Istanbul Restaurant Derby Reviews Summary

Food Quality and Taste

Pros:

• "Opting for the mixed grill was a fantastic decision, as the succulent assortment of meats was impeccably cooked and seasoned."
• "The food tastes like you’re back in Turkey which is why I come here time and time again, it’s authentic."
• "The best lamb and chicken doner I have found, in derby, birmingham or nottingham."
• "The food was a real nice treat, we went for the sharer meal which for £31 we didn't find too expensive."
• "This family-friendly restaurant... The food is good quality, and great value for money."
• "The food at Istanbul (the one and only in Derby!) will take you to another dimension."
• "The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was top-notch."
• "Wow. You have to visit these guys on Norstanton Road... You should try lamb kabab, lamb ribs with chips and Turkish tea."

Cons:

• "Cold, burnt and inedible. Far too much salt for anyone to eat."
• "So by the time she came back the dish had cooled and the spoonfull of ice cream on each wouldn't melt."
• "But come to the lamb liver and onions -- just terrible. Heated quickly, to a point where it was boiled."
• "Food was very under par my mix kebab the chicken was hard and dry and the rice looked under cooked."
• "Uncooked hard grains of rice along with terrible service."
• "The first time I went with my partner and shared a cold mezze platter, baklava and we enjoyed some Turkish tea."
• "Over all excellent, we we celebrate our friend birthday last June 8,2023 and the service is brilliant."
• "Used to order from here nearly everyweek but recently the food quality and quantity has become terrible and the food now tastes bland."

Service and Staff

Pros:

• "From the moment we stepped in, the warm and friendly staff made us feel right at home."
• "Attentive and friendly service, excellent food - fast, authentic and tasty."
• "The food and service in this place is amazing! The staff are wonderful & make you feel so welcome."
• "Absolutely fabulous meal... The staff are so friendly warm and welcoming and not in a commission type of way."
• "The manager Noor is a great guy and although meeting him for the first time this week, the reputation of the restaurant exceeds itself."
• "It was my first time going to Istanbul restaurant... The staff was soooo nice honestly the best, the environment was legit and service was professional."
• "The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was top-notch. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive."
• "Fantastic staff and lovely fresh food."

Cons:

• "rude owner who lacks basic human manners. terrible service. okay-ish food."
• "Incredibly rude and unhelpful waitress practically throws the food at you for asking for a glass of water."
• "Very rude waitress & terrible service. Food came within 10minutes, including starters and main course which doesn’t make sense."
• "Uncooked hard grains of rice along with terrible service. Female waiter putting plates infront of us like we’ve done something!?"
• "Service wasn't great either."
• "Staff are good. Come last time a while ago and food was lovely. Now the food tasted old and dry."
• "Once the food actually came it tasted great but unfortunately the service was so slow!"
• "Went for a meal this week and Myself and another person from our party have currently got really bad food poisoning."

Atmosphere and Ambiance

Pros:

• "With spacious and welcoming interior, it can cater to large parties and family occasions."
• "Lovely services and great atmosphere. All staff are friendly and professional."
• "The atmosphere was buzzing. You don't need to break the bank to have a great meal out, you just need to visit the right places."
• "Istanbul style BBQ lamb and chicken! Nice atmosphere here, good environment for celebrating birthday."
• "Situated in the middle of the city's centre the food and atmosphere was exceptional."
• "The restaurant as a whole has a great and inviting atmosphere. The waitress that serviced our table was friendly and really attentive."
• "Went for lunch with family on a Tuesday, during half term, wasn't busy, but service was great and food was good too."
• "Went with my son today and had the most amazing meal and wonderful customer service. My new favourite place."

Cons:

• "The ambiance is very welcoming and charming... Manager is extremely knowledgeable and made great recommendations she helped us a lot."
• "This place really surprised me! But as soon as we walked in, we knew from the vibe that it was going to be good!"
• "A recent change of ownership and name preceded our visit. The new formula is terrific."
• "This is not classical fast food. and this restaurant is the only restaurant that cooking to real handmade Turkish food in Derby."
• "Not very busy at the time so the atmosphere was a touch sterile. The food was good though as were the waiting staff."
• "Absolutely horrendous experience. They refused to give tap water and wouldn’t allow us to use the water from our bottles which we carried from home."
• "This was the worst experience I have had in a while. Customer service was horrendous there was swearing (very offensive) and staring involved."
• "I'm from London, I was passing through when I decided to stop by at this restaurant. It was pretty descent."