Middle Eastern Restaurants near Evanston, IL

“Beit has the best falafel sandwich I've had in a long time. They are always very friendly. I've been back multiple times and have tried several of their sandwiches. I also enjoy the Shish Tawook wrap sandwich. The wrap is sligthly warmed and the pickles are great and it's the right size. My wife is a vegetarian who loves falafel, so I brought her there and it is now her favorite falafel in the area as well.“

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

“Amazing all around!!! The food was delicious and service was great. The pita was incredible and the hummus was truly authentic. We had the schnitzel which was super crunchy and the sauce on the side was very flavorful. The patio in the back is so nice and spacious and the word burning oven inside really sets the vibe. The drinks were also unique and delicious. You have to go!!“

“The food was absolutely delicious and our servers did a great job explaining the dishes and directing us. I’m certain that we will go back although I’m not a huge fan of fixed price menu. It’s probabaly more food that my wife and I would normally eat. By the time we got to our final course we had pretty much already reached our capacity. Although I admit I forced myself to finish the amazingly good pastrami entree. Hard to pick one thing that was most outstanding in a meal of perfect dishes.“

“best falafel and lentil soup i had in chicago by far. cheap, fast, and rly yum. i can't have the pita bread that comes with the soup so they throw me an extra falafel everytime. great place & P.S. its cash only! Updated from previous review on 2026-08-18“

“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.“

“Highly recommend! Good food that 3 generations of Desi immigrants approve of, from those born in colonial India, to post partition Pakistanis, to American-Born little ones. Suits all palates.

All food was good but saag paneer in particular was the bomb. So was nihari (authentic!). Elachi chai was great , too. Very clean, down to the bathroom. Kind service.“

“Good food and good service I hope keep the good luck and good jobs“

“My first experience at this restaurant was enjoyable due to the staff explaining what items came with which plate, recommending dishes/drinks and understanding my food preferences. I ordered a Lamb Koubideh and Persian Iced Tea with sugar packets, both were flavorful and full filling.“

“Amazing place and great food. We came here at 2 in the night and it did not disappoint. The chicken shawarma is amazing, we got complimentary lentil soup!

The service is amazing - Sadi is an amazing host, she made the experience even better for me and my wife!

Will give this place a 5/5.“

“Update: I’ve been going here for many years, with longer hours now and a remodeled and much larger dining area that looks and feels pleasant, they’ve really been doing a great job! Quality is consistent and always tastes great. Very fresh and lots of healthy options that taste great! Cannot recommend this place enough.

Amazing Middle Eastern food! Prices are amazing, food is fantastic, and overall the whole business has a very strong flow to it! Employees work very hard to serve costumers and help keep the place clean. Absolutely amazing!“

“Absolutely delicious! I would totally recommend. 🫶🏻“

“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.“

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

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

“Do not buy the baklava unless you want to eat an unhealthy amount in one day, like me.

It is the best I’ve had — not too sweet and so crisp and buttery. My waistline is thankful I don’t live closer.“

“I don’t always write reviews but when I do it’s because I’m impressed or disappointed. I ordered for to go. I had the grilled platter. Rice two kind, beef I think or lamb, chicken and kafta. Everything was delicious. Chicken was the best it was soft inside and just fall apart in the mouth. Hummus was great not too strong not too salty. Fattoush salad was also great. Overall I would recommend as a place to go for a quick middle eastern bite.“

“I got the combination plate, it was a lot of food and everything was 🔥 they also gave me a scoop of hummus to try which was also good“

“Everything was very fresh, clean, and most importantly, delicious! They have two different styles of chicken shawarma, which is really nice.
I tried the chicken kebab, and it was amazing - very flavorful, juicy, and different from what I've had at other places. You can tell the food is freshly prepared. Definitely recommend
Shawarma Bite!“

“It’s amazing how amazing hole in the wall places are in Chicago!! The zurbian chicken was a deliciously flavored rice with melt in your mouth chicken! The lamb chops were out of this world! Absolutely mind blowingly delicious and huge portions. We are soooo happy we found this place and can’t wait to come back. And thanks to Asif for his perfect suggestions and superb frriendly service. If this was a bigger more fancy place - there would be a line outside this place - its that good!!“

“انصح في زياره مطعم بهار ونار يتوفر لديهم جميع انواع المأكولات الشرقيه والغربيه والخدمه في المطعم سريعه واسعار مناسبه“

“The food is so delicious. The people are very kind and so patient. The workers are so happy to help and work fast too. My family always comes here and my sisters and I love the vegan options. The owner is very kind and looks out for everyone with great conversations. They have a lot of delicious drinks. We are looking forward to coming back soon!“

“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.“

“One of the best restaurants in Chicago! The lunch special is my favorite - the most flavorful kabobs and rice (I upgrade to the Kabuli style rice). I also love the Kabuli Palaw (lamb shank). Service is always efficient and friendly. Afghan Kabob is worth a visit even if you're not in the area!“

“Great food. Very friendly staff“

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

“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..“

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

“Food, service and ambiance are perfect for a dinner out. Highly recommended!“

“We have a nice dinner the food was so good, and for sure we will back 💖💖“

“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!“

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

“The food is incredible! The owners know how to treat their customers. So professional and caring I am hooked!! Everyone must visit this restaurant I highly recommend it!!“

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

“Stopped in for lunch at Falafel & Grill between thrifting in WP, and so happy we did! Service was fast and friendly, and the food was super filling and tasted very fresh. The Chicken Shawarma Sandwich is a MUST!“

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

“One of the Best Restaurants in the USA — Absolutely Outstanding!
I have a passion for exploring restaurants around the world, discovering different cuisines, and experiencing authentic food. And I can confidently say that Alyemen Alsaeed is, in my opinion, the best restaurant in the United States when it comes to the quality and taste of the food they prepare!
Their lamb mandi is simply exceptional — incredibly tender, juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. Every bite reflects the skill and passion of someone who truly understands authentic cuisine.
And their Milk Cake? Absolutely unbelievable! So soft, delicate, and delicious that it literally melts in your mouth. It's a dessert you will never forget!
I also want to give the owners one piece of advice: If you want to remain the best and continue growing, never let your chef go! Whoever is behind this incredible food is a true talent. Keep your service at the same excellent level, maintain your quality, and never lose what makes this restaurant so special.
Thank you for such an amazing dining experience. You have earned my respect, and I will definitely be coming back!
Highly recommended! A well-deserved 10/10! ❤“

“Came here with a friend for a quick bite. Got the combo plate. Was fresh, fast and delicious. We were stuffed and super satisfied. Prices seemed a little high until we seen the portion size. Was well worth it 🔥🔥🔥“

“this is one of the best Mediterranean food I have ever ate I would definitely come back“

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

“Amazing food & service! Thank you Chicago♥️“

“I came here on a Wednesday with a friend and was honestly surprised by how much fun I had! Apparently Wednesdays are more of a house music night, and the vibe was great. The crowd was a cool mix of ages, which made the atmosphere feel welcoming and fun.
The venue itself is BEAUTIFUL. There are multiple levels, including a rooftop, and the rooftop was definitely my favorite part. The greenery, patio furniture, and overall aesthetic make it such a cute spot to hang out and take in the atmosphere. The bottom floor has the main dance area, and the energy there was really fun.
Also, the bathroom deserves a shoutout 😂 The all-mirror design is so trippy and unique—it’s one of those little details that makes the place stand out.
I had a great time and would definitely come back with more friends. The only thing I’d hope for next time is a DJ who mixes in a little more variety, but music is subjective and that really depends on the night.
Overall, a really cool spot with a great atmosphere!“

“Stopped by Hot N' Spicy Chicago on Devon Ave for a late-night bite and was impressed. Grabbed the Chicken Chutney Roll—tender chicken wrapped in a soft paratha with a tangy chutney kick. Also tried the Masala Fries, which were crispy and packed with flavor. The staff was friendly, and the place had a cozy vibe. If you're in the area and craving a flavorful halal meal, this spot is worth checking out. Definitely coming back to try more of their menu.“

“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.“

“We loved our pistachio cold brew lattes-the best and best price! Especially Jose who was an amazing server! We will come back!!“

“Authentic, fresh, and tasty food. Generous portions. Great service. Their Moroccan fish is second to none. Best kosher fleishig restaurant in the Chicago area. We used to order their Shabbat meals every time we couldn’t cook and they never disappointed.“

“Overall a great experience and great food and wine.
We went for an early dinner and all of the food was great, except the kids menu. The kids food was fine, but they’ll just order from the regular menu next time as it’s much better. The mussels and leeks were phenomenal and the chicken was also great. The wine selection was very good as well and paired well with the food. While the lids menu wasn’t great, I’d still go here agin with kids any day as the other food was excellent“

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