Caf Istanbul is proud to be Manchester's longest established independent restaurant, serving authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine for nearly 40 years. We offer a superb selection of hot and cold mezes, all the traditional main course specialities, (many with our own twist), delicious vegetarian dishes and an excellent wine list.
We look forward to seeing you soon. Caf Istanbul only uses the freshest and best ingredients. Meat and fish are prepared daily on the premises and cooked to order on our coal fire grill. Turkish pizzas and breads are made in our pizza ovens, whilst a great selection of traditional dishes are lovingly prepared by our long-serving chefs.
We look forward to seeing you soon. Caf Istanbul only uses the freshest and best ingredients. Meat and fish are prepared daily on the premises and cooked to order on our coal fire grill. Turkish pizzas and breads are made in our pizza ovens, whilst a great selection of traditional dishes are lovingly prepared by our long-serving chefs.
Services
Thank you for your reservation. We have received your request and will process it shortly. Please note that your reservation is not confirmed until you receive written confirmation from us. Your information has been saved successfully and you will be notified once there are available seats for requested date.
Our La Gitane function room is situated right below Caf Istanbul and is the perfect venue for private functions, birthday parties, anniversaries, conferences and product launches. Accommodating up to 60 people, it is the ideal city centre venue for people who want to celebrate in style. Please email us at info@cafeistanbul.co.uk for further information.
Reviews (23)
Young Bomba
Jan 25, 2022
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Terrible service. I made an appointment in advance for 7pm 22 January Saturday.
I came around 6:50pm and the staff refused to set us mentions we can only set specifically at 7pm.
There were more than 4 tables available during the time and the staff insisted we wait the extra 10 minutes.
The resturant staff attitudes was not welcoming my friend came before me and when he entered the resturant the staff also welcomed him with bad attitude.
This is very rude attitude. We came 10 minutes before our appointments and many tables are available.
I came around 6:50pm and the staff refused to set us mentions we can only set specifically at 7pm.
There were more than 4 tables available during the time and the staff insisted we wait the extra 10 minutes.
The resturant staff attitudes was not welcoming my friend came before me and when he entered the resturant the staff also welcomed him with bad attitude.
This is very rude attitude. We came 10 minutes before our appointments and many tables are available.
Svetlana Popova
Nov 27, 2021
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Simon Talbot
Nov 13, 2021
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Nicola Mcdonald
Nov 05, 2021
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Shamardal Hargreaves
Oct 27, 2021
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Kevin Hewitt
Oct 15, 2021
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Absolutely fantastic experience. Lovely food, friendly staff and efficient service. One of our group had allergies plus special dietary requirements and the restaurant ensured he was catered for. My husband was wearing a birthday badge and the staff brought out a slice of birthday cake for him without even being asked. Would definitely recommend.
Mihaela Maior
Oct 08, 2021
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Cafe Istanbul never disappoints. Been coming here for takeaway kebab for many years and it's always warm, fresh and of high quality. The service is great too so you have to keep coming back. We had the mixed doner with chips and also chicken with chips. Both tasted great and the sauce was a lovely addition.
Izaz Shah
Sep 13, 2021
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Janet Wang
Sep 09, 2021
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Andy L.
Aug 27, 2021
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Thelma Herrera
Jul 26, 2021
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Incredible food, BIG portion, great costumer service, I didn't want anything with flour or high carbs and they went a step beyond making my food without flour
Waiting staff spot on, she was very patient explaining everything to us and listening to my concerns
Perfect balance of
Good food
Good service
Good price
Good time
Waiting staff spot on, she was very patient explaining everything to us and listening to my concerns
Perfect balance of
Good food
Good service
Good price
Good time
Aaron S.
Aug 29, 2019
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If there was an award for bad service and lying staff then Cafe Istanbul would surely be a contender - much to my surprise their location here on Bridge Street in Spinningfields, Manchester which is Manchester's longest established independent restaurant, lasting 40 years hasn't been given a rating under three-stars yet on Yelp, even though it is a pretty common sight on other platforms.
Café Istanbul is split into two areas, one is more of a grab and goes cafe/deli type area with the other being the main restauraunt - none of which are disabled friendly being up a very high step
Café Istanbul is split into two areas, one is more of a grab and goes cafe/deli type area with the other being the main restauraunt - none of which are disabled friendly being up a very high step
Brian N.
Nov 10, 2017
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My daughter suggested that we try Turkish food for lunch as she had never had that cuisine. We searched for the best rated restaurant and bent our steps in that direction. The ratings didn't lie!
We ordered a lunch special that consisted of several small portions of Mediterranean fare. Grape leaves, meatballs, eggplant salad, spanakopita and many others. Everything was delicious!
We decided to split our entree and ordered a mixed grill of meats with a savory tomato sauce. Thank goodness we did because we could not finish it together. It was phenomenally savory and tender. I am not even
We ordered a lunch special that consisted of several small portions of Mediterranean fare. Grape leaves, meatballs, eggplant salad, spanakopita and many others. Everything was delicious!
We decided to split our entree and ordered a mixed grill of meats with a savory tomato sauce. Thank goodness we did because we could not finish it together. It was phenomenally savory and tender. I am not even
Robert S.
Mar 13, 2015
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I stopped here on my last night in town, looking for a little variety after a week of mostly Italian and Pub Food, and they did not disappoint - quick/friendly service, quite diverse menu, and reasonable prices. I tried the Spicy Lentil Soup which I didn't think was spicy at all but hey, I'm from Texas. For the main course I had a delicious halibut steak. My only complaint is that they don't take AMEX - boooo, who doesn't take American Express these days?
Victoria B.
Jan 07, 2015
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I've been to Cafe Istanbul a couple of times and both times had the slow baked lamb with apricot sauce- it's seriously the best thing on the menu. Dishes are simple- they come with rice and vegetables like mangetout etc. The food is simple yet cooked to perfection and really tasty. The mezze platter is also good if you're sharing.
The restaurant itself is a bit no-frills, quite spacious. The first time it was very busy but the second time I went there was seriously no-one in there which kind of spoiled the vibe, although it was during the World Cup and there was a game on that
The restaurant itself is a bit no-frills, quite spacious. The first time it was very busy but the second time I went there was seriously no-one in there which kind of spoiled the vibe, although it was during the World Cup and there was a game on that
Jessica H.
Sep 29, 2014
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Looking for something to mix in to our usual meat-based after work adventures, I suggested my friend and I headed to Cafe Istanbul - after trips to both Dimitris and Topkapi Palace recently, it seemed only fair to have the comparison.
We visited on a Tuesday night and I was surprised to see quite a few people simply having their after work drinks here; the layout of the space does lend itself to this, though one wonders whether they would really want people in without the promise of them ordering food.
We were seated very quickly and our orders taken within good time. It has to be said that we
We visited on a Tuesday night and I was surprised to see quite a few people simply having their after work drinks here; the layout of the space does lend itself to this, though one wonders whether they would really want people in without the promise of them ordering food.
We were seated very quickly and our orders taken within good time. It has to be said that we
Mohammad A.
Aug 30, 2013
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Marcy W.
Oct 25, 2012
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Never been to Turkey but this place felt totally oriental.
In my mind it is exactly how a Turkish restaurant would look like. Loved the humus and the feta cheese triangles. Don't think I'd repeat the turkish sausage ever again, but the rest was very good on both spices and taste.
Service was also very good with personal touch. The waiter even remembered my name and referred to me as Ms Marcy! How cool is that! Loved it.
In my mind it is exactly how a Turkish restaurant would look like. Loved the humus and the feta cheese triangles. Don't think I'd repeat the turkish sausage ever again, but the rest was very good on both spices and taste.
Service was also very good with personal touch. The waiter even remembered my name and referred to me as Ms Marcy! How cool is that! Loved it.
Qype User Han
Dec 01, 2011
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I love their lunch! Mezze set is good value ( £6 or £8 ) and bread is very fresh. The deco is very modern so good for date. I like the idea I can eat lots of different foods in one plate! It is good combination of vegetables and meat ( I want some fish too). It is healthy and well balanced too. The customer service is nice and professional. Also great location and nicely quiet! I really recommend it!
Bobby S.
Feb 17, 2011
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Excellent food at a good price with a clean and friendly environment.
Went on valentines day with thr mrs and we both really enjoyed it. We wanted somewere not to expensive but somewere new and this was the ideal place. Our starter arrived within 5 minutes of us ordering it and our mains about 10 minutes onced we had finished. The waiter explained about the food on the starter and offered us drinks at the same time. Toilets were very clean and modern, the restaurant had a very welcoming feeling and we enjoyed our night.
Would suggest mixed starter and the paprika lamb for mains.
Went on valentines day with thr mrs and we both really enjoyed it. We wanted somewere not to expensive but somewere new and this was the ideal place. Our starter arrived within 5 minutes of us ordering it and our mains about 10 minutes onced we had finished. The waiter explained about the food on the starter and offered us drinks at the same time. Toilets were very clean and modern, the restaurant had a very welcoming feeling and we enjoyed our night.
Would suggest mixed starter and the paprika lamb for mains.
Qype User Thefoo
Feb 07, 2009
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Glen C.
May 25, 2008
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Café Istanbul is one of those rare restaurants that has been around for years and is been consistently good. For those who didn't work it out from the name, the food is Turkish inspired.
Starters range from £4-7 and include Humus, stuffed vine leaves, salads, various fish and meat kofte (meat balls): if you can't decide try the special mixed platter and try a selection. Main meals include a lot of grilled meats and seafood and range from £10-15. If there is a group of you why not try ordering one of the mixed char-grills: these are ordered on a per-person basis (minimum 2) and include
Starters range from £4-7 and include Humus, stuffed vine leaves, salads, various fish and meat kofte (meat balls): if you can't decide try the special mixed platter and try a selection. Main meals include a lot of grilled meats and seafood and range from £10-15. If there is a group of you why not try ordering one of the mixed char-grills: these are ordered on a per-person basis (minimum 2) and include
Qype User Hannah
Mar 10, 2008
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This amazing restaurant is a long standing restaurant in Manchester, located just off the beaten track. Instead of sticking to Deansgate, turn onto Bridge Street for an experience that is guaranteed not to disappoint.
There is a theatre menu, a bit of a set menu which offers meze to start, that allow you to get a bite of everything - perfect for someone new to Turkish cuisine, followed by a main and coffee at a very reasonable price. Alternatively, feast your eyes on the impressive selection of lamb, chicken, seafood, mixed chargrills or vegetarian options, and you'll be sure to find a
There is a theatre menu, a bit of a set menu which offers meze to start, that allow you to get a bite of everything - perfect for someone new to Turkish cuisine, followed by a main and coffee at a very reasonable price. Alternatively, feast your eyes on the impressive selection of lamb, chicken, seafood, mixed chargrills or vegetarian options, and you'll be sure to find a
