Our Story
Penn Avenue Dining Room
Traditional mosaic lighting & charcoal hearth
"You are a guest, and guests are honored."
Istanbloom brings the flavors of Istanbul to Pittsburgh’s North Side. Our kitchen grills over open flame, bakes lavash every morning, and prepares mezze from scratch daily. From our family to yours — you are a guest, and guests are honored.
Every skewer is seasoned with Turkish sumac, Aleppo peppers, and wild thyme imported directly from Gaziantep and Urfa. Walking into our dining room is an invitation into our home, surrounded by handcrafted stained glass lanterns, copper samovars, and the comforting crackle of our open wood-and-charcoal hearth.
Guest Voices · 4.8 Rating on Google
“One of the best Turkish restaurants in Pittsburgh — generous portions, warm atmosphere.”
“A diamond of a place. You feel like an old friend, not a customer.”
“Fresh, balanced, and fast. The shepherd salad and cold appetizer platter are musts.”
“The mixed grill for two was amazing — soft warm bread, incredible koftes.”
Our Team
Family at the helm, and a floor team that treats every table like a guest in their own home.
Owner
Gazi Pekmez
Gazi opened Istanbloom to bring Istanbul’s charcoal grill and mezze table to Penn Avenue. He still walks the floor most nights — if the bread is warm and the Adana is smoky, that’s him.
General Manager
Elif Sahin
Elif runs the house: reservations, private events, and the dining room. Call her for parties of 6+, catering, or anything that needs a yes before you walk in the door.
Head Grill Chef
Hasan Korkmaz
Twenty years on the mangal. Hasan runs the charcoal line — Adana, Beyti, and the mixed grill — and bakes lavash every morning.
Lead Server
Aylin Yilmaz
Aylin knows the menu cold and the regulars by name. Ask her about our vegetarian dishes and lamb specialties.
Server
Deniz Arslan
Deniz keeps the floor moving on Friday nights and helps guests choose from our menu.
Find Us on Penn Ave
Location & Hours
4109 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15224 (near UPMC Children's Hospital)
Kitchen & Dining Hours
Restaurant Policies
Everything you need to know before your visit, in one place.
Reservations
Reservations are accepted by phone at (412) 621-7790. We strongly recommend booking ahead for parties of 4 or more, and for Friday and Saturday dinners. Walk-ins are always welcome and seated as tables become available.
Cancellations & No-Shows
Please cancel or modify your reservation at least 24 hours in advance. For reserved parties of 6 or more, we may apply a cancellation fee if we are not notified 48 hours ahead. If you are running late, please call so we can hold your table.
Late Arrivals
We hold reserved tables for 15 minutes past the reserved time. After that, your table may be offered to waiting guests. If you know you will be more than 15 minutes late, please call (412) 621-7790 and we will do our best to hold it.
Large Groups
We are happy to host groups up to 12 guests in the main dining room. Parties larger than 12, as well as private events, should be arranged at least 72 hours in advance so we can prepare the right space and menu for you.
Deposits
No deposit is required for regular dining reservations. For private events and catering, a 50% deposit is due when you confirm your booking; it is fully refundable if you cancel at least 7 days before the event and applied to your final invoice otherwise.
Dietary Requirements & Allergies
Please tell your server about any allergies, intolerances, or dietary preferences when you order. Our kitchen prepares mezze and mains from scratch daily and can adapt most dishes. While we take care with cross-contact, we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free kitchen.
Children & Accessibility
Children are very welcome — high chairs and kids' menus are available on request. Stroller parking is at the entrance. The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating area, and restrooms.
Pets
Pets are not permitted inside the dining room, with the exception of service animals, which are always welcome in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Outside Food & Beverages
Outside food is not permitted. For a celebration, we are happy to bring out your birthday cake with no charge if you give us a heads-up in advance. Corkage: we do not open outside wine or beer; please see our beverage menu for available drinks.
Payments & Service Charges
We accept all major credit and debit cards as well as contactless payment; cash is welcome. No service charge is added to your bill — a gratuity of 18–22% is appreciated and left to your discretion. For checks over $50, a card verification is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Experience Anatolian Hospitality — Reserve Your Table Online or Call (412) 621-7790
Whether it’s a family reunion or an intimate weeknight meal with freshly baked lavash and grilled kebabs, our doors are open for you.