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Cafe Istanbul
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Cafe Istanbul
8.4
Cafe Istanbul is a Turkish-Mediterranean dining room where warm bread, doner, and Iskender kebab come out of an open kitchen to a steady crowd. It lands between neighborhood casual and occasion-worthy, with portions that often stretch to leftovers and a patio that makes it a go-to for relaxed dinners on Division.
Must-Try Dishes:
Iskender kebab, Doner plate, Homemade Turkish bread
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Turkish comfort cooking with hearty portions and a lively patio.
Who should go: Families and friends craving classic Turkish platters together.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours when the room and patio feel lively.
What to order: Iskender kebab, doner plate, mixed grill with house bread.
Insider tip: Ask for extra bread to soak up the Iskender sauce.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Division and nearby side streets; can be competitive during dinner rush
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and relaxed outfits fit in fine
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is comfortable indoors and quieter on the patio
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options — mezze plates, salads, and some mains
Vegan options: Limited but possible — vegetable mezze and salads with adjustments
Gluten-free options: Good number of naturally gluten-free dishes; confirm with staff for sauces and bread
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s relaxed, lively, and welcoming without feeling formal, especially on the patio during warm months.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, though weekends fill up quickly. Arrive early or be prepared for a short wait during peak dinner times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, portions are shareable, and the vibe is casual enough for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Hearty Turkish comfort dishes, big shareable platters, and relaxed group dinners — especially outdoors.
Skip if: You want ultra-quiet fine dining or a quick in-and-out meal — service is relaxed and meals tend to be leisurely.
Cafe Istanbul
8.6
Cafe Istanbul is a Turkish-Mediterranean dining room on Division Street where warm bread, mezze, and kebabs anchor slow-paced dinners. Locals use it for occasions that need a full bar, polished service, and portions generous enough to share or take home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Iskender Kebab, Lamb Doner Wrap, Imam Bayildi
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Turkish restaurant pairing house-baked bread, kebabs, and mezze with a full bar.
Who should go: Groups and families wanting sit-down Turkish dinners with drinks.
When to visit: Weekend evenings for lively patio and dining room energy.
What to order: Iskender Kebab, Lamb Doner Wrap, Imam Bayildi.
Insider tip: Start with warm bread and spreads, then share one or two grilled platters.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on Division and side streets; it can be tight during peak dinner hours
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but many guests lean slightly dressy for dinner
Noise level: Moderate; you can hold a conversation but it gets lively during peak hours
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation depending on weather and patio demand
Weekday lunch: Generally little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong options including mezze, stuffed eggplant, salads, and vegetarian platters
Vegan options: Limited but doable with mezze and salads; ask staff for guidance on dairy-free dishes
Gluten-free options: Many grilled meats and rice dishes are naturally gluten-free, but bread-heavy dishes are not
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the slower-paced service, shareable plates, and warm lighting make it comfortable without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays, but weekends and patio season fill quickly — booking ahead is recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — staff are welcoming to families, portions are shareable, and earlier seatings work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Relaxed but polished Turkish dinners with a full bar, generous portions, and a pleasant patio setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for quick counter-service Middle Eastern food or a strictly budget-friendly meal.