to have the Kunafa after our meal but unfortunately they ran out of it. I heard it's good. I ordered Baklava which was a bit different, more pistachio in it but with a scoop of ice cream, I liked it much better than the traditional one, highly recommended. Very friendly staff too. They took their time and answered our questions and assisted us in choosing our dishes. read more

Visited for a family dinner... they were happy to arrange a table for 10 on short notice... Great family atmosphere...good food and great service... The kebabs were really good as was the vegetarian mousaka.. Will definitely return... read more

Been there with colleagues of 15+ from various countries for a business dinner. The food was delicious and server was great. Everybody liked what they got. So go for it read more

I live their food it is delicious although you need to wait a little too long but it is worth it and i think quality is amazing for their parices read more

Was staying at the Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes nearby ( excellent, btw) and I randomly found Ishtar. It was outstanding - the food and the service. I had the Lamb chops and they were fantastic. The calamari also were very good ( they looked like giant onion rings). It was a great find on a damp day. read more

Great food and nice restaurant. Presentation of the food was beautiful. I had a chicken dish that was a little too salty for my liking, but it was still good. There was an amazing lamb dish that was in a wrap form with yogurt around it. It kinda looked like a flower. The owner is super nice. Music was playing downstairs, so go dance after dinner if you can. read more

Really great lunch spot and delicious food. I especially love the lentil soup and the Borek.

This place is great if you like great service come here and also the employees are really nice and this place has high quality food and the decoration is amazing and just the whole place in general I awesome! read more

Simply the best Turkish rest in London. The kebabs were amazing. The meat is the best quality I had in London. Its a shame they don't do the Doner Kebab but I know its for a good reason. Done Kebab is made of cheap cuts of meat. read more

Continues to consistently deliver a great meal. The service can be a bit slow at times but the food here is consistently good - whether it is fish, chicken, or lamb. Got introduced a few years ago and keep coming back whenever in town. read more

Great ambiance. The food was delicious and ample quantities. My wife and daughter had not had Turkish food before, and we were all pleased with the meal and service. read more

I would highly recommend this place all of the food was very well done. Great taste, very fresh and a great environment to enjoy the food. All in all a great time and a nice spot. read more

Great place for two set lunch menu. Nice bread and hummous+olives delivered before entree. Sauses in separate cups for the main course very good. Had asparagus and then grilled chicken. Will be back if in the neighborhood again. read more

I've been here 4 times now and never been disappointed. The food is very fresh and really tasty. Even the vegetarian options were delicious. Reasonably priced restaurant with a great atmosphere. Warm bread straight out the oven is served complimentary with hummus and olives before entrees. Be sure to book ahead! read more

Had the unfortunate luck to dine here at the same time as christmas party tables (the christmas meal deals are very good value). The mezze starter was good. The lentil soup was very nice,perfect in this weather! The grilled lamb cubes were too fatty for my taste. The 'Iskinder' main dish was average. The lemon sorbet was horrible. The pistachio ice cream was,again, quite average. Service average, decor nothing special. A good value restaurant for a quick meal. Nothing special. read more

We've eaten here multiple times after our son was born. We took my in-laws, a group of friends and my brother and his fiancé - we always loved the food and had a great time. We even pick up dinner there sometimes because we live so close. The food is better and the portions bigger when you eat in though. We always had the same waiter who even remembers our son's name. :) Service and food never left anything to be desired even though this place fills up. Unfortunately then it also gets a little louder... Their interior is phenomenal and I feel like I am on vacation! read more

Terrific Turkish restaurant that delivers great value for a W1 address.

Have been visiting Ishtar since it first opened,comfortable seating,nice dim lighting and the food is fresh and good - all cooked from the visible kitchen which is spotless. Always have the grilled meats and recommend the baklava for dessert served with their homemade pistachio ice cream. The only thing of late is the bread served along with hummous & olives when you are seated: it is now served almost over crisp - was much nicer served it simply warm when the texture of the excellent bread was more edible...not toast like. read more

Great Turkish restaurant - lovely decor, great food (fish kebabs great!) £20 for set menu read more

Meat was good, that's about all I can comment on... Not a place for gluten-free people, since even the rice has bread product added. They'll replace the rice with salad for you, but it's a very small amount of basically just lettuce. Service left something to be desired. read more

Nothing special.. They don't take Amex. Sucks .. The Iskender was not proper. Meaning it failed.. Service was ok. Would not go back.

We went without a reservation at 8pm on a Wednesday. The restaurant did not seem busy but filled up quickly soon after. Aside from the initial welcome/first drink offer, the service was not friendly and was very sporadic. There is large menu with all the Turkish favourites but the restaurant is lacking in warmth, hospitality and welcome. The food is fine. read more

I really liked the food here. The atmosphere downstairs at the weekend is great. There is a DJ, singer and belly dancer sometimes. Lots of dancing. Only downside is I think the food is pretty pricy compared to other Turkish restaurants and it is hard to get the waiters attention at times. read more