7 Best Turkish Restaurants in Chicago, IL

Cuisines are the essence of the culture. Among all others, Turkish cuisine is culturally rich and appetizing—the best way to immerse in the culinary pursuits in the ambiance of the nearest Turkish restaurant. If you are looking for a promising Turkish restaurant in Chicago, you have landed on the right platform. Let’s check out the top 7Turkish restaurantsacross Chicago:

List of Chicago’s 7 Best-Rated Turkish Restaurants

1. The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen

The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen is renowned as Chicago’s first and most desirable Kurdish restaurant. It is famous for its sublime ambiance and aromas of Kurdish cultural cuisines. The restaurant was started by Mehmet BasirDuzgun and Mehmet Basir Yavuz, a duo of Kurdish immigrants from Turkey. They share a similar longing for portraying their culture throughthe best Turkish foodand thus opened a beautiful restaurant on the glimmering street of Chicago.

The executive chef, Juan M. Gonzalez, has a great deal of experience over 45 years and has worked with prominent kitchens of North America. He is well known for his valuable proficiency in diverse cuisines across the globe. Moreover, the restaurant is native cuisine from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and some unique Mediterranean cuisines. Some of the delicious dishes of The Gundis are Mardin special, Mardin stew, Kurdish baklava, Newroz pasta, and many more. They also offer takeout and delivery options. So, it is a promising choice to assuage your craving.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

“Great dining experience. The Kurdish special was amazing, and the service was excellent. All the staff was helpful and keen to entertain your request promptly. It is home to aboriginal cuisine; from the main course to desserts, everything is delicious. Thank you, Mehmet and Denisse, for such a memorable experience. I will definitely come back. Well done, Gundis, you steal the show.”
– Limuel West

2. Zizi’s Cafe

Zizi’s Cafe is a popular Turkish cafein Chicago. It was started in 2012 and emerged as the favorite destination for Turkish food devotees. The owner Zizi K. has a wealth of experience in Turkish cuisines. Earlier, he has worked as a chef with numerous Turkish restaurants. Zizi’s Cafe is the dream venture for Zizi and his family so that people can relish the inquisitive homemade Turkish and Mediterranean food.

Apart from the savory platter, the restaurant is famous for its exceptional customer service. You will feel like a home; they treat customers just like a family member. Further, the Zizi’s Cafe offers a wide array of cuisine that portrays the essence of Turkish culture. Some relish dishes are Doner kebab platter, Hummus, Falafel, Turkish Feta salad, and Baklava. Visit and explore the delightful Turkish grillwith your friends and family.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

“Zizi’s Cafe made my day. We went to the restaurant to celebrate a birthday party. Zizi has provided us with an amazing culinary experience. Mind-blowing food and excellent service. You will feel at home the moment you enter the restaurants. In the end, the Kunefe dessert was like the cherry on the cake. Thank you so much, we will visit you soon.”
– Kim Williams

3. I-Cafe Sukur’s Place

I-Cafe Suker’s Place is one of the finest Turkish places to eat in Chicago. It was commenced by SukurAlam back in 2006. Later, in 2013, the restaurant amplified its business by adding PideveLahmacun. Consequently, it is also known as I- Cafe Sukur’s Place/ PideveLahmacun. Being located in the heart of Chicago, the restaurant is a well-known destination for the Turkish appetite.

I-Cafe Sukur’s Place is a halal Turkish restaurantand offers a variety of cultural cuisines. The vicinity is poised with simplicity and friendly services. Some notable dishes are Turkish kebab, Turkish tea, Hummus, SigaraBoregi, homemade desserts Pide, and Lahmacun. The restaurant follows a halal policy religiously and offers pure halal dishes. Also, they don’t offer any alcoholic drinks. They have been serving successfully for over 15 years with their divine and luscious Turkish food. So, this restaurant is perfect for food expeditions.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

“Premium food quality. I had enjoyed one of the best Turkish meals ever. Moreover, the owner was too generous, and he will help you in every manner. My server name was Cevat, and he was a wonderful person and very professional. The ambiance was peaceful and charming. SigaraBoregi and Hummus were the most delicious ones. A must-visit for foodies.”
 – Jerome Willis

4. Turkitch – Turkish Kitchen

Turkitch – Turkish Kitchen is known for its finest Turkish cuisine. In addition, it offers an exquisite range of Turkish pastries and desserts in the US food market. Ozkan Yilmaz and his wife Feyzan started Turkitch to integrate culture with diverse cuisines. The venture opened in 2016, and now it has an additional two subsidiaries in Chicago. They provide the best Turkish breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and desserts in the area. There are options available for outdoor seating and also accept delivery and takeout.

Moreover, Turkish Kitchen offers splendid classical Turkish food items and has emerged as the epitome of Turkish bakery products in Chicago. Some of the heavenly dishes are Baklava, Turkish beverages, Pogaca, BosnakBoregi, and Kadayif. Also, the essence of Turkish culture and impressive hospitality adds immense value to the restaurant’s stature.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

“We loved it. The best brunch we have had to date. Ozkan, the owner, was generous and knowledgeable. Everything was great, with promising surroundings, clean and fresh. Workers were very attentive and helpful. We loved Turkish kebab and BosnakBoregi. It is the best place to visit with your friends and family. We will soon visit again. Highly recommended.”
– Alex Ramirez

5. Cafe Istanbul

Cafe Istanbul is one of the most-talked Turkish restaurants in Chicago. It was an ambitious undertaking of MustafeGuler, a professional chef with hands-on experience in exotic Mediatrrean and Turkish grill food. He opened the Cafe Istanbul in 2018 and served amazingly to meet the culinary pursuits of people.

The restaurant’s chefs are specialized in preparing traditional Turkish and Mediterranean cuisines. These traditional cuisines are the quintessence of culture. Some of the alluring dishes are Turkish kebab, chicken gyros, pita, and thin-crust Turkish pizza, lamb doner, Iskender, and more. Interestingly, all the dishes are prepared using the conventional approach, i.e., using charcoal and wood. Moreover, the roasted and grilled mix of beef, lamb, and chicken is the highlight of this place. The soothing atmosphere and craving aroma will blow your mind. In addition to it, spacious and open table service makes a perfect choice for gourmet.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

“Fantastic Turkish restaurant. Everything was splendid, and I got authentic, well-seasoned, and delicious food. Friendly staff, captivating atmosphere, and reasonable prices. Baklava and Bosnek Boregi were highlights of the food menu. There are ample options for desserts. Next time, I will visit soon with my entire family. Thank you for such a wonderful dining experience.”
– Mara Lynn

6. Turquoise Cafe and Restaurant

Turquoise Cafe and Restaurant commenced its incredible journey in 2002 from Roscoe Village, Chicago. Since its inception, it has become the embodiment of Turkish and Mediterranean dishes and beverages. Being settled in one of the most diverse cultures of America, the restaurant has carved its footprints and became an integral cuisine center of the region. The business offers palatable exotic Turkish- inspired Mediterranean cuisine and premium service to patrons and customers. They also maintain a long and healthy relationship with their loyal customers. One can get countless dishes that include seafood, vegetarian dishes, and Turkish specialties. They also offer Halal for the intended customers.

The place is also known for its impressive Turkish- Italian fusion. Turquoise Cafe and Restaurant also offer catering services to weddings, corporate parties, private parties, festivals, galas, and more. In addition to it, they also host private events accommodating 30- 200 people. So, if you are looking for thenearest Turkish restaurant with such diverse service, Turquoise Cafe and Restaurant is the most competent choice.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

“Perfect place for a delicious lunch. Food is splendid and premium service. The place is spacious, and the atmosphere is quite soothing. They have taken all the necessary precautions regarding Covid-19 to ensure a healthy environment for everyone. Our waiter was really awesome; his name was Ali. He was attentive and helpful. Highly recommended.”
– Leonardo Dotson

7. Oda Mediterranean Andersonville

Oda Mediterranean Andersonville is a classic Turkish- Mediterranean restaurant with a dash of Georgian cuisine. It is also known as “Oda Mediterranean Cuisine.” Marina Cadrak and her spouse started the restaurant. Before inception, they ran one of the popular Turkish Restaurants in Chicago for 15 years. It was located in Andersonville. Marina Cadrak was born and raised in Georgia, a neighboring nation of Turkey. Inspired by the cultural heritage of the Ottoman kitchen, she started exploring the diverse cuisines and brought them into the modern food culture.

Moreover, the Oda is also famous for integrating the food culture of eastern Europe into Turkish. Consequently, it cultivated electrifying cocktails of various cultures. A handful of the authentic and exotic features include kebabs, Turkish bread, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, classic moussaka, and stroganoff. In addition, some of the assorted beverages are traditional cocktails,  Turkish beer, and Georgian wine. So, the place becomes one of the incredible Turkish places to eat in Chicago.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

“Unbelievable place to dine out. You will get numerous exotic and traditional cuisines. All of them are amazing. Just loved it. The ambiance is peaceful, the staff is friendly, and the drinks are incredible, especially wines. Our server was Melissa; She was generous and very proficient with vintage dishes. Go and experience one of the finest restaurants in Chicago.”
– Max Kerry