Al Bahaar

No Doubt Mediterranean: Outstanding Food & Service Khalil Ismail, founder & owner of Al-Bahaar Restaurant in Orland Square, accurately self-describes his newest restaurant as follows: "Discover the best of Mediterranean cuisine with our fresh seafood and flavorful kebabs. [W]e combine vibrant spices and the freshest ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience. Join us and savor the rich tastes of the Mediterranean in a warm and welcoming atmosphere." My wife discovered this place looking to take me somewhere we'd never been before for Father's Day. Our friends Sonia & Samir Khalil and Hanya Aboukie Elkhatib HIGHLY recommended this establishment when asked whether we would enjoy dining here. Off we went. GREAT DECISION!We were greeted by the owner's son and another older gentleman who also appeared to be family, and were immediately seated. The menu was eclectic and no doubt Mediterranean with a few twist. EVERYTHING WAS OUTSTANDING!I started with the GARLIC OYSTERS as my appetizer incorrectly listed as a cold appetizer but properly served baked then broiled. Plump and succulent oysters bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.My wife and daughter shared (and I tasted) the MUHAMMARA a delectable dip made from roasted red peppers, walnuts, breadcrumbs, olive oil, and spices.For entrees our friends uniformly highly recommended the FISH SAYADIEH which comes fried or grilled. This is a whole deboned and halved basa fish. Light, flaky and fried in a perfect tempura batter served atop a bed of fragrant rice cooked with spices, nuts, and caramelized onions.The desserts and coffees are varied and delicious--I suggest the pistachio cake and vanilla cafe latte.

Decor : five starsService: three starsTaste: alrightFamily friendly: YesPrice $$-$$$$Parking: easyWe arrived at 9:50 PM. I made sure by calling and asking. The man who answered the phone was pleasant. I appreciate that they open late. Not too many sit down places to choose from that isn't a bar on a Friday night in the suburbs. The host was distracted when we got there, we stood idle for a bit, which is understandable because a newly wed was having their last hurrah for the evening complete with a circle dance, sparklers, loud music, and clapping. It was definitely a joyful spectacle. The view inside is as beautiful as the well lit restaurant on the outside. First notice, there were many families in the main dining room with many children under 10 years old. We sat and waited for someone to come back to realize that we were forgotten. We asked the bus boy if someone could come to get our order and the lady that came by gave a confused look and asked if we needed something. Besides taking the order, bringing the food, and asking again for the check, no one dropped by to check if our water needs refilling unless we asked. They do come right away if you do ask though.Both the hummus and naan were excellent. Turkish coffee tasted as expected (ordered because it is very, very cold in the restaurant. Definitely bring a sweater).Seafood tower was more spectacular visually than the price point to taste. We got this because they advertised speciality in seafood. If I do go back, maybe the typical Middle Eastern cuisine might have been the better choice.

al-Bahaar is a seafood restaurant conveniently located in the vicinity of Orland Square Mall. There is ample parking. The interior is very spacious and beautifully decorated. It's a nice experience eating here. Service was friendly and pricing was reasonable for a seafood restaurant, though not cheap. The menu had a decent selection of seafood items, but also plenty of non-seafood Middle Eastern dishes like hummus and muhammara.We ordered a grilled seafood platter (which came with a nice yogurt dip and fresh pita bread), and a mashkan roll appetizer. The seafood platter had a nice mix of items. It had two types of grilled fish, some shrimp, one jumbo shrimp, a couple of mussels, and fried calamari. This was all served atop a bed of rice. Melted butter and marinara sauce were included, but I really wish there was tartar sauce. Everything was tasty (including the yogurt dip), but the shrimp was tough, so I think it was slightly overcooked.The mashkan rolls were like spring rolls with chicken and sumac inside. These were just okay. There was some tartness along with the savory flavors, but my wife didn't feel like the chicken had a fresh flavor. I think these rolls would have been better with some sort of dip, maybe a garlic sauce.Overall, a nice restaurant to have a fancy seafood meal before or after a trip to the mall.

Amazing service started as soon as we walked in the door. Friendly host brought us to great table with very comfortable oversized chairs. Waiter was knowledgeable and had great recommendations, later he brought out some sauces for us to sample with our meal. I got the mixed platter that was delicious. Live music in the back room added to the cool vibe. Great experience.

Today I chose a restaurant that I'd never patronize to celebrate my spouse birthday, what a great choice. Al Bahaar Seafood and Kabob, Orland Patk. The atmosphere was relaxing with an elegant Mediterranean motif, including beautiful lighting. The service and staff for impeccable. Also spoke with some of the executive staff who were pleasant, professional, and very informative on future growth of the restaurant. The mozzarella sticks were made in house couldn't stop eating them. Even the apple juice was made in house, like you were biting into an actual apple. Place this restaurant on your next checklist, you won't be disappointed

Food is fantastic, fresh, tasty, should I go on , will definitely be coming back, service a bit slow, but loved this place.

Excellent service, beautiful restaurant and the food was amazing, i ate the seafood grilled platter, pinacolada, mint lemonade, definitely going back again

All of the above food service and ambiance were excellent. We had the Greek salad, the shrimp, calamari, and the hummus. All of the food was freshly made and very delicious. The manager and servers' hospitality was outstanding. Their outdoor patio very spacious and decorative. I am definitely coming back.

Chef's pick paella 98% rice 2% fish. Way too $$$. I paella and one eggplant dip cost $46.

The seafood was out of this world. We ordered the mixed grill. Great variety.Service was superbVery luxurious place very quiet.