Chef Istanbul in downtown Montreal near Concordia is widely praised for authentic Turkish flavors, generous portions, and homemade bread at good value. Reviewers highlight kebab, lamb and chicken shawarma, doner, and falafel, with the lentil soup and labneh often called standout items and fries noted as excellent. The staff are frequently described as friendly and attentive, with guests recalling thoughtful hospitality such as complimentary bread or tea and a welcoming owner. The atmosphere is cozy and suitable for students and families alike, and the food is consistently fresh and well prepared. Some notes mention occasional service inconsistencies, a few dishes not meeting a diner's taste, and variability depending on who is working, plus practical details like self service, upstairs seating, and accessibility concerns. There is also mention of a temporary closure and requests for updated hours. Overall, it is regarded as one of the city's best Turkish options, with many recommending the kebab and chicken sandwiches and praising the fresh bread and flavorful dips.
Love the fresh bread & tasty sandwiches here-always made with care. Their tea is my favorite; it's the perfect cozy companion. Great spot for a simple, satisfying meal!
Aug 10, 2025
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10/10 recommend. You can tell the owner cares about providing great service & great food. Very attentive & food was fresh & tasted amazing. Prices are more than reasonable & bread is homemade & tastes incredible & I usually avoid bread. Definitely check it out!
Awesome taste of the food. Very healthy meal options. Complimentary turkish kehwa, turkish bread. Amazing food. Mr. Abbas served us very nicely. Highly recommended in Montreal. Baklawa was also tasty.
As a vegan, finding flavorful, satisfying options can sometimes be a challenge-but Chef Istanbul absolutely nails it! Their falafel sandwich is hands down the best in Montreal. It's a go-to comfort food that never disappoints. The bread is freshly baked & the best bread I have ever had.
The staff are incredibly friendly & welcoming, always making you feel at home. They're happy to accommodate dietary needs & clearly take pride in what they serve. The atmosphere is relaxed & inviting, making it a great spot whether you're grabbing a quick bite or sitting down to enjoy your meal.
Apr 20, 2025
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Chef Istanbul is located at downtown Montreal & right next to Concordia University. This place is accessible easily through public transport by metro & bus.
The food here is delicious - they have a good amount of variety in their menu & all the items we tried were well cooked & tasty.
They bake their own bread which is super soft & goes amazing with the lentil soup.
The meat & the kebab were tender.
The staff are friendly & service is quick. Although this place is self service. Seating is plenty.
Chef Istanbul serves authentic Turkish food in downtown Montreal. Their freshly baked bread & juicy grilled meats, like the flavorful Adana kebab, are even better than what experienced in Turkey & Germany! The lentil soup is a comforting classic, & everything is served fresh & fast. With friendly service, delicious menus, & large portions at reasonable prices, it's the perfect go-to for a casual yet satisfying meals.
The food here is very good. They make their bread on site & aren't shy about giving you a lot of chicken. The sandwich had a hint of mint, some Cukes & lots of meat. Very fresh & very tasty & affordable!!! I will return for sure
The lentil soup was warm & delicious, it reminded me home especially with their freshly baked bread . Adana kebab was perfectly done! Definitely going to eat again!
Very nice place with kind staff. The food is super delicious & tasteful. They bake their own bread, & I would suggest ask for extras! We ordered tea as well after the kebabs & it completed our meal. Highly recommended & would go back here again!
Jan 1, 2025
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there's a 10 minute wait for the food, but it's so worth it for the fresh baked bread. their spicy chicken shawarma is something serious & I like that they put in mint (& I think yogurt?) it's excellent
The same type of sandwich as Antep offer but with lower quality! Just the bread is fresh but the quality of the meat is not good! The lamb kebab sandwich has a very bad smell!
One of the top Doner places I've tried so far. Freshly baked bread, crunchy veggies, perfecly-spiced meat topped with an exceptional sauce. Only problem is to choose, which sandwiches will you order today. & super-ftiendly staff is a cherry on top!
Not sure if they are the same owners as antep kebab but it's the same concept. They bake their own bread in house. Their chicken is so tender & juicy. Perfect lunch spot if you're in the city. It can take a little longer than average to get your food but it's so worth it cause they do everything in house.
