Cafe Istanbul Menu
At Cafe Istanbul, located in Chicago, IL, you can experience a delicious Mediterranean cuisine in a casual yet classy setting. The menu offers a range of vegan and vegetarian options, making it a great choice for diverse groups. Customers rave about the lamb kababs and pesto risotto dishes, along with the energetic ambiance and friendly service. The outdoor seating is a popular option, especially on sunny days, adding to the delightful dining experience. While some customers may find the service fee policy a bit off-putting, the overall food selection and portion sizes receive high praise. Don't miss out on trying the SOGURME appetizer and the CAG KEBAB for a flavorful and fulfilling meal at Cafe Istanbul.
Appetizers
Lahmacun
Thin dough topped with minced beef and seasoned vegetables, served with sliced tomatoes, onions and organic arugula.
Grilled Calamari
Salsa verde, cherry tomatoes, dilled avocado, caper and micro greens.
Hummus
Chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, extra virgin olives and fresh garlic.
Su Boregi
Homemade dough filled with feta cheese and fresh dill, served with fresh dill and creamy yogurt garlic sauce.
Fried Calamari
Tender squid lightly fried and served with homemade zesty cocktail sauce.
Mujver
Pan fried zucchini pancakes with scallion, feta cheese, fresh dill and creamy yogurt garlic sauce.
Patlican Salatasi
Smoked eggplant with garlic, lemon juice, scallion and roasted bell peppers.
Arnavut Cigeri
Fried seasoned lamb liver served with tomatoes, onions, parsley and crispy potatoes.
Mussels
Steamed in white wine, cream, cherry tomatoes, garlic, fresh herbs and white truffle oil.
Carrot Dip
Carrot, yogurt , horseradish, garlic, parsley, arugula
Sogurme
Smoked eggplant, yogurt, walnuts, garlic, mint, olive oil
Char-Grilled Spanish Octopus
Classic Onion Soup
Garnished with bread croutons and Swiss cheese.
Lentil Soup
Red lentil, onion, red pepper and fresh mint.
Turkish Feta Salad
Romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, feta cheese, parsley, black olives and house dressing.
Seafood Salad
Grilled calamari, shrimp, scallop, mixed greens, tomato, onion, caper and red pepper.
Shepherd Salad
Tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, scallions, parsley and house dressing.
Caesar Salad
Romaine lettuce, garlic herb, croutoms, Parmesan cheese and homemade Caesar dressing.
Arugula Salad
Red wine poached pears, toasted walnuts and pomegrante molasses.
Soup and Salad
Fish
Norway Salmon
Hand rolled gnocchi, white wine, mixed wild mushrooms and butter.
Grilled Trout
Served with mixed vegetables.
Whole Grilled Seabass
Served with mixed vegetables
Braised Lamb Shank
Braised Colorado lamb shank, red wine, garlic, butter and served with mashed potatoes.
Imam Bayildy
Roasted baby eggplant stuffed with red pepper, onion, tomatoes, garlic and pine nuts, served with rice pilaf. Gluten free. Vegetarian.
Islim Sarmasi
Braised lamb shoulder wrapped in eggplant and served with basmati rice pilaf.
Manti
Homemade tortellini stuffed with veal and served with creamy yogurt, chili, oil and tomato sauce.
Risotto Del Presidente
Imported arborio rice, jumbo shrimp, sea scallops, shallots, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, shiitake mushrooms, white wine and shaved Parmesan cheese.
Braised Short-Rib
Braised short-rib, red wine and fresh herbs, served with soft polenta.
Pide
Thin flat crispy dough baked with choice of ground beef, diced lamb, cheese or sujuk.
Turkish Delight
Sauteed wild mushrooms, broccoli, zucchini, baby carrots, bok choy and garlic, served on a large plate of hummus with pine nuts and Turkish golden apricot. Gluten free. Vegetarian.
Chicken Gorgonzola
Pounded chicken breast, roasted bell pepper and creamy Gorgonzola cheese.
Risotto Fungi
Portabella, shiitake and porcini mushrooms, arborio rice, cream, butter and Parmesan cheese. Gluten free. Vegetarian.
Rigatoni Al Trasterverina Ragu
Homemade large pasta, veal sausage, wild mushrooms, garlic, fennel seeds, white wine, tomato, cream sauce and Parmesan cheese.
Entrees
Meats
Doner
Lamb and veal combined, seasoned with herbs and blend of spices, cooled on a vertical rotisserie and served with flatbread and basmati rice.
Cag Dza Kebab
Horizontally stacked marinated rotating lamb kebab served with basmati rice.
Iskender
Doner meat, toasted bread, creamy yogurt, tomato puree, crushed red pepper and brown butter.
Chicken Kebab
Herb marinated chicken breast on skewers, cooked over charcoal grill and served with basmati rice.
Kuzu Sis
Perfectly seasoned lean lamb meat on skewers over the charcoal grill, served with basmati rice.
Rack Of Lamb
Herb crusted Colorado lamb, oven roasted, demi-glaze sauce, served with sauteed vegetable roots.
Beef Kebab
Beef tenderloin medallions on skewers, seasoned and cooked over a charcoal grill and served with basmati rice.
Adana Kebab
Hand chopped seasoned lamb shoulder on skewers, cooked over a charcoal grill and served with flatbread and basmati rice.
Chef's Mix Grill
Combination of skewered chicken, beef medallion, sea scallop, spicy shrimp and doner, served with basmati rice.
Onion Kebab
Lamb shoulder grounded, seasoned, char-grilled, caramelized shallots and garlic, fresh herbs, pomegranate reduction
Beyti Kebab
Hand chopped lamb shoulder, seasoned, skewered, wrapped in flat bread , served with french fries,creamy yogurt and butter sauce
NY Steak
oz. USDA. Served with choice of side.
Ribeye Steak
oz. USDA. Served with choice of side.
Steaks
Sides
Asparagus
Mashed Potatoes
Sauteed Spinach
Steamed Broccoli
Rice Pilaf
Mixed Organic Vegetables
French Fries
Kazandibi
Turkish flan
