We stumbled upon this hidden gem while originally planning to dine at the Indian restaurant next door. The stark contrast in popularity, with A Thousand Tales bustling and the neighboring restaurant empty, prompted us to change our plans, and we were absolutely delighted by our last-minute decision. The bakery and restaurant were both buzzing with patrons. The complimentary bread for the table was the highlight - incredibly soft and pillowy, we couldn't get enough. For appetizers, we savored the Tales Salad, a delightful mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, cheese, oranges, walnuts, carrots, and pomegranate, dressed in lemon juice and olive oil. The Falafel with hummus was equally enjoyable. Moving on to the entrees, the Iskender, featuring sliced beef shawarma over buttery bread, topped with tomato sauce and yogurt, was beautifully presented by our server who melted butter table side to top the sliced beef dish. The Chicken Shishkabobs were flavorful and moist, winning our hearts as the standout dish. A must try! The Chicken Ali Nazik, grilled chicken shish served over charcoal-roasted mashed eggplants with yogurt and garlic sauce, was a unique and tasty experience. After our satisfying meal, we transitioned to the cozy bakery cafe side, overwhelmed by the variety of pastries. Desserts were the perfect ending. The pistachio chocolate cake with strawberries was a must-try for those who appreciate cakes that aren't overly sweet; it was perfect and surprisingly light. The honey cake, while a bit too sweet for my taste, would delight honey enthusiasts, especially when paired with a cup of tea. Complimentary pistachio cookie balls accompanied our tea, a delightful surprise. Without a doubt, this experience deserves a 5-star rating. A true culinary gem! read more

UPDATE: Had to come back to A Thousand Tales in Mt. Prospect with family visiting and craving some good Turkish food, and once again it delivered! We went with the mixed grill platter, which arrived absolutely loaded; juicy chicken, lamb chops, kebab, döner, grilled vegetables, fries, and bulgur all piled together on one seriously impressive spread. It's the kind of platter that makes everyone at the table stop for a second when it lands. The meats were easily the highlight. Everything was nicely seasoned, flavorful, and cooked well, with enough variety that working through the platter never felt repetitive. The lamb chops were especially satisfying, while the döner had that rich, savory flavor you want. Even the fries and bulgur held their own and rounded everything out nicely. There was easily enough here to share. We somehow still saved room for the pistachio Basque cheesecake, and I'm glad we did. Rich, creamy, and packed with pistachio flavor, with a little chocolate ganache on the side, it was an indulgent finish without being cloyingly sweet. Pairing it with a glass of Turkish tea was the perfect move. Presentation was excellent throughout, and the restaurant has a polished, welcoming atmosphere that feels nice enough for a special meal without becoming overly formal. Service kept pace with everything nicely and made it easy to settle in, order a big spread, and enjoy the meal without feeling rushed. Another strong visit. Generous portions, beautifully prepared food, tons of variety, and a dessert absolutely worth saving room for. A Thousand Tales continues to be one of those places that's easy to recommend when we're craving a proper Turkish feast. read more

A Thousand Tales is a Turkish gem that consistently delivers on flavor, ambiance, and hospitality. It's halal, beautifully decorated, and has that perfect balance of upscale yet warm -- ideal for a family outing, a cozy dinner with friends, or a date night that feels a bit more special. I've tried almost everything on the menu, and I keep coming back for more. The Beyti Kabob is a standout -- tender ground beef and lamb wrapped in flatbread, topped with tomato sauce, melted cheese, yogurt, and a sprinkle of pistachios. It's bold, savory, and satisfying. The Adana Kabob packs a spicy punch, while the Lahmacun is thin, crisp, and full of fresh herb flavor. The Pide with Soujuk is another favorite -- hearty, well-seasoned, and baked to perfection. On the dessert side, their rice pudding is so addictive -- creamy, lightly sweet, and incredibly comforting. The kunafa? Hands down one of the closest I've had to the real deal in Turkey -- crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy inside, with the perfect syrupy finish. The macarons were fresh and good quality, though nothing that wowed me. The baklava, however, is a must -- flaky, rich, and clearly made in-house with care. Service is always kind and patient, the space is clean, and they do a great job at making you feel welcome without rushing the experience. Prices are on the higher end, but the quality and presentation match it. If you're looking to dive into Turkish cuisine or impress someone with a solid recommendation -- this is it. read more

I recently had the pleasure of immersing myself in a Mediterranean culinary escapade at 'A Thousand Tales', where the fusion of flavors, colors, and textures left me utterly captivated. This hidden gem has perfected the art of crafting a Mediterranean-inspired brunch that is both a feast for the senses and a journey for the soul. As a lover of Mediterranean cuisine, I was excited to explore the brunch offerings at this restaurant. From the moment I stepped in, the warm and welcoming ambiance set the stage for what would be an unforgettable experience. The soft hues and earthy decor transported me to the shores of the Mediterranean, creating an inviting atmosphere that made me feel right at home. The Mediterranean brunch menu at 'A Thousand Tales' is a true testament to the region's culinary richness. Each dish is a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and artistic presentation. The variety of options ensured that every palate would find something to relish, whether you're a fan of savory or sweet indulgences. The star of the show was undoubtedly the Mediterranean-style dishes, which celebrated the essence of the region. From the velvety hummus with a drizzle of olive oil to the perfectly grilled vegetables that retained their natural sweetness, every bite felt like a journey through the Mediterranean countryside. The attention to detail and authenticity in each dish was truly commendable. read more

We had an absolutely wonderful dining experience at A Thousand Tails in Mount Prospect! From start to finish, everything was exceptional. Our waitress, Elzura, did an amazing job taking care of us--she was attentive, friendly, and made sure everything came out perfectly. She truly added to the experience with her outstanding service. For food, we started with the mixed appetizer plate, which came with six different appetizers. Each one was flavorful and fresh, offering a great variety to share at the table. For our main dish, we ordered the Tails Grill mixed combination plate, which was phenomenal. It came with a generous selection of perfectly grilled meats, rice, bulgur, roasted vegetables, and a side of creamy yogurt sauce. Everything was seasoned beautifully, tender, and cooked to perfection. The portions were generous, the presentation was excellent, and the flavors were some of the best we've had in the area. Whether you're coming for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this restaurant delivers both quality food and top-notch service. Highly recommend A Thousand Tails--and if you're lucky enough to have Elzura as your server, you'll be in great hands! read more

I recently dined at A Thousand Tales Restaurant / Bakery & Cafe, and it was a mixed experience. The restaurant section offers authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, which is a delightful culinary journey. However, a recurring disappointment was the inconsistency in menu availability. On multiple visits, not all menu items were accessible, which was disappointing. The restaurant tends to get quite crowded during dinner hours, and it appears that the servers could use some extra help to manage the rush efficiently. This sometimes resulted in longer waiting times and less attentive service. On the bright side, the Bakery & Cafe section offers a cozy atmosphere. They serve a variety of Turkish delights alongside well-known desserts and sandwiches. The coffees and teas are expertly crafted and make for a perfect companion to your meal or snack. One drawback is their closing time. While the kitchen might close as per schedule, it's not the most pleasant experience to be asked to leave when you're still enjoying your time. It would be better if they allowed customers to finish their meals at their own pace. read more

Step into A Thousand Tales, a restaurant that exudes elegance and a passion for culinary excellence. Their bakery and cafe showcase a deep commitment to using only the freshest ingredients, made evident in their scratch cooking and additive-free approach. The bakery offers customized cakes for special occasions and an array of visually stunning desserts that live up to their tantalizing names. Our experience was one of exceptional service and attention to detail, with dishes that were as flavorful as they were beautifully presented. Thanks to Sue, our server, we enjoyed a celebration that exceeded our expectations and left us with memories to cherish. #chicagofood #bakery #desserts #Turkishrestaurant #chicagoeats #foodie #chicagofoodauthority #chicagogram #chicagofoodscene #eaterchicago #eeeeeats #likefoodchicago #chicagofoodmag #chicagorestaurants #chicagofoodgoals #fabfoodchicago #infatuationchi #foodstagram #chicagofoodies #instafood #healthyfood read more

I went here for a New Year's buffet and to celebrate my birthday, and it was an amazing experience. There was a great variety of food to choose from, with turkeys rotating on spigots right in front of you, such a cool touch. The fresh fruit and bread were highlights, but the lentil soup? Absolutely delicious! The meats were all perfectly cooked and full of flavor. I decided to try the yogurt drink, which was okay, but the real stand out was their fresh lemonade. The kids had a blast with the chocolate fountain, dipping fresh fruit, definitely a fun activity for them. The staff was incredibly helpful, explaining everything on the buffet and even suggesting additional items we could order, which were also included in the buffet price. The service was top-notch and really made the experience even better. I had a great time and would definitely go back. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for a filling, flavorful, and unique dining experience. read more

From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The coffee was fantastic - rich, smooth, and just the right temperature. It really hit the spot! As for the pastries, they were absolutely delicious, especially the Turkish treats. Fresh and perfectly flaky, they paired wonderfully with the coffee. The server was kind enough to warm up my chocolate treat, which made it even more indulgent and satisfying. Small touches like that really made the experience feel special. What I loved most was the seating - there was plenty of it, with a nice mix of traditional chairs and cozy spots that made it feel like the perfect place to relax for a bit. Whether you're looking to sit back and enjoy your drink or just need a quick break, this place has you covered. If you're in the area, I'd highly recommend stopping by. It's a hidden gem for anyone who enjoys good coffee and tasty treats in a comfortable setting. read more

My recent visit to a Thousand Tales was nothing short of a disaster from start to finish. Despite its promising location and seemingly inviting atmosphere, the actual dining experience was profoundly disappointing. The portions served were shockingly small, leaving us more hungry than satisfied. To make matters worse, the food was of poor quality and lacked any semblance of freshness or flavor. Each dish was bland, under-seasoned, and left much to be desired in terms of taste. Furthermore, the food was not cooked well--some items were overcooked and dry, while others were undercooked and unappetizing. The worst part of the whole experience was how expensive everything was. The food wasn't very good, and there wasn't much of it either. So, paying so much money for it felt like we were being cheated. It made us feel really disappointed and unhappy, both about the food and the price. read more

An amazing restaurant befitting a trendy city like Chicago! There's a large variety of options, from kebabs of all kinds - such as Beyti, Adana, Iskender, and Ali Nazik - to meals baked inside of terracotta pots, to several kinds of salads and soups. They also do not skimp on the portions at all; you get your fill every time. The breakfast is delicious as well! I had the traditional Mediterranean breakfast plate, and everything was fresh and high quality. Also, interestingly enough, they have a breakfast buffet on weekends, so I was able to get a lot of good food for a very fair price. You can even build your own custom omelettes that the chef prepares right in front of you, which is a cool and unique perk. All in all, this is the best Mediterranean restaurant I have ever eaten at, and I plan on coming here for my meals whenever I return to the area. read more

Our rehearsal dinner at A Thousand Tales was nothing short of exceptional, and I want to express our gratitude, especially to the restaurant manager. The attention to detail for our invited guests was outstanding. The private room they provided created an intimate atmosphere, allowing us to enjoy our evening without any disruptions. Special thanks to the restaurant manager for ensuring everything ran smoothly. What impressed us even more was the flexibility they offered. We were able to personalize the menu and have our preferred music played throughout the dinner, creating a truly customized experience for everyone. A Thousand Tales made our rehearsal dinner not just a meal but a memorable event, and we're grateful for their efforts in making it so. Highly recommended for those seeking a thoughtful and accommodating venue for their special events! read more

A little gem that's perfect for every occasion whether it be a quick bite and coffee at the bakery, a customizable cake order, or a 3 course meal at the restaurant. All foods and drinks are not only fresh, but made from scratch. Tons of imported ingredients for only the finest cuisine and experience. Personally, the cherry on top is the terracotta (testi/kremit) beef, lamb and/or chicken. The atmosphere is calm and delightful. Extremely clean surfaces and silverware. The servers are quick, kind and accommodating. The chefs have years of professional experience. Calling any and all picky eaters-- you won't be disappointed. read more

Yo, A Thousand Tales is the real deal for Middle Eastern grub. Walked in, and bam, the place feels like a slice of the Middle East. Tried the Turkish Pizza- crunchy goodness, and the Pide? Man, it's like a flavor explosion wrapped in that soft bread. What hooked me is how they keep it real with the Middle Eastern taste. It ain't just eating; it's like taking a food trip to the streets back home. If you're into that Middle Eastern flavor or just craving a legit experience, hit up A Thousand Tales. It's the spot for a tasty Middle Eastern vibe! read more