So as you know, the Mister and I recently returned from our lil getaway. It was SO nice to literally get away from my desk, emails, phone calls, meetings, etc. and just concentrate on one thing: my wonderful husband. I know, we are cheeseballs, but I can’t help it 
One of the things the Mister and I love doing on our little trips is exploring new areas and trying new restaurants. We avoid national chains like the plague and really like to find the off-the-beaten-path establishments that tout the best food the city has to offer.
With just a few locations, Cafe Istanbul has become highly regarded in the Columbus and Cincinnati area as having some of the most flavorful and delicious Middle Eastern offerings. You all know of my love for Cleveland’s own TAZA, so I was excited to try this place out.
Upon entering we were welcomed with beautiful architecture, truly reflecting Turkish culture. Surroundings of dark cherry wood, stone columns, romantic candlelight and soft music create a unique liveliness that integrates a social, yet intimate, Turkish dining experience. but as inviting as the indoor dining area was, the Mister and I couldn’t resist enjoying the sunshine on the restaurant’s patio. You’ll notice everyone else had the same idea, as my photos of the interior include no human life!
Cafe Istanbul interior
Such pretty lighting!
Lighting close up
We decided to split the appetizer plate that included humus, stuffed grape leaves, tabuli, ezme and Babaganoush. A description of these items can be found here.
Appetizer plate at Cafe Istanbul
The plate was served with warm pita, which was good, but didn’t hold a candle to my favorite, TAZA.
Pita at Cafe Istanbul
I loved the humus, tabuli and ezme! So delish.
I was hesitant to try a stuffed grape leaf, but the Mister convinced me, using my line, “you never know till you try.” God gave me good instincts for a reason. This was terrible! Honestly, one of the most putrid tastes I’ve ever encountered. This is kind of embarrassing to admit, but I had to spit it out. I had the Mister tell me when the coast was clear and I spit it into my napkin. I don’t think he was impressed by my manners. Must work on that. Have any of you tried this horrid concoction before? Any fans of the stuffed grape leaves out there? I LOVE Middle Eastern food and most of the flavors it offers, but this just did NOT do it for me. never. again.
The rest of the plate however, was extremely delicious.
That was a LOT of food. We both decided to order something light and went with a small salad containing: cucumber, tomato, red onion, scallions and feta cheese. DELISH!
Side salad at Cafe Istanbul
What was a food that you wanted to like, but ended up being ’spit-out worthy?’
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Tags: restaurant review, travel
Hey, thanks for commenting on my blog!
That cafe looks sooo neat.
My dad is from the Cleveland area and I have tons of family in Cleveland, although I don’t make it by there too much.
Excited to see your future posts.
-E
omg I LOOOOOOOVE stuffed grape leaves and all Middle Eastern food so much. But I guess it’s possible to get a bad one. I think they are awesome. I do know that I like warm ones a lot more than I like cold ones, although they are served both ways. The ones I like most have this warm, sweetish rice with pine nuts and cinnamon.. mmmmm. But maybe it’s just not your thing.
Foodie McBody – this one was cole and BITTER! The pine nuts and cinnamon combo sounds heavenly. I’ll have to give them another chance
Ahhh, stuffed grape leaves are so good…I love the greek style dolmades.
Oh no! Sorry you didn’t like the grape leaf! I tried tabbouleh once and hated it! It was wayyyyy too lemony and gritty for my tastes
The Cafe looks so good and neat. I love the food plate especially the Stuffed grape leaves!
You know, I’m not a fan of grape leaves either. Don’t feel bad, plenty of other delicious middle eastern food to enjoy!
you have to try them my way!!!
http://rhodeygirltests.com/2009/01/29/vegetarian-stuffed-grape-leaves/
you know, the turkish style is very sour and they don’t roll them very tight. they taste much better when the grape leaves have been rinsed from the vinegar and are topped with lots of yummy lemon. please don’t give up on them!
rhodeygirl — that’s exactly it! It was so sour — bitter almost! I will definitely try these out, thanks for sharing
that cafe is beautiful! looks like such an amazing meal
hope your day goes well <3