A star in Bridgeport: Star of Istanbul serves up superb Turkish cuisine
Having been located in downtown Bridgeport for the last 3 and ½ years, the Star of Istanbul restaurant has become a destination spot for local diners in search of authentic Turkish food. And those just looking for great meal, for that matter.
Yet according to owner Helim Yildiz, better known as Eddie, visitors to the restaurant come away with one particular benefit every time.
“This is all healthy food,” stressed the owner. “This is the best cuisine because it is incredibly healthy. Everything we make is fresh – there is nothing frozen.”
Located At 29 Markle Court, the small street named after the legendary late Bridgeport talk show host Tiny Markle, the Star of Istanbul sits adjacent to City Lights Gallery, another downtown Bridgeport destination spot.
“I get a lot of my customers from City Lights Gallery,” explained Yildiz. “I’m very thankful they are right next door.”
Still, since Markle Court is tucked away and not exactly a well-traveled thoroughfare, its location does pose a challenge to the Star of Istanbul. Every day Yildiz totes a large sandwich board out to the corner of busy State Street, so passersby know what the Turkish bistro is all about.
“The big sign helps attract new customers, but it’s not like a big neon sign,” he said. Indeed this writer remembers giving directions to two people asking specifically for the Star of Istanbul and then showing them exactly where Markle Court was. They still went the wrong way.
But any location challenges are quickly overcome by the outstanding quality of the Star of Istanbul’s menu. Featuring exquisitely prepared chicken, beef and lamb dishes, along with an extensive selection of vegetarian dishes, any discriminating diner entering the establishment has ample choices of mouth-watering dishes awaiting them.
“We carry a lot of vegetarian dishes because they are delicious and people like healthy food,” explained Yildiz. “For the food to be this fresh, it takes a lot of work. But it’s worth it.”
Some of the vegetarian appetizers include Humus, Spinach Dip, Baba Ganoush, Eggplant Salad, and Eggplant with Tomato Sauce. There is also a vegetarian shish available, which is one of Star of Istanbul’s most popular dishes.
The shish, which is essentially a shish kabob without the skewer, is one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. Among other shish choice are chicken, lamb and beef.
Another popular item is the mixed grill combination platter and the lamb chops have been a traditional favorite at Star of Istanbul. Yildiz describes them as “Moist and juicy and soft and tender.” Baklava is the most popular dessert at the bistro.
Take out is also popular at the downtown eatery and employees of fellow local businesses can enjoy a discount as well. There is a private party room at Star of Istanbul that accommodates up to 45 customers and is available for functions ranging from corporate luncheons to testimonials to award nights for sport leagues.
Yildiz also explained that the restaurant offers premier catering and has fed up to 250 people on such occasions. Among the many events the Star of Istanbul has catered was a recent gathering of teachers from nearby Housatonic Community College.
The Star of Istanbul is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The phone number is 203-923-8100.
