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Cafe Istanbul, Chicago, IL

Cafe Istanbul

4.7
4.7
262 Reviews
$30 and under
Turkish

Make a booking

2 people
19:30
Booked 11 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
  • Healthy
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,

What 262 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

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

NoiseModerate

Diners' Choice Awards

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Healthy

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Chicago

    Healthy

  • Chicago

    Neighbourhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Cafe Istanbul offers "amazing food" with standout dishes like cag kabob and lahmacun. The friendly staff, especially Emir, provide excellent service. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere with authentic Turkish flavors. While some found the pricing unexpected, most agree it's a delightful dining experience with "great food" and "delicious Mediterranean" options.

262 Reviews
  1. Jennifer

    VIP

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was our first time visiting Cafe Istanbul. The appetizer Lahmacun was very tasty. We had the lamb shank and it was tender and flavorful. The drinks were delicious! I had the Spicy Peach Margarita and my husband had the Mediterranean Mule. We will definitely be back and bring our friends so they can make Cafe Istanbul one of their top choices for dining out.

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  2. Karen

    VIP

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    A great place to have our Christmas meal when eating at our home was not an option. The staff was very welcoming. Upon leaving, they treated us like it was their honor to have visited them. The octopus was a great starter. The rack of lamb was cooked to perfection. Lahmacun was delicious, as was Adana kebab and stuffed chicken breast. We will visit again when we are in the city.

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  3. lori

    Coastal Georgia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Risotto was fantastic. Everyone loved their dish. Beware they add on gratuity. I double tipped. I know it's not just them but I think they should point it out when they do it.

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  4. Sandy

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We wanted a different cuisine for the holidays and Cafe Istanbul delivered. The food and service was excellent. We had the octopus and risotto both entrees were delicious.

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  5. Leslie

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food and friendly service. Grateful they were open on Xmas!

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  6. Lisa

    Chicago

    51 reviews

    5.0

    51 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    What a nice experience! The restaurant is intimate and cozy but tables were not tight. The food was exceptional and the service was quick. I think the experience would have been even better if it wasn't Christmas and they were waiting to turn our table. Also, there was an 18% service charge on the bill and verified that was the tip; I was not expecting it on a table for two. Regardless, we can't wait to come back and try the Sunday Brunch!

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  7. Sujata

    VIP

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 21 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic food and service. Knowledgeable team. Generous portions.

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  8. Dana

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 16 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We just returned from Istanbul, Türkiye and were craving some authentic Turkish food. So happy to have found CAFE ISTANBUL! The pade was delicious as was the chef’s mixed grill. The wine our waitress suggested was excellent! Friendly staff, great food, nice neighborhood — we’ll be back!

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  9. Molli

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Cafe Istanbul always takes great care of us. I love the wait staff and how kind they are. They also work as a team, with great sense of urgency for their guests. The food is always top tier and never disappoints. I love taking fiends who visit me here because i can count on having a great experience.

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  10. Lorenzo

    Chicago

    26 reviews

    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on 14 December 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Delicious and authentic Lebanese food and excellent service.

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FAQs

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

Cafe Istanbul is rated 4.7 stars by 262 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:30
Booked 11 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Cafe Istanbul

2014 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622-3154

Additional information

  • Area
    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
    Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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