Seemor
Taste Of Istanbul
1862 Explorer St, Reston, VA 20190
· Turkish restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (884 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively Turkish spot with standout kebabs, pide, and rare Kelle Paca; service speed and portion consistency can vary, but value remains solid at lunch and fair at dinner.
Restaurant Summary
Set just off the main drag of Reston Town Center, Taste Of Istanbul feels cozy and welcoming. Servers are often described as warm, with small touches like tea at the end. One diner summed it up: "the room felt like a little Istanbul cafe," even when things ran busy and lively. The cooking leans classic Turkish: kebabs that glisten, crisp lahmacun, and a rare, deeply comforting Kelle Paca soup. When the kitchen is on, doner and Iskender are tender and well seasoned; mezze brighten the table. Pacing can lag during rushes, and portions vary, so go in with a relaxed mindset and pair mains with mezze to round things out. Families do well here. There are kid-friendly choices like chicken tenders, fries, and simple pides, plus outdoor seating for squirmy little ones. If kids are adventurous, share kebabs and rice; if not, the mozzarella or spinach pide keeps it simple.
At a Glance
- Authentic Turkish staples with standout Kelle Paca and solid kebabs
- Welcoming staff and cozy atmosphere
- Wait times and pacing can be long at peak hours
- Portion consistency varies; fries and wrap sizes noted
- None
What Sets It Apart
- rare_traditional_soup_kelle_paca
- house_baked_pides
- strong_regular_customer_base
What People Love
- Rich, comforting Kelle Paca soup
- Tender, well-seasoned doner and Iskender
- Fresh, hot pita and tasty mezze
- Warm, unrushed hospitality
Points of Concern
- Service speed fluctuates; multiple diners report 40–60 minute waits at busy times
- Portion size inconsistency (few fries, smaller wraps) noted by several guests
- Price increases on platters drew criticism from returning customers
- Review patterns show normal variance; no strong manipulation signals detected
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$38-54 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegetarians: Mix Mezze Platter ($18) plus Spinach or Mozzarella Pide ($14-15)
- For seafood: Grilled Salmon ($25) or Branzino ($30) with Mediterranean Salad
- For budget lunch: Any kebab plate at $18 with lentil soup ($9)
Perfect For
- Craving classic Turkish kebabs and flatbreads
- Casual group dinners in Reston Town Center
- Solo soup-and-pide comfort meal
- Outdoor bite on a mild evening
Location Insights
Area: Modern town-center district with shops, offices, and promenades; draws locals and business travelers.
Safety: Well-maintained, good lighting and foot traffic; generally safe day and night.
Nearby: Surrounded by retail, offices, and parking garages; short walk to multiple dining options and public spaces.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:30
Tuesday11:00–21:30
Wednesday11:00–21:30
Thursday11:00–21:30
Friday09:00–00:00
Saturday09:00–00:00
Sunday09:00–00:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →