Istanbul Cafe

Istanbul Cafe Restaurant Review:

In New Haven, you'd expect a Turkish joint to draw an eclectic collegiate crowd that creates a lively atmosphere. Istanbul Café delivers. And the oomph is all over chef Adnan Efe’s menu, too. The shepherd's salad is a bright blend of cucumbers, parsley, plum tomatoes, onions, fresh mint, olive oil and vinegar; grape leaves stuffed with rice, onions, pine nuts, black raisins, dill and mint are somehow delicate. The house specialty is the Istanbul Café Güvec --- spiced lamb or chicken (there's a vegetarian option, too) sautéed with bits of carrot, green bean, green peppers and other vegetables in a zesty tomato-based sauce. To wash it all down, try something from the extensive international wine list featuring Turkish, Spanish, French, American and Australian selections. Desserts are standard (syrupy baklava and künefe); a better choice would be a shot of hair-raising Turkish coffee.