Middle Eastern Restaurants near Lyons, IL

“This place *never* lets us down. The food is delicious, fresh and just so tasty. Their hummus is the BEST- they add some delicious garnishes on it. Best hummus I’ve ever had. Just too good and reliable. My kids love it too which is great.“

“First time having dinner here and it was so good. Fast service and nice atmosphere. Looking forward to coming back!“

“From the moment we stepped into this incredible Arab restaurant, we were welcomed with the kind of warmth and hospitality that made us feel like family. The atmosphere was inviting and beautifully decorated, but it was the service—and especially the owner—that truly made this experience unforgettable. The food was absolutely phenomenal. What truly set this restaurant apart, though, was the hospitality. The owner personally came over to greet us and made sure my entire family was comfortable and well taken care of. It’s rare to find someone who treats guests with such heartfelt attention. This was a memorable experience. I can’t recommend this place enough if you’re looking for not just incredible food, but also to be treated with the kind of warmth and generosity that leaves a lasting impression. We will absolutely be returning“

“As I had recently arrived from Denver, CO to pay my brother a visit. He treated me by taking me to the King of Falafel & Shawarma. The cook/cashier took our order; falafels with hummus and a mixed dish with rice and various meats (the Junior). I cannot stress enough the delicious flavors of every single food I put in my mouth. I was saddened to realize that I would have to go back home and not enjoy this food on a regular basis. So on my last day of vacationing, I went back and ordered numerous amounts of those delicious dishes, which I was able to take back on the flight and ultimately freeze for later enjoyment. I highly recommend this restaurant. Because aside from the delicious food, the staff were very courteous, warm and inviting. 5 stars out of 5!“

“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.“

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

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

“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!“

“My first time eating here the most I enjoy is everything the salad was refreshing full of flavors and the chicken was tender and my very time eating falafel is was delicious and the rice seasoned overall I definitely going back 10/10!!!“

“Best of the best, they have the best Mankoosha in the Chicago Suburbs, Recommend 🔥“

“A nice place and the food is delicious they have and the staff there are nice people fresh food every day and clean something indescribable Thank you guys“

“Hamdullah One of my favorite places to eat! The hummus!!!! The best … So tasty. The service… so genuine and loving. The food …soooo yummy and nutritious. Peace be upon the cooks and the preparers. Highly recommended.“

“Amazing smoked beef brisket sandwich with fresh cut fries. Everything was was made fresh and served piping hot. The BBQ sauce is delicious... sweet, smoky and a tad spicy. The portions are large and well worth the money. If in the area again, I would definitely go back.“

“Great amazing food and great customer service 5 stars“

“Very friendly and the food delicious !“

“I eat here nearly every three days of the week.
The Falafel Sandwiches here are mouth watering super delicious.
The prices are cheap and the staff are cordial and very friendly.
I highly recommend you try their sandwiches.“

“THE FOOD IS BEYOND DELICIOUS! 🔥“

“Absolutely delicious. The owner was friendly and as soon as we came in many people came in after us. Definitely worth checking out. Better for takeout since its a small spot but the amount of food you get is insane. So worth it!! 🔥🔥☝🏼“

“Food is amazing, environment is so relaxing and friendly. Literally the food I have ever had.“

“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..“

“The shawarma is my favorite thing on the menu 👍“

“I never had kabobs presented on skewers like at Reef Kabob; such fun! Excellent hummas and tabular salad. The most gracious staff!“

“Omg!!! This place is too amazing to not try. The food is so fresh and super tasty. This location is my favorite one!! The way Amina and the rest of the staff recognize us it’s just so heartwarming, they make us feel like family. We are so happy when we’re here and leave even happier with a full belly. Thank you Amina and staff for an amazing experience as always! You guys are amazing! We travel an hour to eat here so that tells you how delicious the food is but the service makes it even better. We love you Baba Saj Oak Lawn“

“is a good place for eat healthy.“

“I love alasala the food is wonderful and super clean. It feels like im eating in jordan with the fresh ingredients and amazing seasonings. I absolutely love bringing people here just from how beautiful the restaurant is and the service is always wonderful. The place is always clean and super friendly to me and my guests. Could not recommend this place more.“

“Excellent in every aspect. The food is fresh, clean, and delicious, and while it might seem a bit pricey, it is definitely worth every penny. The atmosphere is amazing, the service is top-notch, the portions are generous, and both location and parking are convenient. Highly recommended!“

“I absolutely love this place!“

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

“First time trying arabic food and I really love it
The bbq amazing the circle thing called falafel fantastic the atmosphere the decor omg I never seen thing like this the waiters very nice and friendly
For sure we coming back again“

“My friend got a platter and shawarma sandwiches It was delicious 10/10 I recommend“

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

“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!“

“ماشالله مطعم وقاعه اشي فاخر علي الاخر والاكل بشهي وقاعه نظيفه كتير. ومعامله ولا احسن من هيك كل الاحترام لطاقم العمل وبالأخص الأخ مهند الله يعطيكم الف عافيه علي حفلتنا مبارح. كل الاحترام من غاده صالون 🙏🙏🥰“

“Prices are affordable, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the staff is friendly. My only complaint is that the meats are already precooked and left sitting out, so they aren’t fresh or hot. At the very least, they should try to keep them warm. Other than that, meh not bad.“

“You know why I frequent Alwatan Bakery? Insha’Allah “God wills it” Their halal food is the best, I go there frequently for breakfast. I wouldn’t give that McDonald’s crap, or any other fast food to an abandoned starving stray dog on the street.“

“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!!!!“

““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!”“

“Ayat was our waitress and she was amazing! This was my husband and I first time here and Ayat ensured we were happy and satisfied. The food was emasculate and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. We’ll be back! Thank you for having us!“

“My partner and I enjoyed a delightful weekday evening dinner, and the experience was extraordinary from the moment we sat down. The flavors and aromas were so inviting, they hit us even before the main dish arrived. We started with Mazza, which featured the creamiest hummus and a smoky, perfectly roasted eggplant baba ghannooj. The falafels were the highlight—simply the best I've ever had, like the perfect cherry on top of a sundae. As for the Mansaf, it was nothing short of exceptional. The rich yogurt sauce, tender lamb, crunchy almonds, and flawlessly cooked rice made for a dish that was out of this world. It was so good, I couldn't resist having the leftovers for breakfast the next day. The service was top-notch, and even though we live over two hours away, we’ll definitely be coming back.“

“It’s 100% 💯 original authentic Jordanian just like me 😊“

“Wonderful food & service!“

“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!“

“Amazing food flavors and service. Friendly owner always has a kind word to say. Love this place so much. 🧆🥙“

“Great food delicious 🤤 sabroso“

“Delicious & Authentic!!!!“

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As someone who has spent more than 30 years exploring, reviewing, and appreciating food across 35 countries, I do not make compliments lightly. Hello Shawarma is genuinely among the finest shawarma establishments I have encountered anywhere in the world.

What immediately stands out is the quality of the meat. The shawarma is expertly marinated, perfectly seasoned, and cooked with remarkable precision, achieving that ideal balance between tenderness and caramelized crispness that defines truly exceptional shawarma. Every bite is rich, flavorful, and unmistakably authentic.

My strongest recommendation is the Crispy Shawarma with a touch of Shatta. The contrast between the crispy edges of the meat and the subtle heat of the Shatta creates a beautifully balanced flavor profile that keeps you coming back for another bite. It's bold without being overwhelming and showcases a deep understanding of how texture and spice should complement each other.

Beyond the shawarma itself, the freshness of the ingredients is evident. The bread, vegetables, sauces, and accompaniments are all carefully selected and prepared. Nothing feels mass-produced or rushed. The garlic sauce is especially noteworthy—creamy, balanced, and crafted to enhance rather than overpower the shawarma.

The restaurant maintains high standards of cleanliness, service, and consistency, which are qualities often overlooked but essential to a truly great dining experience. The staff are welcoming, attentive, and clearly take pride in what they serve.

Having enjoyed street food, fine dining, and regional specialties across Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Asia, I can confidently say that Hello Shawarma ranks among the best shawarma experiences I have had. It is a rare example of a restaurant that combines authenticity, quality ingredients, technical skill, and genuine hospitality in every meal.

If you appreciate outstanding Middle Eastern cuisine, do yourself a favor: order the Crispy Shawarma with a touch of Shatta. You will not regret it.“

“Yay can’t miss lamb mandi“