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I-Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
I-Cafe
8.0
A Turkish halal cafe that works best as a sit-down meal when you want classic hot plates and a strong dessert finish. The move is to order one signature main and one traditional side, then save room for the sweets that locals rave about.
Must-Try Dishes:
Manti, Iskender, Beyti
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Turkish comfort mains paired with a dessert-forward finish.
Who should go: Groups sharing mains and sweets
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for calmer pacing
What to order: Manti, iskender, beyti
Insider tip: Order one main per person, then split a dessert—portions add up fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Lincoln Ave and nearby side streets; generally manageable on weeknights, tighter on weekends after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; jeans are common, but many diners dress a bit nicer for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate – lively during peak hours but still easy to hold a conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetable-based mains, sides, and mezze-style options.
Vegan options: Limited – a few vegetable dishes work, but the menu is not fully vegan-focused.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free plates available; best to ask staff about specific preparations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you like a relaxed, sit-down meal with shareable desserts. It’s comfortable and warm rather than trendy or loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or earlier in the evening, but weekends are busier and a short wait is common.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – families are common, portions are generous, and the menu is approachable for older kids.
Best For
Better for: Classic Turkish comfort dishes paired with standout traditional desserts in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quick bite, a modern fusion take, or a late-night-only dessert stop.
I-Cafe
8.3
A halal Turkish kitchen that rewards intentional ordering—one pide/lahmacun moment plus a kebab plate or soup for balance. The menu is deep, but the best experience is staying in the Turkish staples lane so everything arrives hot and properly textured.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lahmacun, Pide, Doner kebab
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Turkish halal staples with pide/lahmacun strength and big portions.
Who should go: Groups who like sharing
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for pacing
What to order: Lahmacun, pide, doner plate
Insider tip: One flatbread + one main beats ordering multiple heavy mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the primary option; usually manageable on surrounding residential blocks but tighter during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans are fine, but groups on date nights tend to dress a bit nicer.
Noise level: Moderate — lively enough for groups, but still easy to hold a conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — strong vegetarian-friendly options including flatbreads, soups, and mezze-style dishes.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — a few vegetable-based dishes work if you order carefully.
Gluten-free options: Limited — grilled meats and some soups are naturally gluten-free, but flatbreads dominate the menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you like sharing food. The warm, relaxed setting and Turkish specialties give you something to talk about without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends are busier and short waits are common.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common here, portions are generous, and the menu has approachable options for kids.
Best For
Better for: Sharing-style Turkish meals, halal dining with depth, and groups who want variety without jumping cuisines.
Skip if: You want a quick in-and-out meal or are looking for a tightly focused menu instead of a broad one.