Tostini is a small cafe in Rodgers Park, Chicago, serving homemade Turkish food. On my first visit to the cafe, I ended up staying 3 hours because I got caught up conversing with the friendly owner!

Sean (Şahin) Cakir opened the cafe in September of 2019 because it had always been his dream. Cakir came to the United States from Türkiye for university at 19 years old by himself. He developed a passion for cooking by experimenting in the kitchen — making meals that his mother often cooked for him growing up.

Tostini’s specialities are “tostini” sandwiches with different filling options such as veggie, chicken or köfte meatballs wrapped in pita bread. Cakir also offers a traditional Turkish breakfast spread — which varies but usually consists of cheese, olives, pita bread and tea — for diners who call in advance.

I have gotten all of these options, and you can’t go wrong. The cafe’s welcoming interior and warm smiles from the owner instantly make you feel at home; a taste of Turkish hospitality so central to their culture.

Come for fresh food prepared by Cakir himself — and feel free to stay a while!