50 Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Chicago

“My favorite restaurant in the world. Seriously. Hands down. When I go to Chicago, I am making reservations at the Purple Pig for at least two of the nights. Bone marrow and pig ears are a must. But you can’t go wrong. Did I mention it’s my favorite?“

“We came in for our 8:30 reservation and were seated right behind a large structure, which completely blocked our view of the show ( baila habibi). It was frustrating because there were clearly other open tables, but we were told those were reserved for a private party. Throughout the night, we never actually saw any private party happening, so that explanation didn't really hold up. The atmosphere itself was fun, with good music and a lively vibe, but the show was just okay—and honestly hard to enjoy when we had to stand up and walk away from our table just to see anything. Service was where things really fell apart. It took about 45 minutes before we even got menus or water. Our waiter seemed to be covering a huge section alone, but he walked by us multiple times without acknowledging us until we flagged him down. Drinks were inconsistent each time, and overall he felt very inexperienced. That could be forgivable, but the situation got worse—he actually left his shift before the night was over without handing our table off to anyone. We ended up waiting another hour just trying to find someone—anyone—to help us pay our tab. As for the food, the flavors were good, but kebabs came out a bit dry and didn't come with sauces unless we specifically asked for them. The appetizer platter was excellent and very authentic tasting. Overall, the place has potential because the vibe is there, but between the poor seating, disorganized service, and lack of basic attention to guests, the experience ended up being more frustrating than enjoyable.“

“We’re FoF, Fans of Fiya. We’ve been there a zillion times. The last time we were there, which was this past Friday night, we listed all the people we had introduced to the restaurant. We counted a dozen. Food is always good. We like the lively vibe and love the quaint back patio in the warmer months. 🌟Obviously, we highly recommend it.🌟. Enjoy!!“

“Amazing food experience , nice presentation“

“Received amazing 5 star service from Jesus today! He has a very warm demeanor and he walked me through some menu options that I was really curious about. I decided on the seasonal pita chips and one of the new protein bowls. Overall really loved me experience and Jesus’s kindness made my day!“

“Fool and falafel and the kushari“

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

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

“Loved Nettare! Went for a birthday brunch and the waiter was super, super friendly — even gave me a complimentary cookie. Was very good about giving recommendations as well. The breakfast sandwich (without bacon, with confit mushrooms) was amazing, as was the lamb sausage sandwich. The potatoes are a must-try with the giardinera aioli. Also loved their Winter in Japan drink and Vanilla Maple Iced Latte. Their cinnamon bun is also really good — has orange zest in it which makes it stand out. And SUCH a nice space — very green.
Definitely recommend if you’re in West Town!“

“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.“

“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.“

“Amazing food & service! Thank you Chicago♥️“

“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!“

“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.“

“.great experience always.“

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

“Had an amazing experience at Jarasa Kabob! The food was fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The kabobs were perfectly grilled, juicy, and well-seasoned, and the portions were generous for the price.

The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the service was quick without feeling rushed. The place itself was clean and comfortable, making it a great spot whether you’re grabbing a casual meal or bringing friends and family.

Definitely one of those spots you leave already planning your next visit. Highly recommend!“

“I loved this place we went to for breakfast. I especially want to give a separate shout-out to the waiter Furkan. His smiling face, attentiveness, and positive energy warm you up the moment you walk in. He brought the orders quickly and completely, and he kept checking on the table without ever being intrusive. It’s clear that he truly enjoys his job.

The venue itself is both clean and very spacious. The breakfast items are fresh, the presentation is careful, and the flavors are perfectly on point. With hot tea, freshly baked bread, and a rich Turkish breakfast spread, you start the day in the best way.

I definitely recommend it in terms of both taste and service. We need more employees and businesses like this 👏“

“Delicious Mediterranean food with rich flavors and fresh ingredients. Everything was well seasoned and perfectly cooked. Great atmosphere and friendly service. Highly recommended!. I had chicken kabob and chicken shawarma. Was a good find for Logan square.“

“Service and food all outstanding. I will be going back.“

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

“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 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!“

“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.“

“First time eating here at Cava in Panama City Beach, Fl and my experience was AWESOME! Friendly staff, very very helpful because there are so many choices. Absolutely delicious! I’ll be back and I will recommend to everyone! ❤️❤️❤️❤️“

“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.“

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

“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.“

“THE FOOD IS BEYOND DELICIOUS! 🔥“

“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 crispy potatoes are phenomenal, their sides are great. First time trying their Greek yogurt ice cream and it was awesome. What made it one of the best experiences though was the service, people came to check on us, they asked how our experience was, and the birthday dessert was perfect.“

“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.“

“Room for improvement. The food is pretty good. Service is friendly. I’ve stopped here a few times and have had pitas, kebabs, and a few other items. Here’s what can get better and what will get me to stop more often. Let me add some hummus to my chicken pita. Maybe a couple tablespoons? Maybe for a small up charge? They don’t offer that option. I had to buy a side of hummus for $8 to enjoy a little hummus with my chicken pita. And then the side came with only ONE piece of bread. The hummus is REALLY good, but now I have a big bowl of hummus with no more bread to enjoy it with. Also, I prefer my hummus without pools of oil in it. A little drizzle, okay. But why drown the hummus flavor with so much oil? Anyway. Good place. Could be better. I’ll give them a try again and update my review if they’re able to raise the bar a little bit.“

“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“

“Excellent food. Great flavors. Plenty of selection. Great options for vegans and vegetarians. My one critique was the grape leaves being very loosely wrapped. Tender, but also a little light on the flavor side. The service was really nice and helpful. They'll go the extra mile if you need something. The place is super clean. Plenty of space for large groups of friends. Prices were fair for the fare and location. I highly recommend coming and giving everything a try. We'll new back for sure.“

“all food are very good ,the best!!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

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

“I just picked up falafel and baba ghanouj and it has to be the best falafel I’ve ever had. I was coming back from Skokie and I wanted to go to Pita Inn on Dempster and it was too busy but I did not miss anything - this is better!“

“my friend and i were looking for a late night food spot after the gym but more on the healthy side. we found this place not knowing how it would be going into it. the guy serving us so sweet even gave us a dessert on the house! the food was amazing we were shocked in the best way possible. for a huge side of rice and 2 shawarma wraps it was $24 amazing price. definitely coming back especially since it’s open until 4am!!“

“amazing food!!!!!!highly recomend“

“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 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.“

“Great place to grab lunch. Their pizza is perfect 😋 and wings were delicious. My daughter wanted something on the sweeter side so she had their delicious Nutella panini. I couldn't resist to ask for a bite 😅. I will definitely be back often. Highly recommended.“