Taste Of Istanbul

1862 Explorer St, Reston, VA 20190, United States
$$$ Turkish restaurant
(700 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Discover the rich and inviting flavors of Turkey right in the heart of Reston, Virginia, at Taste Of Istanbul. This charming Turkish restaurant, located at 1862 Explorer St, Reston, VA 20190, is a haven for food lovers seeking authenticity and warmth. With a menu that bursts with traditional dishes, your taste buds are in for a treat that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Istanbul.

As you step inside, you’re greeted by a cozy atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Turkish hospitality. The warm decor, combined with the smells of spices and grilled meats, sets the perfect tone for an unforgettable dining experience. The friendly staff is always eager to share their love for Turkish cuisine and guide you through the menu, making you feel right at home.

The centerpiece of the menu is, without a doubt, the Istanbul Mixed Kebab Platters. Here, you can savor the succulent flavors of lamb, chicken, Adana, and kofte beautifully presented alongside fragrant rice, fresh salads, and grilled tomatoes. For those sharing a meal, the Mix Kebab for Two is a delightful assortment that not only satisfies your cravings but also makes for a memorable culinary experience. Each bite tells a story of tradition and passion, with the meat being tender, juicy, and well-seasoned—elements echoed in multiple customer reviews.

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, you can’t go wrong with their Flatbreads / Pide. The Mixed Pide, topped with a medley of doner beef, pastrami, and mozzarella cheese, is a standout favorite that guarantees cheesy, savory goodness in every bite. And for those with a sweet tooth, don't miss the Pistachio Baklava or the exquisitely made Kunefe, both desserts perfected to mimic the authentic tastes of Turkey.

Customer experiences affirm what an extraordinary restaurant Taste Of Istanbul is. One guest, Mahmoud Nasreldin, described it as "one-of-a-kind" and having flavors that rival many eateries in Turkey. Another diner, Anne Marie Afrasiniei, raved about the freshness of the food and how the mixed mezze platter elevated the grilled meats. With such high praises echoing from satisfied patrons, it’s clear that the restaurant excels not only in food quality but also in providing an inviting environment that feels like a culinary journey.

In conclusion, Taste Of Istanbul is a must-visit for anyone near Reston looking to indulge in authentic Turkish cuisine. From the tantalizing kebabs to the sweet delights that rightly deserve a standing ovation, this restaurant promises a delightful escape for your palate. Whether you're a Turkish food aficionado or a curious newcomer, prepare for an enchanting dining experience that you'll cherish and want to return to time and again.

For reservations or inquiries, call: +1 571-313-1047

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves halal food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Paid street parking
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

9:00 AM - 12:00 AM

700 Reviews
Leen .o

24 Aug 2025

This restaurant was such a great find, the food and service were both wonderful. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. The only downside was that the food took quite a long time to come out. But once it did, everything tasted great. Here are my ratings: • Kahvaltı 8/10 • Pita bread 10/10 • Cheese börek 8/10 • Turkish tea 7/10 • Cheese rolls 10/10 • Sütlaç 8/10 We had a lovely time overall and I’d definitely recommend it. Would love to come back!

Sercan DAGDELEN

13 Aug 2025

The lentil soup was excellent . I recommend having it before your meal. The doner had a standard flavor, but the side items on the plate were good. I’ll be coming back to try the lahmacun and kebab.

Mahmoud Nasreldin

26 Jul 2025

Taste of Istanbul in Reston is truly a one-of-a-kind spot for anyone craving genuine Turkish cuisine. Honestly, the flavors here are so remarkable that they can compete with—and even outshine—many eateries in Turkey! As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted by a cozy and inviting atmosphere that sets the tone for an unforgettable meal. Each dish is a work of art, made with great attention to detail and overflowing with authenticity. The delicious meze, freshly baked bread, creamy hummus, crisp salads, and perfectly grilled kebabs are simply outstanding. And let’s not forget the baklava—it’s a real showstopper! The Turkish coffee is the perfect way to wrap up your meal, leaving you wanting more. This isn’t just dining; it’s a culinary adventure to Turkey, taken to extraordinary levels. Liver is another story, highly recommended, the taste and crisp is amazing, really must to try The team at Taste of Istanbul is incredibly warm and welcoming, and the owner’s hospitality is truly impressive. They went the extra mile to ensure that every detail was just right, making us feel like cherished guests. Our group of 15 was served quickly, with every dish arriving fresh and delicious—a true testament to their exceptional service. We stumbled upon this hidden gem thanks to a dear friend, Nour, who knows her authentic food and highly recommended it. Nour’s suggestion was spot on—Taste of Istanbul is a must-visit for anyone who loves Turkish cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or trying Turkish food for the first time, this restaurant will leave you amazed. I can’t wait to go back and indulge in these incredible flavors again!

Akif Talha Serttürk

21 Jul 2025

It’s the only spot I know that serves Kelle Paça soup—and it’s amazing. Rich, flavorful, and incredibly comforting, it’s a rare find and done to perfection here. Their Doner and Iskender are probably the best you can get around here. The meat is always tender, well-seasoned, and perfectly cooked, and the portions are generous. Every bite tastes authentic, like something you’d get in Turkey. The quality, taste, and authenticity of the food here have definitely won me over. I’ll be a regular customer for sure! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sarah Abdel-Aziz

06 Jul 2025

This authentic restaurant offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and truly exceptional food and hospitality. From flavorful meze and perfectly grilled kebabs to unforgettable baklava, every dish is crafted with care and authenticity. The service is excellent, and the experience feels like a delicious journey to Turkey, a must-visit for any Turkish food lover.

Anne Marie Afrasiniei

13 Jun 2025

Really enjoyed our dinner at Taste Of Istanbul!! Food was fresh & came out piping hot! The meat on our mixed kebab was glistening when it came out! We ordered the mix mezze platter, falafel, Istanbul mix kebab, and the mixed pide. The mezze platter was definitely the highlight and helped enhance the flavors of our grilled meats. All together, the meal was great!

Carrie M Ingram

12 Jun 2025

I ordered from here for the first time and I was blown away! The Food and dessert is so delicious. It quickly moved to my favorite!

Rachel Iverson

11 Jun 2025

Oh my god this was the best food I had on my trip. I had the chicken and lamb kebabs. They were moist and well seasoned, the sauce was so fresh. I sat outside and enjoyed the evening. It is on a quieter street so it was nice to sit outside, there was some shade as well. The staff were so nice and friendly. They only came over when you waved so they weren’t constantly checking in which was nice. They let me and my coworker sit and hang out for quite some time without rushing us. I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed the food. Once I was home I immediately worked in finding some similar recipes because I will continue to think about this meal for months.

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