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Cafe Istanbul, Chicago, IL

Cafe Istanbul

4.8
4.8
248 Reviews
$30 and under
Turkish

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 13 times today
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Charming
  • Gluten-free-friendly
In the heart of Chicago, there's a charming place known as the Istanbul Café, owned and run by Mustafa Guler. With more than 15 years of culinary experience in Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya, he brings the flavors of Turkey to the Windy City.

For over six years, Chicago residents have flocked to Istanbul Café for delicious, authentic Turkish cuisine. From mouthwatering kebabs to flavorful mezze, each dish is a testament to Mustafa's culinary expertise.

What set Istanbul Café apart was not just its special wines, homemade baklava, or Mustafa's culinary expertise, but a secret treasure hidden within its menu - the "Cag Kebab." This special dish from Turkey's Erzurum region, and you won't find it anywhere else in the city.

From the talented chefs to the friendly servers, they ensure every visit to Istanbul Café is special. Here, we serve you not just with food but with passion! Come and savor Turkey's essence in the heart of Chicago!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Turkish, Mediterranean
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (773) 661-9487
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Mustafa Guler
  • Catering
    2014 W Division St Chicago Illinois,
  • Neighborhood
    Bucktown / Wicker Park
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Dancing, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 248 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Healthy

  • Chicago

    Healthy

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Cafe Istanbul offers a delightful taste of Turkey with "magnificent" food and service. Guests rave about the "amazing" cag kabob, eggplant appetizer, and brunch offerings. The outdoor seating provides a "great ambience," and the staff is known for their kindness. Ideal for small groups, but book ahead for larger parties.

248 Reviews
  1. Marc

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    On of my top 5 go to spots in Chicago. Always take people that visit us from out town there.

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  2. Emily

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Huge portions and great food! A new neighborhood favorite!

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  3. Jonathan

    Chicago

    45 reviews

    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The Lahmacun, Turkish bread and eggplant dip are delish. For dinner I had the Çöp şiş, or lamb kebabs, tender, juicy and delicicious with rice and veggies. For dessert, I tried the Kataifi with ice cream. Also a sweet treat that was tasty. Overall the service was good, and not too attentive. I highly recommend for folks who like a genuine Turkish meal, good service, and a nice, friendly atmosphere.

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  4. April

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was wonderful as always. Lahmacun and mucver are must tries. Service was exceptional. Cafe Istanbul never disappoints.

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  5. wafaa

    London

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 20, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Average food. service could be better communication with the client must be a priority.

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  6. Hakan

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 2, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great team and Turkish good, we had an unforgettable night. Big thanks

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  7. Sandra

    Chicago

    74 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    74 reviews

    Dined on September 28, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Frequent diners here . Always enjoy our meal and service .

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  8. Mouna

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Authentic food, friendly staff and cozy environment!

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  9. John

    Denver

    75 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    75 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food. The appetizers all were fantastic. The entrees were delicious as well

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We just ate here on an August afternoon on the patio, and it was a great ambience! The food was better than I expected, and we really enjoyed the salmon tartare and the zucchini pancakes/fritters. Our only minor complaints would be that the waiters were somewhat quick to clear up at the end of the meal and the road noise/sirens, but otherwise we were really pleased with our experience!

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FAQs

Cafe Istanbul offers delivery in partnership with Chow Now. Cafe Istanbul also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (773) 661-9487.

Cafe Istanbul is rated 4.8 stars by 248 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Cafe Istanbul

2014 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622-3154

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Bucktown / Wicker Park
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Turkish, Mediterranean
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Executive chef
    Mustafa Guler
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Dancing, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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