Gideon Fils
Cafe Istanbul in Sandy Springs is absolutely top-tier. I ordered the lamb, and it was phenomenal — perfectly seasoned, tender, and cooked exactly right. You can tell they take pride in authentic Turkish preparation. The flavors were bold but balanced, and the portion size was generous without being overwhelming.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it great for both a casual lunch and a relaxed dinner. Service was attentive and friendly, and the food came out fresh and hot.
If you’re in Sandy Springs and craving quality Mediterranean/Turkish cuisine, this spot is a must-visit. The lamb alone is worth coming back for. Highly recommend.
… moreWendy P.
We went early on a saturday evening around 5pm for a friend’s birthday, and the experience was truly special from start to finish. Even with the pre-dinner crowd, the atmosphere felt calm, welcoming, and intimate — the kind of place where you can relax and really enjoy the moment.
The staff went above and beyond to make our friend feel celebrated, which honestly meant so much. They were kind, attentive, and genuinely warm, and they made her day feel beautiful and intentional.
We started with a sampler-style appetizer, where each dish was served in its own bowl, and every single one was incredible. The bread that came with it deserves its own mention — fresh, warm, and absolutely phenomenal. I could’ve made a meal just out of that spread.
For my entrée, I had the shrimp sauté, and it was outstanding — perfectly cooked, deeply flavorful, and balanced in a way that felt comforting yet elevated. You can truly taste the care and quality in the food.
Dessert was the perfect ending: baklava and künefe paired with Dubai chocolate ice cream. I’m not exaggerating when I say the food was so good it felt emotional. It was one of those meals that stays with you, the kind you think about long after you’ve left.
This place isn’t just about great food (though it absolutely delivers there); it’s about the experience, the warmth, and how welcome they make you feel. We will absolutely be back, and I can’t recommend it enough.
… moreLisa Novak
We had an early dinner last night at Cafe Istanbul. The service and food were amazing. We had a little bit of everything. The cocktail that my son and his fiancé had was delicious. Mariam (our server) was delightful. I cannot wait to go back and take family and friends.
… moreHilary Miller
Cafe Istanbul in Sandy Springs (Roswell Road) just gained a new customer. The food was beyond outstanding, like melt in your mouth level. Mustafah, the chef, Amen and Bijan treated us like royalty. We started out with the Meza sampler which I recommend so you can get a taste of all their salad starters. Each one had a perfect burst of flavors and spices. Our main meals consisted of the Beyti, the beef sirloin and the grilled salmon, all prepared to perfection and served with an aromatic rice. We were full to the rim with deliciousness, when the chef insisted we try a bite of his freshly made baklava, and OMG, it was the best we ever ate. Even the plates were beautiful adding to the presentation. Mustafah, Amen and Bijan, thank you for an absolutely delightful experience. We will be back 100%.
… moreAnthony Herrera
Took the wife out to Cafe Istanbul here in Alpharetta, and seriously, what a great night out. The place has a really nice vibe, but the standout was the food and the service.
A big shout-out goes to our server, Ament. He was awesome—totally on top of things and made sure our night was flawless.
We started things off with the Muska Böreği, these flaky, cheesy little phyllo rolls. Perfect crunch and not too heavy!
For our dinner, everything was spot-on. The Lamb Conan Sautee was the absolute main event—tender, deep flavor, and just incredible. It was rich and paired perfectly with the rice and fresh salad. The Chicken Kebab was exactly how it should be: juicy, smoky, and done right.
You absolutely have to get dessert here. The Kunefe is crazy good—warm, sweet, gooey cheese inside crispy pastry. We also loved the creamy, comforting Sütlaç (baked rice pudding). Finished it all off with some traditional black tea.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for fantastic Turkish food and great service, definitely go to Cafe Istanbul and ask for Ament!
… moreTank Evans
We came here and met the owner Mustafa and the awesome bartender Aman and had really one of the best meals I’ve ever had at any restaurant, much less a Mediterranean restaurant. The lamb shanks were literally melt in your mouth delicious, I’ve never had anything quite like it and also the tenderloin medallions were to die for!! Everything was seasoned perfectly and cooked to perfection. Bravo guys and gals! Highly recommended and I will definitely be back as soon as I’m hungry again
… moreLance Johnson
I stopped in for lunch yesterday and had an exceptional experience. I believe his name was Amen, our server, greeted us with a warm smile as we entered. He handed me the menu, and I immediately decided to try the beef tenderloin plate. My coworker opted for the Lamb Chops. The moment I tasted the tenderloin, it virtually melted in my mouth—absolutely outstanding. While it’s not a steakhouse, the quality was undeniable. My coworker also couldn’t stop raving about the delicious Lamb Chops. Service was swift and friendly. I’ll definitely be returning soon, and I hope they start offering DoorDash soon.
… moreAna Meneses
This place hit the best score in every single box. The food was really good, the service was fast and the atmosphere is the best since we got to see the belly dancer and the people getting up to dance… I definitely will be back. It is a whole experience, totally fun.
… moreНурбек Джумабаев
Excellent Turkish restaurant! Everything was perfect – delicious food, fresh ingredients, and generous portions. The kebabs were juicy, the meze was very tasty, and the Turkish tea was just like in Turkey. The atmosphere is cozy and authentic, and the staff is friendly and attentive. We really enjoyed our visit and will
definitely come back. Highly recommended!
… moreMichaelene Mastrocola
We were treated like family last night. Amen the owner and Miriam our server were incredible hosts. The meats are SO TENDER and flavorful. Our table had chicken lamb and steak – all of it was delicious. The DJ and belly dancer transformed us out of ATL. Everything is authentic and they were so happy to share their beautiful culture with us (our party was Puerto Rican Italian Nigerian and Polish). The Turkish tea was delightful. They serve zero proof drinks along with a full bar. The mango margarita was perfectly balanced. I wish it had been less ice and more beverage. Come support this local gem!
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