Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Cafe Istanbul, Chicago, IL

Cafe Istanbul

4.7
4.7
283 Reviews
$30 and under
Turkish
2014 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622-3154

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 7 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood 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!

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
  • 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 283 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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Cafe Istanbul offers "fantastic food and service" with "huge portions" and a welcoming atmosphere. Known for authentic Turkish dishes, it impresses with options like Beyti Kebab, Risotto del Presidente, and tender lamb shank. Guests enjoy "friendly and attentive" staff, making it a "favorite" for both casual dining and celebrations.

283 Reviews
  1. Andrea

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The brunch was a delicious and very filling experience. Food was delicious and plentiful.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Sujata VIP

    Chicago13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic food and service. Each dish we steered was flavorful and well presented. Generous helpings.

    Is this helpful?

  3. marianne VIP

    Chicago31 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food and huge portions. Will definitely be back.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I mostly enjoyed all the food that I ordered. The servers are so friendly and kind. You can also find delicious less known Turkish dishes here.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago1 review

    1.0

    Dined on March 15, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 1
    Well, I reserved a table for 6:45pm and I confirmed that twice, so my friend and I had to wait for 30mins and we were so disappointed about that…

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious and well seasoned food. The Risotto del Presidente is a must try, by far one of the best risotto dishes I’ve ever had.

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Every venue on division st Chicago was madness on st pattys day. But they handled it amazingly. Thank you to the hard working staff, customer’s definitely took notice!

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Denver1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    Went at 8 on a Friday night. Restaurant was packed. Lively environment but that was expected. Despite how crowded it was, service was surprisingly attentive. Certain dishes were overpriced, but all of them were good quality. The best dish of the meal was the Beyti Kebab. Will definitely be back

    Is this helpful?

  9. Hallie

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Got the grilled octopus and it was fire. Also got the smoked eggplant dip, stellar. Lastly, a delicious light salad. All was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    RP1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful place that reminded me of being overseas. Just a great experience, you should go!

    Is this helpful?

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 4.7 stars by 283 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
11:00 PM
Booked 7 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–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
  • Delivery & takeout
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - 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