Profile

As a Turkish sit-down destination, Istanbul Park isn’t terribly different than other shawarma-and-soda spots dotting the Slope. The space itself resembles a humble diner adorned with the homely landscapes and Renaissance reproductions, buts the menu does proffer above-average takeout-style fare. The best dishes are the simplest: Lentil soup is smooth and spicy; falafel soft inside with a delicate crust; fresh hummus that’s pleasantly chunky in texture. Kebab platters come stacked with generous, lightly charred cubes of meat that more than compensate for plain rice and cabbage accoutrements. Some standards don’t quite measure up, like pungent zucchini pancakes resting in pools of oil and Sultan’s Delight Chicken whose dark meat and eggplant strips are overwhelmed by a heavy cream base. The only real slips arise from unconventional orders like a fish soup that recalled salmon chunks soaking in water; the vast majority of the menu is a step beyond ubiquitous gyro-hut fare. — Patrick Coffee

Chicken shish kebab, $8.75