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.
Better than expected. Filled with polite Concordia kids. Chicken schwarma was well seasoned & the bowl option came with tons of fresh veg. Good option for something fresh & quick
Good place for authentic Turkish food! The dishes are flavorful & well prepared, the portions are generous, & the atmosphere is very welcoming. The staff are friendly & attentive, & everything feels fresh & quality. Definitely a place I'd recommend if you love Turkish cuisine
Nov 30, 2025
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
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!
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!
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.
We got the chicken/beef shawarma plate & the filet mignon sandwich trio. All was fresh & really tasty, although be careful if u don't like dill as they put it as the part of the sauce in the sandwich. But other than that, I believe they have the best fries & dip in Montreal!
The prices are a bit higher than in other similar places in Montreal (40$ for both, excl. tip) but overall it was a very nice place for lunch!!
Apr 1, 2025
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
The reason why I'm giving this establishment a three star review is due its lack of accessibility, however the food was great! I had the Beef Sharwarma Sandwich. Was served hot & it tasted very fresh!
The restaurant is located in a new building but there is no door opener, so if you are in a wheelchair or other use any other mobility device & do not have a lot of strength, you will need someone to be with you to open the door for you. A customer living with a disability mostly like can't come into the restaurant by themselves. There are many possible solutions such as installing a door bell or a ring camera that would allow customers with disabilities access to the restaurant that respect their independence & autonomy. Please do better & try to make your establishment more accessible for as many people as possible.
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.
Feb 4, 2025
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
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!
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
