Reviews

So we had the falafel lunch special and the chicken kebabs. The accompany salad was very nice and the cooked veggies were spot on fresh and al dente. Worth a return visit for dinner.

We had to be on busy Fillmore Street several times during the holiday season. Finding a place for lunch that offered good food and service but was not jammed with antisocial techies engaged only with machines proved difficult. On the advice of a family member who lives nearby, we went to Troya. What a delight! Peaceful unpretentious place where guests actually spoke to others at their table rather than staring like a cat at some blinking digital display. And the food --- well if you're tired of the same old pizza, bagel, industrial turkey sandwich, or from-the-bag salad, try this place. Mediterranean (Turkish influenced) dishes that will please and satisfy. We thought maybe the great experience we had on our first visit was just luck but two subsequent visits have been even better. A breakfast visit was outstanding. Try this restaurant and you will most likely return.

Nice little joint with above average food. The atmosphere was nice and everyone was friendly. Bathrooms were a bit dark. Overall, I'm glad I went but I wasn't "wowed" with the food.

It is hard to accept that food can taste this good! Simple, classic dishes and ingredients are prepared in the most careful, delicious manner. We tried four different mezes, 3 entrees and three desserts. I would eat here every day if I could. It's that spectacular. If it was not in public I would have licked the plate clean! TIP: Uber has a $7 special to take you anywhere in SF.

We tell people that one of our most memorable vacations was three weeks in Turkey in 2000. We loved the people there, we loved the food, and all three of us returned weighing less than when we'd left, due to the wholesome and healthy cuisine. Troya on Clement Street in San Francisco is our "go to" place about once a month, and we love the borak (spinach, raisins and pine nuts in a puff pastry wrap) and the manti (tiny meat or veg raviolis in a delicious yoghurt-based sauce). We have found our Turkish experience only a few blocks from our house!

If you've been to Istanbul and need help remembering why you loved it so much, or if you haven't yet visited the City bridging Asia and Europe and want a little inspiration, then check out Kitchen Istanbul. The chicken kebab – as well as the hospitality of owner Emrah and his competent and friendly staff - is extraordinary. Enjoy!

Visited Kitchen Istanbul on the hoof. No reservation and they were able to accommodate 3 diners. Had a lovely dinner. My friends had the mousakka and I had lamb loin kebabs which were amazing. Definitely will pay another visit.

I'm a great fan of Troya in San Francisco - very good mix of more traditional as well as contemporary adaptations of Turkish cuisine. Great place to share a series of dishes; we'll frequently share 4 of the small plates and desert (works well for the 2 of us) Troya makes good use of seasonal products. Last month, the refreshing watermelon/fetaa/mint salad appeared on the menu; the grilled fig desert was outstanding. Menu contains: Meze - 10 or 12 small plates - hot and cold, vegetarian or with fish or meat, fine either as a starter or as part of a multi-dish meal. 3 or 4 flatbreads with toppings - essentially a small pizza, and among the best in San Francisco. Toppings vary - the Lahmacun has minced beef with slighting spicy chiles; the lobstermushroom topping was very elegant. Main courses - larger dishes, either a good main course for one or to split. Kebabs, meatballs, moussaka, Turkish ravioli Great deserts - one of the best baklava I've tasted, not too sweet. Good wine list, and excellent Turkish coffee. So - Excellent food and friendly, helpful, attentive servers in a very nice, calm atmosphere. and it's easy to get to by public transit - the 1-California, 22-Fillmore and 3 Jackson all stop within a block of the restaurant. (that avoids the parking hassle in a popular area)

this is the best turkish cuisine in san francisco go and try it

Yummy, yummy, yummy I love going this restaurant. If you wanna have a fantastic lunch or dinner with your friends, date or family, you should definitely go there. I'm not gonna recommend any dish, because everything is die for..

Troya Restaurant from Clement St. just opened a satellite on Fillmore right in the middle of lots of other good Fillmore digs. It's really fine. Outstanding Turkish food - the mini raviolis (really mini) drizzled in yogurt etc. is a particular favorite as are all the flatbreads. Good wine selection. Simple dining room. If you are staying in the middle of town, take the #1 bus west and get off at Fillmore. You will be within block or two of Troya and a bunch of other great places to eat. Then you can take the #1 back and get a free tour of Nob Hill on the way. You also will get a great dinner.

What a great place. My friend and I ate here after visiting the Legion of Honor. Good service, fantastic food! I had a cauliflower wrap that was absolutely one of the best tasting wraps I have ever had. Get it when you go - so full of so many flavors. WOW!

We had a good lunch, but it wasn't great and our two wraps cost more than several dishes during a better dinner. They seemed to be geared towards the fashionable, so that's what you get.

Went there just two of us without any expectation and it was just perfect! Amazing food in a nice atmosphere. Excellent service too! Do not miss the dessert! Hope to return there soon!

We ordered all the lunch specials and split them between the 4 of us. We ordered the hummus plate with delicious warm pita with 3 dips and warm olives which I have never had. So good!!! We ended up ordering an extra chicken kabob since it had only one skewer and we wanted more. We would suggest ordering different plates and sharing them so you can try different tastes. This was probably some of the best Mediterranean food I have ever had. Worth the visit. It felt family run and they were all lovely. Well worth the visit of you are in the mood for Mediterranean.

If one is adventurous, willing to enjoy vegetables ( good for some vegetarians I hang with also)...not just the familiar brochettes etc. Interesting wine list too. Seems to be attracting larger crowds so a reservation might be helpful.

I've eaten Turkish food all of my life. Troya was a good example, not great. The atmosphere was spartan but comfortable. Parking, as everywhere if SF, difficult, even at 8:00pm on a Monday night. Most of the dishes were on the bland side for Turkish cuisine but good. We had several appetizers and the lamb kebab which was very tender and cooked perfectly. The kunifeh desert was very close to my grandmother's- sweet but very well done. Overall a good dinner but not outstanding in any way.

We arrived 10 minutes after closing but yet the owner was very gracious to let us in for which we are very grateful. The appetizers were phenomenally delicious. The Lamb kabobs were equally yummy, very tender and juicy. The decor was simple but yet elegant. The menu was very short but yet offered the best of Turkish food. Our server was very polite, attentive and prompt. I most definitely recommend this restaurant and I will definitely visit it again and again.

The great folks at Spice Ace told us about this place. It had a small lunch menu but everything looked great. We split the lamb wrap that was very tasty and a chicken kabob that was great. Definitely will return. If you go here ... Walk over to Spice Ace and then cook your next meal at home.

We ordered from the lunch specials menu and the food tasted awesome. The taste was flavourful but not overpowering. The portions were not big though so it might leave you feeling not fully full. We should have ordered 3 specials for 2 people.

Love this restaurant! the food was amazing, the ambiance was perfect, even with two tired little children, my husband and I enjoyed family style dinning table with four other people, whom we didn't know. The service was absolutely fabulous, very attentive manager/owner and the server was very patient with our little ones. The best Turkish food we've ever had. The zucchini fritters with the cool yogurt sauce was amazing. The muhammara with Pita bread was out of this world and my children loved the chicken kebabs with the basmati rice.

Happened upon this great little restaurant in S.F. The atmosphere was intimate and could be fancy or casual - whatever you are looking for. The service was excellent. We chose to share our dishes which was fun and gave us variety.

no more tasty foods...why?

Tasty happy hour snacks and decent house wine. Enjoyed the feta cigars and the grilled half moon bay Sardines. Well worth a visit .

A friend and I were feeling adventurous while hunting dinner, and decided we were in the mood to try Turkish cuisine. Definitely high-quality food here. My travel-buddy got the lamb kebabs and said it was the best lamb meal she'd ever had. Very attentive wait-staff too.

I went there for lunch. Staff was nice, restaurant was cleaning (including bathroom), and food was very good. I'll be back. Pricey but good

Emrah and his staff treated us like family and we could not have asked for a more lovely and delicious meal. Our appetizers, entrees and desserts were outstanding and it was such a treat to learn more about Turkish cuisine. Kitchen Istanbul is a warm and welcoming place and you will certainly love your experience as much as we did. We will most definitely return when we next find ourselves in San Francisco.

We've been dining at Troya since it first opened on Clement St. years ago. What a treat for the neighborhood! For visitors from out of town, Troya offers another incentive to explore the Inner Richmond district of SF, far from the tourist traps downtown but close to the Presidio and Golden Gate Park and an easy bus ride from Union Square. But back to Troya itself. The complimentary bread basket comes with a trio of dips: olive oil, paprika, and crumbled pistachios. The smooth, fragrant lentil soup is superb. I often make a dinner from mezzes: soup, grilled halloumi cheese with salad, and fresh Monterey Bay sardines that make tinned sardines seem like a different and vastly inferior species. We love Troya's manti (tiny ravioli drizzled with yogurt sauce and topped with paprika), though I miss the lamb version they had when they first opened. Excellent kebabs, lovely beyti, moussaka so generous and rich it can serve as tonight's dinner and tomorrow's lunch. We never have room for dessert, so I can't comment on those. Lunches are great value, as are mezes during happy hour. I sometimes come here with a friend just for Turkish coffee in the afternoon. No matter when you come or how much or little you order, the service is always friendly, efficient, helpful, and never, ever overbearing. Lovely people serving lovely food. Haven't been to the new Troya on Fillmore, but it's on our list.

Overall, the food is well prepared and flavorful. The presentation is a little more upscale than previous experiences of Turkish cuisine, with prices to match, but this place is definitely worth seeking out. Make sure to order the roasted cauliflower.

We love love love Turkish cuisine and are always looking for Turkish restaurants new to us. This restaurant has unique takes on the cuisine. For example, my wife practically licked the plate after we finished the baked brussell sprouts. We ordered three starters and three entrees and shared them among us. All were unique and tasty and fun. You can't go wrong.

My boyfriend and I celebrated delayed Valentine's date at Kitchen Istanbul and it was perfect...... casual dining, great ambiance, beautiful artwork and friendly waiters. location: great! corner of 4th and Clement Street, several bus stops, parking is only available in the streets. you can enjoy a nice walk on Clement, flower shops, bars, desserts, coffee shops, more restaurants etc. price: reasonable price, items from $2-30 which is great considering quality of the food. Only accept visa and master card. no American Express Food: Try hummus, yogurt with olives and peta bread combination it's delicious and gets you started to nice evening. as an entree were had lamb kebab with rice..... the lamb had a delicious spice and very tender....I would definitely have this entree again. Service was perfect.. Overall I would go back to this place...

We had the lamb kabob that was beyond excellent. We showed up after closing and the owner agreed to serve us. The Mediterranean sampler was wonderful. Great service! All Turkish....

We had dinner here last week, 4 adults and a very well behaved 1 year old. The restaurant is very comfortable, and the staff makes you feel at home. We had several appetizers, which I suppose in a Turkish/Med restaurant should be called "Mezzes" (but then again, the actual name of this restaurant is "Cafe Troya") so as long as we all know where we're going, it will be fine). All were good, with the sampler of three spreads and pita bread being very good, the hummus OK, and the fried brussels sprouts outstanding. The main courses from the menu were very good -- we had chicken and lamb kebobs. The lamb came with rice, the chicken with a mountain of chick peas -- both excellent. One of our party had one of their specials, steak kebobs, and to be honest, they were a bit of a disappointment, the meat being quite fatty, No one had room for dessert, so I can't report on that. Would we go back? Yes, but we'd probably stick with the menu dishes.

Today we ate at the Troya at 2125 Fillmore street. Just found it walking by. Wow, very subtle golden lentil soup with a hint on mint and lemon and olive oil, a watermelon, feta, pine nut and braised fennel salad that defies description it was so light and yummy , we also had a Turkish meatball wrap with braised fennel and onion served with a light cucumber yogurt and an arugula balsamic and olive oil salad. It was like we were back in Istanbul.. the atmosphere was artistic and spare, the music a subtle uch anatolia back sound.. try it, it will not disappoint. also at 349 Clement.

Happened upon this restaurant, and it was a wonderful find. My group of four went for a late lunch on a weekday. The restaurant was virtually empty. We had a sampling of mezes, and they did not disappoint. The warm olives were a delightful way to start the meal. My group particularly liked the Muhamarra ( roasted red pepper dip with walnuts) with pita. The roasted cauliflower had some nice toppings and spices. The falafel were quite tasty but the five pieces didn't go far enough for the four in my party- we could have eaten a lot more! In my opinion, the best thing we tried were the feta cigars. Pieces of feta and finely chopped parsley, wrapped in phyllo dough and fried, then served with honey and ground pistachios for dipping, They were marvelous. Do you love cheese? Order the feta cigars already. Turkish tea was a nice mellow accompaniment to the meal. If I get back to San Francisco, I'm going back to get this dish again and try this restaurant during the dinner hour. Excellent food all around.

We tried Kitchen Istanbul when visiting in the neighborhood. Five of us all found the food to be very tasty and well prepared. The only drawback was that the service was slow while the restaurant was crowded early on, but improved as the evening got later. The waitress certainly was working hard and was quite apologetic about the time we had to wait, and she deducted something from the bill to make up for it. We would definitely eat there again.

We stopped in here for Sunday brunch after a visit to the busy farmers' market on Clement Street. Kitchen Istanbul was a welcoming, quiet space apart from all of the bustle on the street. The service was prompt, very friendly, and relaxed. We really enjoyed a break from the standard brunch fare. The Menemen (scrambled eggs with feta, tomatoes, and peppers) was outstanding, as was the Spinach Feta Omelette, both served with a side of warm pita. With cups of Turkish tea and some cherry jam made by the owner's wife, we were content to linger by the windows and watch the street scene unfold. And Sunday's an okay time to do that at Kitchen Istanbul....no rush at all. Look forward to experiencing lunch and dinner here at some future date.

Great accidental drop in on Tuesday eve for light dinner. We had 2 soups and shared vegetable and a lamb skewer plate and a dessert and coffees. Food excellent and enough . $50 for two including tax and tip. Definite "go bsck"

My wife and I took our daughter and grandson, who live in SF, here on our visit to the city from the DC area. We’ve all been to Turkey and this food exceeded our expectations from the mezes through the entrees to the desserts. We ordered four mezes (zucchini fritters, fete cheese cigars, grilled beef meatballs, and fried halloumi cheese) and revelled in each one. Given that, we decided to share two entrees (traditional moussaka and Turkish style braised beef). The moussaka was so incredible we had to order a second helping and my grandson ordered the lamb loin kebabs. I have never tasted lamb so tender. Dessert also did not dissapoint with baklava and the star of the show: kunefe, freshly baked shredded dough, filled with sweet cheese & topped with pistachios. We could not have been more surprised and pleased with this neighborhood restaurant in the Richmond.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, we were seated promptly based on our reservation. We received some strips of crunchy chip style snacks. There was nothing else served with it. It would have been nice to have something to dip them in. Our party had the lamp chops and the chicken kebab. The lamb chops were okay and portion good. The chicken kebab was dry and missed out on some type of sauce too. There was no lemon served with the kebab. Overall conclusion, the restaurant could do with some sauces that would be flavorful accompaniments to their food and to not overcook the chicken kebabs. The service was very good and friendly.

The food, the service, the ambience, all 5 stars. I haven't been to Turkey but if Troya is half as good as the food in Turkey I can't wait to visit. Plus, the people that work there are very nice and always help my wife and I find a table without reservations.

Once we managed to park (really tough due to so many restaurants in the area), we were welcomed warmly by the staff. The vegetarian moussaka was really good but my friend's lamb kebabs were a dry and overcooked. Knowing how well flavored & juicy Turkish food is, this was a little disappointing. But overall an enjoyable meal.

Visited Kitchen Istanbul for the 2nd time with a business associate and was not disappointed. Ordered the Chicken Kebab Lunch Plate which came with a delicious skewer of chicken/vegetables over rice, salad and tasty dipping sauce. We shared a side of the warm chickpea salad with pita. The salad was equally as tasty! The owner ventured to each table to make sure that everything was just right. I was amazed how crowded the place was by 12:30pm on a Tuesday!!

I've dined here practically every week for the last few months when I returned home from working in Istanbul for the three months prior. I had eaten at the restaurant when it was Troya and it was good, however, I really like what Emrah has done/is doing within the restaurant; starting with the name change, the communal table and new twists to the menu. Favorites on the menu include the muhammara and hummus starters, and for the main course, well, I love the beef stew and the moussaka. The kebabs are also very good (albeit very filling). I'm excited to see what new mezes might appear on the menu in the months to come. In addition to lunch and dinner, the restaurant is also opened for brunch on the weekends but I've yet to visit. More than the food though I love the hospitality shown by Emrah, Ayca and the team. For me it has become much more than a place to eat; it's also become a place where I can talk all things "Turkey" with Emrah, which adds to the experience.

My son chose the restaurant based on reviews. The food was very good and ingredients fresh. The staff was attentive. I am visiting from out of town and I thought it was very expensive for the portions received. For instance, we ordered the hummus appetizer and it was not enough for three to share. My husband chose the lamb as his entree and was very pleased with how is was cooked and the flavors. Again, I may just not be used to SF prices.

I was eagerly anticipating giving Troya a try. The wait was worth it. Dinner was delicious, I had the Manti--Turkish ravioli in a yogurt sauce. The Muhamara was excellent as well. A nice surprise was the olive oil and spices served before dinner. The red one--paprika???, was very yummy. The only drawback was the linty napkins. I will definitely be back.

best Turkish in town, but not even close to original (others do not deserve a review), almost good food...

I ate here with friends on a Sunday evening. We arrived around 7:00 PM without a reservation and were seated immediately. The dining room is not particularly large, but it feels spacious, as there are windows overlooking the street on two sides. The staff persons we encountered were accommodating, congenial and helpful. The atmosphere was casual, animated and lively, with lots of audible conversation from all tables. There were moments when it was so loud that it was difficult to have a conversation at our own table. This was not really a problem for our group. It actually added to the fun, though it might be unenjoyable for those seeking a more docile dining experience. The food was excellent. I tasted things from other plates besides my own and found the spices and seasonings in all dishes to be perfect. The falafels were crunchy on the exterior, spicy, moist, and flavorful on the interior. There was a beef stew dish that was nicely seasoned with Mediterranean spices. The lamb kebab I had was perfectly seasoned and as flavorful and tender as any kebab I have ever had. Prices were fair for San Francisco, not inexpensive, but within reason, especially since the food was so good.

Some of their dishes (kofte) are really good some other are just Americanized middle eastern dishes with very little connection to the real thing. But overall OK..you can try it once.

It was great to dine here! The selections were different than the Turkish food we have at home. Very glad we went.

After a visit to the DeYoung, and on my way to the Legion of Honour, decided to stop for some food. When driving on Clement you are bombarded with an over dose of Asian restaurants. Amist this sea was a unique place located on a corner, the Kitchen Istanbul. Loving middle eastern food we wandered into this open aired cafe. The menu was full of many delectable delights. We ordered a Mezze and 2 entries. What a sensation to the taste buds! Our server was a delight and explained each course. I had chicken kabob wi th a very savory pilaf. My partner had a wonderful salmon. At th er end of the meal we were too full for dessert but the next table had a very delicious looking Baklava. They have a very good beer and wine list and make good coffee including turkish. Will definitely venture there again when I am in the area. Parking can be a challenge.

Excellent staff quick to offer suggestions and very patient with explanations of dishes. I was treated like a family member. My meal was excellent and paired with a fantastic local wine.

My husband and I went there for the first tie with friends. Also, this was our first experience dining at a Turkish Restaurant. From the moment we joined our friends for dinner at the restaurant, it was a wonderful introduction to Turkish food and hospitality. Our server helped guide us through the menu and wine list. The wine list included Turkish wines, Red and White. I selected a delicious Turkish style beef stew. The flavors of the stew were deep and yummy. Enjoyed our evening!

Dined here recently during a trip to SF to visit adult daughter. Party of 3. Seated promptly (6pm reservation made that easy!). Low key decor, nothing elegant, but perfect ambiance. Service was impeccable, food superb. We are all vegetarians, and had a multitude of delicious appetizers and entrees to choose from. And, Turkish wine to boot. Tried a new white grape Narince. Interesting, well made, and a delight to find something off the beaten wine path. Desserts were excellent as well. Frankly, the food was so good we ate far more than we normally do or were planning for. We even did a second round of appetizers after our main course. Penance will be paid at the gym. Most highly recommended.

Great mediterranean food.

We had reservations at another restaurant for dinner later, but stopped by Kitchen for drinks and apps during their Happy Hour. The bartender was very friendly and attentive. We ordered a hummus spread assortment and a side of pita to snack on. Very good. The next time we are in town we will come back for dinner. Nice place.

Dinner for two vegans included the yummy hummus and red pepper spreads, cauliflower, roasted brussel sprouts and falafel with cucumber and onion condiments. All tasty and filling. Falafel a little dry but remedied by adding more hummus to the mix. Atmosphere light and airy at late dusk and by night cozy and bright. Service excellent.

I had the chicken kebabs and they were delicious !! Very attentive and friendly service. Great location, ambiance and decor

This is a Mediterranean Restaurant with a Turkish flavor. Had a hummus plate, a salad, the Lam Kebob (great) and a side of green beans. If you like the flavor of Cumin with a hint of pepper and caramelized onions, you will be in heaven. The Chocolate "pudding" dessert is terrific as well.

Should try their manti dish

I pretty much got the royal treatment as Kitchen Istanbul because we went with a guy who knows the owners well and is Turkish himself, so it was hard to find any fault with this place! Never taste such a good Turkish food in the States. Plus great music, charming atmosphere and warm Istanbul pictures on the wall. Plus they even had Efes beer! Give a shot to its Beyti (may favorite one!)

Had dinner there this evening with my husband and our adult son. We didn't have reservations, but were lucky to show up just as there was a cancellation. It was apx. 6:15pm when we arrived. The staff is gracious and welcoming. The service was very good, but not obtrusive. The atmosphere is very warm, however it's a little bit loud. My husband is a tiny bit hard of hearing and he couldn't understand what we were saying a couple of times. The food was absolutely delicious! To start we shared the roasted cauliflower and the fried zucchini. The cauliflower was very good and didn't have a sauce on it, which was nice. There was a yogurt sauce on the side. The yogurt sauce is REALLY good. The zucchini also had the same sauce, or something very similar. I highly recommend it. For entrees, my husband and I shared the Turkish style beef stew with eggplant puree and our son had the salmon kabobs. The beef was definitely enough for two people, especially if you're having an appetizers to start. It was very good. The eggplant was almost like mashed potatoes under the beef. The salmon kabobs were perfectly done, sizzling and juicy. There were served on top of a warm couscous salad, which was also quite delicious. For dessert, we ordered the Kunefe. I am so happy we got this to share. It's quite a large portion. Fried strips of dough, honey and pistachios - you will want to eat every last drop! We also ordered two coffees and my husband ordered the mint tea. So, this is the only thing wrong with the dinner. We expected a traditional mint tea, or at least a modern take on the traditional tea. However, my husband was served hot water and a mint tea in a bag. The kind that you rip open because it's in a plastic coated paper sleeve. Because the meal was so delicious, we were expecting something more authentic. However, the Kunefe made up for it, in the end.

Very nice corner restaurant in San Fran, in particular we enjoyed the roasted cauliflower with Turkish pepper, but all the food was excellent Mediterranean style.

Every time we visit Troya, we are pleased with the authentic, quality food and knowledgeable staff and owner. We have brought out-of-town guests, who were treated to a wonderful experience. Don't miss a special evening with a talented host.

We were there for dinner. The appetizers were quite good, as was the coffee. But the entrees and deserts were just ordinary. It has a nice atmosphere that is not too noisy for conversation, good service, and prices are quite reasonable. Overall the food seemed more Greek than Turkish.

Unfair in their portions and prices. Bad vibes.

Went to Kitchen Istanbul on a recommendation and they did not disappoint. It wasn't particularly crowded, the staff were non-intrusive and extremely warm. My husband had the lamb kebabs plated on top of a deliciously warm chickpea salad and the meat was perfectly cooked. We started with the zucchini fritters with parsley,mint, feta and a yogurt sauce, which l loved. The vegetarian options were a delight, although my favorite had to be the baklava. I am a baklava enthusiast; I try a variety, just to compare. The last time I tasted baklava that delicious was at Turkish place in Canberra, Australia. This was sublime. It melted in your mouth, wasn't overwhelmingly sweet, it was just as I had hoped. I will be back to try the salmon kebabs.

This place use to be years ago a nice Persian food restaurant named “Kasra” . We lived around the corner at that time and use to visit it pretty’s ten. They had authenticity prepared and served large plates with a generous size cubes of of marinated meat and rice or veggies for under $20 per plate. Well , this new restaurant now is a weak imitation of that food. They changed name, owner, wall colors but hasn’t became better. Quite opposite. The plates became smaller, with less food and prepared poorly. Presentation of the food doesn’t exist at all . In general food is overpriced for very mediocre stuff. It doesn’t even taste close to want it was before. But prices had doubled with food quantity became lessen. They don’t even offer complementary bread & butter. We ask fir bread and they brought us small pieces of pitta which was charged $ 2.00 extra . Would not come back or recommend to any of the friends who appreciate good Persian food! What a disappointment fir$100 . Terrible

My friend suggested we try Troya for dinner. We go out to a new place every month to catch up now that we no longer work together. Looks like this place just opened on Fillmore in the former Citizen Cake location. We loved everything! I'm vegetarian (I eat eggs and dairy products) and my friend eats everything. There were so many good options from which to choose!! We were both very, very happy with the entire meal and with our drinks. We split the zucchini cakes with mint and yogurt sauces on the side and "cigars" (full of feta and other yummy things) with honey and pistachio on the side. For dinner, I had the eggplant and feta Anatolian flat bread (amazing!) and my friend had a lamb dish with stewed tomatoes, onions and a yogurt sauce. The portions are generous. Nonetheless, we each had a dessert (that was our only mistake) - we should have shared ONE dessert - they are huge!! My friend enjoyed the Turkish coffee a lot. We will be back. I also have to note that the service was *excellent*, the decor was very inviting and the tables are set at a good distance (unlike at other places where you feel like you're sitting right on the people seated next to you.) I highly recommend Troya on Fillmore.

Had dinner here the other night and was impressed by the food and interesting wine list. We had a great time. However, I don't think it's appropriate to charge for bread.

Very very good service and very good food. We had several little plates (Olives, Cigars, Zuchiniballs..) and shared them. Really enjoyed it! Would come back if I would live here ;)

We thoroughly enjoyed both our mezes and mains at Kitchen Istanbul. We'd been to the location a few years back under a different name and ownership structure, and we're glad to rediscover it. A friend recommended we try as many of the Mezes as we could -- but there were only two of us, so we went with a delicious red pepper and walnut spread and the Brussels sprouts. The spread was flavorful -- sweet, tangy, and nutty -- and the sprouts were fried to perfection -- crisp on the outside and tender within. We then each had an entree -- I had the moussaka (I had the lamb version, vegetarian also available), and my partner had the braised beef dish. Both were delicious. The entrees seemed like they were intended to be shared too, like the mezes -- so next time will do that-- order the whole meal to share.

We had dined here twice. The first time was shortly after we returned from a visit to Istanbul, Turkey. The food at Kitchen Istanbul reminded us of the grest meals we had in Turkey.

A great introduction to Turkish food in a nice atmosphere, consistently friendly and efficient service, and wonderful food. Start with a flatbread (three to choose from), warm olives and /or the Rurkish bread with a choice of three spreads, all delicious - yogurt, red pepper, or hummus. The kebabs (either lamb or chicken)!are great. I prefer the rice to the chickpea salad that accompanies the kebabs. Nice lunch special at $12 (just increase from $10) but still worth the price. Desserts are also great, my wife and I usually split one. Both the shredded phyllo with cheese or the baklava are great and not as sweet and honey- drenched as most other places.

Troya is our current go-to option in the Richmond District. There never seems to be a wait, and the food is always very good, and a nice wine selection. It is reasonably priced for the quality and service.

The restaurant has a contemporary atmosphere with large bright windows. Since we arrived at 6 PM the sun was shining directly through the windows but they have open weave "dark mesh" curtains which has been lowered so the room was still bright but the sun did not blind you. They have special prices if you arrive during the first hour of their dinner service, saving about 20% on each of their salads, specials, etc. We each ordered a salad. I ordered the arugula with sumac, fresh apriums, farmers cheese and a great dressing. My husband ordered the black lentil with golden raisins, tart cherries,feta cheese, almonds, cucumber & mint. The salads are really quite large and two people could easily share one salad. HIs entree was the chicken kebabs with chickpea salad and spicy paprika sauce while I chose Chicken guvec crisp free range leg over coriander almond sauce, parsnips, eggplants, raisins, cilantro. Both entrees were delicious. Our service was excellent. The server was available at appropriate times, the other wait staff arrived with additional hot water to fill our tea cups at exactly the moment we emptied our cups. We were very happy with everything and would definitely recommend this restaurant as well as return ourselves next time we are in the area.

Dining at "Kitchen Istanbul" made me curious to find out a little bit about Turkey and its cuisine. I did not realize that the city of Istanbul, Turkey is located partly in Europe and partly in Asia. I was not familiar with many things on the menu and felt like being daring. I ordered Turkish coffee, Brussels sprouts for an appetizer, something called Beyti for my entree and fresh berries for dessert. In one word:Delicious. I loved every thing. The berries were garnished with freshly whipped cream. I may not sleep tonight after drinking that little cup of Turkish coffee, but I was warned. "Kitchen Istanbul" gets 5 stars from me, the amateur food critic. I will definitely return to sample other dishes.

My wife and I went to Troya while on vacation, discovering it thanks to a livingsocial deal. Stepping into the restaurant we were hit with a beautiful aroma of Turkish spices and scents. We ordered the warmed olives and hummus as an appetizer, both of which were outstanding. Between the two of us we also tried the red lentil soup, chicken, lamb and ahi tuna kabobs as well as Turkish white and Sicilian red wines. Everything tasted great!! The tuna was cooked a bit more than you would expect with a seared tuna, so it turned out a bit dry - still very flavourful though. Service was fine - we never had to wait for our glasses to be filled. All in all it was a great experience and we'll be back when we return to San Francisco.

ive been to Kitchen Istanbul several times now and it is by far one of the best Mediterranean restaurants in town. The menu has some of the classic Turkish dishes with a twist: sigara boregi is served along with honey and ground pistachio and the beyti has fresh mint and arugula leaves. Kunefe is the best one that I tasted in US. And yes, the owner visits your table (as its described on the webpage) to make sure that everything was just perfect. Not to be missed.

We cannot say enough about Kitchen Istanbul. The owners and staff are warm and welcoming, making us feel like family. The zucchini fritters and roasted cauliflower were our choices from the Meze section of the menu. Our entrees were tasty and varied: moussaka, chicken kebabs, beyti kebabs and braised beef. The chocolate pot de creme is fantastic and we really enjoyed the kunefe which is highly recommended by the servers (with good reason).

I had never had Istanbul cuisine.. and was pleasantly surprised.. .staff knew everything on the menu.. and it was all delicious... went here on a whim with friends and family.. and loved it..

Came on a Monday night and grabbed the last table. Got lucky, next time i'll make reservations. There were five of us and we shared most dishes. Started with zucchini cakes, fried cauliflower and the hummus. All were delicious, especially the cauliflower. I had the traditional moussaka with lamb - the béchamel topping was nice and light as was the lamb and eggplant base. One of our party said it was the best meal she had in a long time. I was very pleased with dinner. I also had a glass of the Turkish white wine and enjoyed that.

We enjoyed our dinner at Kitchen Istanbul when visiting San Francisco recently. The decor is simple and casual, the food is very good and the service is friendly. We had a range of meat and vegetarian dishes and they were all delicious.

We arrived at Troya before it opened for lunch, and another person waiting said he had lived in Istanbul for several years, and that this was the most authentic Turkish food in the Bay area. We were very pleased with our meals. We had pita with hummus, yoghurt with mint and dill, and roasted pepper for an appetizer, Turkish moussaka, a salad with sardines, and lamb in grape leaves, all perfect. We had a nice Turkish white wine and were served complimentary baklava and ice cream for dessert. The decor is clean and simple with some colorful Turkish ceramic tiles for accent. The service was attentive and professional. The neigborhood is off the tourist maps (not that tourists are bad) and it has a relaxing local atmosphere.

Great atmosphere, very friendly staff, homey feeling and delicious Mediterranean food. I tried almost all the dishes and enjoyed every single one of them. Lamb Beyti is my favorite. It's mildly spiced ground lamb wrapped in thin and healthy lavash bread. On top of it, they pour an amazing tomato sauce. If you want, you can have the yogurt on the side. If you are in the mood of trying an authentic dessert, try künefe. It's yummy! This place is also great for brunch.

We finished dinner at nearby Burmese Superstar and walked here for dessert and Turkish coffee. Rodd, our server, was very friendly and explained the dessert menu. It's not an extensive selection, but we had a fromage and phyllo dessert that's served with honey, pistachios and a bit of fresh grapefruit. It baked to order and takes a few minutes, but is worth the small wait. It was light and delicious. We had our Turkish coffee sweet and people-watched while we enjoyed it. Based on the friendly service and tasty dessert, we might Troya for dinner.

My youngest sister chose Kitchen Istanbul for her birthday celebration, and we were all glad that she did since we knew from going there before that the food is great! And with all the different selections available, the handful of vegetarians and a vegan and a few avid carnivores could all have their appetites sated. When we got there, we found that she had ordered the Fixe Price, a menu that is served family style. Since we were all family and close friends, that was perfect. We had a variety of appetizers, all vegetarian, which was fine with us omnivores since who doesn’t like the various Middle Eastern spreads and pita triangles or the feta cheese cigars? Arugula salad was a healthy addition we might not have ordered individually, and zucchini cakes and falafel patties are always yummy, too. For the mains, we had choices of lamb loin kabobs or chicken kabobs (one of my sisters really wanted the salmon kabob, and they kindly said ok), but of course we also were going to have moussaka (the birthday sister had asked for all vegetarian) and the beyti, which I was unfamiliar with: it’s described on their menu as “Adana style kebab wrapped in lavash, topped with tomato & yogurt sauce,” and we were told it had both ground beef and lamb in it, so of course it made sense to make sure the moussaka was vegetarian. The lamb kabobs were on one platter atop a bed of rice; the chicken kabobs were on another platter atop a bed of chickpeas. But once we meat-eaters took our kabobs, we also could take freely of either or both the basmati rice of warm chickpea salad. My lamb was cooked perfectly with flavorful spices, and the beyti was very interesting and tasty as well. The moussaka was cheesey wonderfulness that provided more vegetables for a balanced meal, and we still had some of the appetizers for sides as well. The twelve of us (well, one was a child under 7) were filling up but knew we wanted to save room for dessert: baklava. The wait staff, who had been attentive and wonderful throughout, kindly boxed up the food as we requested, different boxes sometimes for the same item since different ones of us were dividing up some of the items, such as the beyti. The staff then brought two platters of baklava for the table and oh my! I had never had a baklava with whipped cream in it, and it certainly was delicious! Two of us were glad to be able to take a few extras home since some at the dinner were diabetic or abstained from sugar. Overall, the dinner was a huge success: the food was varied with different textures and flavor profiles often in the same dish, the food was delectable, and the service was spectacular given the number of people and different needs of the party. Thank you, Kitchen Istanbul, for helping our family celebrate our sister’s birthday in style!

We were at the Fillmore St location -- if you make reservations pay attention to which location you are selecting. The atmosphere is lovely, the service was very good, and the small plates were unique and looked as good as they tasted. For four we had three small plates (we especially liked the pear flatbread) and two entrees. The lamb shoulder was melt in your mouth tender and the pomegranate seeds added color, crunch and a good tartness. Parking in that neighborhood is a challenge - we recommend the bus or a cab. It's a meal that was definitely worth a cab fare!