Antepli Mediterranean Grill — Restaurant in Jefferson Township

My dining experience at Antepli last night was nothing short of a culinary adventure that transported me straight to the heart of Turkish cuisine. From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, the alluring smell and sight of baklava and kunafa from their bakery set the stage for an exciting meal. The ambiance of Antepli further elevated the dining experience, featuring a cozy sitting area with spacious tables and wide chairs ensuring comfort throughout our meal.

We opted for the family meal for two, which was a parade of flavors starting with an assortment of appetizers including lentil soup, salad, hummus, haydari, babaganoush, and shakshuka. The lentil soup was a standout, boasting perfectly cooked beans and small chunks of meat, seasoned with fresh herbs that made each spoonful a delight. The spreads were equally impressive, each offering a unique taste that was fresh and flavorful.

The entrée followed, presenting a succulent selection of doner, adana, chicken, and kofta kababs. Each had its own distinctive taste, tender, juicy, and beautifully complemented by the freshly served bread. The meal concluded on a high note with Turkish tea and coffee, accompanied by baklava that was simply divine. The first bite of baklava was a sensory explosion, perfectly balanced with syrup and nuts, and when paired with the tea, it was a match made in heaven.

However, the only drawback of the evening was the service. Despite the restaurant's team-based service model, we found ourselves waiting over ten minutes before being acknowledged, with several waiters noticing us but failing to offer assistance. This pattern of inattention persisted throughout our meal, requiring us to actively seek out staff for service, including a reminder for our ordered tea and baklava.

Despite the service hiccup, the exceptional quality and authenticity of the food at Antepli more than compensated, making the overall experience truly memorable. The mastery in Turkish cuisine displayed by Antepli deserves commendation, and it's a place I eagerly look forward to visiting again. If not for the service issue, this would have been a solid 5-star review. Nonetheless, Antepli comes highly recommended for anyone seeking an authentic Turkish dining experience that tantalizes the taste buds and invites you on a...

We came in the other day. I was craving some Turkish food and this place used to be one of my favorites. I live very far, so I drove all the way to this restaurant for some good food. It was cold in there, which I didn’t mind. They put some heaters to compensate that.

However, the service was disappointing. The server lady tried to be nice, but that can’t be said about the guy. First, it took forever for them to take our order. Then we wanted to order some hot tea with our food. He informed us that they don’t have it ready and it’ll take around 10-15 minutes. We said it was fine and placed our orders. Lahmacun was alright, but we loved the kebabs. Although it used to be more delicious before. After we were done with food, we waited for our tea pot. No one came to our table during this time and asked us how everything was. It was alright too, maybe they were busy. However, table on the left and corner were getting different treatment. I had to call my server by raising my hand, which I find disrespectful and avoid doing, but since no one was coming to our table I had to do it. I asked for the bill and a takeout box, the guy left even without looking. Alright. I canceled the tea because it has been 44 minutes since we placed an order, I kept track of the time. The table that came 15-20 minutes after us got their tea. I didn’t mind any of these, but then I had to ask for the bill and takeout box for the second time, still nothing. The table next to us asked once and the server brought it to them. The guy shouted from behind the counter that our to-go order is ready without bothering himself to come to our table. At that point I was so disappointed that I just paid for my order and left. I was with a guest and I’d never bring anyone here again with me. I would probably visit this place after long time passes, but I hope they do better job...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Antepli Mediterranean Grill in Chicago, and I can confidently say it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The atmosphere of the restaurant is warm and inviting, with a cozy yet modern feel that immediately made me feel at home. The staff was incredibly attentive and friendly, providing top-notch service throughout the meal. It’s clear they truly care about giving guests a memorable experience.

As for the food, everything was absolutely delicious. The flavors were vibrant, authentic, and beautifully presented. I especially loved the variety of Turkish dishes available, from the savory kebabs to the flavorful meze. Each bite was a perfect blend of spices and fresh ingredients. The grilled lamb was perfectly cooked, tender, and packed with rich flavor. And don’t even get me started on the Turkish bread—soft, warm, and perfect for dipping into the hummus and tzatziki.

One standout for me was the Turkish tea, which was served with just the right amount of sweetness. It was a great way to end the meal, and it added an extra layer of authenticity to the whole experience. The service was flawless, with our server ensuring that our glasses were always full and that we had everything we needed without being intrusive.

Overall, Antepli Mediterranean Grill is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy high-quality Turkish cuisine in Chicago. The combination of incredible food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a standout in the city. I’ll definitely be back for another round of their delicious dishes and refreshing Turkish tea. Five stars...