Istanbul Hawaii

Review summary

1. J

   Janice VIP

   Hawaii3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   The food was very good. It took us some time to understand the menu items, but our server Waiea (sp?) was very helpful and patient in helping us decide what to order. We especially liked the French Toast and the appetizer platter. The brunch menu was very nice. The restaurant was a little bit noisy inside but the outside tables looked very pleasant. The restaurant sits on a busy road, but there is greenery between the restaurant and road, so it is not bothersome. We thought the parking might be a problem, but it turned out to be very easy to park. If you can't find parking in their building, the TJ Maxx garage is right next door and you can walk through an interior pathway to get directly to the restaurant. For those of us who have difficulty walking, I don't think you have to make any steps to get from those garages to the restaurant. We were very happy to find a restaurant so easily accessible. We are looking forward to our next trip already!
   

   Is this helpful?

2. A

   Anela

   Unspecified1 review

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Istanbul Hawaii has a way of making familiar flavors feel new. The food is rooted in Turkish and Mediterranean traditions, but there’s always something unexpected—whether it’s the way spices are layered or how local ingredients bring out something deeper in each dish. The mezes are rich and complex, the grilled meats perfectly tender, and the housemade dondurma has a texture that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget. It’s a place where you can taste the thoughtfulness in every bite, where the balance of tradition and innovation comes through without trying too hard.
   

   Is this helpful?

3. G

   Gayle VIP

   Hawaii28 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Our server. Jason was great! Helpful and suggestions were perfect. Food was generous portions, flavorful and presentation was awesome. No complaints at all. Our party of six was very happy!
   

   Is this helpful?

4. L

   Lani

   Unspecified1 review

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   If you're looking for one of the best restaurants in Honolulu, Istanbul Hawaii is a must-visit. This chef-driven spot brings together authentic Turkish and Mediterranean flavors with Hawaii’s finest local ingredients, creating a dining experience that’s both elevated and unforgettable. From perfectly spiced lamb dishes to handmade dondurma (Turkish ice cream), every bite is crafted with care. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner, a special brunch, or just an amazing meal in Honolulu, Istanbul Hawaii delivers on every level.
   

   Is this helpful?

5. H

   Holly VIP

   Dallas5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Istanbul, Hawaii is an absolute gem! The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and just transports you somewhere magical—like stepping into a cozy Turkish evening. And the food? Oh, it’s unreal—authentic, bursting with flavor, and made with so much care. Every bite feels like the real deal. If you’re looking for a spot that nails both vibe and taste, this place is it!
   

   Is this helpful?

6. D

   Danielle

   Hawaii6 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   We were greeted warmly and seated immediately. The food was excellent. There were quite a few things to choose from so instead of ordering 1 or 2 appetizers, we started with what amounted to a sampler platter containing dips including hummus, baba ganush, and few others, as well as spanakopita and su borek (cheses between layers of flaky pastry). There was a large pide (flatbread) accompanying this platter which was fresh from the oven. Everything on the platter was nicely seasoned but not too spicy. We asked the wait staff for suggestions as to how to not over-order, and they suggested splitting 2 additional entrees between the 3 of us. That worked out just great. They also said that the cauliflower shawarma normally comes with pide but that it would be easier to share if it came with rice and that change was spot on. The shawarma was nicely seasoned and the sauce complimented it well. The lamb shish kabob was equally well seasoned, and was accompanied by a nice tzatziki sauce. We had concert tickets and told the staff we had to be out by 6:30 and we were out by exactly 6:30. Ambient noise level was modest. We could carry on a conversation easily. Didn't ask my friends how their drinks were, but my chardonnay was very nice. Only negative was that we did ask for an extra half pide and never got it. By the time we realized it was not coming, we were all pretty full, so I didn't ask about it. Because we were time-limited, we didn't order dessert of coffee (to my disappointment as the baklava with pistachio ice cream looked delicious--maybe next time).
   

   Is this helpful?

7. D

   Donna VIP

   San Francisco7 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   the food felt like a buffet line instead of something cooked just for me. the service was friendly and upbeat so it is a nice option for doing something other than asian food in hawaii.
   

   Is this helpful?

8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Hawaii3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Always a wonderful experience!! Food and ambiance the best!!
   

   • 
   • 

   Is this helpful?

9. a

   alfred

   Hawaii6 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 3 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The Wagyu skewers and the Lamb chops were very fresh and tasty. Highly recommend them.
   

   Is this helpful?

10. DD

    DavidD

    Hawaii5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 3 March 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    One of our very most favorite dining spots on Oahu. This time the lamb shish was a bit dry, maybe a bit overcooked and the rice, because it is rather dry as well, did not help. The salad had less flavor than expected, but that may be because I requested no onions. I would not hesitate to return though, because the usual standard is so high.
    

    Is this helpful?