Istanbul Market and Cafe — Restaurant in Elk Grove Township

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Istanbul Market Cafe, and I must say it was an extraordinary experience from start to finish. From the moment I entered the restaurant, I was greeted warmly by the friendly and attentive staff, setting the tone for a delightful evening.

The service at Istanbul Market Cafe was impeccable. The employees went above and beyond to ensure that every guest was well taken care of. They were knowledgeable about the menu, always ready to provide recommendations and answer any questions. Their genuine passion for their work and the cuisine was evident in their attentive and courteous demeanor throughout the evening.

The restaurant itself exuded an inviting and cozy ambiance. The warm and earthy decor, combined with traditional Turkish elements, created an authentic atmosphere that transported me to the vibrant streets of Istanbul. The attention to detail in the interior design added to the overall charm of the place.

Now let's talk about the food. Istanbul Market Cafe offers an extensive menu of delectable Turkish dishes, each prepared with care and precision. The flavors were exquisite, and every dish was a celebration of the rich culinary heritage of Turkey. Whether it was the tender and succulent kebabs, the fragrant pilaf, or the flavorful mezze platter, each bite was a burst of deliciousness that left me wanting more.

I highly recommend starting your meal with their hummus and freshly baked bread. The hummus was creamy and perfectly seasoned, and the bread was soft and warm, straight out of the oven. It was an irresistible combination that set the tone for the culinary journey to follow.

For the main course, I opted for the lamb kebab, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. The meat was incredibly tender and infused with aromatic spices, making it an absolute delight for the taste buds. Accompanied by a side of grilled vegetables and fluffy rice, it was a truly satisfying meal.

To complete the experience, I indulged in a traditional Turkish dessert - the baklava. The layers of flaky pastry, filled with crushed nuts and sweet syrup, were a heavenly treat that provided the perfect ending to an outstanding dining experience.

Overall, Istanbul Market Cafe exceeded my expectations in every aspect. The exceptional service from the employees, combined with the scrumptious food and delightful ambiance, created a memorable evening. Whether you're a fan of Turkish cuisine or simply looking for a unique dining experience, Istanbul Market Cafe is a must-visit. I can't wait to return and explore more of their...

We were there on Sunday. We ordered 2 soups (kelle paca), beef kebab, cig kofte, and lahmacun. He brought first cig kofte, after for a while he brought his beef kebab. We were expected to have first soup 🍲, than the others. We asked him why we did not get the soup first? He said that "I am only one person in serving. It should not be too hard to serve 2 cups of the soup first, There was another staff member who was sitting behind me. He was just busy with his cell. Not caring with the business, not coaching the person who serves the table. The main important thing was his cell. Near my table, the family cleaned up the dirty table to find a table to sit. We all understand that there might be short staff. But it was not. Why was no one giving hands who was trying to reach all around? They should train the person, how to serve the food. Soup comes first! Then, the rest of the food. Plates come in at the same time. I ate, my husband waited for his food. We came together for eating. We should not wait for the other plate. We did not enjoy the serving, atmosphere there. The owner needs to visit more often, needs to hire people who really need the job and respect the job. Other than food, it tasty.

I spent time putting a review, and I hope someone...

I am posting photos and receipts so you can see - I was charged $12 for ONE pepper dolma, $12 for two chicken drumsticks, over $10 for a small half portion of rice, and so on.

Very upset by my experience here. I went to the deli to pick up food, and stood looking at my options. A nice worker asked what I wanted, I told him I had trouble deciding because I wanted to try many things. He offered to give me half portions for half price, so I could try multiple dishes. I thought it was a great idea and agreed. The store is very busy and full of people, so I didn't get a chance to notice what was given to me or how it was charged until I left because there was no room. The man ringing up the order did not give me half price for half portion as we agreed, but 35% off, and the portions are very small and without any rice side dishes that originally came with full orders, and I was charged much more. Almost $90 total for this deli pick up - some things were combined in containers, there are only 3-4 pieces of meat and no side, etc.

Very disappointed and I feel taken advantage of by this establishment, and very sad they offered these options and gave me something so different...