Travis Garcia
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FOUR STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | SLOW-PACED & SAVORY 🇹🇷🔥
We stopped in for lunch at Istanbul Grill Turkish Restaurant and honestly—it was a great little gem tucked away in Orlando! 🧿✨ The food was solid, the portions were generous, and the atmosphere was low-key and relaxed. No rush, no pressure—just chill Mediterranean vibes. 😌
We kicked things off with some Falafel and dipping sauce 🧆🔥—crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside, and the sauce was creamy with a paprika-kissed swirl of olive oil. Little bites of golden goodness!
Next up was the cold mezze sampler plate—a colorful spread of creamy hummus, smoky baba ghanoush, garlicky yogurt dip, herby tabbouleh, and a spicy tomato-based salad 🥗🍅🫒. Every section had its own flavor personality and paired perfectly with warm pita bread. A total Mediterranean flavor parade. 🎉🌿
For my main, I went with the chicken kabob plate 🍗🔥—and man, that protein was ON POINT. Juicy, grilled to perfection, seasoned beautifully, and served on a fluffy bed of rice with roasted veggies, purple cabbage, and a full pepper just waiting to add that kick. 💥💪 Definitely felt like I got a lot of bang for the buck.
Now, I did think I was ordering a glass of iced tea 🧊🍵… but instead I was served a tiny, strong shot of hot Turkish tea. Not what I expected, but hey—when in Rome… or Istanbul 😅🇹🇷
The service was friendly, but this is not a “get in and out quick” kind of place. They definitely take their time—so if you’re in a hurry, this might not be your best bet. But if you’re in the mood to slow down and savor, this place hits the spot. 🕰️🍽️
Overall:
✔️ Food: Flavorful & authentic
✔️ Portions: Generous, especially the protein 💪
✔️ Price: Great value 💰
✔️ Atmosphere: Laid-back, no-rush
✔️ Minor hiccup: Tea mix-up & slow service 🫖
Would we come back? Yes!
Just maybe after a nap and with more tea clarity. 😂☕️