Istanbul Grille: Turkish Food with a Story
Written by Allison Frazer
Looking for a workday lunch spot? Look no further than Istanbul Grille. Though they do not have a sit-down restaurant location, they do have lounge seating with high-top tables. Istanbul Grille is located on the second floor of One Oxford Center at 301 Grant Street and out front of the U.S. Steel Building at 600 Grant Street Monday through Friday from 11 A.M. to 1:30 P.M., perfect for a quick lunch when in the office.
Istanbul Grille’s convenience is not the only reason to swing by for a meal - their food is made fresh every day by the owner, Coskun Gokalp, known to his customers as Josh. Gokalp takes the utmost consideration when preparing the day’s food. He prepares vegan and gluten-free options, while also taking into account customers with allergies. Gokalp wants his food to be “for everyone.” He chooses the best ingredients daily, which means that there is no set menu at any of Istanbul Grille’s locations. Everyday offers new tastes and flavors, with some staples like the gyro and the bulgur rice being offered daily.
Istanbul Grille was the first Turkish restaurant to be opened in Pittsburgh in 2005 when Gokalp moved from New York City. When visiting a friend, Gokalp “saw that there were no Turkish restaurants in Pittsburgh,” so he decided to open one himself. Gokalp opened Istanbul Grille as a family owned and run sit-down restaurant and experienced success, making lasting customers who have eaten at Istanbul Grille for almost 20 years.
Unfortunately, the pandemic “hit very hard.” After reassessing his business, Gokalp decided “it was not worth having a sit-down location,” so he made a dazzling change - he opened independent take out locations downtown and travels to farmers markets at the University of Pittsburgh, the Lawrenceville Farmers Market, and the Sewickley Farmers Market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
If you’re looking for a hearty lunch or even a nice conversation on a workday, be sure to visit any of Istanbul Grille’s locations across the city.
