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Turquoise Cafe & Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Turquoise Cafe & Restaurant
8.7
Since 2002, Turquoise has been Roscoe Village’s go-to Turkish-Mediterranean dining room for kebabs, mezze, and an all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch that fills the cozy space with regulars. A long track record, live-music nights, and nearly two thousand cross-platform reviews make it one of the neighborhood’s most established Mediterranean destinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
All-You-Can-Eat Turkish Sunday Brunch, Hunkar Begendi (Sultan’s Delight), Lahmajoun and mezze spread
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Long-running Turkish-Mediterranean spot with beloved brunch and warm hospitality.
Who should go: Groups and couples craving hearty Turkish classics and mezze.
When to visit: Sunday brunch or lively weekend dinners with music.
What to order: Turkish brunch spread, lahmajoun, Hunkar Begendi lamb.
Insider tip: Book weekend nights ahead and budget time for a lingering brunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free neighborhood street parking; it can fill up during peak dinner and brunch hours so allow extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy on weekends.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during dinner and brunch; conversation is possible but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation depending on time and party size.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple mezze, salads, and mains work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Some options available, but choices are more limited; ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff can help steer you to safe choices.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm lighting and friendly service make it comfortable without feeling formal, especially on quieter weeknights.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays, but weekend brunch and dinner fill up quickly, so reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, especially earlier in the evening and at brunch. Older kids and teens may appreciate the menu most.
Best For
Better for: Groups or couples wanting generous Turkish-Mediterranean plates, a friendly neighborhood vibe, and a long-running local favorite with brunch and occasional live music.
Skip if: You want a super-quiet meal, a hyper-trendy scene, or a fully plant-based menu.
Turquoise Cafe & Restaurant
8.8
A long-running Turkish restaurant in Roscoe Village, Turquoise focuses on meze, grilled kebabs, and oven-fired flatbreads in a polished dining room. Locals use it for everything from neighborhood date nights to family dinners thanks to a deep menu, warm service, and consistent execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lentil Soup, Lahmacun (Turkish pizza), Lamb Chops
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Polished Turkish cooking with meze and grills in a neighborhood date-night setting.
Who should go: Turkish food fans planning relaxed dates or family dinners.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners or later weeknights for calmer pacing.
What to order: Lentil soup, lahmacun, mixed grill kebab.
Insider tip: Ask about daily seafood or lamb specials beyond the printed menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking in the surrounding residential blocks; it can tighten up during peak dinner hours but is usually manageable with a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for evening meals.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak hours but still comfortable for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: Often 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak times.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very minimal delay.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple meze, soups, salads, and meatless entrees.
Vegan options: Moderate — several plant-based meze and salads, but mains are more limited.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes, though not a dedicated prep environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm service and polished but relaxed room make it easy to hold a conversation without feeling stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes on weeknights. On weekends, reservations are strongly recommended to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, and the menu has approachable options for kids, though evenings can feel busy with limited stroller space.
Best For
Better for: Reliable Turkish classics, polished ambience, and an experience that works equally well for dates, families, and groups.
Skip if: You’re looking for ultra-casual counter-service dining or strictly vegan options.
Turquoise Cafe & Restaurant
7.8
Turquoise has spent years turning Roscoe Village couples onto Turkish and Mediterranean cooking, serving warm mezze, kebabs, and wine in a softly lit room and sidewalk patio. It leans more cozy neighborhood spot than special-occasion destination, but the mix of grilled meats, vegetarian plates, and friendly staff works well for relaxed dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel, Pide, Zucchini appetizer
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Long-running Turkish spot where mezze, wine, and a snug patio suit low-key dates.
Who should go: Couples craving Mediterranean plates without downtown formality.
When to visit: Unhurried mid-evening dinners, especially in patio weather.
What to order: Falafel, warm pide, a shared zucchini starter.
Insider tip: Build a meal around mezze and ask staff for wine pairing ideas.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking; easier on side streets but can be limited during peak dinner hours
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but many guests lean slightly dressy for date nights
Noise level: Moderate — cozy and conversational, with some buzz during weekend dinners
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes without a reservation depending on weather and patio demand
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait (when open for lunch) or minimal during early dinner hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several mezze, salads, and meatless mains
Vegan options: Limited — some mezze and salads can be vegan with guidance
Gluten-free options: Some dishes are naturally gluten-free; confirm with staff for safe options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warmly lit dining room and patio create a relaxed, non-intimidating vibe that works well for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weeknights, but reservations are smart for weekends or patio seating during warm months.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome, but the atmosphere leans adult and date-oriented. Best for older kids or early seatings.
Best For
Better for: Relaxed, neighborhood-style Mediterranean date nights with friendly service and shareable mezze
Skip if: You want Michelin-level formality, late-night energy, or an ultra-quiet white-tablecloth experience
Turquoise Cafe & Restaurant
8.2
Turquoise has spent more than two decades serving Turkish and Mediterranean plates in Roscoe Village, from mezze spreads to grilled kebab feasts. The warmly lit room and sidewalk patio suit birthdays, anniversaries, and group dinners built around shared platters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Meat Coma all-kebab feast, Colorado lamb shank, Adana lamb kebab
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Long-running Turkish kitchen where mezze and kebabs anchor celebrations.
Who should go: Groups sharing platters, date nights wanting Turkish comfort with wine.
When to visit: Weekend dinners or patio weather for slower, shared-course meals.
What to order: Meat Coma kebab feast, Colorado lamb shank, manti dumplings.
Insider tip: Portion sizes run large; split mains and add extra mezze.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Roscoe and nearby residential blocks; it can tighten up during peak dinner hours, so allow extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak hours, but normal conversation is still manageable.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation depending on weather and patio demand.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait or very short waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple mezze and several mains work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Some options exist, mostly within mezze and salads; ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Many grilled meats and salads are naturally gluten-free; confirm preparation with the kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm lighting, shareable plates, and relaxed pacing make it an easygoing but still special-feeling choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights, but weekends and patio season book quickly — reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Families are welcome, though the vibe leans adult and celebratory. Older kids do fine; very young children may be better suited to earlier seatings.
Best For
Better for: Celebrations where you want shareable platters, warm hospitality, and a neighborhood-feel setting rather than a formal fine-dining mood.
Skip if: You want ultra-quiet dining, lightning-fast in-and-out meals, or a strictly vegan-focused menu.