Turkish Cuisine at Its Best

The next time you head out for a Costco run in Fountain Valley, consider stopping by Istanbull Grill that’s in proximity to the behemoth Costco center, but across the street on Newhope. This place is unassuming from the outside, but inside you will find some of Orange County’s best Mediterranean cuisine.

The portions are generous, the food is delicious and the prices are so reasonable. You’ll start with warm pita bread served with fresh olive oil and sundried tomatoes. And, we highly recommend the falafel; the babaganoush, a dip like hummus, but made with eggplant instead of chickpeas; and sigara borek (cheese rolls) a pastry made with feta cheese and phyllo dough. And for salads, the arugula is one of the best we’ve ever had with dried cranberries, walnuts, feta cheese and olive oil and orange juice dressing.

Istanbul Grill is naturally all about kebabs, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. We especially like the Doner kebab with Turkish style gyro served with rice pilaf and vegetables. The Kofte kebab is perfectly seasoned and chargrilled with freshly ground beef and lamb, and also served with rice pilaf and vegetables. For vegetarians, try the okra stew; or the grilled vegetables serves with rice pilaf and tomatoes, sauce or yogurt. There's also a wood-fire brick oven for fresh thin crust pizzas that are delicious.

And know, that Istanbul Grill also has delicious desserts, like Kunefe, a shredded phyllo dough stuffed with goat cheese, Turkish ice cream and baklava.

Stop by for their lunch specials that are about 8 bucks and you'll get a starter, main entrée, pita bread and dessert.

Open for lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday; open for dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

18010 Newhope Street #D in Fountain Valley. 714.430.1434.