Istanbul Kebab House in Burlington - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Went with my boyfriend the other day and what an amazing vibe, delicious food, perfect drinks, very good portions. Our waiter was very efficient (Mukhtar) and kind. Couldn’t have asked for better. We sat on the roof top which was so nice. He did a very good job explaining the menu and making recommendations. Despite getting busy he was fast and checked in on us and never kept us waiting. Everyone was pleasant. We loved the vibe so much once we finished and paid we ended up sitting at the bar downstairs and ordered more drinks and made lovely conversation with the bartender and another waitress. Can’t wait to go back and highly recommend!

Exquisite dining experience on the rooftop, top class food and drinks Service and staff the best in Vermont — management and servers ensured satisfaction Will return again

Sitting on the rooftop in the late summer, we felt transported to Istanbul. The menu (both cocktail and food) was vast and tempting- the difficulty being to choose. Loving eggplant, I selected the lamb stuffed baked eggplant while my husband opted for the traditional lamb kebab. Both were delicious. I’m including the cocktail options. My smoky Caravan Saray was memorable!

We enjoyed our experience on the rooftop. The food and service were amazing. The waiter was very knowledgeable and helped us with any allergy restrictions. His recommendations for dessert were spot on. We will be coming back the next time we’re in town.

Me and my finance ate on the rooftop, the atmosphere was amazing as well as the food. The best part was the service, the waiter periodically checked on us to make sure we were all happy with everything, and also recommended the dishes which we ended up eating and absolutely LOVED. It was the perfect dining experience. We will definitely be coming back and bringing friends with us. This place is a must try!!

Food and wine were both delicious. Worthwhile trip , would recommend to anyone.

HORRIBLE experience at this restaurant in Burlington last night. My family and I decided to try this place as it has relatively good reviews. We sat on the rooftop, which was a pleasant surprise. Our server couldn’t have been more rude and off-putting. We understand that it was a busy night but when we kindly asked for some water, he snapped back with “In a minute.” I couldn’t believe what I had heard. Terrible customer service. If you’re looking for similar cuisine, head over to Honey Road. Will not be coming back. Very disappointing.

My husband and I enjoyed a nice dinner on the second floor. Our waitress was super nice and friendly. Loved her. She checked in with us often and made sure we were cared for. The portion sizes were perfect. We felt full and satisfied and didn’t have to take anything home. After reading through the other comments it seems there are too many entitled, glutinous people complaining about the portion sizes. They are probably used to the typical troth of cheap American food and not used to paying for quality and a healthy portion. Our only complaint was a woman with dark hair acting like a “Karen” berating other waitstaff loudly in front of us. She was super dramatic flailing around and fanning her face as if she was going to pass out. She continued this loudly for several minutes until our waitress told her she was being unprofessional. It was VERY unprofessional and we were embarrassed for her. Afterwards we just called it a dinner and a show. Give her an Emmy! I hope she’s part of the local theater.

My Mom made a reservation one week ago for a party of 5. She was sent a text to confirm the reservation days ago, which she did. Then tonight, she got a call an hour and a half before tonight's reservation and told they overbooked and her reservation cancelled. Despite a request for an accomodation in the form of a small gift certificate for her trouble the staff refused and never even apologized for this error. This is appalling customer service! As someone who has worked in five star restaurants I am shocked that any establishment would so cavalierly alienate any local customer in such a way as to ensure that they never return. Consequently, you can be assured that a large Burlington area friend contingent will also choose to boycott this establishment.

Delicious fresh kebabs, hummus, grape leaves - omg! The baklava is amazing! Highly recommend checking it out!

Some of the best Meditteranean food we have had anywhere. Truly authentic. Had grape leaves and kebabs, very generous portions - leftovers! Extensive wine list, and Hannah our friendly waitress gave us a sample to be sure we would like the one we chose (we did.) 3 floors, we were not seated on the rooftop but I understand it’s a local fave up there. Second floor was cozy and atmospheric. Go here if you’re in the area.

The neighborhood is shockingly, extremely rundown. Same thing with the restaurant. The price was high for what you get. The doner kebab was dry. The bread was flavorless and hard. The baklava was prepackaged (we actually saw a member of staff opening the boxes). How this ranks is one of the highest restaurants in the area is a total mystery.

Not sure what the hype is for this place. Ordered pick up here and hostess was not friendly. Went to pick up and and it felt like I was being a burden for ordering rather than giving them business. Portion sizes were small for the price and food was below average. Lots of better places to eat in Burlington over here.

Gordon Ramsay would cry at the minute taste of the sword fish. I don’t recall ever having tasted such an overcooked fish in my life! Not to mention that the portion sizes are ones fit for a 10 year old child. Very small for the price of 22+ USD. To our demise, we decided to complain to the manager ( we pulled the manager a aside) and we politely told him our review of the place. Of course, the best he could do was remove 2 drinks. Once we left dissatisfied to say the least, we were told To go to Mcdonalds if we were still hungry. Complete lack of professionalism. Would avoid even if starving. The staff were very impolite and i don’t think the average customer would enjoy the banging of dishes every 2 seconds (since i don’t believe that the waiters know to the send the dishes back promptly to the kitchen)

Portions too small for the price of USD 26, swordfish was slightly overdone. Rice portion too small. Beer prices not the worst at USD 7. Servers were clearing and banging dishes 4 feet away from our table. Multiple times. The food was edible. Would not come back here.

The waiter made me cry. This never happened. They yelled at me for asking for the wifi. I am appalled

Not sure what the hype is for this place. Ordered pick up here and hostess was not friendly. Went to pick up and and it felt like I was being a burden for ordering rather than giving them business. Portion sizes were small for the price and food was below average. Lots of better places to eat in Burlington over here.

Very pricey considering the portion size and quality (nothing like I had in Turkey). The service was very good - quick and attentive. The atmosphere was cute on the second floor. Overall I think it's overpriced and if I wasn't here for business I wouldn't recommend. If you're on business though, it's an alright spot.

We had a confirmed reservation made 3 days in advance. We confirmed 24 hours prior to arrival. We were told no table was available when we got there despite seeing 3 empty 2 tops. They offered the bar which was small and inadequate. I don’t usually complain, but this is poor customer service!

It's a good gyro shop. The amount of food is reflected in the reasonable price point.

Small portions. Big prices. It was clearly a tourist trap. Terrible service and is not professionnal at all. The cold appetizer sampler "for four" was four little spoons. Gone litteraly in almost 60 seconds, with 3 people. We were disappointed and still very hungry. My chiken kebab plat was almost empty small portion for rice and chiken. Its not worth it the price. Dont recommand this place.

Terrible service, the food is below average, and prices are too expensive for the quanlity of food. I don't recommend this place to anybody!

Terrible service and the food is really smal portion

We absolutely LOVED this Turkish restaurant! Just go and you won't be disappointed. It is the cutest little brick building on a side street across from the main entrance to Church Street. The traditional decor was so warm, inviting and cozy! We made reservations to sit on the rooftop and were very pleased with that experience! The service was phenomenal- everyone smiled and greeted us. Everyone was just so friendly and helpful! The menu was fun and clearly explained the ingredients of each dish. We of course went with the meze platter that everyone has raved about and it was so fun! Break off pieces of the puffed lavash bread - they are crispy like crackers - spread on the various dips; mix and match for different flavors! My teenage son played it safe with a lamb and beef Kabab dish, and my husband and I tried the Guvec (smokey casseroles baked in turkish earthenware bowls, served sizzling hot with our turkish rice pilav) and let me tell you WOW🤤🤩 They may not look beautiful but they are so delicious! And that rice is perfection - I could eat it plain and can't wait to go back for more! The drinks were also superb! Paid parking was across the street in a small lot and we had no issues getting a spot. We walked Church Street after dinner and it was a lovely way to spend and evening!

The food quality is good but the quantity is surprisingly small. The main dinner meals are half the size of those at other comparable restaurants. I have had Turkish cuisines in Orlando, FL and in Ontario, Canada in a few different places and this is by far the lowest portions seem. I ordered kids shish meals which are supposed to be for 8y olds and my 5y old ate two of those. For regular dinners, the rice is the amount that would fit in the 1 scoop ice cream cup. The prices are 10-15% higher than other places. You would eat the food and still be hungry in addition to be disappointed. Not recommended at all.

Came from Montréal, we took 2 plates to go for almost 60$ & the plates were literally empty. We wanted to try new places to eat & we were really disappointed. I recommend to look before you leave.

We simply loved this restaurant. The dishes are very tasty and fragrant. Don't hesitate. Bon appetit !

fantastic food from Türkiye. The owner gets much of his food straight outta Türkiye. So the food is not only Turkish but made with Turkish ingredients. This is a big deal because the taste of food from the home country is significantly tastier than if you get it from even a place like Trader Joe's or Healthy Living. This DOES drive up the price but the owner's dedication to cooking with truly Turkish ingredients is very very commendable and i am definitely willing to pay more if it means im truly eating real Turkish food. Their Ayran (salty yogurt drink) is homemade and fantastic. Significantly better than store-bought Kefir. The large meza platter was absolutely fantastic. Delicious. Wow. The stuffed grape leaves are to die for. If there are any other Bosnians reading this, it's like a zeljanica on steroids. The salsa was actually spicy so good sign there and very tasty. Hummus was amazing, babaganoush was great. Their falafel is tasty as well, you can tell that the dough is very high-quality. Interior has a café-like feel to it. Ive seen some folks complaining, but as a Bosnian i love it as it is like a Kavana back in the home-country. clean.

Disappointing Experience Our recent visit left much to be desired. Firstly, the prices are exorbitant for the serving sizes provided. I requested fries as a substitute for rice and received a mere 7-8 soggy fries, alongside just 5 small chicken cubes. The hummus was entirely flavorless, lacking any hint of tahini. Despite spending $75, my husband and I left the restaurant still hungry, and that amount didn’t even include drinks or dessert. I cannot recommend this place to anyone.

Brian was 👌 - kind, efficient, & thought of everything before we ever needed to ask. This gal never finishes an entree but the lamb kebab was indeed finished lol. (Everyone loved their dish) THANK YOU!!!

The food is OK but not memorable (I had the haydari and adana kebab), both my wife and I found it a little bland. The portions are a bit disappointing and the prices are on the high side. Selling haydari and charging extra for lavash is like charging customers for dip and then making them pay extra for the chips, it comes off as being cheap. The rooftop deck was quite nice. I personally would not go back.

Atmosphere was lovely, but portion sizes are quite small. We enjoyed the meal and the ambiance, but we will likely not return.

Didn't expect the price to be in the higher range, and that surprise disappointed me. The price didn't match the size of the dish, first floor views and the location. If it's at least 20% cheaper, I would rate it 5 stars. Even Boston has higher portion/price ratios. Another downside is that, when I visited, I expected to sit at the rooftop, which was occupied by a private party, so we had to sit by the road side, which was not pleasant at all. We didn't want to sit inside since it's summer. Food is good but kind of lame that everyone left feeling hungry.

I really enjoyed my meal here, and was surprised that so few people were there when I came for dinner on a Wednesday night (though it was pouring rain outside, so maybe the weather was a factor!). I enjoyed a white wine flight featuring all wines from Turkey, and loved my swordfish cuvec, which was basically grilled swordfish pieces cooked in a little cauldron with tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, and spices. It came out steaming hot. I was a bit disappointed by the prices, which were higher than the ones I'd seen posted by prior Google reviewers, but it was still reasonable for the quality of the food and the ambience. It would be really lovely if they served some pita and dipping oil at the start of one's meal...just a thought.

Tourist trap. Small portions. Big prices. The cold appetizer sampler "for four" was four little spoons. Gone in 60 seconds, with two people. The stuffed grape leaves were good. I ordered lamp kebab medium-rare, but it was completely well done. My son's lamb guvec had almost no meat. With no drinks, only water, spent almost $200 for 2 adults and two 8 year olds. The food tasted ok, but we left hungry.

We ate here twice in a matter of 3 days while visiting Vermont. The best Turkish food that I have had. The staff are friendly and welcoming, especially Delek who helped us- IS THE BEST! Looking forward to coming back here again!

Not much space in here but the food is good! Just a heads up, they charge for refills of soda and it's from a can, lol. I didn't notice that and had like 3 diet sodas... needless to say between that and my dates 2 "refills," it added up to quite a bit on the bill. 🥴

Istanbul Kebab House serves up delicious Turkish cuisine, with standout dishes like the flavorful lamb kebab and satisfying Iskender kebab. The quality of food is high, pleasing both my wife and me. However, be prepared for the higher price point, which may impact overall value for some diners.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Everything was fantastic here. We asked our waiter for recommendations and ordered exactly what he suggested. He described the dishes with enthusiasm, clearly loving the food himself. Both dishes were delicious and complemented each other well. Our water glasses never got close to empty, and the food came out quickly. Plus, it was very reasonably priced for the area. Highly recommended!

Food was delicious, staff was very attentive and courteous. Disappointed with the portion sizes, though. Lavash bread was one single piece of bread for $2, and the $9 hummus was served on a small plate. The chicken shish kebab was one small skewer with a few small pieces of pepper for over $22 (barely more food than my daughter’s kids meal). The flavor and quality were great, but for the prices we paid, I would have expected at least twice as much food.

Great restaurant, a bit on the more expensive side depending on what you order. The hosts were able to accommodate our group of 13 (split in 6 & 7) and were extremely helpful throughout. The mixed platter ($41) was delicious - the chicken and lamb adona standing out amongst the rest. I really enjoyed the pickled onion and rice attached with the order. I would NOT recommend the calamari; the portion was small and the calamari was rubbery and undercooked.

Favorite place to eat in Burlington. Absolutely amazing food and flavors! Great service!

What a find this small Turkish restaurant in Burlington, Vermont was for me and a group of my friends celebrating my daughter’s wedding. I chose the restaurant for lunch, and we had the most delicious homemade Turkish food served in an authentic atmosphere with great service. A memorable addition to a weekend full of fun in Burlington.

Pretty good donner. Not a replacement for authentic donner but a good substitute until you can catch a plane.

Verry good tasting food and quality. Some of the best food I had in a long while !

Service was great, decoration was nice, but sadly the food was tasteless, and an embarrassment to Turkish food. Steer a way from this place.

Having recently came back from Turkey I was excited to find a well rated Turkish kebob restaurant in Burlington. Unfortunately the food was just okay. The prices were pretty high all things considered. The atmosphere was amazing-- the rooftop seating was marvelous.

My server was Summer she was so nice and friendly her service was outstanding. The food was just amazing!!! I ordered the MEZE PLATE, LAVASH BREAD and CHICKEN SHISH KEBAB everything was so so good. The ambiance of the restaurant is so beautiful with some many Turkish details. I really recommend it. 10/10.

Outdoor seating food was authentic and very good. I will be back.

We were in the mood for something different and Turkish food sounded good. The staff were very nice and attentive. We had lamb kabobs and a lamb and beef wrapped in their house made bread. Both were wonderful. For dessert, we shared baklava. That was also very good. Would highly recommend this restaurant. We were staying on the waterfront and it was an easy walk from there.

We were a group of 4 - 2 adults and 2 elementary age children. We stopped in for lunch on a weekday, and were seated immediately. The food was delicious and the service was attentive.

Paying cdn$ 90 dollars for exactly one beer, on one large plate for looks one skewer of barely put lamb cubes and one plate with exactly one skewer of chicken pieces, with each having just a cup of rice with measly cut up onions and tiny bit of red cabbage. No thank you. Over highped, waste of money venture ended up sitting up on terrace due to hot simple dinning room. Who really gives such high tributes is beyond me. I am a world traveler and give no stars here. Courtesy 2* for the lady was good at service.

Outstanding food and creative drinks.

The food was absolutely delicious and perfectly portioned

Walked in, asked for a table of 2. Person at the front asked if we had reservations. We did not. They then told us pretty rudely that we could not be seated without reservations and we should leave. No offer to put a name down on a waitlist or anything. There seemed to be plenty of open tables and after checking Resy, there were still tables available as well so it didn't seem like they were booked out. Stepped out for a few minutes to look for other options. Saw 5-6 other groups go in during that time frame, and they all similarly got turned away. I don't really get it. If you're going to be that uptight about requiring reservations even when there's tables and reservations available, maybe mention it on the website or throw up a sign in the door or something?

Worst food ever in my life never recommend this place lady order taker so disrespectful and inoperative don't want to listen so pathetic never go again or order

Honestly food was mediocre but the bartender on the second floor was incredibly disrespectful to my mother. I think they should reevaluate their staff and their attitudes. She asked for bread and he assumed she expected it to come with the yogurt all snappy like.

The food was above average, plus the quantity was very minimal. Although the atmosphere was good, I especially didn't like the service. I felt the waiter was a bit rude especially arrogant when we asked to explain a few menu items.

Outstanding Turkish cuisine. Perfect seasoning and preparation. Meats were tender and juicy. Highly recommend this restaurant.

If you like Mediterranean food, you will love the Istanbul Kebab House. The service and food are the best Turkish food in the Burlington area. They offer a variety of kebabs and Güveç, with aromatic spices, along with hummus, stuffed grape leaves, falafel and other choices.

the kebab is amazing, pictured is the baked casserole which had great ingredients not quite as flavorful and good as the kebab but still ate it all!

Great food and great atmosphere. The sampler plate, imported olives, and the puff bread were all excellent. I still have dreams about the hummus.

We went on saturday 5/11 around 6:40pm. The inside was filled so we had to sit outside. I was hesitant and was going to leave because it was cold out but they said the food was delicious you’ll be missing out… So we ate outside and everyone was friendly/ but then our food took 45 minutes and it started raining and we were freezing. We ate our food which was delicious but the portion sizes for the prices are not worth it. Our bill was $70 + tip and we don’t feel that reflected our experience in the slightest (we didn’t get drinks) . We left cold, and kind of hungry still…

Food was good. Quantity was very little. Service was very mid. Wouldn’t recommend

Very Small portions for take out

Exceptional service & the food was spectacular!

The best, most tender and juicy lamb kebab I have ever tasted. Simply fantastic. The mezze platter is also very delicious. I would highly recommend this restaurant. Definitely will be going back next time we’re in Vermont.

Server was very attentive and had great suggestions for items to share. (Meatball, kebab, one appetizer platter) Everything was beyond delicious. We all left full and with just enough to bring to our friend!

Little cozy restaurant with amazing Turkish food. Every bite was exquisite. Can't wait to return.

The food was really disappointing, and I couldn't finish. Dolma is definitely from a can, and not made in the restaurant. Too expensive for what it is. I wish I went elsewhere.

Loved this place! We arrived nearly at closing after a very long drive (up visiting UVM) and they kindly seated us and treated us to a memorable meal. The swordfish and sirloin kebab was fantastic, as was the lamb. Highly recommend for a charming, authentic experience.

The food is delicious!!! I’m so glad I was able to get a table. They accommodated my boyfriend and I with ease. Very intimate setting on the lower level. Service is wonderful as and speedy.

We loved the food and will go back the next time we go to Burlington!

Great food, home-like atmosphere, kinda small, but very friendly. Highly recommend it 👌

Amazing, authentic, food with great service! Highly recommend the chicken kebabs. App sampler plate and stuffed grape leaves!

I can't recommend the food at this restaurant. The lentil soup did not impress, although I've never had Turkish lentil soup, and I'm not sure what it should have tasted like but my own lentil soup is far better. The worst part of the meal where the dolmas; they were practically frozen, and when I noted that, the server replied that they serve them cold! Room temperature I can understand, but these were just too cold to be edible.

Stopped in Sunday afternoon for a felafel to go. Top notch sandwich, heavenly thin warm lavash rolled up with hint of purple cabbage, gorgeous chickpea balls ( not oily) and yummy sauce on the side. Nice atmosphere, very clean fast service from bartender. Resisted, with difficulty , the Vt maple baklava ! Will be back with friends !

Excellent food and service was very fast. Everything from appetizers to entrees to dessert was delicious. There were several Gluten free items, and all were clearly labeled on the menu.

It's absolutely delicious, especially my tenderloin kebab. It's so tender and very tasty. Taste just perfect with the pickles' veggies (onion and cabbage) and their rice. It's our third choice of restaurant, actually. Went to the first and second, but it's a long waiting, so we walked all the way to here from where we parked. I'm glad we did, though.

The food was fresh and the service was great.

Outstanding food and service. We loved everything.

Bad service, very disappointed We order for wrap by phone and we paid 90 dollars 4 sandwiches. But when we arrived we received 4 plates. No explications, you need some tips to be more commercial with your clients.

Food is good-normal, I took take away and the portion was little. I recommend eating in if you want to try.

We were lucky that there was no wait during our dine as what our friend told us there is usually a wait here. The food was really good! If i could be somewhere in the middleeast then i could say it has an authentic taste! They accept credit/debit. Find a parking garage, if you’re lucky you could find a street parking. No high chair. Ambiance feels like in the arabian countries. Customer service is also great.

Fantastic food and cozy atmosphere! Great wait staff also! Right on Church street so we did the shops after dinner as well. Topped off with the best baklava I’ve ever had, nice and light with a delicious maple flavor. Highly recommend !!!

We were lucky that there was no wait during our dine as what our friend told us there is usually a wait here. The food was really good! If i could be somewhere in the middleeast then i could say it has an authentic taste! They accept credit/debit. Find a parking garage, if you’re lucky you could find a street parking. No high chair. Ambiance feels like in the arabian countries. Customer service is also great.

My wife and I were struggling to find somewhere that wasn’t uncultured/for college students by college students type restaurants( she’s a very picky eater and has never be one to enjoy food that’s been strongly influenced by those of European descent)even having to leave some places after viewing their menus. Until finally coming across this absolutely beautiful, delightful and delicious restaurant that treated every customer with astounding service and quality of food. Even the atmosphere in there was sublime from the Visual aspects inside to the gorgeous aroma making its way around the room .Seeing how we are from out of town I would happily drive back just to indulge myself in all that they have to offer.

Great food, top notch service. One of my favorite places in VT.

Excellent food excellent, customer service one of my favorite places to go

We order from Istanbul Kebab House and picked up the food. It was prepared quickly and was very tasty. We had the mezze, eggplant with lamb, chicken shish kebab and lamb adena. All delicious.

The Food was delcious, the bread with humus was delcious. My family.had the Doner Kebab and I had the Adana Kebab whichw as declious. Our server was professional and on top of everything. I forgot her name buy she was a very nice young lady.

Wonderful place good took me right back to when i was stationed tdy in turkey. Service was fantastic

This was our first visit & our meal was wonderful!! My husband had the lamb kebab & I had the beef tenderloin & swordfish kebab. Both melted in our mouths & were delicious! I highly recommend this restaurant!

The entire experience was wonderfull! The food was mouth watering delicious, and our server was wonderfull. 5 Stars, no complaints at all!

Food is always delicious. Great service. Go-to restaurant in Burlington.

This is the second time my daughter and I have been there. The food was just as great as the first time. Great atmosphere !!

Wow! One of the few places taking reservations we were delighted with our choice. The staff were all amazing. Fast, friendly, and very helpful. The food was incredible, especially the Istanbul Salad. The Beyti was good, but I'm going to try something else next time. And there will be many 'next time' here!

It was just like eating in Turkey

I enjoyed eating on the patio. My sampler plate was spectacular! I will go back every time I visit upstate New York. Restaurant is small, located on walking mall of shops new university.

❌️ serves alcohol ❌️ Waiter was extremely rude to us. Never ever.