Istanbul Cafe: A Turkish Culinary Gem in Clifton, NJ

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.

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.

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

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.

I was very impressed with this hidden gem. I might have to put there Cacik recipe up there as one of the best I have ever eaten. Also, the lamb kebab was perfect. I'll be back to try a few different dishes and see if I find anymore goodies...

Food and service was great ! The dessert showcase really was tempting, almost ordered one of everything! Definitely will be back, best Turkish good around

The best casual restaurant in New Jersey , kids friendly , family gatherings friendly service, celebrating events is awesome, clean , food made fresh as you order !!

From the hand crafted, warm and delicious baked bread to the eggs atop hand chopped beef, this is the BEST breakfast I've had in the 7 weeks I've been on the road and away from home! This breakfast entree is like steak and eggs but it's already cut for you! This is so superior to a standard American breakfast! I am glad that I am open to new food experiences and, when traveling, I always check YELP to find independent restaurants at which to eat. The stand out places for me during this trip have both been Turkish! The first was a small combination grocery and restaurant on Long Island and now this one in Clifton, NJ. Turkish is fast becoming my "go to" Mediterranean food! The service was great. Explanations of the menu items were patiently given. The space is large, with large windows and an inviting decor. If I return to this area, I will definitely return to this restaurant to sample other offerings. A most delightful meal!

This place was great! It was pretty crowded on a Saturday night, so we were glad we had made a reservation in advance. It took a little while for a waitress to come over to our table after we sat, but service was fine overall. The appetizers were great, and the main dishes were pretty good too. Good Turkish option in the area and will likely come back.