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This was a place I happened upon when a nearby diner was closed. I looked at their menu online & decided to give them a chance & was NOT disappointed. The atmosphere alone was quite inviting. Cozy, shaded, outdoor seating. The inside was very formal as well. The most appealing element of this place is how reasonable their pricing is. My waiter Ori (sp?) was awesome. Very personable. He started me off with a complimentary Carrot Dip appetizer which was by fast the highlight of my meal. He stated that it's not always on the menu, but I will ask for it anytime I go back. I can't give them 5 stars only because my main course, the Doner entree, which is a seasoned lamb & veal meat with basmati rice was a bit salty. Not overwhelmingly salty, but noticeable. But I'm definitely going back to test their other dishes, especially if their carrot dip is available.
Came here with my friends for lunch on a Friday, and had an overall just alright experience. The chicken kebab was a mixed bag - the best part of the meal was the chicken, which was seasoned very well and super tender. However, the bread and service weren't quite there - we were one of two parties in the restaurant and had to ask for our check after waiting for a while.
Fifth time enjoying a meal here over the last three years . Every time spot on food and service excellence. Today was no exception. We sat outdoors and we appreciated how genuine the staff was and how attentive they were. The meal was very well paced--no sense of rushing us through all the courses. We had appetizers and then we chose Rack of Lamb, Braised Lamb Shank and Braised Short ribs. Honestly each meal was perfection. Rack of Lamb was unanimously voted the very best lol. I've never had better. Portions were generous and we were served complimentary warm bread with a tasty dip to start the meal as we looked at their menu which had a bit of everything. You really can't go wrong. Dessert was Baklava and Flan and again--so good. Turkish style. We went home with leftovers for another meal. Thank you to the lovely Staff. Outstanding meal all the way around!
This place is bangin' for real!!! I have no idea why we haven't tried it til now, but our bad. The eggplant dip and bread they start you out with is delicious. I could eat an entire bucket of it. The hummus was smooth and fresh. The kabob, just as delicious! Rice was cooked perfectly and included veggies divine. I can't stress enough how much we loved this local spot. Can't wait to come again soon!!!
Recently had dinner with girlfriends here, and it was one of the best meals I had all year. We shared plates and probably eight close to the whole menu. Everything was absolutely amazing and slightly different than what you would get at most Mediterranean restaurants in Chicago. You could tell there is a level of authenticity that I'd be hard to find elsewhere. I can't stop thinking about how great this place was.
Revisited again.. this time time the food was just okay; didn't feel like the first few times. The food didn't taste as fresh and everything came out extremely fast (maybe because we were there noon on a Friday) we ordered creme brulee for dessert and it was the worst I've had, super sweet, and water down at the bottom not cooked all the way through. I hope they aren't loosing their consistency.
I have been several times to Café Istanbul. I have also visited Turkey many many times. Cafe Istanbul does have good food but they are currently nickel and dimming people 18% service charge is inexcusable. They are charging a credit card service fee and the brunch was mediocre and small was $30 per person(no meat, bread, fruit, eggs). This is Turkish food. This is nothing gourmet. It is good, but I felt totally overcharged and that there was no fun and being there by paying all these service fees. I had Manti and Sheppard's salad $35 + their added 18%. I can tip them what I want. They don't need to add a tip onto my dinner/lunch. Too costly for one person ...charge charge charge unfortunate
Big portions for affordable prices, delicious food, and you get seated fast on most days even though the restaurant is never really empty. There's indoor seating & outdoor seating with large heat lamps. I've been here twice - once for brunch and again for dinner, same menu except brunch has a turkish breakfast option. Every meal comes with carrot dip & bread, which for the record, is really good bread & dip. We've ordered the islim sarmasi (eggplant stuffed with beef in a tomato sauce), the mixed platter (we got a meat & seafood mixed platter, comes with scallops, lamb, steak, shrimp), the sogurme (smoked eggplant dip), and the iskender (thinly cut & sliced meat in hot tomato sauce). We also ordered the turkish tea. 1 entree and an appetizer are huge portions and probably good for 2 people. Every dish was delicious, but I'd recommend everyone to ordee the sogurme most of all - super smooth smoked eggplant dip, with some sort of oil, and fresh hot walnuts on top. By far my favorite thing on that menu. They have turkish breakfast that looks super good & comes with a large variery of items. We didn't get it, but saw others that did, and looks like a great bang for your buck at $30 per person. Service is awesome. A great, reliable mainstay on division, and also casual enough to drop in on at any time.
This Chicago Turkish place has a very cozy patio and also indoor atmosphere. We tried several of the dishes including the lahmacun (a Turkish flatbread), the Adam kebap which is the most famous of the Turkish kebaps, the mantı which are like small Turkish dumplings, and the lentil soup. All were exceptional! The service was great as well! Can't wait to go back and try their kahvaltı (Turkish breakfast).
A lovely neighborhood spot with solid food, excellent service, reasonable prices, and an awesome outdoor patio vibe for the warmer weather! We ordered the following dishes- - Sogurme (4.4/5) - Turkish Delight (4/5) - Manti (4.5/5)- probably my favorite dish of what we ordered. It was unique in the combinations of flavors and textures. - Kuzu Shish (4.3/5) They serve BOTH complimentary bread + dip to start and complimentary dessert to end, which we really appreciated! The bread was soft, fresh, and warm, and the dip was solid and flavorful. The dessert, a small, soft honey almond cookie, was tasty too. Overall, the service was fast and so friendly. It's a place I'd return to for a reliably solid meal experience in every facet.
A well maintained establishment with a wide menu selection, filling servings & personable service! They serve homemade bread & baba ghanoush as a complimentary appetizer while you look through their menu. The main courses were new to me but both dishes were made up of lamb & carb/bread. The Lahmacun was a great appetizer reminded me of an open face burrito or a turkish version of pizza. The iskender reminded me slightly of spaghetti except the noodles were cubes of bread and instead of ground meat it is thinly sliced lamb. The dish was served with yogurt to balance out the acidic sauce of the tomato. I paired the baba ghanoush with all the bites & enjoyed the distinct turkish taste. The restaurant definitely attracted a good flow of locals!
02/28/24 - Tonight my wife & I went to Cafe Istanbul @ 2014 W Division Ave for dinner. I've had this restaurant on my radar for several years. Well tonight was the night & Cafe Istanbul more than lived up to my expectations. The food was outstanding. They brought us fresh bread w/a dip to die for made of yogurt w/julienne cut carrots, green onions, garlic....it was absolutely delicious. I could have made a meal of this by itself it was that good. In addition we ordered the following dishes Islim Sarmasi - Braised lamb shoulder wrapped in eggplant served with/basmati rice. Doner - Lamb & Veal combined seasone and cooked w/basmati rice, shredded red cabbage, julienne cut carrots, & dill yogurt sauce. This came w/2 piece of paper thin flat bread. I wrapped this w/the lamb, veal red cabbage, carrots & yogurt dill sauce & made a Turkish taco (lol Turkish taco Wednesday). The servings sizes are very generous & both of us will be able to make another meal from the take home leftovers. *They also have lunch menu which is less than the dinner menu. The food was outstanding as was the service & ambiance of the restaurant. This was one of the best meals I've had in a long time. We will definitely be back again soon.
We came an hour before closing but the food was still stunningly fresh. Quality in every bite, each dish distinct marination just enough not to cover the honesty of the meats. We had the chefs mixed grill. It came with beef medallions(good),shrimp(good), chicken white meat(beyond good and juicy), lamb(excellent), Scallops(amazing), kofta(possibly the best ever). Kofta for the uninitiated is ground beef and lamb. Even the rice was delectable. One caveat parking on a Saturday night on Division St. is a bitch.
5 years ago
8 years ago
Great neighborhood restaurant for Turkish and Mediterranean food. There's a parking lot so you don't have to look for that elusive Wicker Park parking. If you've ever been to Turquoise Cafe in Roscoe Village you'll find many familiar items as it's opened by the previous owner. Like the fresh bread. Ooh that fresh bread. And that carrot yogurt dip. This one has horseradish or something which gives an some extra zing. I definitely recommend trying the Lahmacun, like a thin crust pizza, with some herbs and onions so you can make a pizza taco of sorts. We all need more pizza tacos in our lives. read more
7 years ago
AH-MA-ZING! My husband and I have been here two different times now, and the second time we brought my Mom for the first time. It was my Mother's first time trying Turkish food, and she loved it! We loved it! The service is fantastic, and the food even better. Their steaks are amazing as well! We got the seared scallops, and the cream sauce underneath was delicious! I highly recommend. I highly recommend! You will not be disappointed. Also great location with a parking lot and a beautiful patio! read more
5 years ago
3 years ago
7 years ago
Turkish coffee was wonderful! Also I tried Turkish tea, it was exactly like in Turkey. I tried the food, it was really tasty and fresh.Servers was nice and helpful. read more
7 years ago
4 years ago
this place is actually the best. everything on the menu is as good as it sounds. haven't had anything i didn't like. delicious tasting food. fresh. well plated, well priced, quick service. what's not to like read more
5 years ago
Great place to sit outside and enjoy Mediterranean food while watching many many hipsters walk by... but in all seriousness this place is great and has a nice assortment of food to pick from as well. We tried the grilled calamari, Rissoto del presidente, beef kebab, pide with cheese and Turkish coffee. All was very reasonable priced around $12-15 per dish but portions were large so we had leftovers for tomorrow. Overall I liked how the beef kebab had the charred outside n tenderness inside. My fav had to be the grilled calamari was very deliciously made- charred slightly but retained the chewyness without being over cooked. It was served with side salad and avocado!! Def liked this more than the traditional deep fried breaded style since it wasn't so heavy. My gf got the pide which is like a flat bread pizza oven roasted so it was a bit toasty on the bottom and had plenty of toppings as well. My sister got the rissoto which was my first time having rissoto and it was made very well with excellent seasoning on the rice and not over or undercooked. We even topped it off with some Turkish coffee which came in a tiny cup but was suppose to very strong. The only thing is there was a lot of grounds at the bottom of the cup so wasn't sure if that's how it traditionally is served. Def would come back here again! read more
5 years ago
Outstanding food and service. I have lived in the neighborhood for a while and have never been there before. We went on Friday, it was packed, and the food is as good if not better then Devon street. I will be going back soon. Had grilled calamari, lamb shank and Cag Dza Kebab which I found out was their specialty. It was fantastic! read more
6 years ago
5 years ago
4 years ago
8 years ago
Seating is small but service is great. Food is extremely fresh. I came here with a group of friends on New Years Eve. I ordered the iskander. The meat used in this dish is seasoned perfectly. The tomato sauce was a bit salty for my tasting but the flavors complimented each other. The last thing I want to do is taste my food hours after I eat it. I did not get that from this place. For appetizers we ordered the meat and bread, I think it's the panti. Again, nice flavor. We also ordered the hummus which I wasn't a fan of. I should also mention they give you a tomato and eggplant dip once you are seated that you dip with their fresh baked bread. The ravioli dumpling was pretty good. You can see the cooks prepping your food. Very clean establishment. read more
5 years ago
If the service was good, this would have been a 5-star review. If you want to dine here, eat inside or be forgotten! The good - food was delish! My picky eater is in Chicago with me and to quote him "this is the best chicken kabob ever" ... he also made a "taco" with chicken, rice and the salad. All of the food was tasty and the complementary dip with warm bread was amazing. Service was sllloooowwww and also not friendly. Prepare deserts (baklava being one) apparently takes 15 mins or more. My mom was tired of waiting so she went inside to cancel dessert and ask for check. He request was received with annoyance from our waiter who also moonlights as the bartender or barista - who knows?! Not a single apology to her for the delay nor an attempt to still give her the dessert regardless as a sign of good customer service. The restaurant had plenty of empty tables - best of luck to any diners when they are closer to capacity. read more
4 years ago
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8 years ago
I was skeptical when my friend told me about Cafe Istanbul, knowing the prior Mediterranean restaurants in this location. Cafe Istanbul is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, and 100% worth a visit! The first time we came, we went back within 24 hours for their fresh bread and hummus (wow, reminds us of Istanbul!). Their portion sizes are huge, staff is super friendly, and I'm so happy to have a proper Turkish restaurant here. Quick history - chef retired and came back after selling his restaurant one year ago, Mustafa makes sure every dish is up to his standards. Yum yum yum. read more
6 years ago
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7 years ago
3 years ago
Awesome middle eastern restaurant for lunch or dinner. The people were very friendly and the service was great. But the FOOD was the real highlight. The hummus is creamy and delicious...also presented very well. The wraps were great and everything was fresh. We even got a free dessert! Great stop for a quick/casual meal. read more
5 years ago
I CANNOT GET OVER THIS PLACE!! I'm a sucker for middle eastern and mediterranean food and can get BEHIND a good gyro or doner kebab. This place had a complimentary eggplant dip and the yummiest, thick, fluffiest bread. We also ordered a middle eastern style pizza that was delicious and didn't feel like the greasy, unhealthiness you feel when you eat normal pizza. The hummus was so authentically homemade and creamy we couldn't get enough of It. For our meals, the lamb doner wrap was SO good and the roasted potatoes and aioli type sauce that we dipped It in was a perfect addition. They also gave us a free vanilla custard/flan type of dessert! on top of that, we had THREE BOXES OF LEFTOVERS and didn't even pay $20 each!! read more
5 years ago
8 years ago
7 years ago
This is the best Turkish/Middle Eastern place in the Wicker Park area, especially if you're looking for a casual sit down lunch. Excellent food and huge portions. Fast service. Mom and Pop Shop feel. Affordable. We got the the Lahmacun app, the arugula salad, the chicken kabob and the imam bayeldi. Everything from the proteins to the carbs (bread, rice, wrap) was delicious! Patio dining was a plus along with the free bread. read more
8 years ago
4 years ago
7 years ago
DO. NOT. ORDER. DELIVERY. Food is fine but if you order through their website you are going to be truly disappointed. I placed an order at 6PM through their website. My food arrived cold and INCORRECT at 8:25PM. Two of the orders that ordered regular/basmati rice received a marinated rice pilaf which was incorrect. This place is a 10 minute drive from me so what would have been nice, is if they called, said they were running behind and I would have picked it up. I called 3x over the course of the 2.5 hours wait starting after an hour-- the ETA provided by the website was 30 minutes after the order was placed. The last person I spoke to was somewhat apologetic but did nothing actionable to solve the issue- they should have comped the $70 order. I will not be ordering from here again. read more
6 years ago
5 years ago
Blown away by this place. Having lived in Istanbul previously, I've craved for a place that could compare to some of the best manti or lentil soup I had in Istanbul, and this place easily matches that. I also sampled kebab from a friends plate and it was phenomenal. I also had one quick bite of a friend's Iskender kebap, though will have to come back to actually review that since I don't think that first bite was particularly memorable. Our waitress was amazing, and strongly suggested getting meat entrees as they had their authentic grills shipped from turkey. Not sure if that's necessary, but either way, the food was phenomenal. Ambiance was great and it's BYOB! I will definitely come back! read more
5 years ago
More info about Cafe Istanbul
2014 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622
West Town, Wicker Park
Directions
(773) 661-9487
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http://mycafeistanbul.com
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Is this place BYOB?
Yes it's byob but the charge a corkage fee $10 per bottle opened. They have a full bar.
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