Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. Bucktown / Wicker Park
Cafe Istanbul, Chicago, IL

Cafe Istanbul

4.7
4.7
256 Reviews
$30 and under
Turkish

Make a booking

2 people
20:30
Booked 17 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
  • Good for groups
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 11:00–22:00 Sun 09:00–22:00
  • Phone number
    (773) 661-9487
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Mustafa Guler
  • Catering
    2014 W Division St Chicago Illinois,
  • Area
    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, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 256 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

Loved For

  • 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.

256 Reviews
  1. Sujata

    VIP

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

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

    Is this helpful?

  2. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  3. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  4. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Julie

    VIP

    Chicago

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on 8 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fabulous service, great recommendations, delicious food.

    Is this helpful?

  6. ROB

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 December 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great little restaurant. Authentic Turkish food with fantastic service.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Angela

    VIP

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 29 November 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Nice neighborhood gem. Authentic mediterranean food. Quiet. Pricey for a neighborhood spot. For four people, our tab was almost $50/person but only two of us had drinks.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Andrew

    Louisville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Hard to explain how good is it. Just go and try. Can’t be disappointed.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Marc

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 17 November 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.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Emily

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 16 November 2024

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

    Is this helpful?

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 256 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
20:30
Booked 17 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 11:00–22:00 Sun 09:00–22:00
  • 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, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo