Cafe Istanbul

Café Istanbul may be named for Turkeys largest city but this Beverly Hills newcomer has roots in the countrys southeast near Adana, famous for the spicy bite of its kebabs. Must try: crisp cheese-filled cigar boreks that shatter like glass; imam bayildi, halved roasted eggplant stuffed with nearly caramelized onions, tomato, and garlic; beyti kebab, of seasoned ground chicken or beef rolled in lavash, topped with homemade tomato sauce and drizzled with tart creamy yogurt.” Locally family-owned Cafe Istanbul is your best bet for an affordable quick lunch or casual dinner (late night dinner served until midnight) when you want delicious Mediterranean food, especially shawarma (check out its separate menu dedicated just to shawarma). Plates are served with hummus, rice pilaf, grilled vegetables and pita bread. Yum. Other must-try dishes include manti (small beef stuffed dumplings with a minty garlic yogurt sauce), icli kofte (aka fried kibbeh a deep-fried ground lamb or beef patty filled with spices, onions and pine nuts), imam bayildi (fried whole eggplant stuffed with onion, tomato and garlic slowly baked) and cigar borek (phyllo dough filled with parsley, herbs and feta and mozzarella cheese). Savor your meal by sipping on a cup of fresh mint tea.”