Istanbul Cuisine

"Right next to the Macy’s entrance at Bellevue Square Mall is a food stand that’ll save you when you can’t handle another mediocre salad from Earl’s. Istanbul Cuisine serves Turkish pide and gözleme made to-order on a griddle, and these flatbreads make for one of the best quick lunches in Bellevue. There are meat-based options like curry-rubbed chicken or ground lamb, but the spinach and feta gözleme is a standout, stuffed with lots of caramelized onions and melty mozzarella. Dip it in some minty yogurt sauce to cut through the richness." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley, gabe guarente

"Just outside Bellevue Square Mall, Istanbul Cuisine skirts the chaos inside and draws diners with its peppery cig kofte (a dumpling of rolled bulgur and spiced tomato paste) and tender hand-rolled yufka pastries. Occupying a 4-by-12-foot stall next to the Macy’s entrance off Bellevue Way, the one-or-two-person team rolls dough, griddles gözleme and pide, and fries peynir cheese-stuffed syrupy kunefe in front of onlookers. This Turkish street food spot offers a calmer dining experience than is normally found in downtown Bellevue; when the food is ready, walk across NE 4th Street to eat in the park. Istanbul Cuisine is open for takeout dining." - Brett Bankson, Eater Staff

"Right next to the Macy’s entrance at Bellevue Square Mall is a food stand that’ll save you when you can’t handle another mediocre salad from Earl’s. Istanbul Cuisine serves Turkish pide and gözleme made to-order on a griddle, and these flatbreads make for one of the best quick lunches in Bellevue. There are meat-based options like curry-rubbed chicken or ground lamb, but the spinach and feta gözleme is a standout, stuffed with lots of caramelized onions and melty mozzarella. Dip it in some minty yogurt sauce to cut through the richness." - Kayla Sager-Riley