Zizi's Cafe

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Zizi's Cafe in Chicago, and I can't express how delighted my family and I were with our dining experience. As someone who often misses the authentic Iskender Kebap back in Turkey, I was thrilled to finally find the genuine taste right here in the USA! The food at Zizi's Cafe was simply outstanding. Both during our dinner and lunch visits, every dish we ordered was full of flavor and made with the utmost care. Our taste buds were transported back to the streets of Turkey as we savored each delicious bite of the Iskender Kebap. Aside from the scrumptious food, the service at Zizi's was exceptional. The staff was friendly, attentive, and efficient, ensuring that we had a pleasant dining experience from start to finish. Despite the bustling atmosphere, our meals were served promptly, and we felt warmly welcomed by the staff throughout our visit. One thing that pleasantly surprised us was the generous portions. The value for money was incredible, as the portions exceeded our expectations without compromising on taste or quality. We left Zizi's feeling both satisfied and eager to return for more. The restaurant itself was clean and well-maintained, making the dining environment comfortable and enjoyable. The bathrooms were spotless, a testament to the establishment's commitment to hygiene and cleanliness. A unique feature that sets Zizi's apart is its open kitchen concept. Being able to witness the kitchen in action and see the chefs preparing our meals added to the overall dining experience. The kitchen was immaculate, reflecting the restaurant's dedication to maintaining high standards in both food preparation and presentation. During our visit, we had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Zizi, who greeted us with warmth and hospitality. We also took the opportunity to personally thank the chef and staff for their exceptional efforts in creating such a memorable meal. While Zizi's Cafe is a three-hour drive from our home, the delightful experience we had makes us eager to return every time we visit Chicago. If you're looking for an authentic taste of Turkey, friendly service, and a clean, inviting environment, I highly recommend visiting Zizi's Cafe - it's a culinary gem that should not be missed!

Had the lunch special of kofte. Got a free salad and bread with it. The meat was a little salty but the vibe was great. Owners behind the till and it was a good quick lunch. I paid around 16 after tax and tip.

Extremely friendly service; absolutely phenomenal cuisine with reasonable prices and large portions. Highly recommend!

The sultans plate was great to share for 4, the eggplant and meats are all so delicious! Would highly recommend to be able to try a bit of everything from their menu - price is pretty reasonable as well

This is what a gold standard local restaurant looks like from where I’m at right now having tried it for the first time. The staff here seem to really care—we had John (tall blonde guy) and he was the best. He’ll hook you up right if you need any guidance. We wanted dessert but were so full and couldn’t decide. He gave us a couple baklava to try and they were delicious. Really fantastic service with delicious food provided by people who seem to take a lot of pride in what they make. I just love to see food treated in such a respectable and loving way overall. Doner Iskender platter is a must order. The meat with sauce on a bed of chewy and crispy bread along with the yogurt is top notch. Lahmacun we were told is as Turkish as you can get, and we loved it. Like a “Turkish pizza” it’s pretty light but very tasty. The pro tip we were given was to put the onions, parsley, and lemon juice on it flat, then roll it up to eat it. Excited to return. Excited to try the Kunefe dessert, which was highly recommended. Excited to get my butt over to Turkey which I have yet to do.