Istanbul Bay

- 8002 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209

Are you searching for an authentic, flavorful, and memorable dining experience in New York City? Look no further than Istanbul Bay, a highly-regarded Turkish restaurant nestled in the heart of Brooklyn's vibrant Bay Ridge neighborhood. Istanbul Bay is much more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of Turkey, bringing rich, traditional flavors to your table here in New York. Specializing in everything from succulent, charcoal-grilled kebabs to delicate, house-made desserts, this establishment has quickly become a local favorite for New Yorkers seeking genuine Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine.

Istanbul Bay is classified as a Turkish restaurant, but its offerings extend to a chophouse-style focus on meats, fast-food options for quick bites, and comprehensive delivery and takeout services. This versatility ensures that whether you’re planning a cozy sit-down dinner or need a high-quality meal on the go, Istanbul Bay can meet your needs. They pride themselves on serving Halal food, offering numerous healthy and vegetarian options, and maintaining an atmosphere that is both casual and cozy—perfect for a family outing, a dinner with friends, or a satisfying solo meal.

The extensive menu is a testament to the diversity of Turkish cuisine, featuring everything from warm, comforting soups like Lentil Soup ($6.25) and Chicken Soup ($6.25), to a wide array of classic cold appetizers. These appetizers, such as Stuffed Grape Leaves ($6.95), creamy Hummus ($6.95), and charcoal-grilled Eggplant Salad ($6.95), are the perfect way to begin your meal. The popular hot appetizers, including the delicate Sigara Boregi (Cheese Roll) ($7.75) and Fried Calf's Liver Cubes ($10.95), provide a wonderful textural and flavorful contrast.

The heart of Istanbul Bay's menu lies in its fantastic selection of grilled meats. Diners can indulge in Lamb Gyro (large $16.95), the perfectly seasoned Lamb Adana Kebab (large $16.95), or the premium Lamb Shish Kebab (large $19.50). For those who prefer poultry, the Chicken Gyro (large $16.95), Chicken Shish Kebab (large $16.95), and Boneless Chicken Chops (large $16.95) are all popular choices, each meticulously prepared with the chef’s special blend of herbs and spices.

A truly traditional experience can be had by exploring the Turkish Oven section, where Pide, Turkey's version of the pizza or flatbread, takes center stage. Options range from the cheese-filled Kasarli Pide ($10.95) and the savory Sucuklu Kasarli Pide ($15.00) featuring Turkish sausage, to the Anatolian meat pie Lahmacun (3 pcs for $4.00) and the delectable Kusbasili Pide ($17.00) topped with chopped filet mignon.

Location and Accessibility

Istanbul Bay is conveniently situated in a thriving part of Brooklyn, making it easily accessible for local residents and visitors exploring New York City. The restaurant is located at:

Contact Information

Address: 8002 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA

Phone: (929) 292-2353

Mobile Phone: +1 929-292-2353

For those traveling by car, both free and paid street parking options are generally available in the vicinity. For guests with mobility needs, Istanbul Bay is fully committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for everyone. The general operating hours for the Bay Ridge location are typically from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM on both weekdays and weekends, though patrons are always encouraged to confirm current hours, especially for late-night food availability or holiday schedules.

Services Offered

Istanbul Bay offers a comprehensive suite of dining and service options designed for the busy New York lifestyle:

• Dine-in and Table Service: Enjoy a meal in a casual, cozy, and quiet atmosphere with full table service.
• Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options are available for those on the go, including no-contact delivery.
• Catering: Services are offered for groups, making it an excellent choice for parties or events.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is advisable for larger groups or during peak dining hours.
• Multiple Payment Methods: Customers can pay using credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for convenience.
• Late-Night Food: Perfect for a late dinner or a post-work bite.
• Quick Bites and Small Plates: Ideal for those looking for a fast, delicious meal or wanting to sample a variety of appetizers.
• Outdoor Seating: Allows diners to enjoy their meal outside, with the added benefit of being dog-friendly in the outdoor area.

Features and Highlights

The team at Istanbul Bay takes immense pride in delivering a truly authentic experience that extends beyond the plate. They have several features that set them apart in the competitive New York dining scene:

• Serves Local Specialty (Iskender Kebab): A truly authentic highlight is the Iskender, a renowned Turkish dish made with lamb gyro meat layered over homemade bread croutons, topped with a special tomato sauce, and finished with a garlicky yogurt sauce ($19.50). This popular local specialty is a must-try for an authentic Turkish meal.
• Great Dessert Selection: The dessert menu is a strong finish to any meal, featuring classics like Kunefe ($9.95), Baklava ($6.50), traditional Rice Pudding ($6.50), and the almond-based Keskul ($6.50).
• Excellent Beverage Options: Patrons highly recommend the drink selections, including the traditional Turkish Tea ($2.00) and Turkish Coffee ($3.00), alongside a great selection of cold beverages like the savory Bottle Ayran ($2.50).
• High-Quality Meat and Halal Offerings: As a chophouse and Turkish restaurant, they offer a range of perfectly grilled meat entrees, including Chicken and Lamb Adana, Shish Kebabs, and Lamb Chops (large $25.95). All meats are Halal, catering to a wide customer base.
• Vegetarian and Healthy Options: The menu is accommodating for all diners, featuring an abundance of fresh, healthy, and satisfying vegetarian options, from cold appetizers like Piyaz ($6.25) to vegetarian-friendly Pide like Spinach Pide ($10.95).
• Customer Service Focus: Customer reviews frequently highlight the friendly and attentive staff. In one instance, a delayed order was graciously managed with complimentary Baba Ganoush, Hummus, and fresh bread, followed by complimentary tea, demonstrating a strong commitment to service excellence.

What is Worth Choosing

When navigating the rich and extensive menu at Istanbul Bay, certain dishes stand out as essential choices for a complete Turkish experience. The Adana Kebab, whether Lamb Adana (large $16.95) or Chicken Adana (large $16.95), is a crowd favorite—ground meat flavored with red bell peppers and expertly grilled on skewers. Customers often praise the quality of the Lamb Shish Kebab (large $19.50) and the satisfying Mixed Grill ($26.95) which provides an assortment of shish, Adana, gyro, and lamb chops. The fresh seafood options, such as the whole Branzini ($24.95) and Salmon Kebab ($24.95), also offer lighter, yet equally flavorful, main courses.

Don't overlook the sandwiches and wraps, which are perfect for lunch or a quick bite. The Doner (Gyro) Wrap ($9.50) and the Chicken Shish Kebab Wrap ($9.95) provide the same great flavors in a portable format. For a truly authentic side, the Pide, Turkey's delicious, dough-based savory dish from the Turkish Oven section, is highly recommended as a perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Finally, no meal at Istanbul Bay would be complete without experiencing one of their desserts. The Kunefe ($9.95), a delightful shredded noodle and cheese pastry soaked in sweet syrup, is a decadent end to your Turkish culinary adventure. Whether you are a long-time enthusiast of Turkish food or new to the cuisine, Istanbul Bay offers a consistent, high-quality, and warm dining environment that makes it a top choice for authentic Turkish dining in Brooklyn, NY.

Istanbul Bay

8002 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA