"The casual Turkish restaurant Istanbul Grill & Deli has been grilling up kebabs and cheesy pides since the late ‘90s. Shrouded in a giant plastic canopy tent behind giant potted plants, it’s easy to miss, but look for the red awning and the faint scent of warm brick-oven-baked bread. Once inside the plastic tent flaps, you’ll find a menu full of pickles, dips, spiced vegetable spreads, baked bread with tangy cheese, and wonderfully tender döner and kebabs. Split a slew of mixed plates between friends after a Rice game or before a day of shopping." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas