Serves meat, vegan options available. Turkish and Ottoman-inspired local restaurant in downtown Ward Center. The flavors are derived from Turkey’s “7 Gastronomic Regions and Middle-terranean locations.” All the chilled appetizers are vegetarian or vegan, from fresh hummus and baba ganush to smokey muhammara. Both the lunch and dinner menus have several hot vegan and vegetarian entrees that rotate daily. Staff are knowledgeable about vegan options and are happy to help. The location has free parking at Whole Foods and is located directly across the street for indoor and outdoor dining options. Open Tue-Sun 11:00am-2:30pm, Tue-Thu 5:00pm-9:00pm, Fri-Sat 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sun 5:00pm-9:00pm. Closed Mon.
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1108 Auahi St STE 152 (at Queen), Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, 96814
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- Outdoor seating
- Wheelchair accessible
- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 01 Feb 2021 by Guest
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Added by missprecocious on 01 Feb 2021
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23 Reviews
First Review by missprecocious
MsFitz
Points +53
Worth it - Edit
Has a dedicated plant-based page on the menu with appetizers, main courses and some (limited) desserts. The flavors were wonderful, and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. I tried the meze platter and vegan kofte. Everything was delicious. Probably the best babaganush I’ve ever had. Recommend making reservations
Read morePros: Clearly labeled options , Delicious flavors, Friendly staff
Cons: Pricey
Guest
Jadediana
Points +2667
Experienced the “Poetry of Flavors” - Edit
Update: We love the new vegan menu at this upscale Turkish restaurant. By far our favorite spot for a vegan fine dining experience on island. We preferred it to Nature Waikiki and Roy’s.
Read moreThe diverse selection showcases a vibrant array of spices and flavors that bring each dish to life. Our top picks are the plant-based steak, plant-based manti, and plant-based kofte. While I miss the original recipe (Need to confirm- we liked it a lot more 2 years ago) for the vegan kofte, the other dishes more than make up for it. I highly recommend trying the plant-based steak—it’s mushroom-based, with a texture and flavor that are incredibly well-crafted. The bold, earthy spices add a depth that’s both satisfying and memorable.
Our favorite appetizer is the Za’atar Sourdough Manakeesh. The spice blend is absolutely perfect, adding a deliciously aromatic touch that elevates the dish.
The dinner menu showcases impressive attention to detail, and it’s clear that a lot of time and effort went into crafting each item. I appreciate how they’ve expanded their vegan offerings, which were previously limited. I’m excited to see this commitment to plant-based options and hope the menu continues to grow. While the knowledgeable staff can advise which cocktails are vegan, I’d love to see a dedicated vegan drink menu or at least a “V” symbol by each vegan-friendly option for peace of mind.
The ambiance is another highlight. The outdoor seating area, adorned with twinkling lights and vibrant flowers, provides a magical setting that enhances the dining experience. Even the cutlery adds to the organic and authentic feel of the restaurant, making it truly unique.
(Old Review: We were initially drawn to the restaurant for its divine vegan kofte, but later visits left us disappointed. While the vegan cauliflower shawarma failed to justify its price, our anticipation for the kofte was dashed when we discovered it had been removed from the menu despite a reservation made weeks in advance. Although the restaurant offers a selection of vegan appetizers and desserts, options for main courses are severely limited. The only vegan main meal is the cauliflower shawarma. The imam bayildi requires significant modifications to be made vegan, with no listed substitutions. This lack of variety and the need to alter key components left us frustrated, ultimately prompting us to leave without dining. It's disheartening that they couldn't offer more accommodating vegan options.)
Updated from previous review on 2024-02-17
Pros: Plenty of Vegan Options, Great Appetizers, Reasonable Portion Sizes
Cons: Vegan Kofte tastes different :(
Guest
KainoaB
Points +16
Top rated restaurant in Honolulu - Edit
Istanbul Hawaii offers an amazing vegan menu that is simply incredible. The vibrant flavors and creative dishes make it a standout dining experience. This exceptional culinary destination is a must-visit for vegan and non-vegan food lovers alike. No wonder why Istanbul Hawaii is the one of the top-rated restaurants in Honolulu.
Read morePros: Meze platter, Helva, Pancake
Guest
jeffmarxen
Points +28
Incredible! - Edit
They recently debuted a vegan menu with tons of great options. This restaurant has it all - great ambience, great service, and the most delicious food! And an unbelievable craft cocktail menu! Can’t wait to go back here! 
Read moreGuest
Richards_E.C.
Points +697
Didn’t expect that - Edit
Istanbul
Read moreVegan labeled menu, waiter seats you for this one. Very friendly and complimentary service. Parking shouldn’t be an issue- with the ward theater parking structure. The main lunch options are cauliflower shawarma and the falafel pita wrap, the winter fetus’s salata, the mercimek soup. They seem very vegan friendly for breakfast- I’ll leave a picture showing the options. Might come back just to try. The prices are definitely pretty high- but as I’m typing this, I haven’t eaten yet so we will see about the quantity and quality. I did notice- it’s a minimum of 5 dollars for a beverage
I just got the falafel pita wrap to see how their falafel stands up to other places I’ve been to. And believe it or not- I think this was the best falafel that I’ve had in my opinion. I’m not trying to overstate it, but it was worth it for falafel.
After the falafel, I was convinced to give another meal a try. I chose the plant based kadayif pancake ($21). Not a lot of quantity, but definitely quality as they are very airy and fresh. I could see this being another good breakfast place for people visiting especially with people who are and are not vegan.
This was definitely a worthwhile experience. Very good, edging on excellent. I will be back. 4/5
Pros: Service, Great taste, great quality
Cons: Prices
Guest
SouthernmostVegan
Points +1779
Authentic but … - Edit
I love Turkish food and they certainly know how to make it! I agree with a previous reviewer that their options are limited … which is perplexing because Turkish food can so easily be made vegan. And it’s definitely pricey.
Read moreWe ordered the babaganush, muhammara, the felafel, the cauliflower sharwarma (delicious but NOT worth $29), the helva, and Turkish delights.
Honestly, my favorite part of the meal were the craft cocktails. But that was also expensive.
Guest
maliaa
Points +16
Mediterranean summer evening - Edit
This place is like stumbling into a secret spot where vegan eats and cool cocktails are the stars of the show. Amazing ambiance. You can tell there's a lot of love in every dish and drink they whip up. Digging into their roasted cauliflower, you'd never think twice about not having meat—it's that good. And the drinks? Pure magic. Imagine chilling with a basil-infused gin cocktail that tastes like the best part of a Mediterranean summer evening. This place is all about good vibes, great tastes, and feeling right at Mediterranean home.
Read moreGuest
alanikaimana
Points +16
Vegan Heaven for elevated & healthy options - Edit
At Istanbul Hawaii, you're in for a delightful surprise with their vegan menu. It's not just food; it's an art form here. The vegan entrées, like the local tomato stuffed local eggplant and the fragrant mushroom tagine, are packed with flavors that'll make you forget they're vegan. Salads here are a fresh breath of the Mediterranean, especially the purslane and pomegranate salad – it's like sunshine on a plate. And desserts? Oh, they've cracked the code with their vegan rosewater chocolate mousse cake. It's hard to believe these decadent treats are vegan. Dining here feels like a warm hug; it's comforting, familiar, yet entirely extraordinary.
Read moreGuest
keanu6709
Points +13
Amazing Vegan/Vegetarian Options - Edit
Istanbul Hawaii Mediterranean Grindz is a winnah for anyone looking for ono vegan and vegetarian kine mezes. Their hummus and falafel? Broke da mouth with how good they taste, all while keeping it real with the Mediterranean vibes. Every small plate was like a mini luau for the tastebuds, showing that even plant-based grinds can be just as satisfying. This spot really knows how to mix up traditional Mediterranean with a local twist, making every bite a celebration of flavor. Perfect for when you like enjoy something healthy without losing any of the aloha spirit.
Read morePros: delicious, so many options
Guest
Gaijingeorge
Points +502
Excellent Turkish food! - Edit
A wide array of vegetarian options and vegan options including their dips/meze! The food was absolutely delicious, I’d recommend the meze platter which comes with hummus, babaganush, muhammara, and then some vegetarian items (cheese) sultanesque palate cleanser, spanakopita and su borek. For mains I’d recommend the vegan kofte which was incredibly tasty, my non-vegan friends even said that was their highlight dish and the cauliflower sharwarma - my friends tried the mercimek soup and enjoyed it and I had the medeterranian salata with no feta/halloumi which was great! For dessert we tried the “open sesame” cake (vegetarian) which was very rich and the baklava with pistachio ice cream (vegetarian.) All around 10/10 dish quality, service, and ambiance - can’t wait to go back!
Read morePros: Quality food, Menu adaptability, Authentic Turkish Cuisine
Guest
Charlie906
Points +16
best restaurant in Honolulu - Edit
This mother & daughter owned restaurant is one of my favorite restaurants of all time. Delicious Turkish food, high end, high quality, healthy food.
Read moreThe only problem is that if you go for business, be prepared to be talking about the food more than work. Really though, I went with some clients and they were thrilled, like I was.
Service was very professional, food is fabulous, location is great and atmosphere is great. Craft cocktails are awesome. No regrets or recommendations here.
Guest
jennysier
Points +13
Healthy - Edit
Locally known as an amazing restaurant. Hard to get in, make a reservation. Charming fine dining Turkish eatery. Finally got to try for my birthday! Reservation of 2 at 530pm. Waiter was very friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. Service and food exceeded my expectations. The appetizers came out fast I would definitely come back again and recommend to others. Meze platter - 10/10 highly recommend. Fresh, healthy and full of flavor. They have many gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian options.
Read moreGuest
Kawaka432
Points +13
AMAZING - Edit
Definitely one the best restaurant in Honolulu. Definitely one of the best for vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free and more....
Read moreEverything we had was amazing, lots of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options and DELICIOUS
Updated from previous review on 2023-08-31
Pros: delicious, gluten-free options, vegan options
Guest
RobertDeVinck
Points +46
Best Vegan-Option Restaurant in Hawaii - Edit
Flavors that jump off the plate, this mother/daughter Mediterranean treasure is my favorite ethnic restaurant in all of Hawaii, not just Oahu. I’d do anything to have Istanbul come to Maui.
Read moreGuest
oak_leaf
Points +1270
Tasty flavors! - Edit
Woman owned, mother and daughter duo! Vegan options are clearly labeled with “V,” vegan crème brûlée! Tasty flavors and great find in Honolulu
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-12-25
Cons: Make reservations ahead of time, can get busy
Guest
VeganSoapDude
Points +8183
Yum - Edit
Turkish food, labelled vegan options, roasted cauliflower with tahini. Love
Read morePros: Tahini cauliflower , Spicy food
Cons: Not 100% vegan , Very oily , Uses impossible meats
Guest
Jannyhead
Points +63
Yummy, vegan options. - Edit
We had a lunchtime reservation. We arrived early and were seated immediately with options of an indoor or outdoor table. We were seated comfortably at an outdoor table under a pergola. We were able to sit and enjoy the tradewinds and people-watch. The setting is lovely. Another reviewer mentioned the restaurant is Downtown, but it's actually in Kakaako, across the street from the new Whole Foods. The service was attentive and friendly. I was the only vegan at the table and had multiple options on the menu. I ordered the cauliflower shawarma wrap and a refresher beverage of Turkish rose water and watermelon. The food was excellent, and my lunchmate agreed. I appreciate that I can bring my non-vegan friends and family. It's a bit pricey, but what restaurant isn't in Honolulu?
Read morePros: Multiple options for vegans., Lots of accessible parking available., A craft cocktail menu is available.
Cons: It was pricey., My wrap had more EVO than I ever eat., None of the desserts were vegan.
Guest
JTA
Points +645
Great downtown place - Edit
Great place to go for Turkish food! We used to live in Turkey and this place is good. Lots of vegan options. Try the lentil soup!
Read moreGuest
VgnheavenPlantlife
Points +16
Delicious - Edit
We appreciate this place exists in Honolulu. I have a celiac disease and I’m vegan. It is not easy to find both vegan and gluten-free options in Honolulu. We dine here at least once a week. The flavors are complex and amazing. It is a very clean restaurant with a lovely decor.
Read morePros: Inexpensive for the quality of ingredients , Clean , Delicious
Guest
wiscodiegogirl
Points +44
Would give 5 stars if allowed - Edit
The vegan food here was amazing. So many options and all delicious! I had the Vegan Izmir Kofte, which included Impossible meat, vegan saffron rice and a tasty salad. We also had the Punishment of Sultan Suleyman and it was soooooo spicy but so good! For dessert we had the saffron lilikoi sorbet and it melted in my mouth! I would go back here again and again. Highly recommend!
Read morePros: Lots of well thought out vegan options, Fun video of Turkey playing on wall, Delicious cocktails
Cons: Expensive
Guest
sur44life
Points +315
Ambience without High Value - Edit
Great location good, fresh food! However, nothing to go crazy about here. They have "near" fine dining prices without the fine dining (I'm local, so it wasn't suffering from sticker shock). There were quite a few things that fell short. I have a coworker who agrees from their seperate experience.
Read morePros: Great atmosphere (we had a street side table) , Clearly labeled "V" options, Parking at Whole Foods
Cons: Not exactly "money well spent"
Guest
AndySinger
Points +36
Best Mediterranean Option - Edit
Like the previous review it offers clearly marked and available vegan and vegetarian options to include vegan pita and some unique wraps and plates in a very nice setting with plenty of free parking garages around. If you enjoyed their offerings at farmer’s market over the years always teasing a sit in restaurant coming —they delivered and in elegant fashion with a diverse and extensive menu bound to please many preferences.
Read moreThe vegan wraps from the impossible meat option to cauliflower one are well spiced loaded with great fresh local fillings.
Sides like the babaganoush and hummus are fresh and very tasty.
Staff is great and service really good.
Besides you can get a two-fer as it across from Whole Foods so grad some things on the way out.
Pros: Wonderful food, variety , No need to drill down to ensure vegan or vegetaria
Cons: Noise level -up against the window, Popularity😉, as there are booked reservations and
Guest
missprecocious
Points +78
Wonderful Experience, Amazing Vegan Food! - Edit
The ambiance, craft cocktails, and food are amazing! Almost everything on the menu is vegetarian or vegan, which is so refreshing to have a hip restaurant to meet friends at where there are so many options and hot entrees (hint: not all vegan offerings are on the website. There were FOUR vegan hot entrees when I went). Such a great time and I can’t wait to go again! *bonus: my server was vegan for 4 years!*
Read morePros: Hot vegan entrees , Delicious, authentic savory spices
Cons: A little spendy, but that’s Ward Center.
Guest
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