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Cafe Istanbul, Chicago, IL

Cafe Istanbul

4.6 (293)
$30 and under
Turkish
2014 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622-3154

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 10 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for groups
  • Good for business meals
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!

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Turkish, Mediterranean
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Sat 11:00 am–9:30 pm Sun 9:00 am–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Mustafa Guler
  • Catering
    2014 W Division St Chicago Illinois,
  • Delivery & takeout
  • 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 293 people are saying

Cafe Istanbul reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Cafe Istanbul is praised for its "fantastic food and service," offering a delightful Turkish dining experience. Guests rave about the "incredible Turkish brunch," flavorful dishes like the Beyti Kebab, and generous portions. The staff is "friendly and attentive," ensuring a warm atmosphere. Perfect for celebrations, with a diverse menu for all palates.
293 Reviews
  1. Joe VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent service - extremely friendly and prompt. Some of the best lamb and Doner in the city. Highly recommend

    Is this helpful?

  2. Samaneh

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    2.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Service was awful, food served cold, they charge %18 service charge to the bill which is way more than I would pay for the service!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Pamela VIP

    Chicago / Illinois5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food is consistently great! Service equally great.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Camila

    Chicago / Illinois2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on May 14, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Food: average. Cocktails and service: below average

    Is this helpful?

  5. Wendy

    Chicago / Illinois9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    How do you improve on excellence? Master Chef Mustafa and his crew of chefs and staff are outstanding tried a new Cag entree last evening and is now a favorite. Thanks again for an enjoyable evening.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Maryam

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was great. Been here multiple times and i am never disappointed

    Is this helpful?

  7. Kevin

    Chicago / Illinois2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The fixed menu Turkish brunch is incredible! So much food and a great variety. Will be back often

    Is this helpful?

  8. Joel

    Chicago / Illinois17 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Incredible food in a lively atmosphere. We will be back !!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Andrew VIP

    Chicago / Illinois111 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My favorite place for Turkish food and I try to go there at least once every couple weeks. Their mixed grill is great to share Salads and meze are always fresh Service is friendly and helpful.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Lorenzo VIP

    Chicago / Illinois30 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 27, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was very good and the service was top notch!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Cafe Istanbul offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (773) 661-9487.

Cafe Istanbul is rated 4.6 stars by 293 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. Bucktown / Wicker Park

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 10 times today
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–9:30 pm Sun 9:00 am–9:30 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
  • Delivery & takeout
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