Cafe Turkuaz
301 E 3rd St, Bloomington, IN
Crema's Take
“Cafe Turkuaz transports you to Istanbul without leaving Bloomington, thanks to its authentic floor seating and warm, unhurried atmosphere that feels like sitting in someone's home. Their traditional Turkish pastries and savory pies like lamb pide arrive with real care, and the full-bodied flavors in every bite keep students and families coming back for leisurely afternoons of coffee and conversation. The genuine hospitality here—from the head of house's attentiveness to the thoughtful cultural details—makes this the kind of place where you actually want to linger.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
We heard from students that this place was fantastic. It did not let down whatsoever!! Full body flavor in every bite! We opted and enjoyed the floor seating. Will definitely be back soon!
My first time eating Turkish fare and I came away impressed. Initially we came in on valentines day and were turned away due to not having a reservation. The head of house came out immediately and told us they could seat us in 30 minutes. Which was perfect. We were seated and greeted by our server. We ordered baba ghanoush as our appetizer which was sweet and delicious. It was also served with lentil soup. Everything was served swiftly and kindly. Portion sizes are more than adequate. The service was awesome. 3 servers each individually asked if we needed anything. Highly recommend if you haven't tried it, you should!
Nice atmosphere and good service. We ordered the lamb pide which was baked right and super delicious. We also got the Turkuaz dish and the lamb cubes were so chewy.
The restaurant had a warm, cozy atmosphere that immediately made me feel comfortable. I especially appreciated the traditional seating arrangement, which added an authentic touch to the experience. The Veggie Pide and the Sarma were outstanding—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. The lentil soup was tasty and comforting, making it a great start to the meal. For dessert, the walnut baklava was absolutely delightful. I also tried the Turkish coffee, served in a nice little cup; it was strong, aromatic, and smooth. Overall, this spot is a gem in Bloomington and a must-visit if you’re looking for authentic Turkish flavors.
Love it! And love the little sitting area on the floor. It gives an authentic experience of the culture. I ordered hummus and another dish that had zucchini as appetizers and I loved it! I always told people that I hate hummus, but tried theirs and loved it. Additionally, I ordered the lamb gyro 🥙 which was humongous! All in all, definitely coming back here.
Crema Reviews
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