"What an absolutely delightful experience! So glad my cousins introduced us here and made a reservation two weeks in advance! It is definitely a popular spot, so it's recommended to make reservations if you intend to visit. Lines start to form throughout lunch and dinner service well into the lobby area. I ordered a non-alcoholic called the psych which was delicious. Bit of a fizzy and fruity drink, which was lovely to sip throughout the meal.We ordered a small chunk of cheese (humbolt fog) which I thought was quite nice. it reminds me a bit of the funk from blue cheese. They served it with a peach type marmalade and olives mix and some bread. Flavours complimented the cheese quite well and I enjoyed having a taster.We ordered grilled broccoli starter and the mushrooms 3 ways - highly recommend both. Lovely taste and texture. For mains we tried out the halibut, turkey leg, and lamb shank. We also tried a pasta which I believe was orecchetti. It was a cheesy one and it sort of reminded me of the thick nacho cheese you'd get at the theatre. Quite a comfort food. The halibut was very well cooked and I loved the sauce it was in. The lamb shank was very rich and heavy. Meat eaters at the table were huge fans. I loved the bed of sweet potatoes it sat in. The Turkey Leg was probably my favourite. Lovely caramelization on the leg and the bed of veggies soaked up the sauce. It was sweet and tangy from the vinegar used to create the sauce. Beautifully balanced. I wish I could eat it again!Definitely recommend checking this place out. And it's all meant to be shared which always makes for a lovely meal time with friends and family. Service was also quite fast!"
"This is a long overdue review but I came to Avec during Chicago Restaurant Week in the beginning of the year and enjoyed the overall experience. We went to the West Loop location and the space was small yet inviting. The seating situation was tough since it's a community style so you will be elbow to elbow next to a stranger but we made the most of it. I would highly recommend making reservations as the place gets busy and filled especially during the weekends. For the food, we really enjoyed the chorizo stuffed medjool dates with bacon and piquillo pepper sauce. It was a balance of salty and sweetness and the sauce was perfectly seasoned and dipped well with the bread. For the large plate, the roasted chicken thigh kabsa was delicious! The meat was really tender and the basmati rice was flavorful and with the addition of almonds and saffron. Since we dined in during Chicago Restaurant Week, the menu was fixed but I am really looking forward to coming back and trying different dishes in their menu. I love tapas and getting to try and share multiple meals and the quality of ingredients is top notch!"
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Gravy + Crispy Lentils
$25.00
Visit Restaurant Pagemedjool dates stuffed with house made chorizo, wrapped with bacon and roasted in a piquillo pepper-tomato sauce, served with ciabatta
$20.00
Visit Restaurant PageGrilled onions, sherry, beef jus. Served with our house bread (2pc).
$19.95
Visit Restaurant PageBoneless chicken thigh pieces, marinated and charbroiled. Grilled tomato and Anaheim pepper.
$20.00
Visit Restaurant PageCombination of shish kabob, kifta kabob, shawarma, chicken tender and falafel served with rice pilaf, salad and our homemade pita bread.
$10.99
Visit Restaurant PageCombination of shish kabob, kifta kabob, shawarma, chicken tender and falafel served with rice pilaf, salad and our homemade pita bread.
$10.99
Visit Restaurant PageFried imported Kefalograviera cheese, flambeed with brandy finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
$13.00
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"We're back in Chicago....and back to the Greek Islands place. A great restaurant this place is!! Fried cheese dish is always the best we've had at Greek places. The fried eggplant was a great appetizer too. Now, I'm a big beef person, BUT, the chicken shish kabob was better than the beef! The fish dish was fabulous."
"Everyone and their mothers were hyping up Aba being the best Mediterranean restaurant when I visited Chicago this time around. Even though it's been open for several years, getting a reservation at a reasonable time is still pretty difficult. I was here with five others last Sunday for dinner. Even though the reservation was made over a month in advance, we were only able to snag the 4:15 PM slot.Wanted to make the note -- the complementary pita bread was absolutely phenomenal. It was so soft and fluffy and well seasoned. Very yummy and definitely ask for more!CRISPY SHORT RIB HUMMUS - 18.95This came with a large pita that I thought was fluffier and tastier than the complementary pita bread. The hummus was super smooth and the beef jus on top gave it more of a "mashed potatoes" appearance. This hummus has got to be the best thing we got the entire dinner. It was so creamy and flavorful, and the shredded and tender beef mixed with sherry was a wonderful combination. I would highly recommend.MUHAMMARA - 15.95This dip was slightly spicy due to the roasted pepper and isot chili. The walnuts gave it a nutty and crunchy flavor that was great. The pomegranate molasses made it a bit sweet, so it was sweet and spicy. Delicious dip that all of us enjoyed, we'd definitely recommend.BRUSSELS SPROUTS - 14.95Crispy and crunchy without being too oily. These were topped with nuts and some harissa honey which added more to the flavor. They're not too crunchy on its own, but the nuts help. This was good but nothing mind-blowing.GREEN CHILI SHRIMP - 18.95Each order comes with 6 jumbo shrimps inside an escargot plate and topped with garlic, parmesan, and breadcrumbs. Pretty good toppings, and the shrimp was juicy. We liked it, but it's a bit pricy for sure.PORK BELLY - 24.95Each order comes with two small strips of pork belly and decorated with some nectarine and drizzled in vinaigrette. The nectarine was pretty sweet and enhanced the flavor of the pork. One of our pork belly was super fatty and the other was pretty lean. I ate a bite from the lean pork belly and it was OK. I want to bet that the fatty one was a lot tastier and denser in flavor.PRIME SHORT RIB KALBI - 33.95These were charred pretty well and had a sweet flavor, but expensive for one and half pieces of kalbi. I think we each got one small bite and tendon from the bone. Flavor was great, but I don't think it's worth the price point.The ambiance and interior is beautiful. The bathroom was fancy. Service was also speedy and helpful with recommendations. Aba was definitely the best meal I had during this trip! Their dips are a must and what they're known for. The pork belly and kalbi was good, too, but too expensive for the portion size. This 5/5 review is definitely for the dips."
"Ema's ambience embodies a luminous and airy aesthetic, imbued with a touch of Californian nonchalance. This bright and breezy atmosphere sets the stage for a delightful exploration of the Mediterranean.My initial foray was the "spicy toothpick lamb" ($19). This dish featured tender morsels of lamb redolent with cumin, artfully presented alongside a house yogurt. The lamb itself was commendably supple, boasting a subtle yet piquant kick that awakened the palate.Next, I ventured towards the house-made labneh ($15). This creation showcased spring peas in their verdant glory, complemented by diminutive thumbelina carrots and a bed of lentils. The labneh, a delightful yogurt cheese, served as the foundation for this symphony of textures and flavors. A lemon vinaigrette added a touch of refreshing acidity, further elevating the dish. The accompanying fresh-baked pita bread deserves its own accolades - it was demonstrably some of the most delectable bread I have ever encountered, boasting a perfect balance of texture and flavor.My final course was the grilled chicken ($20). Succulent segments of chicken, marinated in a yogurt concoction, emerged from the grill imbued with a smoky essence. A vibrant condiment of sweet peppers and zhoug, a Yemeni hot sauce, provided a delightful counterpoint. The basmati rice, infused with a pronounced lemon essence, served as an excellent textural and flavorful accompaniment.Overall, Ema offers a vibrant and flavorful exploration of Mediterranean cuisine presented in a stylish and contemporary setting. The quality of the ingredients and the culinary finesse are undeniable. While some may find the portion sizes a touch wanting given the price, the overall experience remains highly commendable."
"Afghanistan is renowned for its hospitality, and the significance is not lost when you dine at Kabul House. You are welcomed in, treated with great care, and you will enjoy yourself in this opulently decorated restaurant as you dine on traditional Afghan dishes.Though not my first time dining at Kabul House but my first in this location, I asked myself why I did not come more often. The cuisine is halal and has elements similar to dishes from India and Persia and other countries.There is a spacious parking lot, an expansive dining area, beautiful decor. We started with bright and refreshing mint lemonade then shared Mantoo, which are minced beef dumplings, topped with garlic yogurt, and mint. These were very tasty and served with a bright and intense coriander chutney.One of my companions ordered the combination grilled kabob platter which is kabobs served with rice (Afghan, dill, or white saffron), grilled tomato and peppers. They are a regular to this restaurant and this was a favorite. My other companion chose scallion and leek dumplings which were cooked in herbs and spices, and topped with minced beef, garlic yogurt, and mint.I ordered the vegetarian platter which contained roasted eggplant, sauteed spinach, and pumpkin and came with Afghan rice. I loved the smoky, silky eggplant, the delicate spinach and the chunky, earthy and sweet pumpkin. It was tied together with the delicious Afghan rice, sweet with carrots and raisins. The national dish of Afghanistan is Kabuli Palaw which is rice, carrots, raisins and lamb. We had a great time, sharing the dishes which came with a basket of delicious naan and assorted chutneys. We weren't rushed or hurried and we stayed long after we finished, reconnecting and updating each other on new developments in our lives."
"My friend picked up my go-to combo-- the vegetarian combo which includes falafel, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, baba ghannoug, Jerusalem salad, tabbouleh and pita. They also included tahini and hot red sauce and a special container of pickles and olives. This is a great sampler because it's got all of the good stuff, with very generous portions to boot. Except the baba ghannoug--I could drink that stuff--I love the silky smoky smoothness of it. The same goes for the hummus--I've considered getting a part-time job there so I could find out the secret to the hummus--my all-time favorite. I forgot -- camera eats first --but remembered to snap a photo before I demolished it."
"Grateful to be here on the Orthodox Easter with 2 of my close friends to celebrate my 2nd chance in life after the stroke ordeal!We started off with calamari and saganaki. Both was fried to perfection and delicious! For the main dish, I choose chicken kabob. It came with 2 skewers of white meat, tomato, onions, tzatziki sauce and 1 pita bread. The chicken was juicy and well seasoned. There were enough tomato and onions to me to make small sandwiches using the pita. My friend opted for the roasted lamb from their Easter Special menu. She said it was very good. Her husband's chicken and pork skewers entree was equally good!They have a large parking lot with ample spaces for their customers. Large group for parties can be accommodated. The entire staff was pleasant and helpful.I've already made plans to take my family to the establishment soon!"
"Quick reviewDoing a show at the Genessee Theatre, and this is where they had us order our craft service. A nice diversion from the usual "muska-cholly" and cold chicken, or sports-bar burgers most theatres give us.Fine Beef Kofta Kabab and Rice. I dig a Mediterranean feed."
"Yes, another win, for Pita Inn.We ordered for delivery, but all was still hot and fragrant when it arrived at our door. Piles of pita, creamy hummus, tangy dolmades, fluffy rice pilaf and tasty kefteh and shawarma.Amazing garlicky sauce, nutty tahini and spicy red sauce. All was packed nicely and secure, and delivered in a timely manner.We're all in for Pita Inn."
"Those who know and love of Zizi's, know what an outstanding, solid, reliable, delicious meal and dining experience one has there. Now with a liquor license, you can get a reasonably priced beverage to accompany your meal. The Lebanese wines are tasty and affordable. I've been a regular there for years and it never disappoints. Charming positive energy staff, including Zizi, . Neighborhood Gem!"
"In 2022 we ended up having a wedding rehearsal here and it was a huge hit amongst Greek and non Greek individuals. We have since moved from the area, but have come here at least once a year to enjoy truly Greek cuisine. Over this last weekend, the day before Easter, we came here and ended up feasting. The mini kabobs on their appetizer menu were more like traditional souvlaki you'd find in Greece but on smaller skewers. (Note if you order the kabob meal the meat is much larger and more American). We both agreed the appetizer is the way to go to enjoy a local but authentic souvlaki.It was incredibly busy, but we really enjoyed our food and the many leftovers. The ambiance was a little loud, but it didn't feel crowded despite it being packed. The only thing I would recommend is the frappe being served in a class cup. Bravo"
Lexi M.
Jul 17, 2024
I stopped in here for an afternoon cocktail and snack while I wait for my other coworkers to make it into the city. I grabbed one of their lovely featured cocktails and some prosciutto wrapped dates. The cocktail was so light and refreshing and the dates were cooked to perfection with a little crisp to them. The atmosphere was a bit loud, but the food and contain I ordered was amazing.
Visit Restaurant PageKatherine T.
Aug 10, 2024
The top 2 restaurants in Chicago that I visited this year for sure. We went in a group so everything was family style. The drinks were delicious and the food was just phenomenal. I'm not a salad person but their veggie dishes were sooooo good. The short rib hummus was amazing and the giant plate of steak was so tender! It was the last dish so everyone was full, but somehow I finished the majority of the family style sized plate because it was that good. The chorizo stuffed dates were super flavorful but heavy so I wouldn't want to eat more than one. Mussels and lamb dish was also phenomenal. Can't wait to come back here
Visit Restaurant PageSteph G.
Jun 28, 2024
One of those longtime Chicago institutions in the Greektown area, Greek islands is my go to for a Greek food experience. There's not much to add here that has been said already except I usually like to come and get a bunch of small plates as opposed to entrées. Today we ordered the saganaki, Greek salad, Small gyros, spinach pie and side of Greek potatoes for lunch. Always love the bread basket at the table, especially the sesame bread. Services always fast and friendly. Yes it can be a little touristy overall but it's always fun to bring guests here. Good celebration place as well. Close to many of the universities in the city. They have free valet parking. You can probably find street parking as well.
Visit Restaurant PageKaren T.
Jul 30, 2024
You must get the hummus here! Came here with three other people for dinner and ordered an assortment of dishes. Everything was pretty good but the hummus was amazing. We ordered two kinds, the smoky garlic and the crispy short rib hummus. Both were really good. I actually kind of wished I had just ordered all the hummus options available and had a hummus tasting. The pita was also some of the best I've had.We also ordered the crispy potatoes, crispy chicken thigh, the lamb & beef kefta and two other dishes I can no longer remember the names of. Everything was tasty but the hummus was definitely the stand out.We also got the frozen Greek yogurt for dessert. I personally do not like Greek yogurt but my dining companions enjoyed itThe restaurant was nicely decorated and we sat at a kind of couch/chair combo table. Sitting on the couch, I felt like i sank into the couch a little too much for eating a meal but it was acceptable.
Visit Restaurant PageKatie E.
Jul 26, 2024
I'm not sure how I haven't reviewed Ema yet?! One of my favorite restaurants in the city, for sure. They are a sister restaurant of Aba, with the same great food but easier to get a table! I love the happy hour as well, although it must be enjoyed at the bar and not at a table. I've always loved the labneh with grapes and a crunchy nut, however they have changed it and looks like maybe they change the toppings on the labneh with the season :). Either way all of the spreads are incredible. The pita, is the BEST pita in Chicago, hands down. I love the seasoning and how soft and warm it is.... I could eat this pita for breakfast lunch and dinner! You also can't go wrong with the kebabs, crispy potatoes, brussels (yum!) and don't forget to save room for dessert. I've even visited Ema solo and sat outside on the patio, with a friend for happy hour at the bar, or even with a group in the dining room for brunch. This place is just consistently good, and if you haven't stopped in I definitely recommend it.
Visit Restaurant PageKhalid F.
Jul 21, 2024
We were up north, so we decided to try out Kabul House. It's been a while. Last time we went, they were located elsewhere.Parking is adequate for non-peak times. It's not a parking lot per se, but close enough. The interior is spacious and looks decent. Service was excellent and pricing was reasonable. The food came out really fast.We ordered the aushak (dumplings) and kadu (sautéed pumpkin) appetizers, along with the combination platter with chicken breast and beef kabob, and kabuli rice.The aushak was pretty tasty; a bit more yogurt would have been nice. The kadu was also tasty; it was almost like dessert. It didn't pair perfectly with pita bread, though. The platter was excellent. The meats were tender and the rice with carrots and raisins was tasty. The two sauces they included with the platter were awesome.Overall, a very nice lunch
Visit Restaurant PageAbhishek M.
Jan 4, 2024
I am surprised that this Pita Inn only has 1k reviews given how long it's been around but not surprised that's it has an average 4.5 star rating. All 4.5 well earned. I have recently been coming here a lot and predominantly get their Fattoush salad with chicken shawarma and in addition to the chicken being flavorful, it's also a very large helping for being fairly inexpensive. Usually salads leave you hungry or craving for more but not this one. Sadly I don't have a pic. Today I returned for their business lunch special and it's so much food (meat specifically) for just $10! I do remember the time when this same combo was $5.49 about 15 years ago but given inflation , it's a small increase to current pricing. The lunch special which there are 4 to pick from offers a lot of variety of meats, falafel etc and includes pita, Rice and salad along with tahini and hot sauce. Service is quick and efficient. I would give it another star since they were open Christmas Eve & Day, NYE and Day.
Visit Restaurant PageRyan D.
Oct 5, 2023
Plateia Mediterranean Kitchen is a wonderful restaurant. I've been there several times and I've had a great meal every time. Their food is super flavorful and made from scratch. I ordered the pork skewer from the specials menu, while my husband had the chicken plate. It was super yummy. They started off our meal with fresh baked bread. We also got the saganaki. This came fried, but there were no crackers to dip it with. We were super disappointed that they didn't light it on fire in front of us. The best part of the meal was the dessert. The server recommended the eclair, and it was fantastic. There was a large group that was seated next to us. This group was very loud, and it was hard to hear people at our own table. The table they sat us at was right in the middle of all of the traffic, and everyone was constantly passing by our table, despite other tables being open when we were seated. Our servers were too busy to take care of us. We only saw them a few times and felt pressured to order quickly because we may not get to order again for a while. The complimentary bread took close to thirty minutes to come out. This could've gone well with the saganaki.I will come back to Plateia Mediterranean Kitchen for their excellent food. I just hope that the service improves by then.
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"Best falafel I've had in Chicago hands down @tazacafechicago The Loop, ChicagoMade with so much LOVEEE , this Mediterranean spot is super low key but been around for 13 years! Come in for platters , order catering for your office, group order with your office (sharing a ), or even grab a quick dinner after work in the loop All the food is made daily by Hamza (originally from Jordan). He gets in about 5-6am before the 10:30am lunch period begins. We got the below plates, all of their popular items that comes with fluffy dill basmati rice (so good!), Creamy Hummus + pita, and a cucumber tomato Mediterranean salad: Taza Combo (Chicken Shawarma & Gyro) Chicken Kabob & Falafel combo Falafel salad Their falafels are the BEST I've had in Chicago so far. hamza makes 500-2000+ of them dailyThey're fried fresh so they're super crunchy Packed with flavor with chickpeas, garlic, coriander, spices like cumin, s&p Make sure to get the assorted baklava. They're also made fresh in Chicago by a partner . They're so crispy, not too sweet, and filled with a variety of nuts!So dang good. They've started to extend their hours till 8pm and are closed Saturday and Sundays. Check it out!More videos and reviews on Instagram @midwestmunching (Sponsored)"
"WOW! What an incredible dining experience. We had the pleasure of having Mali and Eddie hosting us. They did a great job staying on top of drink refills and timely check ins with our group. My water never went empty and I drink a lot of water! We ordered the Saganaki for an appetizer which is the flaming cheese and OH MY GOSH.. it is a MUST. I could've eaten 5 of those by myself. If you like cheese and bread, order this for sure. I got the Greek stuffed Chicken which was amazing. The chicken was so tender and I loved the spinach and feta filling. The okra was great too!My friend got the chicken kabobs which were a nice portion as well. The design and decor of the restaurant is so unique and cozy. I absolutely loved it!"
"Beatnik is a super cute spot where you can get gorgeous views and amazing interior vibes. This place was absolutely the cutest spot to get brunch for my Bach! Once we got here we were seated and service was great. As a table we got to order alot of yummy stuff to try on the brunch menu. We tried:* breakfast burrito - this was okay and in my opinion had a little bit too much egg! I wish there was more hashbrowns in it but this was yum* fried chicken and gravy - the chicken here was a little tough but it went well with the crispy exterior and the gravy, which was juicy* pita with yogurt sauce, salad & dip - this was refreshing and a fun appetizer for the table. The pita was fresh and the dips were very refreshing which I loved* waffles - this came with fruits and a chocolates sauce I believe, my friends said this was okay*fries with aioli sauce - I will say I'm a French fry girl, and you can't usually go wrong with them - this was also delicious!*shakshuka - this was really yummy and well flavored and came with bread also. It was fun to scoop up and eat*cinnamon roll - so yummy and delicious the spread on top hit the spot and this was a fun bite to shareOverall, great experience and fun to try so many fun items on the menu!"
"Pita Inn, possibly the best mediterranean restaurant in Chicago suburbs. If this isn't on your usual palate, I highly recommend you experience it at least once in your life time. Ordering the pita and hummus is a MUST. The pita is served warm/mildly toasted and goes great with their variety of hummus choices. I normally stick with the regular hummus and you cannot go wrong with this. Their beef and chicken shawarma are full and flavor and incredibly fresh. We ordered the spicy chicken entree for the first time which had a powerful kick. The entrees come with rice which is VERY filling. Sandwich's are also incredible but don't come with rice unless requested. Also tried falafel for the first time EVER and was pleasantly surprised. This is a meatless option and tastes amazing. Crispy fried outside with warm filling, truly delicious. Overall, I love Pita Inn. Can you tell? We've been coming here for decades and their consistency and quality has stayed the same."
"Delicious!! I stopped in to pick up dinner and got the lamb shawarma platter and 2 baklavas. My total was $20, but this was a TON of food! I think my favorite part was the curry rice. It was definitely a pretty classic shawarma meal! The baklava was amazing and I recommend getting it too!! For a 'cheap food' place the prices still seemed very normal to me and not necessarily cheaper than other restaurants, but I think the good deal is the sandwiches. I definitely want to go back and try the $6 felafel pita!"
"This was my first time trying out Morrocan cuisine. It had very good reviews. The inside was very beautiful. They had an adequate amount of seating. You can find street parking nearby. Service was good. Prices were standard for being in Chicago. Portion sizes were sufficient for two people. We ordered lamb fez and merguez. They were equally very tasty and filling. Lamb fez has a big piece of lamb in a stew with prunes, cinnamon, almonds, and honey. Hard boiled eggs are served with it. The lamb was cooked well, meat was very tender and juicy.Merguez is a dish with homemade sausage stuffed with ground lamb and beef. They're on top of couscous and vegetables. Sausage was bursting with flavor. Lamb and beef is such a great combination."
"Purchased a groupon for this establishment quite a while ago when planning my trip. Restaurant location is tricky (big signage out front but located in a basement). Pre-fix dinner included an appetizer sampler, pita bread, soup or salad, entree (up to 18.00), bottle of wine or pitcher of sangria, & dessert. Pita bread was warm and fresh, sampler platter was good and not overwhelming in size. Salad was an arugula mix with a very tasty house vinaigrette dressing. Ordered the chicken tenderloin (breast) kabob plate with rice and a small serving of salad. Dessert was pound cake with ice cream for 2. Chicken was very tender and pound cake was a tad dry. Overall food was good and portions were just right so you didn't leave stuffed and ready to roll out of there. Server and owner were very friendly, personable, and genuinely nice guys. Definitely support this local gem if you are a local or even visiting from out of town like I am!"
"I'm a Cira bruncher. The vibes are great. Food is yummy. Seating comfortable. I enjoyed my breakfast sandwich and surprisingly, my toddler did as well. So I ate her French toast and it was great!"
"The food was great but the atmosphere and the service were not.A friend suggested we go here because he had had the Hummus before and said it was the best he'd ever had. I can agree. It is some of the best hummus I've ever had, but we ate it in silence because there was no music playing. In addition to the lack of ambiance was the lack of service. I felt for the guy waiting on us, because he seemed to be working both the counter and the tables, but he wore one ear bud the entire time he served us and any other table. We had to ask him for a second glass for water, and when we asked if the small Hummus was enough for 2, he suggested we get the larger size. As he walked away, he said, the small is just an appetizer. We both said we're also ordering meals, but he just walked away. The hummus was easily enough for 4 people.We eventually flagged him down and ordered dinner. I got the cauliflower sandwich, which was good, but I was expecting more than just cauliflower in a pita, like tomato, cucumber, onion. I got tzatziki which made it tastier. Overall, I'd get carryout but not eat in."
"I went here for a group dinner on a Wednesday night! It wasn't super crowded and the tables had a good amount of space between them so when they did fill up when dinner service was in full swing - it didn't feel crowded.It's part bakery. You wouldn't know there was a restaurant because it's on a different floor. So walking in and not seeing anyone, I thought this is weird, but they have a giant arrow and sign that you can see from the front door saying dine-in and pointing to go downstairs. Once is downstairs, it's so nice.The weather was perfect that night. It has the cutest set up right by the river with some boats and docks. They also have fairy lights that come on once it gets dark on the trees. It truly is a really nice romantic hidden gem. And where it's located is far enough away from Lake shore drive that you can see the fireworks if you are there dining around around 9 PM. They do mocktails and they have a peach or pineapple flavor. I got both and I was very happy with it. It tasted similar to a mojito, very refreshing and fit nicely with dining al fresco.Onto the food, I liked a lot of what we got!-3 flavors of hummus (poblano, red pepper and original) on cucumbers-bruschetta-Mediterranean Fish Tacos -Mushroom Pesto Flatbread-Falafels-chicken skewers-jumbo shrimp -baklava-Nutella crepe-beignetsMy faves were...The shrimp was juicy and jumbo for sure and the chimichurri sauce was so flavorful!Falafels were not dry at all! It kinda ate like a potato ball and I love me some potatoes! The outside was crispy and inside soft.Fish tacos! They got a lot of flavor in it. I wouldn't think mediterranean and tacos, but they made it work.Mushroom pesto flatbread was delish! It didn't look like a ton of stuff on it but I think simple was the way to go. The flavors shined and the pesto on top is what brought it together.I'd come back and try more of the menu because what I did try really hit the spot so I'm confident I'll find some more goodies!"
"Wow -- it doesn't get much better. The braised lamb shoulder was one of the my favorite dishes ever. Super tender, flavorful and delicious. The calamari had a nice kick, and the sauce paired with really made it. The cocktails were also nice, not too sweet and the orange cake dessert was divine.I don't think they could make a bad dish. Would absolutely recommend!"
"This Michelin-starred Mediterranean restaurant is a great value. Finally made it to Galit for a late reservation and was thoroughly impressed. Wine was notably inexpensive.It's a bit loud inside. Later in the night, it was pleasant once the crowd thinned out.4% junk fee and mandatory 20% grat on top of that."
"Whoa whoa WHOA. Are you kidding me?? Never reviewed Zaytune??? Get outta here. I haven't been to Zaytune much in the last five years because I don't work in the neighborhood any longer and the one that opened in Lincoln Square didn't last a year. It's kind of fast-casual in its approach; there are several tables but you order at the register and pick up your food when it's called out; you also pick up your own silverware and bus your table.This review is clearly long overdue. Zaytune is one of my favorite Mediterranean places; the food is so darn good. I get the chicken breast plate and it's always so delicious. Their lentil soup is pretty good as well. The herbed fries are amazing and I am so glad my friend ordered them because I totally forgot. They come with a kalamata olive sauce that is a great accompaniment to them.There are a couple downsides. The prices are really high. Other mediterranean places I go to are often less expensive but have larger portion sizes--I usually have leftovers but not at Zaytune. The other problem--out of their control, of course--is parking. People like to complain about parking on the north side but every time I've gone to Zaytune I have struggled to find a parking space. We almost skipped it and went to Antique Taco instead but just happened to get lucky and find not only one but two spaces by our second or third spin around the block. You can order to go if you'd like to avoid the parking problem."
"Checks all the boxes! Generous portions of steaming hot food. The view from Sultan Kebab is interesting. There's even a table and chairs outside should you want to eat outside. Next time I have to order the lentil soup!"
"02/28/24 - Tonight my wife & I went to Cafe Istanbul @ 2014 W Division Ave for dinner. I've had this restaurant on my radar for several years. Well tonight was the night & Cafe Istanbul more than lived up to my expectations. The food was outstanding. They brought us fresh bread w/a dip to die for made of yogurt w/julienne cut carrots, green onions, garlic....it was absolutely delicious. I could have made a meal of this by itself it was that good. In addition we ordered the following dishesIslim Sarmasi - Braised lamb shoulder wrapped in eggplant served with/basmati rice. Doner - Lamb & Veal combined seasone and cooked w/basmati rice, shredded red cabbage, julienne cut carrots, & dill yogurt sauce. This came w/2 piece of paper thin flat bread. I wrapped this w/the lamb, veal red cabbage, carrots & yogurt dill sauce & made a Turkish taco (lol Turkish taco Wednesday). The servings sizes are very generous & both of us will be able to make another meal from the take home leftovers. *They also have lunch menu which is less than the dinner menu. The food was outstanding as was the service & ambiance of the restaurant. This was one of the best meals I've had in a long time. We will definitely be back again soon."
"It's been nearly a year since my visit, but here goes this draft in my draftbox, begging me to finish! My friend brought me here for my 41st bday last August. It's a casual, but formal affair, if that makes sense. The space itself is pretty grand and you can tell a great amount of attention went into its detail. We sat in what appeared to be a sunroom, the entire restaurant was packed (but not in a mess hall sort of way). While the restaurant would not be one I'd opt for visiting (out of my price range and in the heart of Logan which isn't my cup of tea but perfect for my friend who's the king of showing off--love him to death), it was certainly worth the visit. This restaurant hit every nail on the head when it comes to an experience, a word that has lost its luster in today's greedy, corners-cut, post-covid climate. Our server made recommendations and got to know us, our runner delicately deboned our fish before our very eyes, a manager poked by, since we ordered wine a wine specialist ran down an extensive list of wines and their backstories. Just perfect. We also went for lamb chops, a beet salad and dessert specially adorned with a candle. You can tell the restaurant is operated by professionals dedicated to their craft and anyone with a restaurant (or business) could benefit paying them a visit to experience the experience of what an actual experience should look and feel like!"
"As soon as you pull up to the restaurant, you are greeted with a very clean and welcoming patio with a small fountain with lots of seating.The interior is very spacious and clean. You order your meal at the counter where a worker immediately greet you with a friendly hello they offer a full variety of Mediterranean dishes that can be had with wraps sandwiches and entrées.My favorite item on the menu is the Kefta Kebabs or the Chicken shawarma sandwich that is prepared on a soft homemade pita. I also enjoy their super combo plate that comes with all of their meats on a bed of rice with tomato and lettuce on the side and pitas.Their sauces are also absolutely delicious. I really love their tahini sauce and they also have a red sauce that is more spicy that comes with all dishes that is delicious. Their garlic sauce is also something that you have to try.My wife loves their chicken Shawarma plate with a side of their homemade hummus.Their prices are extremely reasonable a full plate costs around 1499 and a sandwich cost under 8 dollars.If you are in the mood for Mediterranean food, that is always consistent with excellent quality. Definitely go check them out. They do get busy during dinner time, but they are very quick with their ordering process.I give a rating of 9 out of 10 definitely go check this place out for yourself and tell them that the Chicago Food King sent you."
"My husband and I stopped at MazMez Middle Eastern Grill to get a pickup order. Ordering online was pretty easy, and our food was ready when we got there. The food was warm when we got to our friend's house. The food was pretty good but does not taste very different from other similar restaurants. The children even liked the food. They were eating the hummus right along with the adults. I recommend MazMez Middle Eastern Grill for the entire family."
"The gyro sandwich is delicious and huge, had to eat half of the meat before I could even consider folding the pita. Killer onion rings. Sister loved the falafel wrap. Cooks are awesome and prepare everything to order."
"Came here for a birthday dinner for a friend with about 20 people. The Doctor and I got there early and asked if we could have our check separate from the group so we could pay for the birthday person. The server said they did not do separate checks, even though there was nothing on the menu that said that. We didn't expect that everyone was going to ask for separate checks, just wanted two checks for the table. Let's get to the food. When the best meal of the night is the appetizer, there is not much that can be said about the menu. The octopus was amazing! It was grilled to perfection and it was tender. Everything else was just ok. It got the Makaronada Me Kima (greek spaguetti with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes & herb sauce). The dish itself was good, just didn't knock my socks off like the octopus did.The Doctor ordered a gyro entrée but was brought a gyro sandwich instead. Due to the wait, he chose to eat it instead of having the server bring the right order. We are not big on sending food back, so we usually just pay and leave, but because we were celebrating a friend, we stayed. This was most likely going to be a one and done deal for me unless someone I care about really has a strong need to go there. There are too many great Greek restaurants to just settle. This is really a two star review, but that octopus gets a star."
"I picked up a carryout Adam's platter for $20.99 and paid $23.88 all-in. Overall, I say about 4.5 stars for the quality and value but I knocked it back a star (so 3.5 stars rounded to 4) because they charged an unannounced and unadvertised 4% credit card fee which I didn't register until I looked at the receipt later. I don't like surprises like that out of principle and being a senior Asian guy, I carry cash anyway which I could have used.Rant over, I thought the food quality and portions were quite good. The platter even included a lamb chop, again unadvertised but a pleasant surprise adder to the kefta and chicken shawarma protein items. I don't know if a lamb chop is normally included, but I'm guessing probably not as it's not advertised and it's a premium item. The salad, hummus, and pita bread were good quality also. Like an ice cream shop, customers come and go in waves to this hidden and small strip mall location. I had a little wait (about 15 minutes) at 7:30pm as a couple was ahead of me and the lone attendant took care of a carryout order also. Overall, thumbs up, but do put a sign up about your convenience fee."
"So we love Larsa's Kitchen but found out it is now combined with The Big Skillet across the road. We were going to take out so we ordered at desk. We love the Mediterranean Salad which has romaine lettuce tomatoes cucumbers onions parsley, mint, sumac olive oil and Greek vinaigrette. Then we ordered two pitas one with shawarma and the second falafel. Food was great as always!Hope Larsa's is here to stay."