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.
One of the best halal restaurants in Montréal. Quick service, reasonably priced food & delicious meals. If you order the Turkish'burger' it is very tasty both chicken & lamb I believe for 9.99. I went with one of that & also the plate for 15.99 which was also good. Filling food so you won't leave hungry, satisfying experience & quick service. Oh & the seating area is nice too have plenty of space upstairs which is where I sat with 2 other people. Highly recommend if in downtown Montréal
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.
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.
Apr 6, 2025
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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!!
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!!!
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.
