Our Story
At Istanbul Kitchen, our journey began with a simple yet powerful ambition—to share the food, traditions, and experiences that shaped our childhoods in Turkey. Growing up, our families cooked three meals a day, and the kitchen was the heart of our homes. Feeding our loved ones properly wasn’t just about nourishment; it was an act of love and tradition. Though we didn’t cook much as children, we watched and learned, absorbing the deep connection between food, family, and culture.
That love for homemade, healthy, and authentic Turkish cuisine led us, Feride and Arzu, to create Istanbul Kitchen. We wanted to provide our community with the same warm, flavorful, and nourishing meals that we grew up eating—made with care, patience, and tradition. For us, it’s about more than just serving food; it’s about doing the right thing, sharing our culture, and creating a space where everyone feels at home.
Istanbul Kitchen
How Istanbul Kitchen Started
Our journey began in 2017 as Ozfeka Catering, bringing our handcrafted Turkish specialties to local farmer’s markets. When we first saw the bustling crowds at the markets, it reminded us of the lively bazaars in Turkey—filled with fresh produce, home-cooked food, and a sense of community. We knew we had to be a part of it. We started small, with just two types of börek, two mezzes, and baklava at a single farmers market. But soon, demand grew, and we expanded to 12 farmers markets, catering services, and eventually, our own restaurant.
Then, in 2019, the pandemic changed everything. With uncertainty looming, we had to pivot. After months of searching for the right space, a chance encounter at Tysons Corner Mall led us to the perfect location. In a whirlwind of events, we took over a space and opened Istanbul Kitchen in July 2021—in just three months! It was an exciting and nerve-wracking time, but when we looked around and saw billion-dollar chain restaurants surrounding us, we felt immense pride in being the only local, independently owned restaurant in that space.
The Heart Of Our Menu
When we created our menu, we didn’t want to be just another Turkish restaurant. We wanted to introduce our customers to the dishes that were most special to us, the ones that felt like home. Our very first dish was börek—a savory, flaky pastry made with delicate handmade phyllo dough, layered carefully with ground beef, onions, spinach, feta, or mozzarella. This dish is deeply personal; in Turkey, it’s a special treat, reserved for family gatherings and celebrations.
Similarly, our baklava follows the same philosophy—meticulously layered, handcrafted, and perfected with patience. Both of these dishes remind us that food is like life—layer by layer, requiring care, hard work, and a little bit of love to get it just right.
We Put Our Hearts In Every Bite
When we created our menu, we didn’t want to be just another Turkish restaurant. We wanted to introduce our customers to the dishes that were most special to us, the ones that felt like home. Our very first dish was börek—a savory, flaky pastry made with delicate handmade phyllo dough, layered carefully with ground beef, onions, spinach, feta, or mozzarella. This dish is deeply personal; in my country, it’s a special treat, reserved for family gatherings and celebrations. This dish is very special to me. My mom and I always made it for festivals and special family gatherings. Sharing it with our customers means so much to me.
Similarly, our baklava follows the same philosophy—meticulously layered, handcrafted, and perfected with patience. Both of these dishes remind us that food is like life—layer by layer, requiring care, hard work, and a little bit of love to get it just right.Every dish at Istanbul Kitchen tells a story—a story of family, tradition, and perseverance. Whether you’re here for a quick lunch, a long conversation over Turkish tea, or a taste of something new, we hope you feel the love and care we put into every bite. Thank you for being a part of our journey. We can’t wait to continue sharing the flavors of my family and ancestors with you! 🇹🇷❤️
Istanbul Kitchen