Cafe Istanbul Carterton

What an amazing place! Super cute set up, amazing food and service. Owner and main person/manager incharge checked up on us and asked if the food was okay, we were super happy with all the meals. The Turkish coffee took me and my partner back to childhood memories. I teared up as a saw my grandma standing in a corner leaning on a beam having a smoke and a coffee (she's been gone for over 17 years now) it was quite nostalgic. As a Colombian born I can genuinely admit Turkish coffee is the best. What an amazing baklava as well, super amazing best I've ever had. Really recommend this place. We spent 180$ as we had a starter, main meals and a desert each. Do not regret getting that much and we left super full. Also amazing lemon drink! Super refreshing!

Nice spot for lunch and dinner. Friendly and attentive staff, nice menu, good cabinet food, fast service, relaxed atmosphere- basically all the things you want when you head out for an impromptu bite to eat at lunchtime. Good options for kids. No issues with allergies, a good selection of Gluten free menu items. Lunchtime comfort food on a chilly weekday, done.

Divine food! What more needs saying. The mixed platter entrée was tasty and filling. The sigąr borêk were piping hot, crispy, and so very tasty. And they were just the start! The falafel and dolmades were terrific, and the bread char grilled to my taste and well suited to the great hummus. I almost didn't need the Lamb Burger, but I was pleased I had it as it was scrumptious and the horopito relish so tasty. Our waitress/host gave great service, attentive but not over the top. A visit from the owner/chef rounded out a great meal. We'll be back, and can recommend eating here.

New owners are definitely doing something right, this place was fantastic, such friendly staff. Food was great, good flavours that mix well. Will certainly be coming back again sometime soon. Below is my old review for reference. Prev was 2 star. Changed my star ratings as well to suite. Food was at room temperature. Had the chicken grill. The rice was also at room temperature. The Turkish bread was hotter than the meat and fries. Some fries where also undercooked. Salad was nice and cold and tasted and looked good, hummus and beetroot relish tasted great. Cafe itself needs a bit of atmosphere ie music etc... Nice friendly staff...

Dinner was absolutely divine the service was amazing. The ambiance is very homely, waitresses are incredibly friendly. The food was top tier, fresh and flavoursome. Dessert was beautiful, well and truly recommend the Whittakers Chocolate Dessert. And the Piña Colada Definitely going back! And more than once! :