Café Istanbul, a Staple on Lovers, Gets a Makeover (Photos)

Café Istanbul has been in the Inwood Village Shopping Center on Lovers Lane for over 15 years, but this summer regulars found their go-to Mediterranean spot closed for renovations. When the restaurant reopened in mid-October, customers returned to a more slightly modern vibe, with new dark wood accents around the...

By Lauren Drewes Daniels

November 22, 2011

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "18855504",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17105533",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18349797",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17105532",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18349797",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17105535",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

Café Istanbul has been in the Inwood Village Shopping Center on Lovers Lane for over 15 years, but this summer regulars found their go-to Mediterranean spot closed for renovations. When the restaurant reopened in mid-October, customers returned to a more slightly modern vibe, with new dark wood accents around the room. But the place maintains some old-world charm, with ceramic tile floors and lanterns around the main dining room.

Owner Erol Girgin's menu of classic Turkish dishes is replete with charbroiled lamb, beef, chicken, rice pilaf, red peppers, onions, garlic and parsley, as well as mains like doner sandwiches, lahmacun (pizza) and lamb shank. Still one of the only Turkish restaurants in the city, the updated interior enhances this Dallas original.

The scene is prime for an adventurous date and can fluctuate between casual and low-key to intimate. If the large menu is daunting, the wait staff is eager to assist.

Here are some more photos of the new space and same ol' food:

KEEP THE OBSERVER FREE... Since we started the Dallas Observer, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Dallas, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.

Lauren Drewes Daniels is the food editor of the Dallas Observer. She started working as a freelance writer in 2013 and became editor in 2021. She covers Dallas' evolving dining scene, the many openings and closings as well as trends and breaking news. She oversees annual lists including Top 100 Bars and Top 100 Restaurants and contributes to the Best of Dallas. If you have a tip about an amazing pastry, pie or taco, let her know.

Contact: Lauren Drewes Daniels

Follow:

Facebook: cityofate

Instagram: @lbd1975