Excellent food but a little overpriced so the size of the portions. The service was also a bit slow. We went with kids which I would not recommend. As a place to take a date or to eat by yourself at the bar I think it would be ideal. Would avoid the mixed drinks as they were watered down.
Yatin P. (Nomad Lifter)
Great food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food: I ordered the fish tacos, they were great. Service at the table: attentive. No complaints. Would I return? Hesitant on account of the hostess. Upon arriving, I entered looking for a host desk and was greeted with a dismissive and unfriendly question along the lines of “do you need something?” I said I had reservation. I had reserved a table for 2, and I was early (about 15 minutes). I was not allowed to sit at the table. I was told I could sit at the bar and order a drink or sit on “the bench.” At a few points she asked me for my name, but perhaps forgot immediately because she asked again. At this point, At least 80% of the restaurant was unoccupied, yet the hostess required me to either sit at bar or wait on the bench.
The food was great, but the service was not up to par. Unfortunately, there was a massive storm going on when we were there, which made the outdoor seating rearrangement difficult for staff. They did the best they could, but they were not very pleasant towards customers.
Sai Raghavendar
It’s not authentic Mediterranean, we ordered shawarma , nothing like that . Very disappointed. Location is awesome .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: The Pinched Mezze Plate
Ferhat Han
I recently visited Pinched Mediterranean restaurant and tried the Athenae bowl and salad bowl, which were both good. However, the chicken shawarma was too spicy for my liking. The server was very friendly and attentive.The only downside was the construction noise from across the river, which made the experience less enjoyable. Overall, the food and service were great, but the noisy location was a drawback.I would recommend this place for the food and service, but be prepared for some noise if you visit during construction.
Dinner and food was good when went for dinner but the service for getting a simple latte on a Sunday morning was exceedingly slow. Staff multiple times distracted while preparing the drinks and took quite a long time to complete the task. Would not recommend for dropping by for a quick coffee, many other places nearby that can complete the service in a more deliberate expeditious manner.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 1
Sal
The tangy chicken salad bowl was good. Gluten free pita looked like cardboard and was dry. The chicken shawarma rice bowl was also a good selection. Regular pita was hot and fresh.Beware when paying your tab. The male waiter was good until I noticed he had already selected 22% tip on the handheld machine. That’s shady.Dietary restrictions: Keto and gluten free options
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
Johannes Walter
Leaving a note for other parents rather than a review. The venue doesn’t allow children for seatings outside on the patio. We had a reservation for outside but were told that we had to sit inside because of their policy. Inside was blasting music which didn’t seem pleasant for our kid so we decided to leave. We generally like their food though.
Nadia W
The culinary offerings at this restaurant are commendable overall, although the Shawarma's saltiness detracted from its enjoyment. Additionally, the protein portions left something to be desired in terms of size. On the bright side, the service was exceptional; although our server's name escaped me, her quirky remark about eating like a crocodile added a memorable touch. Shina, the hostess, exuded warmth and hospitality throughout our visit.However, a notable hiccup arose with a blond lady, presumably the owner or manager, clad in all white attire (a cardigan and long skirt). It was disheartening to witness her lack of respect towards the staff, as guests are keen observers of such interactions. It's crucial for management to realize that these actions can mar the overall dining experience.
Giving this rating because I ordered a couscous bowl and received salad. I told the waiter, and was told they were the same price. They were not. I was charged the higher price for something I did not receive. I later called and talked to the manager, who then told me I *did* receive the couscous bowl. I’ve been to the Mediterranean. I’ve had couscous multiple times. What I received was a lettuce bowl. I’m not upset about the mistake; I’ve worked in restaurants - it happens. I’m frustrated that I wasn’t charged correctly and no one acknowledged the issue or made an attempt to fix it. I was also overcharging for a mocktail, but luckily that was remedied when I called. All that said, the host was fabulous and the falafel was good.
Downtowndiner2
Great service, delicious food. Nice location and atmosphere. Nice that you have lots of options to create your own entree/bowl, e.g, pick a meat/protein, sauces, sides, etc. Nice to eat outside on the water in nice weather.
KatD
I adore this place. The food is AMAZING and the location can't be beat. The staff is very kind and attentive, no complaints at all. If you're a fan of Mediterranean food, check it out. If the weather allows, sit outside on the river!
Andrea Foard
If I could give them more than 5 stars I would. Our family is in Chicago celebrating my daughter's birthday and we have very strange and specific food sensitivities. I called ahead to see if we could be accommodated and they went above and beyond. The woman I spoke with on the phone came to our table and walked us through the menu with options that worked for all of us. The food was amazing some of the best pitas we have ever had.Dietary restrictions: Garlic allergy, gluten and dairy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pita, Hummus
Downtowndiner2
Wonderful restaurant. Food was really good. So nice that you can create your own bowl. Very tasty. Excellent, friendly service too. Look forward to eating on the patio on the river next time.
Excellent food but a little overpriced so the size of the portions. The service was also a bit slow. We went with kids which I would not recommend. As a place to take a date or to eat by yourself at the bar I think it would be ideal. Would avoid the mixed drinks as they were watered down.
Great food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food: I ordered the fish tacos, they were great. Service at the table: attentive. No complaints. Would I return? Hesitant on account of the hostess. Upon arriving, I entered looking for a host desk and was greeted with a dismissive and unfriendly question along the lines of “do you need something?” I said I had reservation. I had reserved a table for 2, and I was early (about 15 minutes). I was not allowed to sit at the table. I was told I could sit at the bar and order a drink or sit on “the bench.” At a few points she asked me for my name, but perhaps forgot immediately because she asked again. At this point, At least 80% of the restaurant was unoccupied, yet the hostess required me to either sit at bar or wait on the bench.
The food was great, but the service was not up to par. Unfortunately, there was a massive storm going on when we were there, which made the outdoor seating rearrangement difficult for staff. They did the best they could, but they were not very pleasant towards customers.
It’s not authentic Mediterranean, we ordered shawarma , nothing like that . Very disappointed. Location is awesome .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: The Pinched Mezze Plate
I recently visited Pinched Mediterranean restaurant and tried the Athenae bowl and salad bowl, which were both good. However, the chicken shawarma was too spicy for my liking. The server was very friendly and attentive.The only downside was the construction noise from across the river, which made the experience less enjoyable. Overall, the food and service were great, but the noisy location was a drawback.I would recommend this place for the food and service, but be prepared for some noise if you visit during construction.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mediterranean Salad, Salad Bowl
Dinner and food was good when went for dinner but the service for getting a simple latte on a Sunday morning was exceedingly slow. Staff multiple times distracted while preparing the drinks and took quite a long time to complete the task. Would not recommend for dropping by for a quick coffee, many other places nearby that can complete the service in a more deliberate expeditious manner.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 1
The tangy chicken salad bowl was good. Gluten free pita looked like cardboard and was dry. The chicken shawarma rice bowl was also a good selection. Regular pita was hot and fresh.Beware when paying your tab. The male waiter was good until I noticed he had already selected 22% tip on the handheld machine. That’s shady.Dietary restrictions: Keto and gluten free options
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
Leaving a note for other parents rather than a review. The venue doesn’t allow children for seatings outside on the patio. We had a reservation for outside but were told that we had to sit inside because of their policy. Inside was blasting music which didn’t seem pleasant for our kid so we decided to leave. We generally like their food though.
The culinary offerings at this restaurant are commendable overall, although the Shawarma's saltiness detracted from its enjoyment. Additionally, the protein portions left something to be desired in terms of size. On the bright side, the service was exceptional; although our server's name escaped me, her quirky remark about eating like a crocodile added a memorable touch. Shina, the hostess, exuded warmth and hospitality throughout our visit.However, a notable hiccup arose with a blond lady, presumably the owner or manager, clad in all white attire (a cardigan and long skirt). It was disheartening to witness her lack of respect towards the staff, as guests are keen observers of such interactions. It's crucial for management to realize that these actions can mar the overall dining experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Giving this rating because I ordered a couscous bowl and received salad. I told the waiter, and was told they were the same price. They were not. I was charged the higher price for something I did not receive. I later called and talked to the manager, who then told me I *did* receive the couscous bowl. I’ve been to the Mediterranean. I’ve had couscous multiple times. What I received was a lettuce bowl. I’m not upset about the mistake; I’ve worked in restaurants - it happens. I’m frustrated that I wasn’t charged correctly and no one acknowledged the issue or made an attempt to fix it. I was also overcharging for a mocktail, but luckily that was remedied when I called. All that said, the host was fabulous and the falafel was good.
Great service, delicious food. Nice location and atmosphere. Nice that you have lots of options to create your own entree/bowl, e.g, pick a meat/protein, sauces, sides, etc. Nice to eat outside on the water in nice weather.
I adore this place. The food is AMAZING and the location can't be beat. The staff is very kind and attentive, no complaints at all. If you're a fan of Mediterranean food, check it out. If the weather allows, sit outside on the river!
If I could give them more than 5 stars I would. Our family is in Chicago celebrating my daughter's birthday and we have very strange and specific food sensitivities. I called ahead to see if we could be accommodated and they went above and beyond. The woman I spoke with on the phone came to our table and walked us through the menu with options that worked for all of us. The food was amazing some of the best pitas we have ever had.Dietary restrictions: Garlic allergy, gluten and dairy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pita, Hummus
Wonderful restaurant. Food was really good. So nice that you can create your own bowl. Very tasty. Excellent, friendly service too. Look forward to eating on the patio on the river next time.