Cafe Izmir Reviews

Wonderful place to go for drinks and appetizers or a meal family owned restaurant that will make you feel at home Great atmosphere enjoy the night inside or on the patio

Prices remain high while food quality is going down. This was a favorite of ours but not any more. We had a big table full of family after a graduation ceremony on a Wednesday night. We also had to pay $5 to the valet for parking in an almost empty lot. The food is over priced. Some was over cooked and over spiced as well. This restaurant is resting on past success and needs to step it up.

Food was delicious and the service was great. It's a pretty popular spot so make a reservation if you can.

Every chance I get I go here. I was taken here for the first time about 12.5 years ago. Since then anyone that comes to town to visit me gets to go here to eat too. Not a single person has not liked it. We drive from Arlington out to Dallas any chance we get to eat here. We bring friends and co-workers. The food is AMAZING. After going a couple times it's as if you become family. We are greeted with hugs and handshakes, huge smiles, and before we even start to order they know what we want to start with and it is at out table within 5 minutes of sitting down. I just wish they would open one in Ft Worth so I don't have to drive as far, but then again, I probably would miss our waiters at this place and have to go back still.

We've been so many times and it is always great. Food is consistently good, service can be slow but it is invariably friendly. My favorite dish is the saffron chicken kabob which is wonderfully flavored with a just a hint of heat. The chicken is thigh meat so it is juicy, tender, and flavorful, prepared perfectly. Of course, we always get the hummus, which is still among the best in Dallas. Great restaurant all around and we will be back for sure.

We live in the Dallas area and go to Cafe Izmir often. It's in our top 3 favorite restaurants in DFW! Go for the food, go for the wine and go for the family service. This family knows how to make great food! The service is always excellent. We have our 'girls night out' here, my birthday party here and just whenever we feel like eating really well. Kismet, also owned by the same family, is next door and offers a great atmosphere so stop there before or after dinner for drinks and enjoy a hooka! Make reservations a few days in advance to avoid a wait - it's always busy, and for good reason! Enjoy!

We availed ourselves of a TravelZoo coupon to try this restaurant while visiting Dallas. All four of us quite enjoyed Café Izmir – the food, the service, the atmosphere, the wine. The waitstaff was wonderful - pleasingly interactive, quite knowledgeable, and efficient. We ordered a wide variety of items and all were excellent. We’d heard their hummus was the best in Dallas, and that is not a lie. We enjoy the tapas experience and felt portion sizes matched our other tapas restaurant experiences. We will definitely plan to dine here again when we return to Dallas. Located on very popular (crowded) Greenville Avenue, valet parking is essential.

We try and go out with friends every other weekend. And pick a new restaurant each time. Cafe Izmir was our choice this past weekend. We got reservations since we didn't know how busy they would be the weekend we selected them. Our group is a fun group, and you would consider a couple of individuals in the group as being picky, so I never know how they will be received. We all were at the restaurant prior to the reservation time, and we were seated easily. It took a bit get our waiter in gear, but we soon realized they were shorthanded that evening, and our waiter actually had two large groups and our medium group at the same time, so I commend him for the good work. All the food ordered can in a timely manner and all arrived at the same time with three people bringing the food to the table. We had appetizers, Tapas, and entrees all around so we were there for a fair length of time. The restaurant also had live music, an acoustic guitarist, and he was very good. He filled the room but did not overpower the room as the number of people in the restaurant varied thru the evening. You will enjoy the menu and the staff. All did well considering the size of some of the groups and how well they worked them.

We enjoyed this restaurant a lot. The food was different from our usual meals. We opted for the tapas to try many things. we enjoyed all of them.

Always delicious food. The deli is perfect for take-out, too.

We love middle eastern food, and this place always leaves us with a smile on our faces.

wonderful atmosphere and great family-style dishes

Positives: The best hummus and pita I've ever had. Absolutely delicious. The service was also fantastic. Negatives: Parking is a pain; it's $5 to park in their parking lot. The rest of the food was mediocre: beef kabob; saffron chicken, and lamb roll.

I was not impressed with Cafe Izmir at all. The best part of the meal was the hummus. Was upset it wasn't as good as some had mentioned.

fun with a group.... get the wine

My wife and I are always able to find small plate dishes that please us both. Their lunch spot a couple blocks down Greenville is also a great spot for salads and gyro plates.

My boyfriend and I ate here on a whim. It started raining very heavily and we sat in the enclosed deck. It was romantic AND delicious! We had some amazing wine, I thin it was Turkish? It was fantastic! The staff was so sweet and helpful! High quality food and drink....WORTH EVERY PENNY! We're coming back to Dallas next week for his birthday and he wants his birthday dinner here! I am so excited!!!!!

We've been here many times and it is consistently good. The hummus is our absolute favorite. The smoked eggplant dip is also really good, although this last time not as smoky as before. My faves are the chicken kabob, the falafel, and the marinated portabella mushroom. The wife likes the lamb. Overall, this is a great place and we always enjoy our visit. This last time the service was slow, but the food was still very good.

This is one of favorite places for Middle Eastern food. The food is consistently top notch. Service is friendly and warm. The hummus is the best in Dallas ($5.95). The babaganoush is excellent also ($5.95). After those we like the falafel platter, crunchy on outside, soft on the inside ($15.95). Falafels have some nice kick from hidden spices and heat. This time I tried the beef tenderloin plate for the first time ($21.95). The quality of the meat was good and the serving was generous. The meat has some kind of dry rub that gave it a unique flavor. I liked it although it took a bit to get used to it. We will undoubtedly return. Plus they often offer discounts through Groupon or Living Social.

I have been going to Cafe Izmir for at least 20 years, or probably since they opened. I have never had a bad experience. Some of the waitstaff have been there since it opened. I respect a place even more when they are able to keep good employees happy. Service is always impeccable! I live all the servers and have never eaten anything bad here. I have gone on romantic date nights, girls nights and there with family. Tuesdays are busier than normal because of half price wine and Sangria and deals on tapas. They have the best hummus I have ever tasted and the lamb rolls are always a favorite of mine. And, no matter how much wine or Sangria I consume, I always have to end the night with a delicious Turkish coffee...perfection!! And again, all the staff are so attentive and make you feel very special. I can't say enough good things about this wonderful restaurant. May it stay there on Greenville for many many more years to come!! And, I respect them even more because they have been so kind to donate to my children's school auction that is a great fundraiser. Thank you Cafe Izmir - you genuinely created my love for Mediterranean food!❤

Tuesdays are half price Tapas! If your looking for vegetarian options with creative authentic value this is your place. The restaurant is nothing special but the staff are tops and food great!

Cafe Izmir has been around for many, many years. Many years ago when I used to live in Dallas, my friends and I came here all the time. I've probably been here over 10 times over the past many years. I hadn't been there in many years but was in town visiting some friends and we came back to our "old stomping grounds". We had dinner here last night and it was as excellent as ever. The staff there is all very friendly and attentive. And most importantly the food is excellent, fresh and delicious! We typically order many tapas and dishes and all share it. Their pita bread is very hot and fresh and we went through baskets and baskets of it. The hummus is great and a MUST order is the Russian Chicken salad. We ordered many dishes including lamb, chicken, beef dishes. All were great. Last night they had a live singer and he was really great. They have indoor seating and a few seats outdoors in a covered patio. The place isn't too big but there is great ambiance there. There is a small bar area as well with a few tables. They have valet parking here and only $5 so no need trying to hunt down a parking spot which can be difficult on Lower Greenville Avenue. Highly recommended and I'll be back again I'm sure.

the food is good here. with the groupon discount it is a good deal. parking is tight (unless you pay and use the valet)

Saw Cafe Izmir featured on Local Fare and knew we had to go. Food is amazing, excellent service, highly recommend!!

You must have the lamb chops - amazing! Order one order per each person - they're that good!

The food, wine, music, and service at Cafe Izmir were all wonderful on the TWO nights that I visited there during two different recent trips to Dallas (so good the first time, I just had to return). The staff even remembered us, and they made us feel right at home. The warm, cozy atmosphere is great for date night. Try the Baba Ganush...yummy!

A lovely family-friendly eatery with a ton of amazing tapas offered for shared enjoyment. Hummus is hard to beat, especially when served with warm pita and a glass of house sangria. Do not let mom's rice and veggie dolmas pass you by either. Turkish coffee with crime brûlée is a nice finishing touch to a slow pace meal (a long forgotten art of lingering over a meal!)

Favorite place in Dallas-the most amazing hummus ever!

This is a quaint and warm place. A little small but the food is to die for...it is a flash back to early periods of the Ottoman Empire; e.g., Turkey. If you are in the area and like Mediterranean cuisine, this is the place. There are others in the DFW area such as Cafe Medi and Al Wadi Cafe that are comparable but are located in the Fort Worth are and not in Dallas. If you are adventureous...visit all of them, you will not be displeased.

The food here is very good. It has a patio that is covered and the inside is small but very comfortable. Service was good. Great for a group and sharing. That way you get to get a taste of a variety of items. Would defintiely go back.

My wife and I shared the "dinner for two" and our favorites were the eegra dip, ziziki dip, lamb roll and meat dolmas. The service was excellent and we can't wait to go back the next time we are in Dallas.

The owner showered us with attention and gracious hospitality. This warm welcome was unsurpassed by any restaurant experience in recent memory. Food was delicious and beautifully served. Vegetarian and vegan friendly. Great evening all around. Highly recommended!

Great food, great service great atmosphere. One of my favorite restaurants in Dallas. Everything that I've eaten here, from tomato mozzarella basil salad, hummus and vegetables or pita bread, chicken, lamb kebabs everything is just fantastic!

Cafe Izmir has the best variety and quality of Greek food. We ordered (off the menu) the sampler platter of five or six entrees and feasted on them all, the delicious pita and saved room for the baklava with a slight taste of rosepetals. The second time you visit you are treated like family, the first time as an honored guest.

I wanted to find some Turkish food and was recommended to Café Izmir for lunch. The service was very attentive. The hummus and pita bread were great, the Greek salad was fresh, and the beef kabob was very good. I enjoyed the food and will come back.

Stopped in to celebrate a B-day and had an absolutely amazing meal!!! Service was way above average. Food was the best i've had in this genre. Can not wait to come back!!!!

Skip the burger, total waste of money and insulting. Super greasy, the patty was very compressed and not a great texture if meat or flavor. Fries were ok, service was slow and subpar for the price point, you have to ask to be serviced and wait and wait and wait. If you want a burger go to fudruckers next door.

The food and service is absolutely incredible here. We have been eating here for over 7 years now and have never had a bad experience. The food is always fresh and hot and of course by now they know just what we like to eat. It's like being with family when we go. I absolutely love it!

We went to Cafe Izmir 2 weeks ago. Went there with a groupon coupon. Ordered some kebabs, and they were yummy.. I can recommend this place for a date night as well..

Hadad treated us like royalty!!! The best service ever! He spoiled us with delicious birthday cake! We shared dishes family-style prices are very affordable. Adorable ambience!

I've been here a couple of times, and from the sangria to the food, everything was really good. They have a wide variety of items to choose from on the menu, so chances are good that every person in your party will find something they like to eat.

I'm giving three stars, which is a composite of a four star for most of the food, and a 2-2.5 star for the service. Let's start with the valet. I went on a Monday night, pulled into the parking lot and parked, gathered my things and, when I turned around to open my door, the valet was standing there, which gave me a little start... He wanted to re-park my car. The parking lot was pretty empty - did I mention it was Monday night? - and there was no need for a valet at all. I asked if there was free parking, and he said I could park across the street if I didn't want valet. So, that was kind of a rough start for the place. Just be aware of this practice. Once inside, I found my friend, and settled in. As other reviewers have mentioned, it is very homey. The table we sat at was really too small for tapas, but we made do. Choose a booth or larger table if you can. On Mondays, they have some wine specials. We ordered one of the half-price bottles, and then our server came back and said they were out of it. This was not a busy night, so I was surprised by that. Then he said he'd give us a different bottle for half price, which was nice, I guess, but if you are going to have a special, my general feeling is you should actually have the item you advertise... The "replacement" bottle was passable, but not really what I was hoping for, if you know what I mean. Now for the food. We had a cheese plate, which was good. Nothing really special, but tasty and it went well with the wine. Their roasted garlic is very good - just make sure everyone has some! The hummus - which so many people rave about - is very good, but different than I was expecting. It clearly had some king of dairy in it (Sour Cream? Creme Fraiche?) which I wasn't expecting. Good thing I'm not vegan. It was tasty, but not exactly what I think of as traditional. The beef kebabs were delicious. Not sure what they do to make them that tender, but they are exceptional. Dolmas were fine - unexceptional, but good. Saffron rice had not much saffron, I think, but it made a good foil for the more spiced dishes. I wasn't impressed by the Baklava at all - it was pretty dry and bland. And they put ice cream on it. Weird. My dining companion had hot tea, which was a very nice blend, and I would recommend it. I had Turkish coffee, and it was some of the BEST Turkish coffee I have ever had. Two thumbs WAY up there. Our server was sweet, and cute, and attentive for most of the meal, but when it came time to get the check, we waited for a very long time... Not a good finish. Mostly, the service was good, but he did just kind of disappear there at the end. All in all, I will probably go back to experiment with a little more of the menu. The things that were good made up for the weirdness.

Love this place. Their hummus is the best. I can't find hummus anywhere that compares. Heard the lamb chops were really good, but I hate lamb so I won't be trying that. Sangria's are pretty tasty too! The only thing that bothers me about this place is that if you go on a Tues night don't expect to be able to hang at your table for very long when your finished with your meal. They basically told us to leave. RUDE

I stayed in Dallas for 4 months and it was always worth the drive to go to cafe azmir. Their tapas are so go and price is convenient. First time me and my wife went there, the owner brought us a free place and they were always generous Also the music they play is so refreshing

Nice atmosphere - we had a cozy booth and the music was very enjoyable. I found the food average. Service was very accommodating. Reasonable prices.

Great Hummus and delicious kebabs, very well cooked, so was the baklava. The sangria was great too, simple but nice. I love Mediterranean food, n the best one tried in Dallas yet. The place gets crowded after 8pm, so it took us a long time to get the check and get all done with, which was not so good part, and hence the four stars. Food wise it was great, and a must visit.

If you need the middle east foods this is number one place in all Dallas. I can say I have most the menu and all is excellent. Nice people!

Inadequate service. Asked for plates with the meal and she only brought one. Had to ask for a second one. The salad was incomplete without feta and olives and stated in menu. Not impressed.

Been to many Middle East restauraunts and I feel this one is more Lebanese style. Love the indoor/outdoor dining. Great place to go with friends and share many small plates. Not the best Middle East restauraunt in Dallas but good.

You go for the hummus, which is the best in Dallas, but the other food is really good too. You can't go wrong with any of the tapas. This time we opted for entrees. I got the chicken kabob ($15.95) and it was delicious, the chicken cooked perfectly so it was smoky, yet juicy. It had some kick as it was really peppery. The wife got the saffron chicken kabob, same price. To be honest I did not taste much difference. The main thing was that it appeared her's was dark meat and mine was breast. Both were great and we really enjoyed it, as usual. Service was friendly and accommodating.

I am a Dallas local and go to Cafe Izmir so much that the staff know us if not by name by faces. The restaurant is usually packed on weekend nights so reservations are a plus or get there before 730 to avoid the large crowds. Typically we get the meat/ veggie platters that are not necessarily listed on the menu that comes with appetizers such as hummus/ Russian Chicken salad/ Tabouleh and 2 platters can easily feed 4-5 hungry people. I recommend sitting in the front patio room. Valet is a must unless you park somewhere on side streets but good luck with that on the weekend- or Uber/ cab it over. The food is ALWAYS excellent- I have NEVER had a bad meal here.

If you have enough people (4 unless you can really eat) getting the meet plate and veggie plate (which comes with a bunch of appetizers) is the best. The grilled veggies are amazing. Nothing on the plate disappoints!

We have been here before so we were familiar with the food--tapas. Last night was exceptional though because of the service. It was just excellent. We ordered all of our favorites--hummus, babaganoush, beef kabob, chicken kabob, falafel, portabella mushroom, and pomegranate shrimp. Everything was excellent perfectly prepared. I would not change a thing. What impressed me was our waiter, Sammy. When the wife ordered a glass of wine that she was not familiar with, he brought her a taste without her even asking. Nice touch. I wanted to order their Turkish (?) beer, Shock Top, but they were out. About half way through our meal and half way done with my Stella, Sammy said the Shock Top had arrived and he would swap out my Stella for the Shock Top, no charge. That was a very nice touch! Overall, the entire wait staff was friendly and really made us feel as if our business was appreciated. Great food, great service, what more can you want? We will definitely return.

They have international nights on thursday night it is a good place to meet foreigner people and the music is great and also the food is amazing. just don ask for dessert I will not recommend iy

Very attentive waiters and a big selection of food. The location is close to lower Greenville Avenue which is a bit unique.

Every time I walk into Cafe Izmir, I feel like a long lost friend. This family is so gracious and caring. The food here is simply top notch, while the service cannot be beat. Of all the Dallas area eateries, this is my absolute favorite.

My 82 year old Dad and I had dinner there tonight. We both had lamb chops and a Greek Salad. We loved them both. All of the waiters are related to the owners and all are very cordial. They are originally from Persia (what Iran used to be). I look forward to returning and my Dad is looking forward to taking his girlfriend. They charge $5 to park in their parking lot which is pretty much your only option in that area.

One of my absolute favourites when in Dallas, great food (clean,mostly grilled) mediterranean, middle eastern based. I love the covered outdoor patio with live music (usually guitar). Family owned and run (they care and take great care of you). We usually go as a group but would be good for a couple. You can family style order mixed grill veggies & or meats or order by item (their lamb chops are the best). Always a pleasure...

Tapas supreme and vegetarian heaven! Taboulie is okay (I would like a little more bulghur wheat and a little less parsley, but the lemon juice might make up for it!), Russian chicken salad really good, hummus excellent, grilled tomatoes fantastic, ziziki outstanding, saffron rice extremely good, Turkish cucumber & tomato salad wonderful, and pita bread five-star A-plus.

We love some of the appetizers. The food never disappoints you. It is always a delicious meal that we really enjoy..Can't wait to go back.

Best food ever! Felt like I was in Spain and the music/lighting was just perfect. Enjoyed every second at this restaurant. Would definitely recommend it and come back.

I moved away from Dallas in 2005 but was back two weeks ago for work and was so happy to not only see that Café Izmir was still alive and kicking but super happy to taste that their food was still as amazingly delicious as I remember. Do you need proof? I took two co-workers and my boyfriend with me and they too are now hooked. Okay so that may not be proof for YOU but after you eat there you will have your own. Did I mention we went on a Tuesday and their Tapas items on their menu are all ONLY $4.00???

We enjoyed the small plates tapas. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable. The restaurant needs some TLC - about a third of the bulbs in the chandelier were burnt out or missing for example.

I've been to Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, and Egypt. I know what authentic quality Mediterranean food is. By far, Izmir is the best in Dallas. It doesn't even come close. Other spots have decent food, but Izmir is just a cut above in terms of cuisine. Service is generally decent, but best to go on a weeknight to avoid a big crowd or wait. Their hummus, falafel, and chicken skewers are out of this world.

This restaurant is very close to my daughter's home in Dallas. She goes there several times a week. We found ourselves in Dallas on business, and she wanted us to try it. We met her there and the staff all knew her and treated us like family. They were very accommodating. The menu is fairly extensive. My wife had the shrimp with saffron rice, my daughter and I had the beef tenderloin kebab. Although it was listed as a Tapas, it was a dinner-sized portion. I also ordered the cabbage roll. Some of their dishes are quite spicy. When you order, be sure to ask about how spicy the dish is, so you are not surprised. We also ordered their home-made humus, which was excellent. Definitely recommend this for either a light snack or full-blown dinner. The restaurant also offers quite a selection of vegan selections. They had a full bar and nice outside seating. It is a family-owned restaurant and has been at this location for over 20 years. They also have three other locations.

Seven of us dined at Cafe Izmir last week. We ordered a couple of appetizers which were unmemorable, and meat and vegetable entrees for a group. The lamb dishes may be the best in Dallas, but we have enjoyed significantly better ones in other cities. The vegetables, however, were pretty good.

Small mom and pop Mediterranean food. Check web page for their daily drink specials. You can order two ways at this place. Option 1 is family style where you choose your Meat or Veggie Plates and then appetizers, side salad, rice and pita bread are included. I have always done Option 2 which is to order the tapas (small sides). If you go with a group, you can order several tapas so that you have a plethora of dishes to sample and taste. Food is top notch. Prices very reasonable. Small dining area but charming and nice ambiance. Walls decorated with nice pieces of art. Service has always been good. Parking is valet in the main lot. I always just park on the side street (not Greenville) and walk over. I prefer the seating in the back as it seems less noisy.

I have had hummus at all the Mediterranean Restaurants in Dallas , and I have to say this is the best! You won't be sorry.

Best tapas around. Amazing food, authentic taste, and cozy atmosphere.

Stopped by because the smells emanating from this little cafe were incredible! Honestly if it weren't for the aroma, I wouldn't have even seen the place, because the signage is barely visible. I tried the meat dolma and the beef piroshky roll as well as the hummus and olive plate. Everything was fabulous, including the service! I wish I lived nearby so I could eat here often!

We usually go to a different place for our hummus and falafel fix but tried this place with a groupon. Our boys, ages 15, 12, and 8 liked this place much better than our regular. They tried the shrimp and quail and still talk about it almost a year later!My husband and I ordered falafel and a gyro. We liked our dishes and the hummus at our regular place better but this place was beautiful with very good service. Very nice meal.

Went here recently with a large crowd to celebrate a friends birthday and they did a good job accommodating everyone. When you have a large group, recommend the family platters which are about $50 each - comes with the pita, 2 types of hummus, chicken, lamb, Pita rolls, and the sides. Tasted pretty good and takes your mind of figuring out what each one wants as you get a variety. The covered patio is a good spot for a large crowd. A good experience overall.

Food and service in this tight but cozy restaurant is fantastic. Our bartender this evening (Sristi), who has been our server on prior visits is awesome!

Loved this place since it opened. We have gone here for years and always have the same thing, the lamb. My kids like the pizza, which is different. I love the hummus and salad.

I had to take time out right now at the table to write my thoughts. This place was everything my friend and I were looking for that night. We had great service, amazing food, and the music was popping! Nick, our server recommended the chicken thighs with rice for me. We also order the falafel, salad, sweet potato fries, and salad. But let me tell y’all something! That hummus and chicken thighs were to die for! I will be going back to visiting in the future.

Cafe Izmir is one of our favorite places to eat in Dallas, perfect for celebrations or just a romantic dinner. The people who run the location on Greenville remember repeat customers and treat them like family. All of their excellent choices of wine are available by the glass or the bottle, and they are happy to let you sample a wine (or several) before you make a choice. The food is fresh and obviously cooked with family pride. I highly recommend Cafe Izmir!

Food is excellent, I especially love the saffron chicken. Best hummus in Dallas. The wife loves the beef kabobs. Service is consistently polite and friendly. Love this restaurant!

I am a vegetarian and i absolutely loved this place. The food tasted amazing and the service was prompt and quick. I would be visiting this place quite often.

Great spot for tapas - head there on Tuesday night for $2/tapas, but make reservations or be ready to wait...

We always load up on little plates of tasty morsels. This most recent visit we ordered ground beef kabob (very flavorful), chicken kabob (my favorite), pomegranate shrimp (they changed the recipe but it is still really good), falafel (ok), marinated and grilled portobello mushroom (needed more marinating), hummus (the best in Dallas!), erg (wow, this is spicy!!!), and babaganoush (the wife loves the smoky flavor). What a feast! We ate till we were stuffed and still had leftovers for lunches during the week. We will return!

We arrived nearly at closing but our party of 4 was welcomed and treated like special guests! The tapas were varied and delicious and well priced. I think we tried almost everything on the menu and devoured it all. The place itself is very charming, and cozy. The manager or owner, even though it was late and we were the only ones left in the restaurant encouraged us to try dessert and coffee or tea. It's so nice to find this type of hospitality and graciousness. Please give them your business; you won't be disappointed!

Menu offers a "with meat" or vegetarian selection. We were a party of four so we asked for a good sampling of their best dishes. They brought us warm pita bread with three dips, eggplant, humous or spicy chicken. The eggplant was excellent, the humous was a bit thin and watery and the spicy chicken was good but not spicy. For a main dish there was ground beef rolled like a cigar but quite bland in flavour. There was also a rolled pita sandwich with lamb and great seasonings and there was a chicken chunk plate of bits of chicken braised with mild spices. Each person was also served a cup of sasafron rice. If you have not been to Turkey this is a good example of what you will receive in Turkey right down to the spices. The only thing missing is all the seafood choices that are dominant in any restaurant in Turkey.

firstly - do not attempt to go here unless you;re walking. There is a car park on property but it is 100% managed by Valet (apparently). We parked our own car in the car park right outside the restuarant and the Vallet guy came and insusted on moving it across 1 space so that he could charge us $5. That aside we then ordered Chicken Kaboob and a few other small plates including humus (tastes nice but way over garlicky - never had anything like it). The chicken came with not fresh bread (despite claims it was) and rice, but the accompaniment are so small we basically ate a plate of chicken. I am European so I'm not saying these plates are small by Texas portion, they really are. The food is way over prices and mediocre at best. I don't believe the vallet is independent either.

We really liked the tapas option for the variety. Everything was delicious but the chipotle hummus and beef kabobs were my favorite. Super friendly and accommodating staff as well.

Well I am a fan of Mediterranean food and I heard great things about this restaurant. I was able to purchase a groupon for $8.80 and receive $20.00 worth of food so I thought we would give it a try. The restaurant is small but quaint and very nice. Every person we encountered was wonderful. I am very impressed with the wait staff, their personalities and their knowledge of the menu items. The food was wonderful however my only negative comment was that the portions were extremely small for the amount of money that they charged. My ramekin of humus seemed liked it has 4 tablespoons of humus in it. The same with the tablouile and the falafel were 4 quarter size bites. We also had the meat dolmas and the lamb roll. As I said all the food was wonderful and I know its tappas but still the portion sizes seemed a bit too small. We ordered 5 items and yet I felt hungry as we left. I would try it again because the restaurant setting, the impeccable service and the food were all very good. I was also surprised that it looked like the only option to park was to pay the 5.00 fee. I would have thought if you were dining in the restaurant the parking would have been free.

I LOVE this restaurant! We've been going there for over 12 years now. The food is fabulous and the service is fantastic. Even our boys that are 9 and 12 love going there. It always feels like we've been welcomed home when we go there! ❤

I've been going to Cafe Izmir since the first week they were open in 1996. Like other reviewers stated, this is a family owned restaurant, and you can find "Mama" there almost every night, making sure the food is perfect. I have never had better hummus than at this restaurant. The lamb chops are out of this world, and the service is fantastic. As far as I'm concerned, this is the best middle eastern restaurant in Dallas. Period.

Awesome food, great service: The food was amazing. I've eaten at several restaurants in Israel and this food was just as good as the food they were serving over there (and that food was great). The staff was extremely attentive and courteous. I'll definitely be going back. I wish they had one in Austin.

Popped in for a coffee, ended up eating too. Excellent pitta and hummus and a couple of simple and extraordinary tasting tapas. Good service. Great for lunch.

What a gem! Tucked alongside several restaurants on Greenville, do not let this place get away. Wonderful variety of food and wines, they went out of their way to make sure these first time visitors had a great experience. The Piroshki was my favorite, the man loved the quail, and the boy ate up the coconut shrimp. Live musician and lovely art made for an enjoyable ambiance. Divine! Thanks so much for the attentive service, Nick.

Marcello always provided extraordinary service and the atmosphere is spectacular ! Not pretentious, yet very relaxing and the entire staff desires to be helpful ! The lamb chops are the best anywhere!

The waitress was very nice, attentive, friendly, and explained the dishes. We had 5 appetizers and 3 mains. The chicken and beef were expertly grilled, good texture, but lacked flavor. Value is decent. Not clear if it is worth repeat visit unless living close by.

Being from New York we tend to be skeptical about Mediterranean food south of the Mason Dixon line. But we were enchanted and delighted by Cafe Izmir. The food is wonderful, the atmosphere charming, if a bit cramped, and the service impeccable. My husband is vegetarian and I am not. The options were extensive. Reservations are essential. We will definitely return on our next trip to Dallas.

Great tapas-style menu for sharing and fab sangria! Can't get enough of the hummus.

Took a friend for dinner and drinks. The server was knowledgeable and helped with selections. I love the tapas concept and the food was delicious. We had the sangria and it was wonderful.

Been coming here for nearly 15 years and the food is great...love stuffed grape leaves and tabouli so much...you will love it

Cafe Izmir is a vibrant place on any weekend, most especially because they offer a wonderful solo singer (and accompaniment) in their tiny bar/lounge. This is especially important if, like us, you have to wait 30 minutes to be seated for an online reserved table. Turns out that, for some reason, we were told, OpenTable overbooks tables here (although I've never heard of that before). Because of our inconvenience, the bartender gave us complimentary wine as we waited. Once seated in their cozy dining area, we enjoyed wonderful babaganoush with pita ($9 total) and a tapas style falafel dish. In my experience eating authentic Mediterranean food, the felafel was barely edible. Won't order that again! The rest of our split meal was a mash of grilled veggies, a portobello mushroom dish, and one chicken Kabob. All of these were perfectly cooked and delicious. All told, Cafe Izmir is an economical choice, high value with the falafel being the only downside. Service, once we were seated, was quite good considering they were slammed with business. But beware that they automatically add a 3% service up-charge in addition to any gratuity you might apply to the final bill.

Cafe Izmir is the gold standard. The cuisine is lovingly prepared with only the freshest ingredients- and based on the owner's family recipes. His mother still oversees the kitchen! As if fantastic food (consistently fantastic EVERY SINGLE TIME we go there btw) the ambiance and atmosphere is another hallmark-thanks to the amazing staff and musicians- who wrap you in a warm embrace and are so attentive to each guest- you actually feel as though in are in the Nazary's home. This is truly one of the best restaurants in Dallas!

Don't miss the Turkish Coffee for dessert. It is smooth, strong and a little sweet. The chicken kabob is tender and really juicy - just enough spice to bring out the flavor of the chicken. The chicken meatballs come in an amazing spicy tomato sauce. The chipotle hummus is a nice regional twist on this classic. The food is obviously scratch made and very fresh. The staff is attentive but not intrusive. This place is a terrific addition to downtown Dallas.

Love the food here. The hummus is the best I have had. The main meal or tapas are great too. I wish I had one in my town

One of my all time favs!

Having been to Turkey a few times it's hard to find reeealy authentic food here. But this is as close as we've come. Everything was just SOOO tasty and good value. We especially liked the garlic humus! They also had "date friendly" humus-no garlic!! Staff was tremendously friendly & warm. A must do when we're back in the Big D!

I'm at the Cafe Izmir at the airport and ordered a chicken bowl. We got plain boiled rice with 4 piece of chicken breast for $14 US. This is a rip off. The waitress was nice enough to switch our rice for salad which was better and refreshing. Feel it's. Eye expensive and food mediocre.

Cafe Izmir has a consistent menu that always delivers something you can count on in an oh so trendy Dallas restaurant culture. You can get the Mixed Dinner with russian chicken salad, hummus, grilled pita, lamb wraps and kebab that is always spot on!

Exotic. Nice change of pace to the regular restaurant scene in Dallas. Bar next door is fun, too.

Wonderful, exciting flavors. Knowledgeable staff. Colorful room. A very exotic experience.

Arrived here on an early dinner date - by accident. We were headed to a different restaurant but turned into this parking lot here by mistake and then thought this place might be more interesting. Cafe Izmir turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. We ordered several tapas: Babaganoush, Pita Bread, Chicken Kabob, Falafel, Veggie Piroshki, and the Beef with goat cheese Piroshki. These were delicious! Our waiter also brought us over some complimentary hummus to try and it was excellent. Although it was a Saturday, the place wasn't as crowded when we arrived at 5; however, it filled up very quickly within the next two hours. We will definitely return to this place soon!

EVERYTHING was delicious! I love mediterranean food and this place is the best. Excellent service. Magical atmosphere. We really enjoyed the guitar player that performed on a Saturday night! The food, ambiance, and staff make this place truly magical. Great place especially for dates or a special occasion. I highly recommend this place!

Place was small and crowded, very slow service, food so-so! I've had much better mediterranean food and friendlier service in a lot of other places. It also seems that if you're not a "certain kind", you will not get the same service given to other "preferred" customers. Couldn't help but notice that diners who came in much later got their food & drinks (the same dish we requested earlier) much sooner than us. Felt like a total outsider, in what is advertised as a welcoming and friendly place. Felt so awkward and unwelcome, we had to leave. Cafe Izmir: Shame, shame, shame!

I had purchased a Groupon some time ago and my husband and I went there with a friend. We quickly became regulars. The staff is friendly and attentive and recognized us the second time we went there. The roasted pepper hummus was recently added to the menu and is outstanding. I don't know what kind of peppers they use but it's not bell peppers. The regular hummus combined with the eegra is really good too. We always get the saffron rice, which my husband really loves. And, a new favorite is the beef pirashki which is like a fried egg roll. You do have to pay $5 for valet parking. But, street parking in the area is hard to find. They do have different nightly specials on wine and sangria. And, valet parking is free on Sunday nights.

I love this place.....great hummus (they offer a date night version with no garlic), kabobs, rice, ziziki sauce......yumo! Authentic and delicious!

Nice wine selections, too. Casual atmosphere, nice service.

I frequent many nice places in Dallas and Izmir is by far my favorite. Although the tapas are great, I recommend ordering the set menu. You choose meat or veggie but I prefer to get a meat and veggie combo. The set menu includes a first course of hummus, russian chicken salad (my fav), and taboolie with grilled peta bread. The second course is either grilled veggies or the meat which consists of chicken, lamb and beef. The will bring you seconds if you don't get enough. Also, Tuesday night is half price wine and tapas. Always a good night to try it out. The restaurant is small and seating is tight, but worth it. They also occassionally have live music which is usually a spanish guitarist playing in the bar.

There's a pattern beginning to develop with my reviews and it's clear why. Cafe Izmir is a locally own, family owned, family run restaurant and serves simply the best Persian/ Mediterranean food anywhere in Dallas. The hummus is the best I've had even in the Middle East while traveling. The Mother in this family keeps a watchful eye on everything coming out of this kitchen and I've never been disappointed. This is a frequent stop when we have a family gathering. The staff will never forget you and can often remember what you had months ago. The family style meal is simply out of this world and the quantity is generous. Simply delicious sums it up perfectly. It's like you're eating in your best friends mothers house.

My family treated me to an unexpected culinary delight by taking me to this cafe. It was a totally satisfying experience ranging from the food to the outstanding customer service. This cafe falls into the category of Mediterranean culinary culture, which has a core of tradition based on the olive, olive oil, wine, & humus or pita bread (usually a thin type of bread that can be also seasoned). Geographically, Mediterranean food corresponds to the food & preparations of the people who inhabit the Mediterranean Basin & Southern Europe. This region is marked by the cultivation of the olive tree & grapevine, thus enabling the plentiful harvest of olives, olive oil, & wine. The idea of Mediterranean food as a unified cuisine reportedly derives from Elizabeth David in a 1950 book entitled "Mediterranean Food." The Tunisian historian Mohamed Yassine concurred with the conclusions of the aforementioned book. This food group is absolutely delicious when properly prepared, & of all my wanderings through Mediterranean food restaurants, I think that Izmir serves the the most "stand-alone" outstanding food: homemade, well seasoned, diversified choices, delightfully presented, & @ very reasonable prices. It is a family operated & managed service that shows all of the attentiveness & care expected from a proprietary status. In other words, the service is so good that it makes you feel like a part of the family. Then there's the homemade Sangria: its hard to stop with one bottle! Either have a designated driver or uber over as the first stop of "a night on the town," no better place to start such an evening. Perfect food, Sangria, & ambient setting for a first date or a 30th year anniversary!

I've eaten there before, but it was especially good this last weekend. I had the lamp chops. The atmosphere was nice, and a good guitar player/singer in the bar

Went with a friend and had an amazing time. Staff was very attentive and friendly and food was delicious. A great experience at a reasonable price. Also would be a great date spot! They have garlic-free hummus specifically for couples LOL!

We were very limited on time on a Friday night and asked to be seated and served food in the bar area. We were treated like family (the kind of family that you like - not the other kind). Good beer on tap, good tapas. Prices are slightly higher,but then, the food was a bit better than expected, and the service was excellent! We'll be returning (when we can stay longer)!

The food was great. Service was amazing. They were trying a new humus, hopefully it will be on the menu when we go back.

We decided to try this restaurant for a "date night". From the moment we called to make reservations to when we picked up our car at the valet, our experience was excellent. We arrived shortly before 5:00 (we had a concert to attend at 7:00). We were shown to our table and Sammy arrived a short time later to take our drink order and answer our questions about the menu. We had an opportunity to view their online menu before visiting. Sammy was very friendly and knowledgable. He was extremely accommodating as we were not familiar with this type of food. We ordered the hummus and a cheese plate to start off. They brought a basket of pitas and a recommended bottle of a Pinot Griggio/Sauvignon Blanc. The hummus was flavorful and the texture was spot-on. The cheese plate consisted of Manchego and Havarti cheeses, Kalamata olives, dates, grapes and a deliciously seasoned roasted garlic bulb. For our main course, because this is a Tapas-style restaurant, we shared the chicken kabob and an order of the stuffed cabbage. They both had just the right amount of spice. The chicken was tender and the beef in he stuffed cabbage was very flavorful. For dessert we were looking forward to the baklava. This was the only disappointment of the night. It was still delicious but somewhat dry. During our meal and while we were waiting for the valet to bring our car, we spoke with the owner, Beau Nazary. He was VERY friendly and we enjoyed talking with him. We are looking forward to our next visit and are excited to bringing others with us.

We enjoyed our meal at Cafe Izmir. We had the dinner for two and it was plenty of food for the both of us. We especially liked the chicken salad.

We've enjoyed Cafe Izmir for several years. The food is excellent and the wait staff very friendly. The hummus is the best we've ever eaten. However, the last time we ate there, we had to wait almost thirty minutes to receive our bill. We had a long drive home ahead of us, so that was a bit aggravating. Our only other concern is the loudness of the front dining area. Greenville Avenue is known for its nightlife and party atmosphere, and the front dining area seems to be where the party is happening. I'd suggest eating in the more formal dining area if you want some peace and quiet. All that being said, we do plan to return some day.

It's just really good food. That's how I felt about it, at least. Also, our server was really personable and funny. And tapas!

We really enjoyed Cafe Izmir. The food was fantastic and Nick took great care of us! Thanks for a terrific evening!

Went there with a bunch of guys. Great service and super food! We enjoyed every bit of it and had a lot of fun time there. They even have a great selection of beer there.

Energetic place with great music, food, and service. Hummus was especially fantastic, and the steak tenderloin kabob was also great.

I try to eat here once a week, would be more if my schedule permitted. I love this place and everything about it. The food, ambience, service and folks working here. The dining experience is ALWAYS pleasurable. Seems to me it would be difficult to maintain that 10 consistency across the board, but every time I visit this place seems to do it so effortlessly...

What a wonderful experience at this quaint spot on lower Greenville Ave. We enjoyed a leisurely early afternoon meal on the enclosed patio where we met the entire serving staff. The hummus for which they are known is definitely worth trying. Fresh baked pita bread was warm and delicious prior to our chicken and vegitable kabobs, and decadent salads. Next time we will share a tabouli salad and tapas.

I have been several times and they always have great food and service. The hummus is the best I've ever had. It's very creamy and has excellent flavor. Highly recommend!!

I don't know what the previous poster is talking about, but both the food and the service at Cafe Izmir was awesome. Everytime I took a bite of something, the flavors bursted in my mouth. Since this was our first visit and were not familiar with all the food, we opted for the family style. Our waiter brought us a variety of all the foods that Cafe Izmir specializes in. He explained what everything was made of and was very attentive to us. I will definitely be back. Also, the Sangria is incredible!!!

Family run operation that take great pride in what they offer. Though the place is small, the experience and food more than make up for the cramped space. Best hummus.....ever. Sexy little date night kind of place. Some nights have live music which just adds to the charm. Parking on greenville is a nightmare...Use the valet parking. I've been going to this place since the mid 90's....wonderful.

Are you a fan of Mediterranean food? If so this little hole in the wall restaurant is most certainly a place that must be visited! From the outside it really doesn't appear to be anything special. Even when first stepping inside one might think the exact same thing. However as the old saying goes, "don't judge a book by it's cover". The establishment is truly a gem in the city of Dallas. A wall is lined with awards, and after eating here, meeting the owners, and a lunch priced well below it's worth I don't understand why there are not more awards. My wife and I noticed this tiny little place almost just by chance, maybe luck, or possibly by fate. We had four different appetizers, three entrees, two nonalcoholic drinks, one bottle of a very nice champagne, two deserts, and four Turkish coffees, and spent less than had we eaten at a 3 star steak house. Out of all that food not one dish disappointed. My wife, (whom by the way is not a fan of strong coffee) had her first taste of Turkish coffee and became addicted. The staff and owner(s) were just outstanding with attempts to ensure our dining experience was the absolute best it could be. My only complaints about this establishment might be the Turkish coffee servings were too small for my personal taste. Obviously that should be seen as a compliment for those who have ever savored the treasure of this delicacy. However, our server mentioned that was an issue that could be very easily resolved per request. The other complaint is I simply didn't have enough room to order more food or more money to take home more food, From the very simple such as hummus, to the more exotic such as Russian Chicken Salad or quail on a bed of honey champagne couscous (which was simply divine), to delights for the more tamed palate (such as a child's), you simply can not go wrong stopping by for a bite to eat or a nice hot cup of exotic coffee. I will more than happily recommend this restaurant to one and all regardless of their preference towards Mediterranean cuisine. Absolutely well worth the time to decide for yourself.

In short order we received reservations for nine for Sunday Brunch. Eating outside under awning was simply perfect! The wait staff was fast and friendly. The food was fabulous!

I had "heard" the food was delicious here and yes it was. I had a combination of several tapas, jasmine tea & finished off a delicious meal with Turkish Coffee. It was delicious start to finish. The service was terrific not only for me but as I observed how everyone around me was served. I cannot wait until the Downtown Dallas Café Izmir opens.

Middle Eastern, Persian, Mediterranian call it what you will but it is truly delicious food and warm, helpful friendly service. We generally stay with all the smaller appetizers and shared plates and make a banquet of it in the center of the table. The room is small, the bar smaller. Live music and just a great atmosphere. A family tradition we continue to visit when out at Granada for a band.

Ate here while on vaca. I used to frequent spot in 90's when I lived in area. We went on Tuesday thinking it would not be busy. Tuesday turns out is customer appreciation night. What bargains! We tried so many tapas the table was full. Everything was amazing. Service was flawless even on this super busy night. We were treated like old friends. Housemade sangria was tops. Five buck valet is nice as well. Owner made it a point to speak with us during our meal to make sure everything was tip top. I would be here every week at least if I lived in area.

This place has great atmosphere along with amazing kabob and hummus. The Sangria is really yummy too!

This is a really great place to eat. I notice some people were dissatisfied with the valet service and have to mention that the parking lot associated with this cafe is pretty small. The reason they insist on valet parking (on busy nights) is because these guys know how to arrange the lots of vehicles in a small lot. They got our car out in minutes even though it was blocked in by two cars. The service is 5$ but worth it. As for the food, it is really good and the service prompt. We had the meal for 2 fixed price (about 50$) includes several small appetizers, a choice of meats and vegis and one glass of sangria or wine (per person) plus all the bread you can eat. The servings are small but we found the meal was very filling and more than enough for two. The choices were varied enough so that most people would probably be satisfied. Most of the choices are westernized but given the location and target customer it is entirely reasonable. We would definitely go back.

Great food! I love their kebobs.

You feel good as soon as you walk in this place. It is small but lively. Food is excellent. I have been going here since 2001. Good wine collection. Humus, tabouli, ziziki are great starters with Pita. Then chick and beef kabobs, lamb chop and shrimps are delicious. Grilled vegetables are as tasty as the grilled meat counterparts. Owners and servers are all very friendly and make the clientales feel at home. I have never been disappointed by the food or service here. Tuesday is half price Tapas night and is a good night to try the place out; but it is very busy on Tuesday. Advance reservations are recommended.

We tried this small plate venue for fun. Everything was delicious! We had their chicken dish (dark meat) and it was spectacular! Then again, all the dishes were. Their "special dessert" was wonderful! The $15.00 bottle of sangria wine was great too (choice of a bottle of house red, white or sangria for $15.00)! We shall return!

Truly enjoyed my experience at Cafe Izmir. The food, service and ambience was excellent. Will be coming back very soon. Keep up the good work.

Cafe Izmir's food is so delicious. The hummus is my favorite, I have never tasted better hummus anywhere. Their sangria is also amazing. Go on Tuesday nights for cheap tapas and drinks.

We haven't been to this cafe in a while. But we returned because our first visit left such a good impression. Not sure I can say the same this time. We had the dinner for two-3 appetizers, 3 meats and vegis with a glass of house wine or sangria. Some items were good to very good. The lamb roll, beef and chicken (a bit tough) and sangria were good but other items weren't that great. Tabouli was largely (and I do mean almost 99%) parsley. I had to really look for the wheat. Tabouli is pretty inexpensive to make so I am a bit surprised they would skimp on this. The hummus was thin and weak-very overwhelmingly garlic. Almost like it was watered down and eggplant and tomato dish was thin (really thin) on eggplant. These are small plates to begin with so I can't really see the logic on conserving these ingredients. But probably my biggest complaint was the baklava. Ours was stale and tasted almost rancid. We almost had to ask for a steak knife to cut through the phillo. This didn't leave us with a good impression. The baklava should have been one of their signature items and instead it was pretty bad.

YUM

the chipotle hummus is amazing. I could make a meal of it. we've eaten here several times; the menu food is mediocre.

Very goods Mediterranean food. The hummus can be ordered with no garlic, as it is is very good. Beef kabobs tender and chicken is good too. Valet parking as there is none locally at night. Good seating in and outdoors. The service was good.

Don't bother the the groupon. The $10 or $20 your spend on a $20 or $40 doesn't get you far. Space is cramped. Very uncomfortable.

The food here is great. The humus was so good we ate it with the spoon after we ran out of pita. We had falafel, kabob and the lamb roll. They were really good. We kept eating until it was all gone. Service was prompt and very friendly. We went to this restaurant around 9:30 PM on a Thursday. The parking was valet only on their lot for $5. We were able to find free parking very close by. I am not sure if that would be the case on the weekend.

Really enjoy all dishes at this restaurant, and the hummus is to die for! And try their sandwich shop just a block away! Great selection of Mediterranean foods.

My husband and I went to Café Izmir and just fell in love with it! All the food is excellent! The staff are pleasant and very personable. They remember you when you come back, and are very happy to see you. We got introduced to the owner and she is very nice. The Turkish coffee is to die for. The Russian chicken salad is fantastic. And the wine list is great. Very well priced and I recommend all of it!

Consistently excellent middle eastern fare in a pleasant setting. Great service. Have returned multiple times a year over the 15 years. Consider this our "go to"restaurant for many special occasions