A Thousand Tales

3.8 (144)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

2340 Elmhurst Rd, Mount Prospect, IL 60056

Make a reservation

A Thousand Tales

3.8

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Mount Prospect

Make a reservation

2 people

May 13, 2026

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Healthy
Good for special occasions
Good for business meals

Enjoy the perfect fusion of Turkish and Mediterranean dishes at A Thousand Tales. Start off your early morning at our cafe with the perfect cappuccino, latte, americano, or espresso paired with a Turkish bagel or Balkan-style borek stuffed with potatoes, cheese, or ground beef. A Thousand Tales offers a variety of breakfast options including veggie omelettes, waffles, and traditional Turkish platters. You must try the eggs with soudjouk or menemen! Bring your friends and family for lunch and dinner and enjoy the mixed grill that includes lamb chops, chicken shish kabob, kofte kabob, adana kabob, lamb shish kabob, lahmacun (Turkish pizza), and traditional beyti kabob. Finally, end your meal with Turkish coffee paired with Sutlac (Rice pudding), Kazandibi (Turkish flan), pistachio baklava, eclairs, honey cake, or our specialty cookies. Enjoy the summer weather by dining at our outdoor tables while sipping on some refreshing homemade lemonade and freshly squeezed orange juice.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Dessert, Halal
Hours of operation
Daily 7:00 am–10:00 pm Breakfast Daily 9:00 am–12:15 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–9:00 pm Dinner Sat, Sun 1:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(847) 258-4243
Website
https://www.thousandtales.com/
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
You can build-your-own menu or get the full Tales experience with an open buffet. We offer appetizers, kabobs, and salads by the tray. Our all-you-can-eat buffet service includes appetizers, entrees, drinks, and desserts. We offer delivery and full-service as well!
Private party facilities
We can host a variety of private events at A Thousand Tales, including wedding showers, bridal parties, baby showers, corporate meetings, birthday parties, graduation parties, and holiday parties. You can order a custom cake for any of these events at our bakery including a variety of flavors: pistachio, chocolate sour cherry, or mixed berry.

Location
2340 Elmhurst Rd, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Neighborhood
Mount Prospect
Cross street
We are on the intersection of Elmhurst and Oakton.
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Cafe, Chef's Table, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Gluten-free Options, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch

Experiences

Weekend Breakfast Buffet
$35.00 per person
Multiple dates available
Join us every weekend for our all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet! It includes a variety of Turkish cheese, Turkish olives, Turkish pastries, and Turkish tea. Enjoy our build-your-own omlette and waffle station as well. $35/Adult $20/Child between the ages of 5 and 12

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Tales Breakfast Plate (Serves 2)$35.00
Simit, kashkaval cheese, shallal cheese, Turkish tulum cheese, feta cheese, tomato, cucumber, olives, jam, butter, honey, kaymak, fried sausage, hard-boiled egg, tahini and molasses, walnuts, and dried apricot
Si̇mi̇t Plate$12.00
Simit with oven melted cheese served with olives, tomato, and white cheese on the side
Breakfast Plate$19.00
Cherry tomato, cucumber, feta cheese, kashkaval cheese, jam, olives, mixed greens, hard-boiled egg, tahini and molasses, and fried sausage
Menemen$12.00
Traditional Turkish scrambled eggs with tomato and green pepper
Eggs w/ Soujouk$13.00
Eggs w/ Pastrami$14.00
Fried Eggs$12.00

Omelettes

All Omelettes Are Served With Hash Browns (all butter, eggs, and honey are Amish and non-GMO)

Plain Omelette$10.00
Cheese Omelette$13.00
Feta Cheese Omelette$13.00
Tomato & Feta Cheese Omelette$13.00
Mushrooms and Cheese Omelette$13.00
Soujouk Omelette$14.00
Tales Omelette$18.00
Soujouk, pastrami, onion, spinach, tomato, cheese, peppers, mushroom
Vegetable Omelette$13.00
Omelet with onion, pepper, mushroom, and tomato

Waffles & French Toast

Waffles$16.00
Chocolate Chip Waffles$17.00
French Toast$16.00

Salads

Organic Cold Pressed Olive Oil and Fresh, Natural Vegetables. Salad Add-Ons: Feta Cheese $5, Chicken $9, Beef Doner $10, Lamb Shish $10, Salmon $14

Spinach Avocado Salad$17.00
Baby spinach, arugula, tomato, onion, and avocado with a lemon juice and olive oil dressing
Shepherd Salad
Finely chopped tomato, cucumber, onion, green pepper, and parsley with a lemon juice and olive oil dressing
- Small$12.00
- Large$15.00
Tales Salad$18.00
Mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, sliced onion, cheese, orange, walnuts, carrot, and pomogranate with lemon juice and olive oil dressing
Pomegranate Walnut Salad$17.00
Tomato, cucumber, red onion, green pepper, chopped parsley, pomegranate, and walnuts with a pomegranate sauce and olive oil dressing

Cold Appetizers

Organic Cold Pressed Olive Oil and Fresh, Natural Vegetables

Babaganoush$10.00
Mashed charcoal grilled eggplants with yogurt, fresh garlic paste, olive oil, sesame paste and salt
Spicy Vegetable Dip$7.00
A combination of fresh tomatoes, spicy green pepper, walnut, onion, garlic, and lemon juice
Mixed Appetizer Plate
- Choice of 3$13.00
- Choice of 6$18.00
Hummus$8.00
Pureed chickpeas blended with fresh garlic, tahini and fresh herbs
Labneh$8.00
A creamed yogurt dip with garlic, fresh mint and walnuts
Jajik$7.00
Finely chopped cucumbers blended with garlic, yogurt, fresh mint
Cig Kofte$9.00
Vegetarian meatballs made from bulgur, onion, garlic, pepper/tomato paste, pomegranate sauce and various spices
Fresh Beet Dip$10.00
Grated fresh beets with yogurt, garlic, olive oil and salt

Hot Appetizers

Mozzarella Sticks$10.00
Falafel w/ hummus$10.00
Rolled Cheese Sticks$10.00
Kibbeh
Bulgur meatballs stuffed with minced onions, ground beef, walnuts, parsley, and mixed spices
- 2 Pcs$14.00
Mixed Hot Appetizer Plate$17.00
2 falafels, 2 mozzeralla sticks, 2 rolled cheese sticks, 1 kibbeh

Soups

Red Lentil Soup$8.00
Turkish Wedding Soup$12.00
A hearty Turkish soup traditionally served at weddings. It is the perfect blend of yogurt and beef in soup and gives and savory, zesty taste

Entrees

Guvec$29.00
Special marinated lamb with onion, garlic, pepper, and tomato. Choice of rice or bulgur on the side
Ali Nazik$29.00
Grilled beef tenderloin over mashed eggplants with mozarella and garlic sauce
Chicken Ali Nazik$27.00
Grilled chicken shish served over charcoal roasted mashed eggplants with mozarella and garlic sauce
Roasted Vegetables$15.00
Roasted in oven baby carrot, baby potato, mushroom, fresh thyme, oregano
Mushroom Guvec$20.00
Mushrooms roasted in oven with tomatoes, pepper, herbs, garlic, and onion. Choice of rice or bulgur on the side
Iskender$29.00
Sliced shawarma served over buttery bread, topped with tomato sauce and yogurt
Beyti Kabob$30.00
Beyti Kabob Grilled ground beef and lamb wrapped in flatbread and topped with tomato sauce, melted cheese, yogurt and pistachio

Kabobs

All kabobs are served with onions, grilled tomato, and grilled pepper and a side of rice, bulgur wheat, or french fries. Fresh, non-gmo, and hormone free beef, baby lamb and chicken

Lamb Chops$48.00
Beef Doner$25.00
Thinly sliced and broiled tender beef and lamb
Grilled Meatballs$23.00
Lamb Shish Kabob$30.00
Beef Shish$32.00
Chicken Shish$20.00
Adana Kabob$29.00
Grilled ground lamb and beef blended with red peppers
Tales Grill
Combination of chicken shish, lamb shish, adana kabob, lamb chops, lamb shawarma and meatballs
- Serves 2-3 People$60.00
Tales Family Mixed Grill
Combination of chicken shish, lamb shish, Adana kabob,lamb chops, beef doner, meatballs, beyti kabob, lahmacun, mix salad, rice, bulgur and french fries
- Serves 4-5 People$140.00

Chef's Specials

For the chef specials, there is a minimum 45 mins preparation

Lamb Tandir$40.00
Roasted potato, choice of bulgur, white rice or fries
Testi Kabab
Lamb with onion, garlic, mix pepper, tomato and our special mix spices slow cooked in a brick oven
- Small$42.00
- Large$70.00
Mix Fruit Plate$50.00
Strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, orange, grape, pineapple, kiwi, apple, banana

Brick Oven Specials

Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza)$8.00
Ground beef and lamb blended with pepper, tomato, parsley, onion and garlic on thin crust dough
Cheesemacun$8.00
Mozzarella cheese on thin crust dough
Pide w/ Soujouk$19.00
Pide w/ Ground Beef$19.00
Pide w/ Pastrami$19.00
Mixed Pide$23.00
Turkish flat bread topped with ground beef, soujouk, pastrami and cheese
Pide w/ Kashkaval Cheese$17.00
Pide w/ Feta Cheese$17.00
Cheese Pizza 12"$18.00
Margarita Pizza 12"$18.00
Pepperoni Pizza 12"$22.00
Veggie Pizza 12"$20.00
mushroom, pepper, tomato, onion, garlic

Seafood

Salmon$35.00
Served with baby vegetables, lemon, and roasted potatoes
Sea Bass$40.00
Served with baby vegetables, lemon, and roasted potatoes

Kids Menu

Chicken Nuggets$13.00
Chicken Wings$13.00
Falafel Burger$20.00
Cheeseburger$20.00

Drinks

Water$3.00
Voss
- 0.5 L$6.00
- 1 L$9.00
Canned Soda$4.00
Canned Juice$5.00
Ayran (Yogurt Drink)$5.00
S. Pellegrino
- 0.5 L$5.00
- 1 L$9.00
Black Tea$2.00
Organic Green Tea$10.00
Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice$10.00
Fresh Squeezed Lemonade$7.00
Black Tea Pot$10.00

What 144 people are saying

A Thousand Tales reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.8

3.8 based on recent ratings

4.0Food
3.8Service
3.9Ambience
3.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

A Thousand Tales offers a delightful "farm to table feel" with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Known for its "amazing" brunch, delicious desserts, and cozy ambiance, it's perfect for family outings. While some buffet experiences could improve, the "best Turkish food in Chicago" and "amazing staff" keep guests returning.

144 Reviews

R
Ron Gold
Chicago4 reviews
1.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
I am writing only about the Mother's Day brunch. I am sure that this is a well meaning place with good food and service on normal days. But please think twice before booking any buffet on a special occasion. They clearly overbooked the place, with over a hundred people lined up for a tiny buffet area. To top it off, there were no organized lines so swarms of people merged from all directions. Food was not refilled promptly. They charged a lot for this unfortunate experience, plus 18 percent automatic service charge for a person who poured water (and that too, once). For all of this, it was not suprising that there were so many people complaining out loud, but no action taken by the place to organize the chaos. When I made a remark at payment time up front, the receptionist was just silent. Their decision to overbook resulted in disappointed diners who, like me, won't give the place a second chance after this experience.
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T
Tes
Chicago2 reviews
1.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 1
The food items were not labeled as to what they are. My nephew is allergic to nuts, and did not know which items had nuts, so he didn't eat anything. There was only one buffet that was set up in a small corner that was a challenge to get around to. We stood in line for 20 mins to get food, and the food wasn't't even hot. We didn't attempt to get seconds because the line was still long. We were seated in another room that had Moore room with breakfast buffet, but we couldn't part take in that, because breakfast was over. tThe food sat there for a long time. The servers a finally cleared the breakfast buffet after 3pm. They should have had another lunch buffet set up in our room. We'll never go there again.
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K
Kate Gold
Chicago20 reviews
3.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Booked for Mothers Day lunch which was a buffet line. It was the most chaotic thing I’ve experienced at a restaurant. Lines that wrapped around two deep, and the wait to get your food was long…the experience made a holiday like today…feel not special. I wanted to have a great experience, a new one at a restaurant with great reviews. Just poor execution and less than average service with the sheer number of guests that overflowed into their banquet room.
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S
Salim
Chicago7 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
An enjoyable experience overall, a 4.0 on the mark, nothing more nothing less. It felt like a fun little trip to Turkey, as the atmosphere and decore represented the country well. We had the infamous Turkish brunch and although the options weren’t plentiful, the quality of their selection was spot on. The chicken was misplaced on a brunch menu however, had the best flavor of all options. The made to order omelettes were not shy on portions or ingredients, a great touch. Servers and staff were polite and attentive, however we weren’t offered tea or coffee at any point. Overall, it’s worth a stop and I recommend you try it.
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S
Stefanie
Raleigh1 review
5.0
Dined on April 5, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We had the brunch and it was amazing. We have been here before and loved the entrees as well. Very Fresh food. They use good ingredients- farm to table feel… The cheeses, fruits and veggies are crisp and flavorful. You don’t feel gross or heavy after eating. Loved the waffles, cheeses, fresh fruits, hummus, fresh veggies salads, omelette.
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M
Michelle Gold
Chicago4 reviews
3.0
Dined on March 21, 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
It was a cultural experience. Just felt the lamb dish we ordered needed salt and spices. No flavor. Otherwise the desserts were the best.
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F
Faezeh
Chicago1 review
4.0
Dined on March 21, 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The environment was friendly and the food was high quality, though it was a bit on the expensive side. I especially appreciated the Halal food, which are my top priority. It’s also great to find a restaurant that doesn't serve alcohol.
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W
Wafa
Chicago8 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 7, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went for brunch. Great variety of breakfast items, cheeses, salads, fruits. The made to order omelettes and waffles were delicious. And make sure you order the hot tea.
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R
Rujuta
Chicago10 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 3, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Nice quaint with a very amicable atmosphere. Feels very cozy and very nice lighting
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R
Rose
Chicago25 reviews
3.0
Dined on February 22, 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The staff was very friendly and attentive. The food was good, although one or two dishes were a little heavy handed on the salt. My friend and I went for the breakfast buffet, not sure if it was worth the price charged.
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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Dessert, Halal
Hours of operation
Daily 7:00 am–10:00 pm Breakfast Daily 9:00 am–12:15 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–9:00 pm Dinner Sat, Sun 1:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(847) 258-4243
Website
https://www.thousandtales.com/
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
You can build-your-own menu or get the full Tales experience with an open buffet. We offer appetizers, kabobs, and salads by the tray. Our all-you-can-eat buffet service includes appetizers, entrees, drinks, and desserts. We offer delivery and full-service as well!
Private party facilities
We can host a variety of private events at A Thousand Tales, including wedding showers, bridal parties, baby showers, corporate meetings, birthday parties, graduation parties, and holiday parties. You can order a custom cake for any of these events at our bakery including a variety of flavors: pistachio, chocolate sour cherry, or mixed berry.

Location
2340 Elmhurst Rd, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Neighborhood
Mount Prospect
Cross street
We are on the intersection of Elmhurst and Oakton.
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Cafe, Chef's Table, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Gluten-free Options, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch

Featured in

FAQs

Casual dress is appropriate. Guests frequently dine for family meals, brunch, and celebrations in relaxed attire, while still finding the atmosphere a bit polished for special occasions. Dress comfortably and you’ll fit right in.

There’s no clear public mention of a formal waiting list, but guests report the restaurant gets very busy for holiday and special buffets even with reservations. It’s best to make a reservation for weekends or special events and call ahead on busy days; if you arrive without a reservation, expect possible waits or crowded buffet lines.

Sunday or a weekday is probably your best bet if you want a calmer meal. Guests specifically noted enjoying Sunday visits when the restaurant felt less busy and service was better than on Saturday or holiday buffet days.

The best time is a weekday or an early Sunday when the restaurant tends to be quieter. Guests report Saturdays and special holiday buffets (Valentine’s, Thanksgiving, Christmas) can be very busy and loud. For a calmer meal, try weekday lunch or an early dinner on quieter weekend days, and avoid peak buffet service times if you prefer a relaxed experience.

Yes, the restaurant appears accommodating for special requests: guests report birthday celebrations and staff going the extra mile, and the bakery offers customized cakes for special occasions. For specific needs (dietary restrictions, seating requests, or large party arrangements), call ahead so staff can confirm availability and make arrangements.

Yes, the owner description explicitly mentions outdoor tables for summer dining. Guests also enjoy the cozy bakery/cafe area, and outdoor seating offers a pleasant option when weather allows.

Portions are generally generous. Guests often mention large family platters, mixed grills for two, and leaving with leftovers after entrees. Brunch and buffet offerings are plentiful, and many say the bakery items and desserts are substantial. If you’re ordering à la carte, expect filling plates and shareable options like the Tales Family Mixed Grill.

The restaurant is open daily with extended hours: generally 7:00 am–10:00 pm. Breakfast service runs daily 9:00 am–12:15 pm; lunch is Mon–Fri 11:00 am–9:00 pm; dinner is Sat–Sun 1:00 pm–9:00 pm. If you’re planning for a holiday buffet or special event, check ahead as hours or menus can change.

Yes, many guests bring families and celebrate birthdays with children. Brunch offerings, omelette and waffle stations, and family-style platters make it a popular spot for families. If you have very young children, consider an earlier seating to avoid busier, louder buffet times.

Yes, A Thousand Tales can be a lovely choice for a date night, especially if you enjoy authentic Turkish and Mediterranean flavors. Guests praise the cozy, classy atmosphere, attentive service, and attractive dessert/bakery offerings that make celebrations feel special. Avoid very busy buffet nights (Valentine’s/holiday service can be crowded) and note the restaurant generally does not serve alcohol. For a quieter, more intimate experience, pick a weekday evening or an early weekend seating.

Warm and inviting with a cozy, slightly upscale-casual vibe. Many guests describe the space as classy, well-lit, and great for celebrations; the bakery/coffee corner adds a charming touch. That said, weekend buffets and holidays can make the restaurant loud and crowded, during peak times the energy is bustling rather than intimate.

Busiest: weekends (especially Saturday) and special holiday buffets (Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas), guests report long lines and crowded seating. Quietest: weekday lunches and early Sunday visits; several guests said Sunday was noticeably calmer and service felt more attentive then.

Yes, the restaurant operates special holiday services sometimes (guests described Thanksgiving and Christmas Day buffets). They do run holiday buffets and special events, but offerings and service can differ from regular hours, so call ahead to confirm hours and menu for a specific holiday.

How FAQ content is generated

Make a reservation

A Thousand Tales

3.8

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Mount Prospect

Make a reservation

2 people

May 13, 2026

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Experiences are available.

A Thousand Tales

Make a reservation

A Thousand Tales

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Weekend Breakfast Buffet

Breakfast

Tales Breakfast Plate (Serves 2)$35.00

Si̇mi̇t Plate$12.00

Breakfast Plate$19.00

Menemen$12.00

Eggs w/ Soujouk$13.00

Eggs w/ Pastrami$14.00

Fried Eggs$12.00

Omelettes

Plain Omelette$10.00

Cheese Omelette$13.00

Feta Cheese Omelette$13.00

Tomato & Feta Cheese Omelette$13.00

Mushrooms and Cheese Omelette$13.00

Soujouk Omelette$14.00

Tales Omelette$18.00

Vegetable Omelette$13.00

Waffles & French Toast

Waffles$16.00

Chocolate Chip Waffles$17.00

French Toast$16.00

Salads

Spinach Avocado Salad$17.00

Shepherd Salad

Tales Salad$18.00

Pomegranate Walnut Salad$17.00

Cold Appetizers

Babaganoush$10.00

Spicy Vegetable Dip$7.00

Mixed Appetizer Plate

Hummus$8.00

Labneh$8.00

Jajik$7.00

Cig Kofte$9.00

Fresh Beet Dip$10.00

Hot Appetizers

Mozzarella Sticks$10.00

Falafel w/ hummus$10.00

Rolled Cheese Sticks$10.00

Kibbeh

Mixed Hot Appetizer Plate$17.00

Soups

Red Lentil Soup$8.00

Turkish Wedding Soup$12.00

Entrees

Guvec$29.00

Ali Nazik$29.00

Chicken Ali Nazik$27.00

Roasted Vegetables$15.00

Mushroom Guvec$20.00

Iskender$29.00

Beyti Kabob$30.00

Kabobs

Lamb Chops$48.00

Beef Doner$25.00

Grilled Meatballs$23.00

Lamb Shish Kabob$30.00

Beef Shish$32.00

Chicken Shish$20.00

Adana Kabob$29.00

Tales Grill

Tales Family Mixed Grill

Chef's Specials

Lamb Tandir$40.00

Testi Kabab

Mix Fruit Plate$50.00

Brick Oven Specials

Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza)$8.00

Cheesemacun$8.00

Pide w/ Soujouk$19.00

Pide w/ Ground Beef$19.00

Pide w/ Pastrami$19.00

Mixed Pide$23.00