Istanbul Bazaar

I really enjoyed my recent Iftar (the breaking of the fast during Ramadan) at Istanbul Bazaar (adjacent to the grocery store is a restaurant section) — the food was well prepared and delicious (and authentic), the staff members were attentive, and the feel was overall cozy and welcoming. We ordered two iftaris: The iftari had a combination of items: pide bread, yogurt/​cucumber, hummus, olives, watermelon, and feta cheese. All the elements of the iftari were delicious — my only suggestion here is that the portion sizes be scaled up a bit (e.g. hummus, olives). We then ordered a lahmacun which may have been better than some that we had in Turkey only 3 weeks ago! My sister ordered a Doner Sandwich which she enjoyed and my wife and I had the Iskender (we ordered 2 — but it’s large enough that one suffices for 2 if you’ve had a good set of appetizers and Iftari like we did). The quality and texture of the meat was perfect (same shawarma style meat was used for the Doner + Iskender) — and the yogurt complimenting the Iskender was good quality. I would only recommend extra tomato sauce; otherwise, the Iskender was definitely a standout item in the menu (and the owner reiterated this when I asked). I am looking forward to visiting this spot in the near future, and perhaps again in Ramadan.

Ordered a doner kebab. sandwhich to go. Sandwhich was ok. But def not worth $ 12. Sandwhich should have been $ 8 they asked me If I wanted a combo. Lil did I know combo meant just a small side of rice def not worth an extra $ 4 otherwise would not have gotten it. Also picked up some
Baklava to go which was amazing. The guy at the front seemed confused. The store has some cool stuff but need to organize it better and be more attentive.

Love the place. Lots of European and Turkish products for a good price. Among all the middle eastern and Halal markets this one has the biggest Turkish products selection and for the lowest price.

This has great selection of food, small kitchen appliances, and made to order döner and lahmacun. By far the best Turkish market I’ve been to in the Chicago area.
I highly recommend the döner sandwich, which the gyros is based off of. There is either beef, lamb or chicken for a selection of meat for the sandwich.
If you are missing the tastes of Turkey, as I was, I would stop by here!

Finding a good Turkish market in the Chicago area is tough. This place makes me feel right at home. They have great prices and friendly service. Not to mention virtually everything a person could want from a well stocked market.
My husband and I have been here for lunch as well, they make delicious doner and lamacun. Have yet to try their pide but I am sure it’s delicious as well.

It is a hard to find turkish market in the suburbs. They have wide selection of turkish products.

The management has been changed. They have fresh grocery items and meet products. Nice to have a turkish market that you know their products are safe.
Hope stays that way.

I love this place! They have such a bigger and better selection than a lot of little ethnic market that I’ve found in the NW ‘burbs. The people working there were also much more friendly than at typical shops such as this. It feels like family.
When I entered, an older man greeted me in Turkish and smiled when he realized I didn’t understand a damn thing. He welcomed me into the shop and left me alone to browse the aisles. An older woman must have later noticed the look of confusion upon my face (almost everything is in Turkish) and she offered to help me with anything I needed.
Checkout was also a breeze. I only found two items, but they made my day. Nothing makes me happier than feta cheese and good olive oil. And now that I’ve read the first review I’m quite sad I didn’t find the baklava. But my goodies were rung up cheerfully and the woman working the counter could hardly contain her joy when I tried, and managed well enough, to say ‘thank you’ in Turkish.

It was Thanksgiving Day and I needed something awesome to bring to family dinner. Hurray! They were open!
Almond and Pistachio Baklava, freshly made. It was a hit at dinner, must’ve been freshly made that day, very sweet, very soft, worth the price. I can almost say, it was better than whats found on Kedzie, but, maybe it was just this batch. Will definitely go back for more.
Given the name it is an ethnic market, specializing in Turkish, Greek goods.
Check out their website, but if you have a chance, stop in and sample some baklava and look around.