Middle Eastern Restaurants in Chicago, IL

“Great staff, absolutely delicious food in a warm welcoming atmosphere. can't recommend them enough.“

“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!!“

“Refreshingly laid-back service & focus on quality of food. Teamwork of the staff was flawless and as soon as I was done with the meal I wanted to come back and have a second one! Lots of vegan/plant-based options. Cool wine list and cocktail program.“

“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.“

“I recently checked out this relatively new River North restaurant. It’s located in the old Bernie’s Lunch and Supper location. Bernie’s was one of favorite spots to grab an elevated burger and fries so this place has some big shoes to fill (I lived around the corner for many years). Thankfully Sifr has done a good job at just that. I went with wife to check out not only the restaurant, but to check out the mini martini collaboration between Kastrae Vodka and Petrossian caviar. The service was good as the hostess sat my wife and right away at the bar. Yes, this a busy River North spot and you might have to be a bit flexible at to where you sit to get seated quickly. The interior of the restaurant is a cool vibe. It features neutral colors and a cool bar. After we were seated at the bar we let the bar tender know we wanted to try the mini martinis. While it was busy night, he got to work right away. It was super cool that he made the drinks right in front of us. I enjoy watching the process. The martinis featured a Petrossian caviar stuffed olive. The martini went down smooth and the briny Petrossian caviar stuffed olive was the perfect complement. My wife and also order a kabob to go along with our drinks. We both enjoyed it; it was delicious. Make no mistake this place is expensive, but remember this is in River North and it’s worth the money.“

“This place is very close to our home, and we chose it to dine in last night after having driven past it several times. Last time I saw a buffet through the window though that seems to be during the weekends.

Our food was delicious and the service very friendly. Portions are generous and everything was seasoned very well. I recommend to start with the tomato lentil soup, so good. The bread was warm and delicious. Prices are very good. It’s byob; we will be coming back next time with wine. Also, it was not crowded at all, though we arrived before iftar. I will be telling all my neighbors and friends to try this place.“

“The food is amazing: tasty and healthy. I love it. Thank you for also baking the Masala biscuit for our dinner.“

“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 really liked this place! The food was delicious and the atmosphere was cozy and pleasant. Special thanks to our waitress Huda — she was very polite, attentive, and friendly. She provided great service and made our visit even more enjoyable. We will definitely come back again! 👍✨“

“Not bad for first time...
Biryani was good...
Chicken on the biryani was slightly undercooked and a lot of white rice...🤭🙈
But, still it was good...
And the samosa chat was also decent...
Make sure to ask for plenty of tamarind sauce on the side...“

“My favorite place to get take-out food of any kind in all of Chicago. For real for real. I've been going here regularly since 2008. Still as delicious as ever, and still economically priced in these tough times when the price of everything seems out of control. I wish them all the best now and in the years to come. A customer for life!“

“Beautiful people. Family feeling. The food tastes like love. Absolutely amazing. Definitely will be back.“

“The ambience is elegant and comfortable. The food is delicious. The service was excellent. One of the best restaurants I ever been. Highly, highly recommended.“

“Beloved favorite specialty grocery in Chicago offering the highest quality prepared foods!- ****their vegan lentil soup is a golden nectar of health & goodness**** their shelf staples, spices desserts and chocolates - every item is superior to what you can find in a supermarket. The staff is warm, friendly and knowledgeable. Middle Eastern Bakery & Grocery definitely sparks joy!“

“Fool and falafel and the kushari“

“We ordered the chicken and lamb mandi with Zurbian rice, and my family loved it. The food was fresh, flavorful, reasonably priced. The portions were generous. We’ll definitely be coming back to this place. Don’t miss the Dubai chocolate at the counter as a dessert option“

“Very friendly and the food delicious !“

“Laimoon Restaurant is a great spot in Chicago. The food is always fresh, flavorful, and made with care, and the portions are generous. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the service is consistently good every time I visit.

If you’re looking for delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere, I definitely recommend checking out Laimoon Restaurant. I’ll definitely be coming back!“

“I ordered for first time the All in platter which gives u a little bit of everything.. n I tried the stuffed grape leaves and the chocolate cake.. 😋 the cake is more than enough reason for me to order from them again . the Rumi sauce is also very good.. not too spicy.. has a little kick..“

“Fantastic authentic Israeli food. The falafel were amazing and the pita and hummus is some of the best I’ve tasted outside Israel. This place deserves 10 stars. Will definitely go back again.“

“Great Mediterranean food!! The chicken shawarma wrap was delicious. They also have a cute patio in the wicker park location“

“It was my first time with family, we ordered lamb mandi & chicken haneeth we drove an hour for it and must say the food was delicious worth the drive & price. The only drawback was the service though the staff was really friendly but they lack professionalism. It would be great if they work on staff.“

“Thank you Sana & Fátima,the food was delicious and your service outstanding!I enjoyed every bite I took from your delicious food.Falafel, chicken shawarm wrap and lentil soup were delicious. Oh and I had dessert I forgot what is called but it was delicious.lol“

“We dined on Easter for brunch- it was delicious and lovely with excellent service - our server Dylan was so sweet and took great care of us! We really enjoyed all of our dishes but the shakshuka, mezze platter, oysters and the chicken & waffles were stand outs! Good coffee and nice cocktails too! We’ll be back for sure!“

“The Nile of Hyde Park is my local comfort food. Even though I grew up in the Midwest of the United States whenever I’m in need of comfort food these days, I’m ordering Lebanese food from here. There are too many things to name as favorites from this menu, but I’m very partial to; the lentil soup, the hummus with chopped beef, the Jerusalem salad, and the combination 14 for the meat eaters. Amazingly well done food for as long as I can remember (and I’ve been in Hyde Park since 1989).“

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

“Food was delicious! The decor was very nice. Different from what we have seen“

“Went here for restaurant week and I was not disappointed! The service was impeccable from coat check and seating thru the end of the meal. The food was so flavorful. My favorite were the lamb lollipops and cucumber salad. Very intimate setting and perfect for a date night or special occasion.“

“This place is great! The service is excellent- the servers are always so pleasant. The food is fresh and tasty! The portions are huge! The bowl feeds 2 people and they always give you a pita! I frequent this place at least 3 times a month!“

“They had excellent service, the food was great, and the falafel came right off of the fryer. They were very kind, and the employees were very understanding when I asked for change. Overall, the restaurant was really good, and it was the best food I’ve had for a while.“

“New to the neighborhood, I was excited to try this place, and MAN OH MAN. It was so good. Classic comfort with a delicious twist. We got the Tahini Ranch Fried Chicken Sandwich, the Kefta Burger, and the Stuffed Falafel; not a dud in the bunch. The toppings and condiments that some on the burger and sandwich made basic diner food such a delight without feeling over the top. The real stand out was the stuffed falafel. I never thought of having a filling in a falafel, and the sweetness of the caramelized onions was such a delicious complexity to a classic Middle Eastern dish. Now I want to eat through the whole menu to find my favorites.“

“I love this place! The staff is warm and inviting, the space is clean and they do a great job of hosting fun events for all ages. I highly recommend going here for work during the weekdays or going here for coffee with friends on the weekends. You won't be disappointed!“

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

“It's fantastic old school Chicago, and the food is so good, you just want to live there...“

“Delicious food - great ambiance - great Melvin Taylor!!“

“Great place. For house made items in the grocery section: their hummus is quite good. They get much of their bread from another bakery on Kedzie. Only complaint there is the Lebanese style bread cannot be split easily because the bread is packed into half while it is still warm. For this reason, but the thinner style bread (some call it mountain bread) which this store receives in smaller quantities, so I recommend going in the morning. Good selection of dried lentils, beans, etc. In the restaurant section, the food is delicious. Wonderful atmosphere too, with a wide range of Chicagoans bustling in and out: families, bus drivers, couples, etc. That said, I do generally recommend Taste of Lebanon across Foster Ave for shawarma.“

“You can eat light and healthy here. But three of our 4 people found Tinfoil in their food. I had tabouli, hummus, cucumber salad, pickles, rice and double order of spicey chicken and a pita for only $11.99. They didn’t charge extra for the Tinfoil!!“

“Amazing food & service! Thank you Chicago♥️“

“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.“

“Nothing to take you girlfriend to on a date, it's super stark abs drab in atmosphere, but where it lacks in looks, it delivers in some delicious ass shawarma, ages you get a ton of food for the money. The last who works at night, she's a doll, crazy nice and so helpful and kind as well. You never leave here feeling like you've missed out on something, they do what they do well.“

“The Kid's Bowl is the perfect size for a light lunch. Add a side of Mediterranean Pickles and I'm in heaven.“

“Love Intimate House Session Wednesdays 8:00 pm-2:00 am and Sundays 2:00 pm-9:00 pm at Masada! Heartful house music with legendary DJs that connect to the soul! Thank you! Friendly and respectful venue to dance and free your mind and body! Love the bartenders are continiously evolving their non-alcoholic and mocktail beverage selection too! Thank you!

Love the summer months when Masada and Sultan's Market collaborate and offer outdoor dance parties on their beautiful and mindfully designed outdoor patio/terrace. Excellent! Don't miss this experience Chicago!“

“I've been coming to this restaurant for over 10 years absolutely the best humus I've have hands down love seeing the same people behind the counter“

“Best falafel and lentil soup in Chicago! Since 2009, I have been dining at Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and Logan Square locations over the years. The fresh and filling falafel sandwich with sweet and satisfying baklava is a meal my body enjoys. Yum! Thank you! The best part about the Logan Square location is the luxurious and mindfully designed patio and terrace. Where Sultan's and Masada partner in the warmer months to host weekly outdoor dance parties! Excellent!“

““Absolutely amazing food! We used their catering service and everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Our guests couldn’t stop talking about how delicious everything was — truly authentic Middle Eastern taste. Highly recommend for any event!”“

“Good food I love this restaurant“

“Food was outstanding as was the service! We definitely recommend it!“

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