Cafe Istanbul

“Had a wonderful experience here.”

Had a wonderful experience here. Service was excellent, delicious food, and a very pleasant atmosphere.

Dina Rosin

Feb 2026

“This place absolutely delivers.”

This place absolutely delivers. The service was warm and attentive, the food was outstanding, and the dessert alone is worth the visit. Do not skip the Pear Delight. I’m serious. It’s one of those desserts you think about afterward and immediately want again. Order it, thank me later. The meat was seasoned perfectly.. deep, rich flavor, not just salt-forward.. and somehow tasted just as incredible the next day. Leftovers rarely improve; these did. If you know what’s good for you, just go here. Simple as that.

Malaika

Dec 2025

“A true gastronomic delight.”

A true gastronomic delight! Incredible presentation, exquisite flavors, and attentive service. The restaurant left a lasting impression. I recommend it to anyone who appreciates quality and atmosphere🌟🌟🌟Emir was great! He explained everything so well!

Turatbek Mederbek uulu

Nov 2025

“Visited Cafe Istanbul and tried a pretty wide range of dishes mashed potatoes, lahmacun, the...”

Visited Cafe Istanbul and tried a pretty wide range of dishes mashed potatoes, lahmacun, the seafood mixed grill, chef’s mixed grill, and kuzu şiş. Overall, the food was genuinely good. Everything came out flavorful, seasoned, and cooked nicely. The seafood and kuzu şiş especially stood out. The only downside was one specific order I requested well done. It came out medium three different times, even after sending it back twice. Eventually, I had to cancel that item altogether, which was disappointing considering how good the rest of the meal was. Great food, nice menu just wish the kitchen paid a bit more attention to specific cooking requests.

Belal Z

Nov 2025

“Hands down this is the best turkish restaurant in Chicago area I have ever been to.”

Hands down this is the best turkish restaurant in Chicago area I have ever been to. The staff are very friendly and nice and the foods are very decent, delicious, fresh and generous portion. Have been coming here almost once ever frew weeks. Hope they can keep it up and win more business.

Farbod Baharkoush

Nov 2025

“Café Istanbul is one of those spots I somehow return to every few months without even thinking...”

Café Istanbul is one of those spots I somehow return to every few months without even thinking about it & every time, the food reminds me why. It’s just fire. i got the Chef’s Mixed Grill with a lentil soup, & both were perfect. juicy, well-seasoned, & cooked like the chef was aiming for a medal. the lentil soup hit exactly how it should warm, smooth, comforting. my sister ordered the kuzu şiş well done. it came out medium. Sent it back… came out medium-well. At that point the lamb said “this is the best I can do today.” 😂 But as someone who always eats here, I know the quality is legit. Great menu, great flavors, and you really can’t go wrong with anything you order.

M Zaibak

Nov 2025

“Our co worker friend took us here with his family.”

Our co worker friend took us here with his family. His wife is Turkish and recommended this spot. Everything was absolutely amazing!!! My favorite was the crepes which were perfectly paired with the jellies that came with everything else. I would come back again and again. The brunch deal is definitely the way to go to have meze for everyone to share. Can’t wait to come back someday!

Rosie H

Nov 2025

“Went here for my birthday dinner while visiting my brother in Chicago, and everything was amazing.”

Went here for my birthday dinner while visiting my brother in Chicago, and everything was amazing! The skewers of lamb were a standout — perfectly cooked and full of flavor. Great spot for a special occasion.

Matt Lusk

Sep 2025

“I was surprised by how heavy the soup was at this restaurant, it is quite a large space and a...”

I was surprised by how heavy the soup was at this restaurant, it is quite a large space and a handful of exotic items on the menu. parking is very limited. I'm not an expert in the cuisine, although I have been to Istanbul a few times, but from what I could tell everything seemed fresh!

Brett

Sep 2025

“I’ve been here several times now and I’m never disappointed.”

I’ve been here several times now and I’m never disappointed. The meat is high quality and tender and all of the other appetizers are full of flavor. They have so many great Turkish dishes but I recommend the çag Kebab and the lamachun

Abdallah Al-Qudsi

Aug 2025

“Impromptu visit on a weeknight and what a pleasant surprise.”

Impromptu visit on a weeknight and what a pleasant surprise! Warm and inviting dining room with excellent service. We shared the lahmacun which was a bit disappointing. Large portion but short on flavor and the dough was quite moist. Our entrees more than made up for the disappointing start though. I had the cag kebab and the lamb was delicious! Partner ordered the braised short rib which was tender and came with scrumptious cheesy polenta. Another in our party ordered the beef mediterranean and they liked it. We definitely plan to return!

Ryan Wantland

Jul 2025

“The service was great, thanks to Emir.”

The service was great, thanks to Emir! All of the food was delicious - serving sizes are huge, plenty to bring home for another meal. Will be back soon.

Autumn Sutton

Jun 2025