“More than just food, we’re bringing Turkish Hospitality,” Istanbul Mediterranean owner Zane Atlas Muslu said about the Valley restaurant’s continued expansion. The Mediterranean eatery is embarking on its second opening, and according to a city permit, the newest edition will open at 505 Fremont Street.
“It’s an exciting time for us!” Muslu said via text in a conversation with What Now Las Vegas.
“We’ve been hard at work bringing the soul of Istanbul to the heart of Downtown Las Vegas, and we can’t wait to welcome the community.”
Known for its authentic halal food, the family-owned Turkish restaurant has quickly gained traction. Now, Istanbul Mediterranean will be taking over the former Flippin’ Good space for its second opening.
“This is our second location in Las Vegas. Our flagship spot at the Grand Bazaar Shops on the Strip has become a staple for both locals and tourists looking for authentic Turkish street food.
We chose Fremont East (taking over the former Flippin’ Good space) because of its incredible energy,” Muslu said.
“Downtown is undergoing a culinary renaissance, and we wanted to be part of a neighborhood that celebrates local grit, late-night culture, and authentic flavors. While the Strip is about the spectacle, Downtown is about the community—and that’s where we want to grow.”
Downtown has indeed witnessed a few changes in the last few years, with restaurants, clubs, and bars coming and going regularly. Casino.org reports that Istanbul Mediterranean joins Taco Escobar (former Smashed Pig space) and Daphne’s Cocktail Lounge (previously the Downtown Cocktail Room) in the Inspire building, once owned by Tony Hsieh.
But Istanbul Mediterranean is sure to stand out amongst the pack for its deliciously authentic offerings. The restaurant is Halal certified, meaning the restaurant prepares food based on dietary guidelines prescribed in the Quran and Hadith.
“At Istanbul Mediterranean, we follow all Islamic dietary laws meticulously,” the restaurant’s website reads.
“Our meat comes from animals slaughtered according to zabihah methods, we use no pork or alcohol in any preparation, and our kitchen maintains strict separation from any non-halal items.”
Interested parties can expect the same good eats that’s drawn a crowd to its debut location on the Strip.
“The core of our menu—the 100% Halal certified, slow-roasted Beef & Lamb Doner Kebab(SHAWARMA) and our signature Chicken Doner Kebab(SHAWARMA)—will remain exactly the same.”
There are some exceptions to the menu staying the same, though. But, they’re all good exceptions. The Downtown Las Vegas location is expected to debut a broader menu that “celebrates the full spectrum of Turkish cuisine.”
At the new Istanbul Mediterranean, guests can dive into a true “Kahvaltı” experience for breakfast, where a spread of fresh cheeses, olives, honey, jams, eggs, and freshly baked breads will be served to enjoy with friends and family over endless cups of Turkish tea.
Downtown’s Istanbul Mediterranean will also offer “Turkish pizza” or Lahmacun, a paper-thin, crispy dough topped with a minced meat and vegetable herb blend. The pizza is meant to be rolled up with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
In addition, customers who stop by the Downtown location when it opens will be able to try out Turkish Boats or Pide. These boat-shaped flatbreads are baked in a high-heat oven and filled with everything from spicy sujuk (sausage) and melted cheese to seasoned vegetables.
Of course, you can’t miss out on the traditional Turkish Pastries that Istanbul Mediterranean will be serving.
“Our bakery case will be a major focal point, featuring handmade Baklava, flaky Borek, and other traditional Turkish pastries that are perfect for a morning treat or a late-night dessert,” Muslu said.
“By adding these items, we aren’t just a quick-service stop anymore; we are becoming a full-day destination. Whether you want a rich breakfast to start your Saturday or a savory Pide after a night out on Fremont, we have something authentic waiting for you.”
Vegan favorites, Falafel and Chi Kofte wraps, will also be on the menu.
However, unlike the Hrand Bazaar Shops location, the Istanbul Mediterranean Downtown location, set to open soon, will feature a larger, more comfortable dining room with living green walls, cozy booths, and an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs in action.
“In our culture, the guest is ‘a guest of God,’ and we treat everyone who walks through our doors like family,” Muslu said.
“We hope to provide a high-quality, authentic Halal option that stays open late—perfect for the hospitality workers, artists, and locals who make Downtown thrive.”
The second Sin City Istanbul Mediterranean restaurant is set to open in Downtown Las Vegas, off of Fremont Street at 505 Fremont Street, this Spring.
