Istanbul Café & Restaurant: Authentic Turkish Food in the Heart of Clifton, NJ
- Shemaiah Marzan
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 8
If you’re craving authentic Turkish food in New Jersey, Istanbul Café & Restaurant in Clifton brings Istanbul straight to your table. This family-run spot blends tradition, warmth, and that unbeatable smell of fresh bread and grilled meats that hits the moment you walk in.
It’s cozy, welcoming, and all about real flavor — the kind that makes you feel like you’ve been invited into someone’s home in Istanbul.
What to Order
The menu covers all the Turkish favorites, from big breakfast spreads to sizzling kebabs and handmade desserts.
Start with the Turkish Breakfast Platter, a feast of olives, cheeses, eggs, fresh tomatoes, and homemade bread. Pair it with Borek sticks — thin, crispy pastries filled with cheese — and a round of meze dips like creamy hummus, tangy labneh, and smoky babaganoush.
For your main, go straight for the Mixed Grill Platter, a standout dish loaded with adana kebab, chicken shish, kofta, and lamb chops — juicy, tender, and full of that perfect charcoal flavor.
If you’re after comfort food, try the Turkish Pide topped with sujuk and cheese, or the Ali Nazik Kebab, where smoky eggplant meets spiced meat in a plate that defines cozy perfection.
With generous portions, friendly service, and that unmistakable home-cooked flavor, Istanbul Café Clifton is easily one of North Jersey’s best Turkish restaurants — the kind of place that keeps you coming back.
The in-house bakery deserves its own spotlight. Finish your meal with rich, flaky baklava, or try the soft, syrupy revani sponge cake paired with a cup of strong Turkish coffee — the perfect way to close out a meal that feels like a trip abroad
From the first bite of warm bread to the last sip of coffee, Istanbul Café & Restaurant in Clifton captures everything great about Turkish dining — generosity, comfort, and unforgettable flavor.
If you’re searching for the best Turkish restaurant in North Jersey, this is it. Come hungry, bring friends, and let the food speak for itself.
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