In the heart of Chicago, there's a charming place known as the Istanbul Café, owned and run by Mustafa Guler. With more than 15 years of culinary experience in Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya, he brings the flavors of Turkey to the Windy City. For over six years, Chicago residents have flocked to Istanbul Café for delicious, authentic Turkish cuisine. From mouthwatering kebabs to flavorful mezze, each dish is a testament to Mustafa's culinary expertise.What set Istanbul Café apart was not just its special wines, homemade baklava, or Mustafa's culinary expertise, but a secret treasure hidden within its menu - the "Cag Kebab." This special dish from Turkey's Erzurum region, and you won't find it anywhere else in the city. From the talented chefs to the friendly servers, they ensure every visit to Istanbul Café is special. Here, we serve you not just with food but with passion! Come and savor Turkey's essence in the heart of Chicago!
Silk Road Romanticism. Bambola is an Italian restaurant that embarks on a journey along the Silk Road in search of new flavors to complement our favorite dishes and drinks from Italy.Traveling along the Silk Road, Bambola’s executive chef Marcos Campos interprets iconic dishes from Italy to China, evoking nostalgia with a contemporary approach. From their wood-fired kitchen, Bambola’s culinary team combines the finest ingredients with an exclusive selection of aged beef, artisanal pastas, mezze and Turkish spices, creating a unique culinary experience.Led by industry vanguard Brian Sturgulewski, Bambola’s bar celebrates modern beverages inspired by timeless ingredients from the historic Silk Road. Inspired by the amalgamation of cultures along the trade routes, our creative craft cocktails combine local drinking traditions, global spirits, complementary spices and ingredients.
Elia features Mediterranean inspired cuisine, in contemporary atmosphere. Elia - a stunning new Modern Mediterranean restaurant - is now open in the heart of Wicker Park.Elia (Greek for “olive tree”) pulls inspiration from Greece, Italy, France, Spain, and other Mediterranean countries and translates those flavors and techniques into Elia’s soups, salads, spreads, small plates, mains, sides, and desserts.Beverage-wise, Elia boasts 12 handcrafted specialty cocktails, 24 wines sourced from around the world available by the bottle and glass, 10 craft draft beers,100+ spirits spirits, and non-alcoholic offerings as well.Elia features 90 interior seats - including a glassed-in private dining room that doubles as the restaurant’s wine cellar - along with 60 seats on the restaurant’s sidewalk patio.Sprawling imported Mediterranean wall murals of golds, blacks, and off-whites; original imported artwork; and mid-century modern lighting round out the restaurant’s stunning interior.
Black & Caspian Wine Bistro is a Modern Mediterranean Wine Bistro in Lakeview East.Highly regarded locally, our modern international restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, and a reputation for excellent service. We are known for creating stunning food experiences and our meals are known for being outstanding and well remembered. Our wine bar flows with great international selections – wine and good food pairing forever.
