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.
We came in with no plan & absolutely starving & it turned out to be one of the best decisions! The food was amazing & really hit the spot. The service team was friendly & welcoming, which made the whole experience even better. Keep up the great work!
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!
LOVED the joyous & cozy atmosphere of this place, we went in during a snowstorm while visiting Montreal for the first time & the owner gave us some tea for free (it was freezing outside so this really made our night!). Highly recommended + the food was DELICIOUS!!!
Mar 11, 2025
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I can't say enough good things about this place! 🤩 I wanted to end my winter vacation in Canada on a high note, & after passing by a few times, I finally decided to give it a try. Let me tell you-I'm so glad I did!
🔥 A First-Time Turkish Food Experience to Remember 🔥
I had never tried Turkish food before, & this was my first experience. But after tasting these incredible flavors, I now want to book a trip to Istanbul just to relive this meal again! (Though first, I have a flight back to L.A. at 12 PM 🛫).
🥩 What I Ordered:
• Filet Mignon Plate - Cooked to perfection, so tender & flavorful!
• Turkish Tea ☕? - Smooth, aromatic, & deeply comforting.
• Kunafa 🧀🍯 - I saw it on a nearby table & couldn't resist. It was crispy, cheesy, & soaked in syrupy goodness!
💫 Beyond the Food - Exceptional Hospitality 💫
What truly made this visit special was the warm & inviting service. The staff here are incredibly kind, welcoming, & friendly-the kind of hospitality that makes you feel at home.
Even after our meal, the cashier went out of their way to recommend a nearby market so I could buy some of that amazing Turkish tea to take home with me. That level of thoughtfulness goes a long way!
🥲 Only One Regret…
The only thing that made me sad? They don't open early enough for me to grab one last meal before my flight! I wish I had more time to enjoy another plate before heading back home.
💯 Final Thoughts:
This meal reignited my love for Montréal, & while I'm excited to go back to L.A., I'm already missing this place! If you've read this far-do yourself a favor & try this spot! You won't regret it! 😍🔥
I don't have enough good stuff to say about this place! I wanted to end my Canada winter vacation on a high note & passed by here a few times. I finally decided to give this place a try. I've never had Turkish food before. This is my first experience & it makes me want to travel to Istanbul to relive the flavors I've just experienced. (Got a flight back to L.A at 12pm) I've ordered the filet mignon plate & then ordered tea & the kunafa after seeing a table next to us with it. More than the food, the service here was very inviting, nice, & very friendly. I absolutely love the food! The flavor! Just outstanding! On our way back to our hotel, the cashier directed me to the nearby market so I can get the wonderful tea myself. My only disappointment is that they're not open early enough for us to get a bit before the flight. The food & tea here helped put a little extra pep in my step & have me so excited about Montréal again, but sad to go back home tomorrow. If you've read up this far, please give this place a try.
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.
Dec 9, 2024
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So lovely. The food quality is great & people working there are so friendly & lovely & passionate. It was a lovely experience! Also when I was waiting for my order they brought me Turkish tea which was awesome ♥️
The owner was very nice, friendly & professional also he offered us free Turkish tea which was very generous & nice of him !! I 100% recommend this place
Aug 18, 2024
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Good food & affordable prices. It's a self service place with very friendly staff. We (my daughter & I) sat & ate plate of kebabs & falafel. During our meal the chef Offered us Arabic tomato rice complimentary with running tea.
You cannot go wrong with the spicy chicken sandwich. The sandwich was delicious, the value was great, the seating is comfortable, & the service was excellent. Definitely my new go to spot for my lunch when I'm on campus. I finished my meal with a hot Turkish tea which was the perfect way to end my lunch experience.
