Ishtar - Sterling Heights

We usually order takeout from Ishtar because I know it can get extremely busy. However, today we decided to dine in for lunch on a Monday, and it was much less crowded. As always, we loved the food and weren't disappointed. We ordered three different lunch specials, and they were great (see the picture). Our waitress was incredibly friendly and even brought us extra naan and soup. I truly believe this is one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants around, so if you enjoy this type of cuisine, I highly recommend trying it out!

I walked into this Iraqi restaurant with expectations as high as the city's skyline, courtesy of the strong recommendations from friends. Unfortunately, I found myself navigating through an underwhelming culinary experience. The Shawerma, a dish that should be teeming with flavor, was disappointingly bland. The Meat Teshreeb, while passable, was a far cry from the rich, hearty stew I had anticipated. The one redeeming element of the meal was the Meat Kebab, which was expertly prepared and burst with flavor. This standout dish offered a tantalizing glimpse into the potential of this restaurant, making the overall disappointment even more poignant. What further marred the experience was the service. Despite being generally attentive, there was an unsettling rush attached to it. It felt as if there was an invisible clock, pushing us towards the exit a bit too soon, stripping away the leisurely enjoyment of the meal. Given these experiences, this restaurant doesn't make the cut for my future dining choices in the city. Despite its potential, it falls short in delivering a truly satisfying and authentic Iraqi culinary experience. A revisit seems unlikely unless significant improvements are made

It is one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in the neighborhood. I love their clear interior and friendly staff. We ordered combo 7, but you can easily share with more than 10 people's. All the foods were delicious . I will highly recommend this place.

The food was absolutely amazing. Our server, Eva, was so kind and attentive! The place really offered a flavor that is very authentic. The meat is perfectly seasoned. Enough reading this, go try it!!! Well worth your time!!! Oh and also admire the artwork! My pictures do not do it justice. It is truly amazing.

The menu features a tempting selection of Middle Eastern dishes, all prepared with care and authenticity, from flavorful kebabs to aromatic rice specialties, each highlighting the rich flavors and spices of the region. Service at Ishtar is generally good, though there is room for improvement; while the staff is usually attentive, there were moments when service did not meet expectations. However, this didn’t significantly impact the overall dining experience. If you're willing to spend a little extra for a refined Middle Eastern culinary journey, Ishtar Restaurant is certainly a worthy choice. Immerse yourself in its charming atmosphere and indulge in the delectable flavors of the Middle East that Ishtar has to offer.