LÝRA

Lyra was such a cute spot! From the moment you walk in, you're engulfed with beautiful, contemporary decor. Lyra is Mediterranean/Greek cuisine and it didn't disappoint. Our server Zoya was absolutely amazing. She guided our group on how to order--whuch portions were enough for 1-2 person vs 3-4 persons. We ended up ordering a bunch of small plates including the grilled cauliflower, the meatballs, the scallops and crispy calamari. When I tell you, every dish was delicious and so flavorful, it really was! My favorite was the scallop which was served in a shell and covered with breadcrumbs. It may have been one of the most flavorful scallops I had in my life! Lyra is a must go to when in Chicago.

Mocktail: Halara - not too sweet but good. I liked it. Meal: Ceviche: 10/10. Highly recommend. Service: Zoya - super attentive and very informative. Everyone was really helpful and nice. Ambiance: it's beautiful. I wore a dress and felt very comfortable in that. Some were dressed down and that was okay too

This is undoubtedly one of the best Mediterranean restaurants I've visited in the Midwest. From the moment we arrived, the energy and atmosphere were entirely customer-focused, evident in the decor, service, and overall vibeWith reservations, we were promptly seated and given a thorough overview of the Greek menu, including drink recommendations to start. Our group ordered a variety of drinks and some ceviche to beginFollowing our salads, drinks, and appetizers, we ordered lamb chops, beet salad, and gyros. Every dish was incredible and perfectly seasoned. I have to say, everything was exceptional, and we will definitely be returning!

Finally checked it out and had fun. Food and vibes were great but I think it was overpriced overall.We sat outside and our server was attentive and had good feedback when we asked about diff entree options. What we had:- deconstructed pastitsio - pasta was nice and soft, short ribs were a touch tough, loved the truffles- main lobster linguini - great flavor, wish it had more of a kick to it - lamb gyros - why is it $52? Granted meant to be a shared plate but way overpriced - crispy half chicken - didn't try but was told it was good- horiatiki salad - my friend basically traveled back for this and it's all she's been thinking about. Good fresh flavor!Had an assortment of cocktails but nothing stood out. Would come again for the people watching!

The service here was amazing. Our server was Zoya and she made sure we were well taken care of. The hummus with roasted beats were amazing and I had a mezcal old fashion that is a must try. If I did not eat prior to coming here, I honestly would have had more. This is a great Friday evening dinner spot before indulging in the night life. It is lively, hip, and created for the young professional. It is beautifully decorated with the perfect lighting. Come, drink, laugh with friends, and carry on with your night or... head home. We are happy we stopped here because no one complained about any of the small dishes the received.

Food was just okay and way overpriced. If you want quality Greek/Mediterranean food, go to Greek town. You'll pay less and leave more satisfied. The fried calamari (not pictured) was overly salted. Everything had too much dill IMO! The dips were good, but once again, lacking authenticity for the price. Ambiance was cute. The restaurant interior has a fresh, vibrant vibe, but overly humid. I left the restaurant smelling of roast lamb. Better airflow in open kitchen environments would be great. Service was good. Our waiter made recommendations. Value (3/5). I'm somewhat glad I tried it but name is buzz worthy more than anything.

Lyra holds a special place in my heart as my ultimate go-to restaurant in the city. From the moment I step through its doors, I know I'm in for an exceptional dining experience. As a devoted enthusiast of espresso martinis, i can firmly say Lyra's rendition stands out as one of the finest I've ever had the pleasure of sipping. Smooth, velvety, and expertly balanced, it's a true testament to the craftsmanship of the bartenders.Now, let's talk about the slow-roasted lamb gyros - a dish that never fails to leave me in awe. Picture this: a sizzling platter of tender, succulent lamb being presented at your table, accompanied by a mesmerizing show as the server skillfully butters the meat right before your eyes. It's not just a meal; it's an experience, a culinary spectacle that adds an extra layer of delight to every bite.But what truly sets Lyra apart is the freshness and boldness of flavors in every dish.In summary, Lyra isn't just a restaurant - it's an embodiment of culinary excellence and hospitality. It's where impeccable cocktails, sensational dishes, and unforgettable experiences come together to create memories that linger long after the last bite. If you're seeking a dining destination that never fails to impress, look no further than Lyra. Trust me, it's worth every moment spent savoring its delights.

The vibe is great and food is tasty. I'm lowering the rating due to rushed service and the manner in which management handled the errors. Near Fulton market, this place is fantastic for people watching and the making vibe of Chicago in the summer. The line was long so make sure you have reservation. Decor is light and well done. Space is tight and they are packing too many people into small space. I recommend sitting outside if you don't like the tight space feeling Staff is supper friendly and works hard. Our waiter was great. Issue with my low rating was due to how they handled some accident. In our party, we had 12 people. One colleague got hit in the face by menu which left small bruise on her forehead. My other colleague has some cheese fall in their sports coat which left little stain. Although staff was apologetic I thought the nice thing to do by management is to acknowledge the accident and try to make it right. Sadly nothing was done. Little disappointing. This place will do very well. One experience doesn't make this place a bad place to eat. It does reflect on management as other issues arise and how they handle it will make this place great or not. If lack of management engagement continues, I don't this it will in competitive environment like Chicago.

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!

Lyra offers a delightful dining experience with a mix of hits and a few misses. The ambiance is absolutely beautiful, and we had the pleasure of sitting in the outdoor area, which added to the charm of the evening. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the dishes and provided excellent recommendations.1. **Bread and Dips Spread**: This was a fantastic start to our meal. The bread was fresh and the dips were flavorful. My favorites were the tamarosalata and the spicy whipped feta. Definitely a must-try.2. **Calamari**: This dish was a bit of a letdown. The calamari was overly salty, which overshadowed its other qualities.3. **Branzino**: The branzino was good but didn't stand out. It's well-prepared but lacked the wow factor we were hoping for.4. **Roasted Cauliflower**: This was the star of the night! Perfectly roasted and seasoned, it was the best dish we had and a highlight of the meal.5. **Drinks**: We enjoyed two white wines and two cocktails, all of which were very good. The drink selection is solid and complements the food well.Overall, the dishes are well-sized for sharing between 2-3 people. Lyra is worth a visit, especially for the bread and dips and the roasted cauliflower. Perfect for a beautiful dinner to catch up with old friends.