Cafe Istanbul
Chicago
Consider dining on the patio for a pleasant outdoor experience.
Cafe Istanbul, located at 2014 W Division St in Chicago, offers a culinary journey to the rich flavors of Turkish cuisine. Situated in the vibrant Wicker Park neighborhood, this restaurant is a destination for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic taste of Istanbul. The menu features a diverse array of traditional dishes, ranging from savory kebabs to a variety of mezze, crafted to highlight the intricate and bold flavors characteristic of Turkish cooking.
The ambiance perfectly complements the cuisine, with an open kitchen layout that invites diners to observe the artistry that goes into each dish. The setting is warm and inviting, offering a unique dining experience that appeals to the senses. Outdoor seating is available on the spacious patio, where guests can enjoy their meals under the sky, adding another layer to the dining experience.
Cafe Istanbul caters to a range of dining preferences with its offerings spanning brunch, lunch, and dinner. An extensive selection of cocktails, wine, and desserts further enhances the dining experience, providing options to suit various tastes. Whether planning a casual lunch or an intimate dinner, guests can expect generous portions and well-executed dishes that speak to a deep understanding of Turkish culinary traditions.
The restaurant has garnered acclaim from diners and food critics alike, becoming a favored spot for both Turkish expats and Chicago residents. Its reputation for delivering outstanding food and service makes it an attractive choice for anyone exploring the diverse culinary landscape of the city.
Reviews
We had a lovely late lunch yesterday. The weather was mild so we sat outside. The wait staff was friendly and attentive. We were served a complementary appetizer of carrot dip with freshly baked bread, that was delicious! We shared the appetizers and platter between three which was plenty of food. Before we left, we were surprised with a birthday dessert for my special day! Thank you for the great experience and meal. We will be back soon to try other items on your menu. Highly recommend for the food, service, and ambiance.
If you’re looking for authentic Turkish food in Chicago, Café Istanbul is definitely worth a visit. The quality of the food was outstanding, especially the meat. The lamb was incredibly tender and flavorful, and the kebabs were cooked perfectly. Our favorites were the Beyti Kebab and the Lahmacun—both were absolutely delicious and tasted just like you’d expect from a great restaurant in Türkiye. We also tried the ayran, which was a bit too sour for my personal taste, but that’s just a preference and didn’t take away from the overall experience. The staff was very friendly and welcoming, and it was nice to be served by people from Türkiye, which added to the authentic atmosphere. We’d happily come back and highly recommend this place to anyone craving real Turkish cuisine.
Hands down one of the best Turkish meals I’ve ever had! I’ve had a lot of Turkish food in Turkey and in other parts of the world, and this place truly stands. My husband and I had dinner here on a Saturday night in March during our visit from Southern California. There was about a 40-minute wait, but it was absolutely worth it. The food was amazing and the service was excellent. Emir helped us and was very attentive and hospitable throughout the evening. We ordered Söğürme and Arnavut Ciğeri as appetizers, and Mantı and İskender kebab for our main dishes. Everything was delicious and full of flavor. Highly recommend this place if you’re looking for authentic Turkish food!
It was a cosy restaurant with good food. There was complimentary bread which I enjoyed a-lot as it was warm and tasty. Got fried calamari for the appetizers which can be improved. The chicken sandwich tasted good. Also got the chicken kebad with rice. The protein was seasoned nicely and loved the rice. The portion sizes were big. There is room for improvement with the crème brûlée. Service was good.
Ordered the Manti for an entree and it was so good. Have never had anything like this before and really enjoyed. My girl ordered Islam Sarmasi and enjoyed as well and the portion size was enough for her to bring half home. We also got the Kazandibi for dessert and it was straight fire, so good.
