50 Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Chicago

“Menu is versatile and delivers whether you’re going for a quick lunch or a nice dinner. Pork is the specialty and I vouch. I don’t order tenderloins at restaurants typically but this is probably the best I’ve had — perfectly cooked and a great dish overall. Not among the top echelon of Michelin restaurants ive been to, but not far behind.“

“We came for the food, which was excellent, but we'll return for the show. It made for a fantastic date night. When we sat down, the server brought stuffed mushrooms, which served as a perfect start before the falafel appetizers. I ordered the beef kefta platter, and my girlfriend chose the salmon, both of which were delicious. I enjoyed my leftovers from the dinner.“

“Great experience at FIYA! Went for an early-ish dinner and it was pretty empty, which I honestly prefer. Tried the brussel sprouts (incredible! My favorite dish of the evening I think), the baba with GF pita (also good!!), grilled halloumi, and the mushrooms.

Everything was good. Worth a visit!“

“Amazing food experience , nice presentation“

“Fool and falafel and the kushari“

“Hands down one of the best restaurants in Chicago. It’s rare to find a restaurant where every dish is so flavorful and on point but Elia does it so gracefully! Amazing atmosphere and great service - Ebrar made our dinner experience so enjoyable. Can’t wait to go back!“

“On the evening of July 5 my wife and I tried Avaspi on Belmont Avenue in Lakeview for the first time. It will not be the last! I love lamb and am quite particular as to how is it prepared. The “lamb delight” menu item was the best lamb I have ever had in a restaurant: tender, succulent, and prepared to perfection. The side salad accompanying it was not your ordinary side salad! My wife and I both enjoyed the Mixed Meze appetizer plate. Each of the five items was quite good but the muhammara was to die for. We ended our meal with tea, baklava and kubralice. The décor and ambience were refreshing and relaxing, and the service was outstanding. The pricing was very reasonable. Please give it a try. We do not think you will be 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.“

“Awesome service, line behind me, but Malachi handled it very well. I can tell he serves with a passion. Explained the ingredients after letting him know I was avoiding the sugar.

The food is celestially delicious 😋. I ordered the garlicky chicken shawarma bowl. He kindly offered me another salad in place of the rice which was, kao, broccoli, and feta cheese mixed with jalapeño.

Definitely sticking to this place.“

“I live across the street and go here often; I have never had a bad experience. From the wine shop , to the grab and go coffee & pastries, Nettare never disappoints. But, the star of the show is dinner. It is a rotating menu, and all of them have been delicious.
You need to go here!“

“A must try spot! Great food, coffee and atmosphere! Definitely recommend!“

“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.“

“Excellent food! I had the veggie platter and everything was very tasty.“

“A treat for all of the senses! My introduction to The Gundis was a Sunday breakfast. What a beautiful feast was laid before me, my husband and a local friend who we were visiting. We ordered the Kurdish breakfast for two plus an order of baklawa crêpes. An array of colorful, tantalizingly-scented dishes soon filled our table. Superb savory and sweet flavors awaited our taste buds. All of us were amazed by the diverse deliciousness. The atmosphere and service were also excellent. It was truly pleasurable to indulge in a breakfast feast like no other. My only complaint is that I live too far to return often. Kudos to this Kurdish delight.“

“very delicious food, friendly stuff, amazing atmoshere. recomended 100%“

“My family and I had an incredible dinner at Tama! The food was delicious, and we were huge fans of the beef skewers, empanadas, and patatas bravas. The burnt basque cheesecake was the perfect way to end the night. We also received great service throughout the meal. I will definitely be back!“

“.great experience always.“

“Tucked away in the back of a jewelers’ mini-market, the food is always delicious here. Take advantage of their daily specials, including Moroccan Couscous on Fridays!“

“A must try spot! Great food, coffee and atmosphere! Definitely recommend!“

“I love having JK in the neighborhood. Always fresh and delicious and the staff is so kind and welcoming. Would love to see them operating here as long as they desire to run the restaurant.
Having Jarasa Kabob in JP has been a great boost to our food options in the neighborhood. One year now, Alhamdulillah!
Inside is nice and clean and there's plenty of space if you're dining in. It's a no-brainer for a killer takeout option.“

“This charming little restaurant is small and cozy, offering an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The menu features a delightful range of dishes, each more delicious than the last. From the moment you walk in, the aroma of freshly prepared ingredients fills the air, tempting your taste buds. It’s truly a hidden gem that deserves a visit. Whether you're in the mood for comfort food or something a bit more eclectic, you'll definitely want to stop by and enjoy a meal here.“

“I was just there with my husband we had dinner and our experience was great the food was fresh moist and tasty top Noch 👌we will definitely come back“

“The atmosphere is bright, clean, and welcoming. The owner and staff are great and the food is delicious! I love the picture of the owner's family on the walls. Her recipes are from her mother and grandmothers, and those women must have known how to cook and pass down tradition because the food here is fantastic!“

“This place is truly a hidden gem. Absolutely delicious food, great portion sizes and incredibly affordable. Owners and workers are super kind and hospitable. Can’t recommend enough.“

“I had an amazing experience at Shawarma and Grill! The service was absolutely top-notch from start to finish. As soon as I walked in, the staff greeted me with genuine smiles and made me feel welcome right away. They were attentive without being overbearing, and made sure everything was just right throughout my meal.“

“absolutely delicious! the falafel was perfectly crispy on the outside and moist in the middle“

“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.“

“The best falafel my husband and I have ever had. The portions were huge and the meat was so moist and seasoned perfectly. The service was remarkable. Highly recommend if you want an amazing Mediterranean meal. Hats off to the owners and staff.“

“I had the best experience at cava in bluffton . The young lady making my food was very pleasant and helped me through my order by suggesting stuff and being patient with me. Her name was Raven“

“A very well, clean, great customer service atmosphere with very reasonable prices and the food is very tasty. You will not be disappointed. Keep up the great works Crave Khebob team, thanks for your undying efforts. My favorite spot to eat at when I'm in Chicago about three times a week.“

“THE FOOD IS BEYOND DELICIOUS! 🔥“

“Absolutely one of the best middle eastern restaurants in Chicago. The mezas dish, exceptional. The lamb stew on egg plant, among. The specialty drinks, creative. The desserts, light custard, delicious. The service, friendly, helpful, interesting, delightful. Value, worthwhile. Go out to Turqoise for the meal and experience.“

“The food was amazing and the atmosphere briliand. I felt that I was for vacations in a picturesque Greek island, almost felt the fresh air of it. Great experience. Can't wait to go back“

“The food was incredible! Best ive had in a while. We got the mixed plater, it comes with rice grilled chicken and kabob. The chicken was very Juicy and the flavors were spot on. Also got some appetizers, the baba ganoush was so flavorful and very delicious. The service was outstanding! Highly recommend 10/10“

“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.“

“We thought the atmosphere was cozy, service was very nice, and food was really good/tasty. We shared the Arugula Beet Salad and Grilled Octopus apps, then had the Grilled Salmon (really tasty!) and Chicken Verdura (tasted as expected) entrées. Also, the cheesecake they served we both agreed was better tasting than any we’d had before.“

“This place was amazing. We were in town for the St Patrick’s day parade, and stopped here for drinks and apps. What an amazing experience from the bartender Pedro to the host Nick to the chef who sent desserts to our table. Friendly, clean, and very good! I highly recommend you stop in here.“

“all food are very good ,the best!!“

“Lovely atmosphere and great service. Unique dishes, vegan and vegetarian options in shareable portions that are delicious! Can’t wait to go back and try some more!“

“Amazing food & service! Thank you Chicago♥️“

“Absolutely delicious, as always! We miss being closer to Hala In. #supportlocal“

“amazing food!!!!!!highly recomend“

“I took my daughter out for her birthday with my son and his family. Suffice it to say, my family loves good food and the menu hit the spot for us. Warm bread served with a briny tapenade, seafood tower, oyster plate, caviar service, duck, steaks and delicious sides were just a few items that we ate. The drinks were good as well. We really enjoyed ourselves and the service was very good.“

“We had a fantastic experience at this restaurant. We ended up picking it, wanting a rooftop dining experience that wasn’t available at the time because of season. But we were pleasantly surprised because service food was exquisite. I really feel like the cuisine was top notch. Had shrimp appetizer and lobster bisque along with lamp chips and salmon. I had an espresso martini that was out of this world ended up viewing the rooftop bar that is coming soon and we were able to enjoy a lovely cocktail on the 20th floor in the lobby. Highly recommend this place for any occasion. Made our night.“

“I have gone to Andros Taverna for many years now where I am never disappointed and always impressed with the service, the quality of food and ingredients, the atmosphere and the passion in general. Chef Doug Psaltis is a true expert and artist performing at the highest levels. The gyros are the best, best gyros in Chicago by far, the seafood world class, the homemade bread and pita are incredible. The foods and meats are cooked over wood fire, wood fire grilled. We had our daughters baptism catered from here which was excellent assortment of Greek food - this is a Greek restaurant you will go to for many years to come.“

“Oasis Fresh is a hidden gem. The food is great. They stay open late, usually closing at 4am. Fast service. Not to mention, the food is ALWAYS fresh. I’ve ordered close the closing time and the food is just as good as opening and midday, which is rare and hard to find. They have great vegan options: Vegetable and falafel salads, bowls, and wraps. They really do have the best falafels in the Chicago. I’ve taken plenty of my friends and family here and they all love the food. Oh and Everything is Halal.“

“I just placed a catering order for an event with Theo and he was amazing! I had a lot of questions and dietary restriction requirements and he was extremely patient and thorough with me. He provided various solutions for our event and I appreciated the time he spent elaborating all my options and making sure all my needs were met. Would highly recommend for your next corporate event or large gathering! :) Thank you again Theo for treating me like an old friend!“

“I visited Cedars with my husband today and we cannot properly convey how much we loved it! The staff was patient, kind, knowledgeable, and the one detail that struck me the most was their treatment of everyone-open and caring. The food was epic; perfectly balanced seasoning, bright flavors, richness without heaviness, lovely fusion dishes and the absolute BEST crispy falafel I have had in my life. I felt so comfortable and at ease while I was there, which is a feeling I don’t usually have in restaurants. The ethos, celebration of community and cherished family recipes make this a one-of-a-kind dining experience, counting the days until I can go back! Thank you Cedars!!!! 🖤🤍❤️💚“

“First time in Chicago and first meal was at Ema’s. The staff were the most amazing and generous to us. I highly recommend Ema’s for your Mediterranean cravings.“

“I stopped in here recently and was really impressed. I had the chicken curry platter, which came with yellow rice, hummus, a falafel, and a salad with tahini sauce. Everything tasted super fresh and crisp, with great attention to flavor. The colors and presentation were vibrant, and it honestly felt like one of the better meals I’ve had in a long time.

The restaurant itself is small—kind of cramped—but it’s clean, well-painted, and actually works nicely for a casual lunch or dinner. They seem to be known for their shawarma, but if it’s anything like the curry platter, you can’t go wrong. I really hope more people give this place a shot—it deserves some love.“