We've been going to this place for a couple of years, hands down this is the best Turkish restaurant you'll be able to find in the city center area. The open kitchen allowed us to smell the kebabs and observe the kitchen brigade execute the dishes. The chef curates and executes the menu like this is a hotel restaurant. Service is attentive and love the complimentary bread/appetizer service.
📸 Dishes
Stuffed Rolled Chicken with Sauteed Veggies ❤️
Cag Kebab ❤️
Artichoke and Shrimp Appetizer
Let me start with this, I have lived in Turkey for couple of years. The hospitality of the people there and food was great, The Istanbul Cafe in Chicago offers The same hospitality and great food. The kindness of the employees. Reminded me of those days. Their food was delicious, authentic and delightful, it brought the good memories back, if you go to Chicago put this Resturant on the list of places you would like to enjoy some nice Donnar kebab and other dishes. They served us some delightful sweets at the end and Turkish Coffee, their prices are way lower than competitive Resturant’s and portion of their dishes are huge. We had to take some back to hotel. There is a parking lot next to their Resturant and we found an easy spot. I will visit again. The naphew of the owner and another lady working there, were very helpful on choosing the dishes and explaining the menu. And they were very down to earth and kind and gentle. Their food and service is second to none.
Let the good times eat
Very delicious food friendly staff. Zabiha halal based on what employees told us.
Went in close to the time restaurant was closing so maybe be because of that we had to ask for a drink we ordered 3 times until the finally brought our coke. Other than that small hick up food was good, ambiance and service is worth the price…
We are so happy with all the choices we had from appetizers to entrees and very good wine. They also gave us a delicious dessert, which we finished.
I had a fantastic anniversary dinner here with some of the best food I have ever consumed. It was quite pricey (100 dollars for two people including an appetizer and dessert), but definitely worth the money. Our waiter even gave us a free dessert when we couldn't decide which one to get. Can't recommend this place more for delicious food and great service.
Cafe Istanbul serves authentic Turkish cuisine. Spoke with the owner/chef Mustafa. Great guy and well run restaurant. All the food that came out was amazing. Really enjoyed the smoked eggplant appetizer. The lamb chops were melt in your mouth. The "Turkish flan" was a great ending to dinner.
Unplanned Saturday night dinner at Cafe Istanbul. Luckily they were able to seat us without reservations. The food was amazing as always. The portions are plentiful and everything just tasted great. Of course service was on point as well. What we really like is the atmosphere of the restaurant. It’s lively with a variety of ethnicities and everyone coming together to enjoy food. Can’t wait to go back again.
Real Turkish food in Chicago. Nice ambience, great service and delicious food. We had lentil soup, doner, iskender, beyti and cag kebab. Everyone loved their food. Prices are reasonable too. I would definitely recommend either you are tourist or local.
Amazing food! Delicious! Best Turkish restaurant in USA! fr. and they greeted us so kind. they’re so friendly. After we finished our meals with my brother, they gave us this beautiful treat for free! Five Star. Come check it out!
Great authentic vibe, my guess is you wouldn’t come here unless recommended or a local but it’s definitely a place for everyone and in my opinion a must try! Shareable portions! Lamb 10/10 service 10/10. Ayran too top it off 👌🏽😮💨😮💨
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