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.
Great spot for authentic Turkish food! The kebabs were juicy & full of flavor, & the portions were very generous for the price. The place has a nice, casual vibe & the service was quick & friendly. It can get a bit busy, but overall a really good experience. Definitely worth a visit if you're craving Turkish cuisine!
They served me a free traditional lentil soup after my hard working day for completely free without even asking them.
The man at the cashier is very kind, one time it was almost going to close & one of their cooks gave me his own dinner kebab because he couldn't cook anymore.
This is really an amazing place to eat in the meat is delicious 10/10
It was my first time visiting Chef Istanbul. I came here after a friend recommended it. I tried their kebab with fries & had a guava juice, everything was amazing. On top of that, the staff was super nice. I definitely recommend it!
Got the chicken plate, chicken felt undercooked, portions were very small for the price, atmosphere is bad upstairs looks like a storage place, the servers were not very welcoming, I would recommend going to Antep Kebab instead
absolute banger i got the kebab sandwich with tzatziki sauce it tastes like the doner kebabs from austria & my friend told me the fries are incredibly good
Jun 24, 2025
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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 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!
Jan 2, 2025
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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!
The soup was perfect during a cold night, along with a delicious kebab sandwich & a cup of tea that hit the spot. Great service & hospitality by Mohammad & Latif.
This is the best Turkish food in Montreal -- hands down! I've eaten here many times, & have come to learn that I can't just buy the kebab; but I have to get the homemade fries & sauce too; & enjoy it with some cold ayran & hot çay --- now that's a whole experience that I wasn't brave enough to have in just one sitting. It's an'eat-in' & a'take-out' kind of meal. May God richly bless the restaurant owner(s), & staff, for always providing quality food & service! 🙏🏼😋🤩😁
