50 Best Mediterranean Restaurants near Oak Park

“We went back to Citrine for pre-concert eats on our way to Chicago. This is a Mediterranean-type restaurant. Cocktails are good, food is good. Service is impeccable. Our server this visit was Theo, and he was attentive and friendly. The other staff from the young woman who sat us to the guys who delivered food and cleared the table were attentive and always gave us a smile. My husband and I started out with a glass of wine and a cocktail. We decided once again to share small plates together. We had the New York strip steak tartare. It's absolutely fabulous so we had to have it again. Fresh steak with a raw egg on top that oozes into the steak as you break it, it's perfection. We also got the homemade lepinja bread served warm with a couple spreads. I can't eat nuts or seeds and it came out covered with sesame seeds. No problem, Theo was more than happy to take it back and have bread made just for me without seeds. That's great service. We then shared the roasted beet salad which had arugula, goat cheese, avocado, and orange. It was a very small salad for the price of $14. Having said that, the salad was fresh and I liked the different textures, but it was the size of a small side salad and not worth the price. I would pass on this my next visit. The final dish we shared was the shrimp and grits. The shrimp were large and grilled perfectly, the grits were creamy. This dish was packed with flavor and some heat. Delicious. Citrine accepts reservations and parking is paid street parking. I definitely recommend this restaurant and you must try the steak tartare. So damn delicious!“

“Cozy place in Oak Park with great tasting food.My order always includes stuffed grape leaves and hummus.Kofta kebab are delicious and you can't go wrong with a cup of Moroccan mint tea. If you are craving Moroccan food, this is definitely the place!“

“Nadine was an amazing server! She was prompt and knowledgable about the establishment. Food was good, but nothing to rave about.Definitely would come again if someone wanted to meet here, but don't think it would be something I'd crave to come back on my own terms.“

“Jerusalem Cafe is like a cheat code for affordable, nutritious food in Oak Park. It's just about the cheapest place to get tasty salmon in downtown OP, and all the food is reliably delicious. I've lived here long enough to remember the restaurants that used to occupy this space, and I'm glad Jerusalem Cafe has stuck around.“

“Rustico's new space on Oak Park Ave. (in the old Oak Park Brewery) is incredible in terms of its aesthetics. Very open, high, exposed bow-tie roof trusses, reclaimed wood plank ceiling, a really cool floor (tinted concrete?), and exposed brick walls. Totally cool vibe indeed. Myself, my wife, and two 21 year old kids dined there 1.5 weeks ago and it was awesome. Upon arriving, we were seated immediately. All of the staff that helped us were great: fun, personable, and attentive. We ordered the seafood Paella, Carbonara, Fruitti Di Mare, and Braised Short Ribs. All seafood in the Paella and Fruitti Di Mare was cooked to perfection-nothing was the least bit rubbery and everything was quite savory. The Carbonara was so tasty and incredibly decadent (which, when ordering Carbonara, you almost expect!). The Braised short ribs that my son ordered were so good (based on his review), but unfortunately, decorum prohibits printing the words he used to describe his love of the dish herein. When the bill arrived, there was absolutely no sticker shock and in fact, my wife and I felt that the entrees were very reasonably priced (especially given their generous portions). I don't think that many diners leave this place hungry. Personally, I love Rustico as the food is awesome but the restaurant is anything but pretentious. We will most def be back soon! Jimmah!“

“My sister and I visited The Gundis to celebrate a special occasion. Our reservation was on a Saturday morning and the restaurant was very busy, but the ambiance was comfortable and service was attentive. We shared the Kurdish breakfast for two and it was exceptional. We loved the variety and the balance between freshness and richness. We left full and satisfied. I would highly recommend and we will definitely be back!“

“Avec has been on my list for a while and I finally was able to stop in with a friend for brunch! After tasting, I regret that it took me this long. Avec is a quaint spot with family style seating so I do recommend making a reservation if possible. We made our reservation for a Saturday and we were seated immediately at our reservation time by an eager and inviting hostess. Our server greeted us immediately and walked us through their brunch menu. The server was friendly, and gave some solid suggestions which was helpful as Avec has so many great dishes for brunch. After careful consideration and server recommendation, we landed on: -Mimosas (its brunch, of course we did a round of mimosas.) -French toast: topped with ricotta and berry compote garnished with mint and almonds. I loved that it was not too sweet, it has great balance. -Pork Belly: OMG nice and fatty with the perfect tender texture (not too chewy) it was nicely glazed for a bold flavor. -Chorizo Stuffed Medjool Dates: Talk about the star of the show! Literally chorizo stuffed dates wrapped in bacon abbd a pepper tomato sauce. Sweet and savory perfect balance for brunch. To go I ordered their coffee cake as well as a iced coffee. Even the pastries were remarkable! I cannot wait to get back to Avec. For the service of course, but also for their dates!“

“I ordered chicken kalamaki & lemon potatoes. I am picky eater and I was pleasantly surprised how amazing both items were. Tender juice chicken and garlicky lemon potatoes, mmmmm!!!! Ordered take out, but the restaurant was packed! I really loved the ambiance. I’m looking forward to dining in!“

“The food was absolutely delicious. Went with the green shakshuka and it was tremendous, as was the hummus and the house bacon. Our server was also an absolute gem of a human and took excellent care of us. A bit pricey but worth it. Would definitely recommend.“

“Worth the wait and must try! Beautiful and unique venue in the unassuming town of Des Plaines. Our server was kind and welcoming, food was delicious, drinks were fun and tasty. The only two items that were less than ideal, the horrible acoustics (incredibly loud) and although it was too on my list to try, the chicken shawarma rolls were underwhelming. Even with those two items, the great service and food quality it's still worth the 5 star review. We sat upstairs, which very much appreciated, being out of the hustle and bustle of the downstairs. Looking forward to trying the brunch and the outside patio... overlooking the water.“

“My boyfriend and I came in for a last minute dinner without a reservation and the hostess was able to seat us on the patio which we appreciated. We ordered the cacio e pepe and the focaccia, and they were both delicious! The cacio e Pepe was a little smaller than what you would receive at other restaurants, but it was just enough for one person, but I would keep that in mind if looking to share dishes.“

“One of the best places in town. The fixed course menu is flexible and the wine pairings were a delight (and presented well by staff). We sat at the counter in full view of the kitchen (the cooks seemed unflappable). As soon as we left, we already started talking about when we might come back. It was my wife’s birthday so they sent us home with cookies and put a candle on dessert. A lot of little nice touches.“

“Koshary - very flavorful rice based dish, twist of added macaroni was surprisingly good, fried onions toppings was pretty good too. Although the fried onions didn't seem freshly fried Spicy fried eggplant - Very unique dish with beautiful flavors. A wetter roasted eggplant, goes well with pita bread. Eggplant is super soft and juicy inside, with slightly spicy toppings, wrap it in a hot fresh pita is perfect. Molakheya - chicken is very soft and tender, with seasonings well preserved in the meat. It comes with chicken vegetable soup, interesting sour flavor. Baklava - it's perfect. You can feel the layers crunchy and melt in your mouth with right amount of sweetness Staff are very friendly!“

“I recently had the pleasure of dining at Medi Kitchen & Cocktail in Chicago, and it was truly a gastronomic adventure that exceeded all expectations. From the moment I stepped in, the warm and inviting ambiance set the stage for what turned out to be an unforgettable dining experience. To start, I ordered the Potato Borak as an appetizer, and it was a revelation in flavor. The crispy pastry wrapped around creamy mashed potatoes and herbs created an exquisite contrast in textures, and the accompanying dipping sauce added a delightful tangy kick. It was an ideal prelude to the culinary journey that awaited. The Fattoush Salad was a refreshing and colorful medley of fresh vegetables, toasted pita bread, and a zesty dressing that awakened the palate. The balance of flavors and textures in this dish was impeccable, making it a perfect palate cleanser before the main course. Speaking of the main course, the Beef Kabob and Shish Tawook were nothing short of spectacular. The Beef Kabob was tender and succulent, with a delightful smoky char that added depth to the taste. The Shish Tawook, featuring marinated chicken skewers, was incredibly flavorful and cooked to perfection. Both dishes were served with fragrant saffron rice and a medley of grilled vegetables that complemented the proteins superbly. The crowning jewel of the meal, however, was the Fairouz drink. Each sip was a symphony of textures and flavors, a sweet crescendo to an already exceptional meal. What sets Medi Kitchen & Cocktail apart is not just the outstanding cuisine but also the impeccable service. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable, offering recommendations and ensuring that every need was met. In conclusion, my dining experience at Medi was nothing short of extraordinary. The culinary artistry, attention to detail, and warm ambiance combined to create a memorable evening. I can confidently give this restaurant a resounding 5/5 rating, and I eagerly anticipate my next visit to savor more of their delectable offerings. If you're in Chicago and looking for a taste of Mediterranean cuisine at its finest, Medi Kitchen & Cocktail is an absolute must-visit.“

“I had a great time at La Parra! It's located in Berwyn and has street parking that I had no trouble finding right in front of the restaurant. They're known for their creative cocktails which they feature on their Instagram page. The staff right away were super friendly and welcoming and our waiter did a nice job of reviewing their current special cocktail menu. I ordered the "mezcalito" I believe he called it, which was made with mezcal, lime juice, and fresh fruit juices (I know one was passion fruit!). This drink was amazing and so up my alley since I loveee mezcal and anything fresh and sweet. The overall atmosphere felt casual and comfortable. Tapas are on the menu so shared meals are encouraged. I ordered the chicken a la limon but I swapped the mashed potatoes for crispy Yukons. The potatoes were pretty good and the chicken was cooked well. I wasn't entirely blown away with what I ordered, but it was a good meal and the drinks and service were definitely 5-star worthy“

“I love falafel , whenever I can I go to a different place, and this place has the best falafel sandwiches I've ever had, but unfortunately the service wasn't good, when I arrived there was only one other person waiting for the order, and they took a while It took a lot to prepare a simple sandwich where everything was already ready, so that left me a little disappointed.“

“My daughter who is living in Asia tracked down this place for me (well, actually she wanted to eat there vicariously)and it was a great find. She asked me how I would rate the food (1-10) and when I said 10, she was impressed since I am not a foodie. Food just doesn't do it for me well.. until this meal. It started with me picking up the meal. The family who own this gem are so generous, so welcoming that I stayed talking to them longer than my dogs, who were waiting outside, would have liked. When I arrived home, the lentil soup was stilling piping hot and wow, so delicious. I am not a lentil soup, or even soup, person but I am definitely returning for more. The sauteed spinach with bulgar was well-yeah, I would definitely eat bulgar all the time if it tasted like this. As it turns out, there was so much food that I have a second meal. Thank you for this great meal and the welcoming. I, and people I know, will be there.“

“Great authentic middle eastern food. I tried the chicken kabob bowl. The chicken was very tender and everything was delicious. Perfect sized portion as well. The falafel is also delicious. Service is fast and organized. Support a family owned business!“

“Best spot in Lincoln Park for casual dinner with friends. Very relaxed ambiance perfect for eating and conversation. Menu offers such a wide array of Greek food and classics such as gyros, chicken, and more. Favorites include the feta charburger, gyro dinner, and the taramasalata. Their dishes are pretty big so they can be shared or taken home for great leftovers. Cash only, but they have an ATM located in the bar next door. A beloved classic in Lincoln Park for good reason!“

“Truly excellent. I totally see why this place is so highly rated - it deserves more reviews even!I went here with my sister on a random Sunday for some Mediterranean food. We passed it by a million times but never knew it existed in this small strip mall! The person working the front is one awesome guy. I’m not sure if he’s the owner (he gives me owner vibes) but he was so personable, attentive, hospitable, and welcoming. Such a gracious host!The food was phenomenal, period. The hummus was so creamy and seasoned nicely, the chicken was flavorful and juicy, the lentil soup was delicious, the salad was refreshing, and the falafel was crispy on the inside and so soft on the inside. Everything was very fresh and flavorful. We took what we couldn’t finish home but rest assured we devoured everything lol.There’s convenient parking right outside and even though it’s a relatively small place, there’s tables inside for you to dine in if you’d like.I’ll totally be back here again! 5/5!“

“Have a designated driver because you will not want to stop eating. The food is DELICIOUS. I highly recommend their season pita chips with the garlic sauce and the BUTTER CHICKEN ?. Their staff was super welcoming and friendly- note this was my first time so they gave an a walk through about how it goes here. They ran out of their way to help me with loading my vehicle because I am one to refuse two trips lol. They have an AWESOME lunch special so go BEFORE 3 PM! Thank you team at Pita Bowl. I. WILL. BE. BACK.Thank you for supporting our nonprofit and thank you for your commitment to community engagement! :)Cheers!Giselle @ Skokie Chamber of Commerce.“

“Lovely new Turkish restaurant in the area. The bread is to die for. We tried adana kababs, pide , iskender, lentil soup and some of the eggplant appetizer. Each dish is delicious and flavorful - except for the lentil soup. Unfortunately, that was pretty bland.“

“The waiter basically payed no attention to our table. I asked him to order desert for each of us at the table, he said he wanted to bring the slice of bday cake first, brought it out, no fork, left the table and never took our order. Bday girl had to eat her cake with a knife because we couldn't flag him down. I then asked him to bring me the tab because we needed to leave early, instead went to another table of 10 and had to break the tab for each person. I had to ask a manger to bring me the tab because the waiter was going to take forever, even tho I asked him first. That was just 2 out of 5 examples. Horrible service, everything else was absolutely AMAZING!!!!“

“Sinya just catered the 175th anniversary celebration dinner for our church. They were extremely helpful in the ordering and preparing phase...reassuring us that the portions identified in the group menu were plentiful...and I must say they really were! The food arrived on time, still hot, and delicious! We couldn't have asked for a more. My husband and I order from Sinya regularly for ourselves but this experience prompts this review for folks looking to serve large numbers of people.“

“The restaurant is small, but cozy. We had a falafel sandwich wrap, and a gyro. Both were very good. The Taziki sauce on the euro was outstanding. Also had some fries which had a great little spice chick, and a nice dipping sauce that comes with. The service was excellent too. They gave us plenty of options to customize our wraps. We will definitely be back.Dietary restrictions: Gluten free wraps that are delicious“

“Yum!! This was such a delicious meal! It shouldn’t be hard to find really good Persian restaurant but it is, well search no further! I thoroughly enjoyed the food, service (compliments to Katarina!!) and the ambiance! Cheers! We will be back“

“The hits at nettare were fantastic but the misses were also pretty bad. we did the tasting menu with the drink pairing and I would say it was very worth the price. it was a lot of food and they were incredibly generous with the alcohol. my favorites by far were the skate wing and the burnt ends. our server was very friendly and it was cool that all the alcohol came from Michigan. I thought the interior was really nice but some of my friends think it's too sterile.“

“Trying Afghan food for first time…. and I love it. Roasted Eggplant with tomatoes & garlic yogurt . Tender not mushy & bitter, definitely for garlic lovers, then dumplings that reminded me of russian plemieni finally traditional Afghan rice with cinnamon & raisins ( not sweet at all) with veal. We finished with Afghan milk tea for dessert . Food in this place is delicious , but decor is minimalistic & basic. Very reasonably priced, friendly service. If you in area worth stopping by.“

“Great service throughout the experience - fast and fresh. I ordered the chicken wrap and it was very good. The fries were a bit undercooked but were seasoned perfectly. The ambiance was decent. Overall 8.5/10. Great portion sizes as well --took half my wrap to go.“

“I chose to celebrate my birthday at Ella Eli and my guests and I will be talking for months on what an excellent experience we had. Absolutely hands down one of the best dinners in Chicago. Paige, our server , was knowledgeable and attentive. The food was spectacular. The layers of flavor and texture kept you eager for the next bite! Holly as well was very kind to meet with my table and wish me a lovely birthday! She interested with my guests like they were old friends. Truly and genuine experience. Can’t wait to go back!“

“Visiting from Indiana for training and decided to get Greek for dinner.....man o man o man.....was this a fantastic choice!When I pulled up, it was free valet parking and I was a little confused because I didn't anticipate it being that type of fine dining experience but I was wrong.We arrived at 6ish on Tuesday and let me say we beat the crowd. Within 20 minutes of our arrival, there was a wait for seating.As an appetizer we ordered the Flaming Cheese (Saganaki) And it was phenomenal. They automatically give you a platter of toasted bread and it was the perfect accompaniment.I ordered the chicken kebab meal which came with a soup and my choice of side. I chose the lemon chicken soup and greek potatoes...my tummy was in agreement with my choices.My friend ordered the Moussuka and it was a large portion that also came with soup and choice of side...she chose the mixed veggies and they were truly delicious.We tried the dandelion greens because neither of us had had them before. They weren't my fav but my friend loved them. This was simply a matter of preference nothing more nothing less.My friend got a baklava to go because we were too full for dessert at that moment.The portions are healthy, service was top notch and the food was obviously quality ingredients. There is something for everyone on this menu!“

“Just had lunch here to support a local restaurant and it was delicious! I started with an espresso which was phenomenal. Bit of a wait for the food but definitely worth it. Spinach feta bourek was fresh and perfect. Flakey pastry which wasn't overpowered by the filling. The sudjuk sausage sandwich was insanely tasty and so well priced for both. Highly recommend this place!!“

“Great place for a casual dinner with family. Reasonably priced for down town Chicago. All the food was good but the specials were the best.Wheelchair accessibility: The main door is even with the sidewalk and it's one floor with wide doors.“

“This is a newer spot near me that I recently discovered, it overs a different variety of food to the area. Will fulfill that middle eastern craving close to home and they offer other menu items for those not brave enough to venture. Have been here a few times and it doesn't disappoint.“

“First time I ate those specialties from Uzbekistan and I was pleasantly surprised. Very good food, the typical soup is super good, puff pastry filled with meat and the homemade noodles have an unbeatable flavor. The attention of the working girls has been 10.Good price for two people with 3 dishes were less than $50“

“This place is special in a way that would almost makes me want to keep it a well-guarded secret. You don't really get this experience anymore, it takes a confluence of passion and community that's hard to come by in any era, let alone the modern, distanced, impersonal world we occupy now.This is the quintessential Chicago Mom n' Pop experience. Great food at ridiculously good prices served up with a smile and a friendly familiarity that makes you feel like you're right at home.The decor matches the patrons: humble, comfortable, working-class Americana and unapologetically Chicagoan to the core. You can tell most of the customers here are patrons for life, and with good reason. You always feel like a person here, not an order. They aren't just trying to turn over your ticket, they want to make sure you're taken care of.I can't tell you the last time I had perfect fries before this, like too-hot-to-eat, immaculate golden brown fries. I definitely can't recall ever getting them with a whole burger for under $7. I fed two hungry adults here for less than $20. It felt absurd, almost, like I wanted to pay more because it felt unfair to them that I'd pay twice that much at a lot of places.Just a positively perfect experience every time and we always make it a point to stop here anytime we're remotely close by.“

“Came across Mr Kabab on a foodie critic,, this surpassed my expectations! The atmosphere was clean, accommodating & price friendly! The Owner Sam, takes pride in his food and business. I enjoyed his friendliness and stance on his food methodology. The Gyro sandwich was the best I've had in the Chicagoland area. The Gyro was lean & tender not greasy. This sandwich wasn't heavy almost wanting you to have seconds!The owner takes pride in his business & quality in food. If he's reading this, thank you for an amazing experience!“

“Decided to try this place since our usual place was closed. So glad we did! Excellent food, HUGE portions and good service. Love that the kabobs come with peppers and onions and not just the meat. It was a great surprise to find the chicken shawarma under the kabobs! (I just ordered two combination plates without really reading the menu.) Definitely trying more in the future.“

“Here in Chicago, this restaurant had made a name for itself with the American guarantors and I was happy that we found our way here.We had ordered İskender and Turkish Lahmacun. In fact, I've eaten better. I didn't like it. The Turkish tea didn't taste like Turkish tea either. The water, which is served free of charge in a carafe with ice in every restaurant, tasted like water containing chlorine. All in all I just say it's a shame because we had to drive a long time just to visit this restaurant.“

“The crispy potatoes are delicious and the lamb is tasty. Alicia (I think that’s how you spell her name) was our waitress from almost a year ago and remembered us! She was great then, and great this time. She went above and beyond to make sure our experience was great.“

“Cira is phenomenal. From the atmosphere, service, and food, everything exceeded my expectations. I had so much fun talking with my servers, eating delicious food with unique flavors, and relaxing with friends in comfortable seating. The staff went above and beyond in their service and care. Cira provided me with the best dining experience I’ve had. I HIGHLY recommend Cira.“

“Great service - friendly owner makes you feel like you are eating at home. I go weekly for lunch and order the falafel wrap. It's fresh, and the tahini sauce is dairy free. The falafel bowl is outstanding; with delicious yellow rice and a fresh salad. There's a sense of perfectionism, and how simple ingredients are executed. They have an amazing deal on Fridays four dollar sandwiches or wraps! Highly recommend.“

“I Initially had a bad experience with this place, but the manager reached out to me and rectified the issue. The second time i had the food here, it was great!(both the chicken kabob and zinger wrap). Definitely recommend. The owner also showed great customer service by following up with the customer to fix the issue. The restaurant is nice and bright and the staff is friendly!“

“This place is great! The service and atmosphere was perfect / clean. The beef shish kabob plate was amazing and the loaded fries were some of the best I've ever had as they weren't too heavy but definitely filling. Great spot for great value!“

“enjoyed a wonderful dinner last night, started off with the mezza platter which i highly recommend followed by the most tender octopus ive ever had then thoroughly enjoyed the scallops which were exquisite and also ordered the chicken thighs with a unique taste of its own; i was visiting from out of town but its worth the drive and i highly recommend a visit“

“Owners are great ,. food is prefect same authentic Balkan taste and quality,. It’s hard to find real and good food taste this days ,. but this place it’s real deal 5 stars and above ,. Number 1 dining place strongly recommended if you want to try Bosnian Kebap and Pleskavica ,.“

“If you love Mediterranean food you have to visit this spot. The portions are huge, the food is flavorful, and the service and atmosphere was great. They have the best cucumber sauce, it’s so fresh!!!! Try the chicken and lamb kabobs and if you want something a little different the butter chicken is a nice dish.“

“Food is excellent and tastes homemade. Our favorites are all lamb - tagine, kebab, and merguez. Mint tea is a must. CASH ONLY so make sure you have some or get cash back at Walgreens at the corner. Parking is easy on side streets west and south. Hidden neighborhood gem.Dietary restrictions: They’re mindful if you have an allergy.“

“I just have to say, the owner went above and beyond for us this afternoon after a mishap ordering through Uber eats. We thought that we ordered a buy 1 get 1 free chicken shawarma plate but were disappointed when we realized we did not hit the correct button to apply the promotion. When we called they graciously offered to deliver the second shawarma plate. Love their food and after this experience we will be recommending them to everyone we know!“

“Solid place! Just came by during my lunch break and got the gyro sandwich and Parmesan fries. Order was ready super quickly (5 min walk from my apartment) and staff was friendly. Food was great - super fresh. I got home and told my roommate and he was jealous. I feel bad that I did not bring him back any. I should be less selfish in the future. Great addition to the neighborhood I'm going to come back and try more things on the menu“