Istanbul Iskembecisi

I moved to Hackney in the late 70's There was only a greek restaurant called crazy horse on the corner of Arcola street and stokey rd. If we got the munchies after a couple of spliffs we would go to the "cowboy" a hamburger van in Ridley road market and get burgers or an egg & bacon sandwich. In the early 80s Ali Babas opened next door to Nandos...They sold Turkish pizzas (lahmacun) for £1 each we thought it was brilliant value back then. Then the Bagel shop opened up in Ridley road...followed by an explosion in Turkish restaurants....the point I am making is the concentration of late night/ 24 hour eateries to choose from. Standing out amongst these new eateries was the Istanbul Iskembecesi...it's decor belied it's location and price...You felt like you were dining in an upper street restaurant but with hackney cafe prices. I used to feel guilty for paying £2.50 For a bowl of delicious Iskembe (tripe soup) with a huge basket of bread and a huge plate of olives and pickles,Heaven! Also try the Mangal, literally around the corner in Arcola street. You will not belive how small, how packed or how delicious the food is....Trust me!

I used to use this place when it first opened. The decor coupled with the cheapness was what enticed me. My idea of heaven? Iskembe (tripe soup) with a basket of bread and a huge plate of olives and pickles for under 4 quid( i am guessing....when I last went there 2/3 years ago it cost £2.50. I used to feel guilty for paying so little) absolutely DELICIOUS!....Also try Mangal. Literally around the corner in Arcola street...You will not believe how small, how packed, and how delicious the food is....Trust me! I was lucky enough to have moved
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man with the plan
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 10
Sunday, June 17, 2007

Was here with a friend last Saturday evening. It was not particularly busy there- perhaps another 4 or 5 pairs of customers, but it was nice like that. This is a smart white table cloth restaurant which puts it in a class above ordinary kebab joints. We had a very pleasant meal there. The food was tasty.The starters of hoummus, stuffed vine leaves and grilled halloumi cheese were delicious, as was our main course of spinach with yoghurt. We thought it was extremely good value for what we had and were pleasantly surprised when the staff gave us complementary cheesecake just before we left. I would definitely visit this restaurant again if I'm coming through Dalston.
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Carl
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Thursday, October 19, 2006

After reading the excellent reviews on this site we went to try this one. We were very disppointed. Our mezze plate to start was pretty good but the main courses were very poor. A few frozen prawns in a super-bland cheese sauce is not what you expect for £10, and although the sauce for the lamb was tasty the meat itself was tough, and the dish padded out with chunks of bread. Add the unnecessarily rushed service and you have a very poor meal.

There are far better turkish restaurants in this area, particularly the Dervish on Stoke Newington Church Street.
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Nick Kitchen
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 2
Tuesday, July 25, 2006

After living in Istanbul and developing a bit of a taste for Turkish food, I've tried most Turkish restaurants in North/East London and, while some are very good, I have to say this is the best. The staff are very accomodating, the food always freshly prepared and delicious while the value for money is excellent, especially considering all the bread and salad included for free. Try anything on the menu and you won't be disappointed.
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southsidestick - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Thursday, January 05, 2006

out of all the turkish restaurants ive been to in london, istanbul iskembecisi is a cut above the rest, the cream of the crop, the best of the best. the food is well priced, good value for money and always consistant in great taste. the staff are professional and well presented. my wife recommends the humus for starters and a mix grill for main course and her diet always seems to cease when we come here! i definately recommend it
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omer, wimbledon
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Sunday, December 18, 2005

We travel from dulwich in south london

to the istanbul iskembecisi, because the food is very good, I can reccomend the meze starters there excellent, the menu is good and the prices very resonable, the staff are very good, and the service is excellent, highly recommended!!!!!!
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jay feagan
Sunday, October 02, 2005