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Istanbul Hawaii, Honolulu, HI
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Istanbul Hawaii

$31 to $50
Mediterranean
1108 Auahi St, Honolulu, HI 96814

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 73 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Innovative
  • Healthy
In our Mediterranean & Hawaiian sanctuary, you become part of our ohana. Led by Chef Mom Nili, Baba Aydin, and Chef Ahu, you're invited on a culinary journey infused with Turkish and Mediterranean essences. Our recipes, a blend of diverse cultures, are nurtured with locally-sourced ingredients, reflecting the heart of our family-run and woman-led venture.

Every interaction, whether in our restaurant's warm embrace, the vibrant energy of local events, or amidst the rich array of farmers' lands, is cherished. Each meeting is a chance to intertwine stories, laughter, and a piece of our heritage.

Come, celebrate the art of dining with us, where every dish is a passage to the Mediterranean, caressed by the Hawaiian sun. We look forward to serving you, merging our narratives in meals that go beyond mere flavors. Here, every dining experience is an adventure, a discovery, and a celebration of togetherness, nurturing through food next to the Hawaiian ocean.

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Mom Chef Nili and her daughter Chef Ahu

From the OpenTable editors: Mother-and-daughter duo Nili Yildirim and Ahu Hettema have racked up awards from Honolulu Magazine, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Hawai‘i Business Magazine, and more for this rustic-chic Turkish spot inspired by their homeland. Start with artful mezze platters filled with colorful dips, phyllo pastries, and sourdough pide before diving into larger plates like chicken tagine and cauliflower shawarma. Round out your meal with one of the exciting Mediterranean-inspired cocktails.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Mediterranean, Turkish, Middle Eastern
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Wed–Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (808) 772-4440
  • Website
    http://www.istanbulhawaii.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Catering
    Indulge in personalized dining experiences, from intimate dinners to lavish receptions, catered to perfection by our chefs. Elevate your event with our Istanbul cinema projector and enchanting garden trellis. On-site or off, create unforgettable moments with us. Discover and customize your experience at "Bespoke Events" on our website!
  • Private party facilities
    Craft unforgettable moments with our bespoke menus and dining experiences, tailored to your desires. From intimate dinners to grand receptions, every detail is perfected. Elevate your event with our Istanbul cinema projector and enchanting garden trellis. Your perfect occasion awaits. Customize your experience at "Bespoke Events" on our website!
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • Location
    1108 Auahi St, Honolulu, HI 96814
  • Area
    Kaka'ako
  • Cross Street
    Kamakee and Queen street
  • Parking details
    Enter Istanbul Hawaii parking lot from Queen street. Parking available at any Ward Village parking structure for our guests, including the Whole foods parking lot. Parking is free.
  • Additional
    Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

Featured in

Experiences

  • World of Wagyu, Wine & Whiskey by HFWF

    US$250.00 per person

    25 Oct 2025 only
    Join Chefs Ahu & Nili at Hawaii Food and Wine Festival in Maui. Indulge in ten exquisite dishes crafted by chefs from around the globe, each inspired by the rich traditions of Wagyu, the depth of whiskey, or the complexity of fine wine. From succulent A5 Japanese beef to premium American and New Zealand varieties, to dishes that highlight the bold, smoky, and nuanced flavors of expertly aged spirits, this is a celebration of culinary craftsmanship. Enjoy a curated selection of world-class wines poured by acclaimed winemakers and proprietors. Then, savor expertly crafted whiskey-forward cocktails by top mixologists that highlight the depth and character of barrel-aged spirits. The evening wouldn’t be complete without a showstopping drone show to light up the night sky!
    World of Wagyu, Wine & Whiskey by HFWF photo

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 3,170 people are saying

Istanbul Hawaii reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

  • Hawaii

    Healthy

  • Oahu

    Healthy

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Istanbul Hawaii offers a vibrant dining experience with "authentic Turkish and Mediterranean flavors" and a touch of "creative innovation." Guests rave about the "delicious" meze platters and perfectly cooked meats. The ambiance is "warm and inviting," and the service is "friendly and attentive." A must-visit for a memorable meal.
3,170 Reviews

  1. HIROAKI

    Hawaii5 reviews

    1.0

    Dined today

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    We were made to wait outside for almost an hour after our reservation time. We were forced to order drinks while we were waiting outside, but no drinks were served even after we sat down. We ordered wine in the middle of the meal, but the glass was brought out first, but it was brought after the meal was finished. We were told to pour the wine faster, but they didn't respond at all. We tried to ask for the bill, but the person in charge was absent for a long time, so we couldn't pay. This is the worst store management and the worst store.

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  2. Adriana

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was over first time at Istanbul restaurant here in Honolulu Oahu Hawaii. We were very happy throughout the whole process. They welcome us right away, no waiting at all. They let us to choose place. We choose the outside lanai by the street and it was great experience. It wasn't to noisy at all. They explained to us the menu and food came fast. They were checking on us multiple times if we need something else. The food was very nice decorated, fabulously tasty, and really satisfying. I was able to choose my favorite red wine from Spain Rioja 2018. On their menu is something for everyone, also for vegan. I'm recommending this restaurant for those who share the values of good and healthy food. Very grateful for the experience to eat here.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Brandee

    Hawaii4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely outstanding. We took our 12 year old daughter out with us for dinner and even she said the food was delicious and the experience was worth it. We shared the Meze platter which is a must. The lamb, sea bass and jidori chicken were all showstopper. We had Kunefe for dessert and probably could've eaten 2.. this place is a must visit.

    Is this helpful?

  4. charles VIP

    Hawaii13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have dined here numerous times over the years. Food and service are fantastic. It's our go to for Turkish cuisine in Honolulu

    Is this helpful?

  5. Raena

    New Mexico1 review

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    My boyfriend and I came here for his birthday dinner and it was a really pleasant experience from start to finish. We came maybe 10 minutes before our reservation time but we were seated right away. Our waitress was super helpful and checked on us throughout our meal regularly. For the food, 100/10. We got the mezze platter to share as an appetizer and all the dips were so good. For our meal, I got the wagyuu shish and he got the lamb shish. Both were very yummy and had plenty of food! We had a ton of leftovers by the time we left. We’re definitely going to come back again!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Chelsea

    Denver / Colorado6 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Istanbul was one of my favorite restaurants in town for a long time. I hadn’t been in probably 8 months, but used to go very frequently. I ordered the same Doner plate I always got, and was sadly disappointed. I even told my guest that it or the shish would be my reliable go to and they ordered the same. The meat was different and had the texture of Canadian bacon. A bit fattier and tougher, less seasoned. There was also no side other than the rice and a few tables as they took away the small chopped cucumber and tomato salad, so that brings down the value for me. I was happy with the sourdough upgrade with the hummus however compared to the previous pita. I’m just not sure I would continue to come back or bring out of town visitors for this quality and cost.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Kiandra

    Los Angeles3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 1 June 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was delicious! We had brunch with the family, ordered the mezze platter, eggplant, pancakes and dibek coffee. Cocktails were delicious also, with fresh and interesting flavors! 💯 come back again!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Alessandra VIP

    Hawaii11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 1 June 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I had a great experience last Saturday celebrating my wedding anniversary at Istanbul Hawaii. Dinner was delicious, we had ribeye shish, skender doner, Zatar frites, Hatay kunefe and pistachio ice cream. Our server was friendly and attentive and the ambiance was nice and romantic. Thank you for having us.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Yukari

    New York City1 review

    4.0

    Dined on 30 May 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Even though there was still food left on the plate, he just took it away without saying a word.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Raelene VIP

    Hawaii26 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 29 May 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    I have eaten at other Mediterranean restaurants that have better food and less expensive. Service was extremely slow (I think they were shorthanded) but our waiter was very pleasant. This is not a restaurant I would visit again since our experience was not out of the ordinary.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Istanbul Hawaii offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (808) 772-4440.

Istanbul Hawaii is rated 4.7 stars by 3170 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Hawaii
  4. Oahu
  5. Kaka'ako

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 73 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Istanbul Hawaii

1108 Auahi St, Honolulu, HI 96814

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Kamakee and Queen street
  • Area
    Kaka'ako
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Wed–Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Mediterranean, Turkish, Middle Eastern
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Enter Istanbul Hawaii parking lot from Queen street. Parking available at any Ward Village parking structure for our guests, including the Whole foods parking lot. Parking is free.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • Website
    http://www.istanbulhawaii.com/
  • Phone number
    (808) 772-4440
  • Catering
    Indulge in personalized dining experiences, from intimate dinners to lavish receptions, catered to perfection by our chefs. Elevate your event with our Istanbul cinema projector and enchanting garden trellis. On-site or off, create unforgettable moments with us. Discover and customize your experience at "Bespoke Events" on our website!
  • Private party facilities
    Craft unforgettable moments with our bespoke menus and dining experiences, tailored to your desires. From intimate dinners to grand receptions, every detail is perfected. Elevate your event with our Istanbul cinema projector and enchanting garden trellis. Your perfect occasion awaits. Customize your experience at "Bespoke Events" on our website!

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