A beloved traditional Turkish restaurant in Houston’s Rice Village will be closing its doors. Istanbul Grill and Deli will serve its final meal in July. The restaurant team cited a lease problem as the key reason for its closure.
Houston’s 30-Year-Old Istanbul Grill and Deli Set to Close
Istanbul Grill and Deli is a Turkish restaurant in Houston, founded in 1998. Located on Morningside Drive in the Rice Village neighborhood, the restaurant has been part of the community for nearly 30 years. The deli is known for serving oven-baked flatbreads, pizzas, and signature grills.
The restaurant team shared the heartbreaking news of its sudden closure on social media. The team behind the deli said, “After nearly 30 years in service, Istanbul Grill will be closing its doors.”
The team also thanked customers for their support, writing, “It has been our absolute pleasure to serve you, to celebrate joys, share sorrows, and watch families grow in this space. Every guest, every visit has shaped who we are and what this restaurant has become.”
In the post, the team explained that the restaurant is shutting down due to lease issues.
“Due to lease circumstances beyond our control, we are unable to continue operating in the space we’ve called home for nearly three decades,” stated the official announcement.
The restaurant plans to hold a farewell celebration in mid-July. Details about the specific closing date and celebration will be shared soon.
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Legacy of the Restaurant
Two Turkish brothers, Zubeyir and Mesut Dundar, established Istanbul Grill and Deli to introduce traditional Turkish cuisine to Houston. The restaurant steadily gained a loyal fan base in the area with scratch-made dishes and rich flavors.
In the closure announcement, the team mentioned, “Thank you for trusting us, supporting us, and allowing us to do what we love—and for becoming part of our extended family.”
They encouraged the community to visit and enjoy a last meal before it closes. “Over the coming weeks, we invite you to join us for a meal and help us celebrate the memories we’ve shared together.”
With the closure of Istanbul Grill and Deli, the Houston dining community is losing a longstanding favorite spot.
