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Cafe Istanbul
1410 Wyoming Blvd NE suite f, Albuquerque, NM 87112, United States
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Cafe Istanbul
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Ma
Review №1

Totally awesome Turkish and Middle East grocery store, with the wrong name. They used to be a cafe but covid changed that. A greater variety of Middle Eastern goods than Talin market, at very reasonable prices.

Te
Review №2

Liked their large variety of spices in large containers. Shelves are organized well.Liked pastries and feta at the deli window.Please support smaller groceries !

ME
Review №3

This store is nice, clean and the owners and employees are great people. The only reason that I giving them 3 stars is that some of they products are always expired. I mentioned this many times and still every single month I go you will find some items with expired dates. Be aware because I got sick ones and now I just go buy the stuff I want but I check the expiration date for every single product.

Ma
Review №4

Gracious and wonderful people, its hard to believe you can find such diversity in the desert. We are able to find so many unusual ingredients here that we cook with all the time. We love the owners. It is a good reason to shop there in itself.

La
Review №5

Inexpensive and extensive imported grocery goods from various Middle Eastern countries. I have been to Morocco and it reminded me of the Medinas there. Would have liked to eat at the deli but sadly got there after they moved to the other side of Wyoming and toned back on that portion of their store.

Mi
Review №6

Nice people! Great food. Good prices.My new fav. Yummmmmmmmm. Ive a lot to learn there

__
Review №7

Friendly and kind people work here. I recommend ordering from the counter. Top tier Dolmas, must-try baklava, and I also like their salt cured olives.

Re
Review №8

Awesome shopping place. Nice to be able to buy food from all over the world. Tried their turkey coffee and liked it.

Me
Review №9

Very nice people and good selection of products. Not everything is Turkish as one might expect but close enough 👍🏻😎

Ed
Review №10

I love the Deli/Cafe vibe with the small grocery for all those hard to find items in order to make delicious Middle Eastern Mediterranean food.

Ja
Review №11

Such *nice* people, such a Huge selection, a very well organized, neat, clean store (it had better be organized with their thousands of products)... and really delicious, freshly prepared middle eastern food that you will get addicted to.Almost forgot - its so great that they have quite a nice selection of Russian and other Eastern European food, drink, seasoning mixes, sauces, soup mixes, canned fish, frozen dumplings, cheeses, etc., etc. My wife enjoys the experience of just finding some new discovery there or looking through the aisles at all the interesting exotic spices.

Jo
Review №12

I love cozy places. The food is always way better than large places. The staff here is so welcoming and nice. Food was great! Prices were very affordable. I recommend totally! They are on east side of the street across from the gas station near the Dickeys BBQ. Very worth it! I ordered like a fattie and still didnt break the bank

Al
Review №13

So much variety of European food, very fresh and tasty food. Outstanding customer service!!!!

An
Review №14

Very great customer service, fresh and tasty meat pie, and lots if variety of spices and European food!!!

Em
Review №15

Great selection, friendly staff! Definitely going back for more Turkish Delight!

Na
Review №16

The owners of the store are very nice and kind people. They have wide range of international products and everything is always fresh and clean.

Sa
Review №17

Excellent stock. Very nice shop owners and associates. My only serious recommendation would be to please keep the shopping baskets near the door, not where a shoppers items are being checked out. In that way, newly entered shoppers would not have to either wait or barge in, get really physically close to the buyer, in order to pick up a shopping basket.

Ha
Review №18

So much good food for a great price

Ch
Review №19

Very friendly definitely recommend for someone who want to try something new, JUST ASK.

Be
Review №20

One of my favorite grocery stores but it has a wonderful deli too. Walking in this afternoon into the store I was greeted with the most mouthwatering smells! The people who own Cafe Istanbul are really very delightful too. I wouldnt hesitate to get my groceries and lunch at the same time.

Br
Review №21

Well stocked store with a good variety.

Vi
Review №22

Not an every day place for basics, but they offer many items imported from the Middle East and South Asia that cant be found elsewhere. The store is clean and bright, and the staff is cheery and helpful.

ce
Review №23

Great hummus. Other stuff too. Wide range of middle eastern foods. A bit expensive, but worth the cost for fabulous good food and groceries.

St
Review №24

Cafe Istanbul offers an amazing selection of Middle Eastern groceries, but their kitchen also makes some of the best Middle Eastern dishes in town! The food is fresh, and the prices are more than reasonable! Give them a try and you will not be disappointed!

Su
Review №25

I love this store- authentic products from abroad plus freshly prepared baklava anx other wonderful food.

Ad
Review №26

Amazing little middle eastern market. Good food too! They are across the street from where they were for many years.

CJ
Review №27

Love this place. The Bulgarian feta cheese is the best I have had in Albuquerque! Prices are competitive. The employees are super friendly, and very helpful. There is also a selection of Eastern European products.Definitely a five plus!

Ri
Review №28

My choice for Mediterranean foods and ingredients in Albuquerque.

Sa
Review №29

Your store has so many items! And a great variety. It was my first time coming today. And we plan to come back again!

De
Review №30

This place is wonderful! Crowded but clean aisles filled with hidden treasures and treats you will not find anywhere else. The people are friendly and helpful. The fresh pita bread is divine.

Yo
Review №31

Very happy with this find! Glad to be able to get European seasoning, sweets and food here. They have A lot of options available!

Ia
Review №32

Always great, fast, friendly service. Good selection of hard to find international food items. Highly recommend.

Ke
Review №33

My first time ordering food from here. Its a MUST!!!! Everything was such good quality, healthy, yummy and made from the heart. Thank you for feeding me!

Ni
Review №34

Very nice place and has everything I was hoping to find theEre.

An
Review №35

Even though this place is a little chaotic inside I really love it. There are tons of unique items and treasures to find. The owners daughter often runs the register and she is always friendly and helpful.Edit: I wanted to update my review to reflect my feelings on the new location. Cafe Istanbul is now located across the street from where they used to be, they have expanded and now include a small restaurant as well. The food is really tasty. The new location is bigger and so much of the chaos of the smaller building has been resolved. The prices are very reasonable and I still really love this place.

Sa
Review №36

Great store. Good selection and really friendly staff. They took their time to help me find everything I needed.

Ki
Review №37

A wonderful store and shopping was fun. Kind and helpful staff we are indeed so lucky to have this exotic store.

Ki
Review №38

Very good

De
Review №39

I miss this store. The owners though foriegn were no more worse than you or me actually they were better. May their days be blessed double remember the kid who caused no trouble one day many years ago I had some kind and wanted to know what kind of sweets you carried and you sold me a funny pastry. It wasnt my thing but to you I owe this thing j appreciate all youve done I. The years you let me come and sweep the lot for change to get s hot cup of coffee and smokes I will miss you as I grow old.

br
Review №40

Many items were not available.

E
Review №41

Best family establishment in the whole world. Love this place, love the variety of products, super clean, super friendly, and a whole store packed with treasures to taste!

ba
Review №42

We went for Faloplals (they were very good. Traditional. I enjoyed them.

Se
Review №43

Picked up some spices while also getting tabouleh, dolmas and pita to go with dinner!

Do
Review №44

Really nice people and service, food was good, but I like Sahara better. Not because of flavor or anything, its just different. The Cafe is a part of a Middle Eastern market, which is also quite nice.

Re
Review №45

Okay, so I am actually the first customer this store ever had. My mother and I brought a flower and bought apples and strawberries back when it was a tiny fresh fruit market- I have never stopped shopping there.Every time I have gone I find something tasty, something new, something that I really just enjoy, and kind service. I honestly dont even buy tea anywhere else, or sweets (because what else am I going to have with my tea?)Whenever I feel sad I get a big to-go order of dolmas, hummus, falafel, and whatever else catches my eye because I know itll be delicious, easy, and always exactly right.I highly recommend this place- they have maintained a consistent, high degree of quality since I was like ten years old. Ill never stop going (unless I move away) and even then, Id miss them.Do yourself a favor and go browse the candy- itll be a great time (seriously, I kind of get why Edmund was so down to give up his family over Turkish Delight)

N
Review №46

10 stars! What an amazing place! Family owned and operated. Has a grocery store with a little bit for everyone - Europeans, South Asians, North Africans. Highly highly recommended.

He
Review №47

This place was great. Sadly, I drove by a few weeks ago and the entire building is razed! Please tell me they moved...Update: they moved across the street and it’s even better! So happy they have a kitchen there and are serving take out🧡

La
Review №48

Long time customer, owner is awesome, he has a lot of hard to find products at good prices.

Da
Review №49

I always get their freshly made hummus. Its the best Ive ever had. Their meat pies are delicious too. Very interesting store. Large bottles of spices for a very reasonable price.

Ar
Review №50

Had a delicious cheese pie with a dessert and a Turkish coffee. Everything was delicious and the cashier was very friendly! I found zaatar, which I had been looking for for a long time! Come here to shop and to eat!

Je
Review №51

Nice local middle eastern grocery. Wide selection of canned, fresh, and baked goods.

pi
Review №52

Were lucky to have this place. I try new things all the time, things I didnt even know existed. Make sure to go to the new store across the street. Its bigger, nicer and more organized. Im glad to see its growing.

Ea
Review №53

Great place interesting items. I was so sad when the dinner section was closed and I was under the impression it would be reopened a lot sooner. But when they relocated across the street I understood the reasoning of there vague responses to the time frame of the reopening. That small space was hopping from open to close and with one sometimes 2 servers they seemed to be able to keep a reasonable time from greeting to taking orders to plates down and dessert offerings. Thanks for making our neighborhood a little nicer with your blending of your culture and mine. Happy New Year and a most successful and prospectus 2021.

um
Review №54

Now that they have the little cafe, its great to have something to eat as well. Specially the falafel sandwich/plate was great. If you have the taste of middle eastern, youre in the right place!

Pa
Review №55

Interesting, well-stocked Middle Eastern grocery store with some take out prepared foods and some decorative and cooking items. Prices reasonable, take out very good, staff very friendly and helpful. Clean but not fancy.

Ho
Review №56

A Middle Eastern restaurant with no kebab, really? Platter on plates so small, you would normally place 2 slices of toast and one egg. Food needs to have some spice and rice some oil. Waitress Waitress as pleasant as someone given a day pass from prison. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a nice experience at Paars.

Va
Review №57

Absolutely love this place. My family is Lebanese and its one of the only places in town that has a small shopping section that we can get everything we need for authentic cuisine. Extremely reasonable prices, and if you get a chance to eat at the deli, you should! The family that runs this place is friendly and kind. Would highly recommend for your Middle Eastern Food needs.

Wa
Review №58

Great food. Always great customer service. Nice selection of middle eastern groceries.

Su
Review №59

Awesome place to find ethnic foods you cannot find elsewhere. Very excited to learn they are moving across the street and will be adding the Cafe back! Awesome food, cant wait to see the new place!

Lo
Review №60

Great prices and great customer service.

Ge
Review №61

Good Mediterranean food with friendly staff, great service, unassuming decor, and good sized menu of reasonably priced choices. Definitely try the dolmas as they were easily the best Ive had anywhere, full of flavor and moisture.

Wa
Review №62

Best selection of Middle Eastern foods, spices and condiments in Albuquerque combined with a great deli menu and diner seating. Super people and great pricing.

Ru
Review №63

Im a huge fan of this place. They have a large selection of grocery items and a good selection of deli / fresh snack items. Very friendly staff and this place just smells good. Great for a quick bite and plenty of vegetarian / vegan items for sale.

Cy
Review №64

Its an interesting Mediterranean store, but it could be cleaner. Also, Ive asked REPEATEDLY that they re-order a particular kind of anise tea that they used to carry. Each time, they tell me: Yes, its been re-ordered. Itll be here on Saturday. Its on the way. Uh huh

a
Review №65

They always have that stuff ypu cant buy in regular stores.

Ni
Review №66

They just opened in a new location so the kitchen isnt totally up and running. I cant wait until they have falafel in when I visit. Although not having them has given me a chance to try some of their other vegetarian offerings. So far Ive loved everything Ive tried!

Bu
Review №67

It was okay. Youll find better Mediterranean fare at Al Quds on Montgomery & San Pedro. Service was friendly. Portions are small.

Ah
Review №68

Any Middle Eastern stuff that you like youll find it there, but its kind of expensive.

Je
Review №69

Excellent! A hidden 💎 ! Support our local businesses!!!

ob
Review №70

An attractive international grocery --It fills some of the void left by the closing of The Alpine Sausage Kitchen for items like canned cod liver, a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy from Scandinavia.Delicious home made oily very meaty felafel.And then all the expected Mediterranean and Middle East specialties and spices. As well as packages of good rich Greek sheep feta.

Br
Review №71

I came here today on the suggestion of a woman I met a couple days ago. I have been searching for 3 years for delicious baklava but have been failling at every location until now! Today I had the Baklava that I have been searching for! It was delicious and crisp and fresh and dripping with honey! I will be going back for a full tray!

Ke
Review №72

The food is good, but my wife and I usually go for the spices. Saffron is much more reasonably priced if youre really cooking with it than anything you can find at a chain, and they have great specialty ingredients like pomegranate molasses and dried lemons and limes.

Sa
Review №73

We love coming here, always love trying new things... Great friendly staff too...

Ja
Review №74

Not a cafe! It is a grocery market for middle-eastern food. Very busy market and has lots of great product. Highly recommend it for various items. But, not a cafe.

Al
Review №75

This is a really great location to buy all manner if things you will be hard pressed to find in your typical grocery store. The staff are amazing, helpful, and totally awesome. If youre looking for something middle eastern and its hard to find, they probably have it. Will always go back.

St
Review №76

I certainly hope they are now enforcing the facemask on everybody policy (including their employees). That was not the case when I visited on 5/18/2020 even though the state order was in effect. Terrible

De
Review №77

One of my secret Albuquerque spots- its mainly a small grocery store- but they also have food to go- to really any hot items- baklava is like crack- the people that work there are never nice but I dont care because the Baklava is sooo good- I support this place I go once a month

Ju
Review №78

RESTAURANT IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED.A STORE IS OPEN. SORRY!!!We’re testing Sahara Grille.Sahara Grille was super. Nice, family owned place. Veggie platter was wonderful. Clean and

da
Review №79

I have been going to cafe Istanbul for almost 30 years. They have the best food. I do a lot of travelling, and when im in Albuquerque i go there and buy my meals. I usually get 3 days of meals. This is a family business and they are truly interested in your feedback. I thank god for this wonderful establishment and the people who run it.

Na
Review №80

More a grocery store than a cafe. Some already prepared food to buy but no place to sit down. Good selection of Mediterranean canned and dry items. Very nice selection of Persian food and sweets.

Ra
Review №81

Nice place. Not just for Arabic food. You can find everything. Good prices

L
Review №82

Same great food, new location. Chicken shawarma is the best. Platters come with ricw, salad, hummus, pita bread and dessert! What a deal.

Da
Review №83

Really great prepared food section! Excellent grape leaves and tzatziki. The baklava is super decandent. I still need to check out the rest of the store, but it looked like they had a great selection. I’d love to try to make Turkish coffee at some point too!

Mi
Review №84

Good food- not too much and not too little, and very flavorful. The menu will please both carnivores and vegetarians. The cafe has friendly service, a relaxed atmosphere, and reasonable prices. I recommend taking a look around the grocery section once youve eaten- they have an excellent selection of spices and a great variety of middle eastern candies, along with tea, noodles, and all sorts of other items. Almost all of the labels have a section in english.Ill be returning!

De
Review №85

Everything is amazing! The people! The food! The variety!! Best hummas ever!!

So
Review №86

I am Black. I have patronized Cafe Istanbul for many years. I have always received a warm reception and great customer service from the owner and his family.

gl
Review №87

Delicious food and wonderful people, what more could you ask for?

St
Review №88

Called at 6:15 on a Thursday they said they close The restaurant at six just FYI

Mi
Review №89

Seemed busy enough, but this is not a place to eat. This is a Middle Eastern Market. Lots of good food products to make your own food at home. My 4 star rating is based on selection of unique food items that would no doubt add to your Middle Eastern Cuisine.

Pa
Review №90

Love this place, workers are very helpful & friendly.

Vi
Review №91

The store and deli moved across the street. The deli is back and all the great food. The store is more open and easy to navigate. Great place glad it didnt close.

Ro
Review №92

This place used to have the best gyros, Mediterranean dishes, and baklava in town. Unfortunately the kitchen has been closed and it is just a grocery store now.

Pr
Review №93

Love this place always something new to try amazing pita bread,tzatziki sauce and gyro meat FYI they moved to the east side of Wyoming

Jo
Review №94

First, to be clear, its no longer a cafe. But its a nice, family-run grocery store with a wonderful selection of products from the Middle-East and Russia. Fresh bread, house-made (and truly excellent) hummus, baba ghanoush, etc., olives! tea! And all sorts of other treasures.

Th
Review №95

Omg, this is a hidden treasure. The food is amazing and the service is friendly and fast!

Ma
Review №96

Unfortunately they dont have a restaurant anymore, but they still have the deli counter with wonderful baba ganoush. Mostly they are a Middle Eastern grocery these days with lots of interesting stuff.

Mi
Review №97

Great choice. The choice for European food is much better than that offered by Euro zone Food Distributors.

Ch
Review №98

Delicious food and theyre all very helpful with any questions.

Ke
Review №99

They have Bulgarian feta here! Love this place you can really find some cool foods in here you cant find anywhere else.

Cr
Review №100

I am sorry to say that today I observed a very sad behaviour from the cashier in this store: when I talked in Spanish to an employee who speaks Spanish, she reprimanded him in front of me, telling him (in English): Don´t talk to the customers!. It was really surprising for a place that sells international groceries, and some of their customers are probably multilingual. It´s very sad to see this kind of intolerant behaviour and disrespectful to a worker. We still need to learn more from each other...

Information
90 Photos
100 Comments
4.4 Rating
  • Address:1410 Wyoming Blvd NE suite f, Albuquerque, NM 87112, United States
  • Site:https://facebook.com/Cafe.Istanbul.NM/
  • Phone:+1 505-294-9900
Categories
  • Grocery store
Working hours
  • Monday:9:30AM–7:30PM
  • Tuesday:9:30AM–7:30PM
  • Wednesday:9:30AM–7:30PM
  • Thursday:9:30AM–7:30PM
  • Friday:9:30AM–7:30PM
  • Saturday:11AM–6PM
  • Sunday:9:30AM–7:30PM
Service options
  • No-contact delivery:Yes
  • In-store pickup:Yes
  • In-store shopping:Yes
  • Takeout:Yes
Health & safety
  • Mask required:Yes
  • Staff wear masks:Yes
  • Staff get temperature checks:Yes
  • Staff required to disinfect surfaces between visits:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
Amenities
  • Wi-Fi:Yes
Planning
  • Quick visit:Yes
Payments
  • Checks:Yes
  • Debit cards:Yes
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
  • Credit cards:Yes
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