Restaurant review of Istanbul Grill in Bethlehem

At the Instanbul Grill owner Senol Aydemir shows a gyro wrap (left) and a chicken kabob meal. (DONNA FISHER, THE MORNING CALL / January 20, 2012)

By Susan Gottshall, Special to The Morning Call

Bethlehem’s Istanbul Grill opened little more than a month ago, but already business was brisk on a recent Saturday night — and I understood why by the time I left.

The Turkish-Mediterranean cuisine was fresh and well-prepared; the fast-food-like atmosphere was casual and easy-going; and there was friendly, attentive table service, too.

In a narrow, middle-of-a-block retail space, Istanbul Grill’s kitchen greets diners just inside the front door. The decor of the nondescript dining room, just behind the kitchen, features neutral tones, diner-style tables and chairs and Middle Eastern prints scattered here and there.

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Many Mediterranean favorites grace the menu here: hummus, stuffed grape leaves, spinach pie, kebabs and gyros. Hot appetizers include spinach pie and “sigara borek” (feta cheese filling in homemade filo dough) and lentil soup. Lunchtime wraps feature skewered marinated lamb cubes, grilled meatballs and boneless chicken thigh, seasoned with herbs and spices, wrapped around a vertical rotating skewer.

Shared falafel ($5.95) and baba ghanoush ($5.95) launched our meal. The former, standard fare small patties of ground chickpeas, crisped outside, were green inside, thanks to the addition of fresh vegetables to the chickpeas.

Baba ghanoush (eggplant spread seasoned with garlic, tahini and lemon dressing), just a tad smoky, also presented clean uncomplicated flavor, thanks to the notes of lemon. We dove right into the basket of warm pita triangles, perfect dipping accompaniment.

Mixed grill ($21.95), also shared, was just right for two. Featuring three types of kebabs — marinated lamb, mixed ground beef and lamb, and marinated chicken — the assortment included rice and salad.

Each part of the mixed grill was super, making it a great value considering that one entree fed both of us. The meat was tender and juicy, with seasoning that enhanced the flavor; the rice, combined with orzo, was light and fresh; ditto for the impeccable, barely-dressed salad, which included a grilled tomato and grilled green pepper — tasty, endearing touches.

Take-out tabbouleh ($6.95) made a fine lunch the next day. Its profusion of parsley made this salad beautifully green, a foreshadowing of the season just around the corner.

I was surprised that the baklava wasn’t made on the premises, so I sampled the rice pudding instead, which is made in the restaurant’s kitchen. This happy ending was simple and satisfying, just like Istanbul Grill.

Dinner for two and a take-out lunch for one totaled $60, including tax and tip.

Susan Gottshall is a freelance restaurant reviewer for Go Guide. Gottshall attempts to remain anonymous during restaurant visits. All meals are paid for by The Morning Call.

jodi.duckett@mcall.com

610-820-6704

Istanbul Grill

20 W. Broad St., Bethlehem

610-419-6466

•Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

•Prices: Appetizers: $4-$17.95; wraps/lunchtime kebab platters: $4.99-$19.95; entrees: $12.95-$21.95

•Credit cards: Major cards accepted.

•Bar: BYO

•Accessibility: Premises and restrooms wheelchair accessible.

•Location: In city center on north side of W. Broad Street between N. Guetter and N. New streets, just a few storefronts from the Boyd Theater. On-street metered parking 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily except Sundays and selected holidays.

via Restaurant review of Istanbul Grill in Bethlehem – mcall.com.