Café Istanbul is a long-established independent Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant located in Manchester’s lively Spinning Fields/Deansgate district - an upbeat, central-city area famed for its bars, offices and evening dining scene.
Open every day from midday through evening, it’s a convenient spot for lunch, dinner or group gatherings. Steeped in a warm and vibrant ambience, the interiors feature rich Turkish décor: mosaic tiles, lanterns and an open kitchen, which fosters a welcoming yet stylish setting. Boasting nearly 40 years in Manchester, Café Istanbul remains a cherished city-centre gem and offers private dining or events in its elegant downstairs club-style room accommodating up to around 60 guests. An available takeaway service adds to its appeal.
The cuisine at Café Istanbul vividly evokes authentic Turkish flavours, using fresh, halal meats and produce grilled over coal, alongside traditional breads, pides and mezze platters. The a-la-carte menu is expansive: hot starters like halloumi, falafel and calamari; cold mezze including hummus, baba ganoush and stuffed vine leaves; substantial oven-baked dishes such as imam bayildi, moussaka and saj tava; plus a generous grill selection featuring lamb doner, shish kebabs, chicken wings and premium lamb chops. Seafood lovers can enjoy seabass, salmon and king prawns, and lunchtime menus offer two-course set options or charcoal-grill wraps and Turkish pizzas for a quicker bite.
The restaurant’s drinks list complements the food with an international yet Turkish-focused wine selection, including Turkish varietals like Kavaklider Angora and Yakut, plus prosecco, champagne and a range of European whites, rosés and reds. Traditional desserts including baklava, kunefe and Turkish delight are available, alongside freshly made Turkish-style coffee and herbal teas.
Café Istanbul presents authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine in a central Manchester location, blending coal-grill technique, fresh ingredients, an extensive drinks list and a warm, versatile space ideal for everything from casual bites to celebratory dinners.