CAFÉ ISTANBUL
For The Premier
Turkish Cuisine In Atlanta
By Elizabeth Philippe

If you consider yourself a modern day Christopher Columbus and are a frequent traveler encircling the globe, then Atlanta’s latitude and longitudinal coordinates have surely been crossed off of your destination map. Whether driving down Peachtree Street in the heart of the city or on any other road in the outskirts of downtown, your eyes grace a multitude of franchised restaurants but more so of lavish, local, privately-owned culture-specific mom and poppers housing recipe secrets of some of the most delectable dishes to dance on your tongue. The Middle East is quite the popular region when it comes to dining in Atlanta and Café Istanbul, located in Decatur, Georgia just minutes from Midtown and voted number one Mediterranean restaurant, is no exception to the rule.

Café Istanbul is more than a meal; it’s an experience. At first glance, there is no question about the restaurant’s popularity as hungry customers stand single-file in a line extending out the door, eagerly awaiting their personal taste bud bash. The exterior is structured with a patio seating section for patrons wishing to enjoy their meals in the sun or moonlight but once your legs march you through the front door, you enter an entirely different realm. To the left are traditional tables and chairs and to the right you will find immaculate Mid-Eastern ambiance as you enter the pillow section. The room is lit only by candles; chairs are replaced with gorgeous cushions, complementary to the large, low tables. The walls are ornamented with beautiful rugs and paintings and if your eyes happen to be drawn to the ceiling, you will find it covered in drapes, smartly and strategically placed. For seasoned smokers or for those looking to see what the hype is all about, Hookah is readily available in several flavors.

If you have never eaten Mediterranean food before, Café Istanbul captures the soul of traditions past through rich blends of seasonings and the dishes are reasonably priced. The extensive menu offers appetizers, salads, entrées, kebobs, desserts and options for the little ones. There is a selection of Turkish-style pizzas as well as several choices for vegetarians. The Zatar bread (baked with several spices) served with a side of Jajoukh (a yogurt dip with dill, mint, garlic and cucumber) should be on your list of dishes to try. Some other must-haves include the Biftek Kebob, served with rice, grilled peppers and tomatoes; Manti (handmade Turkish pasta shells stuffed with broiled lamb and topped with garlic yogurt sauce, melted butter and crushed red pepper), the Mediterranean Chicken and for vegetarians, be sure to treat your mouths to Vegetarian Stuffed Budemjune (cooked eggplant sautéed and stuffed with rice, walnuts, lentils, mozzarella and feta cheese, which is also served with a side of salad and jajoukh). It is definitely an award-winning treat. No matter what meal you order, you absolutely must dress it with Acili Ezme, a spicy Turkish dip. Warning:  it is not for the faint of heart. It’s a dip with a kick! Don’t forget to wash your meal down with a Turkish beverage such as Ayran (yogurt mixed with water and salt), Yakut, a red wine, or any other cultural beverage on the menu. Not accustomed to Turkish terminology? No sweat! Each menu item is broken down into Laymen’s terms.

The best has yet to come! Not only can you, your family and your friends lose yourselves in the setting and spices, but prepare yourselves to be entertained by a fabulous belly dancer! Every weekend, Café Istanbul not only epitomizes its origins through meals and environment but also through dance as every 15 minutes, belly dancers gracefully move their way throughout the entire restaurant, entertaining and inviting audience participation. If you have never seen a live belly dancer, this is the place to be to view an amazing performance. Don’t forget to tip your entertainer!

Whether you live in or are planning to visit the Atlanta, Georgia area, be sure to make Café Istanbul one of your stops. Don’t leave the kids at home because children under eight eat for free! Bring your entire family to Café Istanbul and please all five of your senses; take in the sights, sounds, smells, touch and taste. Speaking of taste, culturally speaking, be sure to clean your plates and if you’re a bit too stuffed to down that last piece of steak on the Kebob, wrap it up and take it home! They love to see white plates at the end of your meal to show that you enjoyed each and every bite! The restaurant is open seven days a week and reservations are strongly suggested.

Café Istanbul
1850 Lawrenceville Highway, Suite 100
Decatur, GA 30033
Visit the elegant website at www.cafeistanbulatlanta.com