“This was an absolute treat. This was my first time trying Kurdish food and it did not disappoint. I started off with the Lamb Mardin Eggplant Stew. The savory and juicy lamb pieces over a bed of eggplant / veggie puree was satisfying and elegant. 1 dish was plenty! Ineeded time before dessert, so coffee it was. I cannot say it enough, but Kurdish Coffee is spectacular and a true treat. You may only get about 2 ounces - but it is worth it weigh in gold! It is aromatic - hints of cardamon (maybe cloves?), and tastes almost like a dessert. TRY IT! I promise, it won't disappoint. Then I moved on to the apricot rice pudding - it was good, nice balance of flavors, and a good way to close out this wonderful experience.“
“We had lunch today at Thattu. It was bustling with almost every table full, but the tables have ample space between them and it wasn’t too loud. The beautiful exposed brick and huge windows cast a warm glow on the modern dining room. They nailed Indian flavors without being heavy or greasy, and the fun fusion dishes we tried, like Indian-spiced tater tots with sulfur salt and beet ketchup are well executed and a lot of fun. It would be easy to eat healthy at Thattu, and I enjoyed the vegetarian combo with vegetable curry, rice, beans, and sauteed Brussels sprouts with coconut. We also tried the fried chicken with dill sauce, and the catfish.Guests order through an app at Thattu, and the cost is inclusive of service. They don’t accept tips. At lunch, you grab your own flatware, napkins, and water from a bar in the dining room. We didn’t mind this.One particularly nice touch was that when we arrived, there were no tables available, and we agreed to sit at the bar. The host said he would let us know if a table became available, since sometimes guests cancel very close to their reservation time. Lucky for us, about 10 minutes after we arrived, the host brought us to a table. It was kind of him to remember our preference and work on that for us. Googling the restaurant later, I realized that the handsome host was co-owner Vinod Kalathil. He’s clearly a wonderful business owner who knows how to make his customers happy.Thattu2601 W Fletcher StreetChicago’s Avondale neighborhood“
“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!“
“Been to Beatnik on the river before, this location is just as good, maybe better. Cocktails were awesome... Mango margarita, a coco whiskey cocktail, and a tequila recommended from the bartender. Bartender was super friendly, attentive and very educated on his spirits. Would definitely recommend.“
“Absolutely amazing. Second time here. First time I thought some things could improve, and this time they were really really good. I believe there is always room for improvement, but I really think they are one of the best tasting restaurants in the entire Chicago. There is no other place like Maman Zari, that I know of.I hope they keep getting better and better and we'll be back soon.Thank you for such an amazing experience..kudos to all the Chef, and servers for their diligence.If you are a fan of traditional Persian food with giant portions, this is not the place for you. You go here to experience food from a different perspective, it's an art, I don't think it's fair to expect them to deliver the same experience as next door Persian restaurants.“
“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.“
“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.“
“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.“
“This was one of my best experiences dining in the city. Very kind and friendly owner who made our experience all that much better. Food was amazing I would recommend anyone who’s in the city or nearby to come and visit this place. MUST TRY!!!“
“Huda was my server for my birthday dinner here. She was very attentive and friendly. She recommended a Moroccan iced tea and it did not disappoint! The environment is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but so much fun! The food was delicious and the entertainment kept a smile on my face. Dancing with the staff was by far my favorite part! I will definitely be returning!“
“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.“
“This is one of our favorite places. We've been coming here for the nice atmosphere, friendly service and great meals for over 45 years. They make the best and most consistent hummus, tabbouleh, boereg and lentil soup on earth. We like to split the kabob combo dinner because we fill up on appetizers.6/12/21 They are closed now-hope they reopen.2024: They did reopen after a nice job of remodeling, and their food remains as wonderful as ever. So glad Armando is back!Our only suggestion is to lower the volume of the music (which now unfortunately includes some rap music).“
“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.“
“I've become a lunch regular here - absolutely delicious and fresh food in generous portions with special deals that are hard to beat. Very friendly, hospitable service even in a casual space like this. $10 chicken and falafel lunch special featured in the pic!“
“Excellent value and quality Mediterranean food. The chicken shawarma came with generous portion and great flavor. The addition of four complimentary topping (I picked baba ghanouj, hummus, and grape leaves) also tasted amazing and very fresh.“
“Ordered a beef schwarma dinner with a yogurt cucumber salad and coffee. My dinner was excellent. Our server went above and beyond, was warm, welcoming and polite.. And overall the atmosphere was nice. Only complaint is there was a considerable draft of cold air everytime the door opened.“
“THE BEST FROM ALL THE REST! YOU WILL LOVE THE DELICIOUS FOOD HERE! MAX, THE OWNER IS INCREDIBLY TALENTED AND SUPERB #1 VIP SERVICE! YOU WILL ALWAYS RETURN AGAIN AND AGAIN! YOU WILL LOVE IT HERE AS MUCH AS I DO! MY FRIENDS LOVE IT! MY FAMILY LOVES IT! SO DON'T MISS OUT! GO! TRY IT! AND YOU WILL SEE WHAT EVERYONE IS RAVING ABOUT; ?“
“You know the place is good when you have to fight for a spot on a weekday. The place was packed but that did not stop them from providing amazing service and excellent quality food. The kabobs were juicy and very flavorful. I would definitely recommend Adas polo rice ?Can’t wait to go back and try more dishes.“
“One of the most underrated lunch spots in the west loop / loop area! Great food and affordable. Dietary restriction friendly, and very kind staff / owners.The people there know me as a regular and remember my order, which I find very sweet. One time I left my scarf there during lunch and when I returned shortly after they had closed they remembered me and my scarf and let me in to retrieve it.Incredibly kind and lovely people with good and affordable food. It’s my “secret spot” I will share with anyone who listens!“
“We have eaten at LaShuk at the revival food hall and have also had them cater two events for us. The most recent one was in December and everyone one of the 40 attendees raved about the food. We had chicken shawarma hummus bowls, Israeli salad, babaganoush, falafel and rice. Their pita is really just hands down the best in Chicago.Vegetarian options: Falafel, eggplant, babaganoush, salads and more.“
“We stopped here for breakfast with a friend and Hassna was wonderful, she answered all our questions about every dish and confection. Many of the Moroccan dishes i hadnt tried before so i wanted to try the stuffed Msemmen, fish pastilla, and shebekia. I really wanted to try basbussah, but it had Dairy in it which I have an intolerance to. We got all the and it was delicious! We also ordered Moroccan mint tea which was perfect. Hassna offered to teach me how to cook Moroccan food which was so generous and kind, I wish I lived in the area I would love to learn!“
“Tiba is under new ownership as of a few months ago, and it is*very clear*. They've completely renovated the interior, their website is very well done - and best of all, the food is delicious and the service is great. I'm already planning on how many times I'm going to come back with my family. I really wish the new owners the best and thank them for a great dinner!“
“Caspian Kabab has wonderful food with such a wide variety, there is something for everyone! The owner, Massoud, goes out of his way to ensure that everyone feels is happy and full! The sample platters are a great way to try a lot of different food. His homemade hummus, crabcakes, lamb kabobs, chocolate cake are the best and you have to try his tea! Thanks you, Massoud, for a great night out with the family!!!!! We'll be back!!!!“
“Every dish is truly made like at home sprinkled with a lot of love and hard work. The food is so clean and flavorful. The owner of this place is super kind. The two women who works there are hardworking. I support this place 100% and I hope it attracts more costumers.“
“The most delicious homemade food. We were greeted warmly when arrived to restaurant. Tried several dishes and I can only say they were all great. We received excellent service and will return.Vegetarian options: Hummus, falafel, baba ganoush, salads, desserts.Parking: I didn’t have issues finding parking in front of restaurant.“
“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.“
“Wonderful neighborhood spot! I get lunch here a couple times a month. The food is always delicious, and the portion & variety in the specials is great. Everything ingredient is incredibly flavorful and fresh. Staff is also very nice. Highly recommend.“
“Went for dinner with some friends and we all agree the food was delicious! The owner (I presume) was very friendly & accommodating to us all.Not only that, but he gave us all wraps to try as a possible new menu item ( we all say go for it, it was delicious! )Also, they make some of THE BEST tahini.Will be back for sure!“
“Restaurant Ambiance - clean, spacious, airy Service - 10/10 Food - Ordered pita wrap chicken. It was absolutely delicious. The sauces the chef gave were good but the shawarma was so good, it did not really need any sauces. It is important to me that the restaurant was HMS certified. If I am in Chicago again, I would I've to try their shawarma bowl!“
“From the moment I stepped into North Avenue Falafel for the second stop on my Ramadining adventures, I knew I was in for something special. Opting for the combination special was a decision I’ll never regret. This platter is a culinary journey that brings the best of the Middle East to your table - featuring beef kabab, chicken kabab, kofta kabab, alongside a chicken shawarma sandwich that’s nothing short of a masterpiece. The chicken shawarma was exceptionally moist and flavorful, wrapped in a cloud of pita bread that carried every bite to new heights.But it doesn’t stop there. The accompaniments - rice, baba ghanoush, hummus, fatoush salad, alongside generous servings of garlic sauce - each added layers of flavor that complemented the main dishes beautifully. It was a symphony of flavors and textures that danced harmoniously on the palate.North Avenue Falafel has truly outdone itself, creating a space where food transcends mere eating; it’s an experience, a celebration of culinary excellence. The warmth and authenticity of this place are unparalleled, making every bite feel like a slice of home, no matter where you’re from.For anyone embarking on their own Ramadining adventure or simply in search of exceptional Middle Eastern cuisine, North Avenue Falafel is a must-visit. Their chicken shawarma alone is worth the trip, but it’s the whole package - the food, the ambiance, the hospitality - that will keep you coming back for more.“
“1st time here and the food was super yummy and authentic. Had falafel, kefta kabob, and lentil soup. The falafels were huge and nice and crunchy on the outside and rich and flavorful on the inside. The rice was savory without being sticky or clumpy and was delicious. The kefta was aromatic and cooked perfectly. And the lentil soup was deep and rich.Every dish had deep rich flavors and tasted fresh and authentic with a variety of tastes and textures and spices.Will definitely return to try more dishes.“
“I came here with my mom and we had a pretty good experience! You first order at the front then they call your name out to go get your food when it's ready. You also have to get your own silverware and napkins. The place itself was nice and clean. The cashier was really nice and helpful when deciding what to try. We ended up getting a mixed grill and a gyros sandwich which fries. The mixed grill was HUGE cause it comes with two types of rice and 2 salads. The meat itself was okay - some of it was a little dry but they have so many sauces so it makes up for it! We also tried the falafel which was amazing - highly recommend trying it! My mom said both the gyros and fries were great!! The prices are a little on the expensive side - mixed grill was about $30 so I think the pictures of the menu on Yelp are quite old. You do get pretty good sized portions so still worth it.“
“A neighbor recommended Mr Shawarma and decided to give them a try. I ordered the fried shrimp and the chicken wings and they were fried to perfection. However the chicken wings were too salty.The place is very clean and the employees very attentive.It is located on a business strip so parking can be challenging. I live next door so I am lucky.I do recommend Mr Shawarma. Open everyday from 12 to 8 PM except Saturday from 12:30 PM to 6 PM.Parking: There is free parking on a strip mall but it is often busy. More meter parking on Wilson“
“The customer service is always on point and they have a very welcoming atmosphere. The cooks are amazing ? and very accommodating making my food exactly how I like it …… yummyyyyyy.Thank you guys for making my dinners after a long 12 hour shift worth the drive each time.Much Love and God Bless ?️❤️??“
“Love this place ✨️. Been going here for 10 + years.The best lentil soup around! I get it every time I'm sick lol. The owner is super nice and makes it point to greet me no matter what he's doing. My usual is 2 lentil soups, chicken swarma plate with tabouli. Waffle fries if I'm feeling extra happy.“
“Finally got to check out this place in the Loop. It seemed like it was always closed, but they've been open more often recently. Nesh has a lot of counter service Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food such as falafel and shawarma. Make an order and get it fast. The prices aren't that cheap, but not that bad for around here for the most part. Came at lunch to get some falafel. It's a pretty limited time you can come here. This place is only open weekdays. One of those places that's order at the counter. Seems pretty casual, but the food is better than that. It's about $11 for a typical wrap or something. The signature item is the Shawafel Shrock, which is a big wrap. Has a lot in it. There's falafel, and they typically put steak. If wanting to get it vegetarian, they put in more falafel. There's typical toppings like Jerusalem salad, onions, and pickles. Also whatever else to put on it. They also have loaded fries with Mediterranean types of stuff. Good place to come in at lunch for a casual bite. It's pretty easy to make an order, and it's usually fast getting it. There's meaty items like steak, and vegetarians can get falafel and whatever other toppings.“
“I'm gluten dairy free, so eating out is hard but not here, the staff is trained to understand not everyone can eat bread and they're recommend dishes w/o gluten. This type of food is easy to eat as is. The food is tasty and flavorful, and consistent throughout the years. Will miss it when I move.“
“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!!“
“Shawarma Garden is my favorite place to eat real food accurate, clean reasonable price and wonderful service with the personality of IssaDietary restrictions: Veggie, vegan, and Kony, but we’ll find anything that they need for the Nutrition and satisfactionWheelchair accessibility: Speed level just stepped inside“
“Caspian Kabab has wonderful food with such a wide variety, there is something for everyone! The owner, Massoud, goes out of his way to ensure that everyone feels is happy and full! The sample platters are a great way to try a lot of different food. His homemade hummus, crabcakes, lamb kabobs, chocolate cake are the best and you have to try his tea! Thanks you, Massoud, for a great night out with the family!!!!! We'll be back!!!!“
“They have a new location! They moved from their old one. The new location is at 1935 lincoln park west. They replaced 'Mesa Urbana'.The food as always is perfect! Seasoned well, cooked tender and juicy, and incredibly large portions! If you like Mediterranean food, this is a absolute must if you're in chicago! The included pixtures are the shwarma fries, hummus, and beef shawarma atop rice!(for some reason I cannot inclue my pictures? I'll edit if It decides to work again)Everything that leaves this kitchen is absolutely divine, and I cannot offer higher praise for a restaurant.Parking: Free parking! Plenty of room“
“Very comfortable and well priced restaurant. Lots of options for middle eastern food, including big group/catering platters. A single sandwich or wrap will set you back ~$10, which is very reasonable in my opinion. The restaurant also made a very comfortable place to sit and chat. We stayed for a few hours and did not feel rushed at any point. The service was good, as was the food. Looking forward to coming back to try more.“
“I used to have lunch here when I worked in the plaza yearss ago and the food is as good as I remember! The veggies in the wrap tasted so fresh, pickles were on point and the lentil soup was so hot and delicious. It was a 35 min drive but worth it for my Friday lunch! Definitely recommend this place.“
“I ordered 3 bowls. One lamb, one combination, one chicken. All of them were good, I personally ordered the lamb. The meat was so tender you could cut it with a spoon! The rice was quality long grain, and it paired excellently with the sauce provided on the side in the little plastic cups. We loved everything we ate!“
“The food is unbeatable and there is gold in this hole in the wall shack, which is often overflowing beyond the door. The service is almost like a subway/chipotle on steroid so the advise is that you know what you want before you go to avoid all the stares from those serving and those behind you :).Vegetarian options: Falafel, hummus“
Middle Eastern • $
“Nice ambience and good food. Stopped by here with friends for dinner. We were trying to find a spot between oakpark and downtown and this place came up. It was our first time and am glad we made this choice. falafel wrap was yummy, so was the hummusVegetarian options: Lot of choices available for vegetariansDietary restrictions: They can customize wraps to dietary restrictionsParking: Many spots available on side streets but can be difficult during peak hoursKid-friendliness: Kid’s menu availableWheelchair accessibility: Wheel chair accessible“
Recommended
“May God bless the kind & benevolent souls who work at this legendary restaurant. May God grant them and their families prosperity.Vegetarian options: Falafel, fries, hummus & pita, lentil soup, and I believe the stuffed grape leaves are vegetarian (though, some variations of the recipe may contain meat), so I would double-check with them if the stuffed grape leaves are vegetarian.Kid-friendliness: Restaurant seating offers a great family friendly environment“