“First time here. Food is amazing and fresh. I forgot to take photos of our main dishes. I always order chicken schwarma. The lentil soup taste was great. The falafel was fresh. The salad was yummy and not soggy. Hummus you can’t go wrong with that either. I give a ten out of 10. I hope this helps.“
“I ordered chicken kalamaki & lemon potatoes. I am picky eater and I was pleasantly surprised how amazing both items were. Tender juice chicken and garlicky lemon potatoes, mmmmm!!!! Ordered take out, but the restaurant was packed! I really loved the ambiance. I’m looking forward to dining in!“
“Worth the wait and must try! Beautiful and unique venue in the unassuming town of Des Plaines. Our server was kind and welcoming, food was delicious, drinks were fun and tasty. The only two items that were less than ideal, the horrible acoustics (incredibly loud) and although it was too on my list to try, the chicken shawarma rolls were underwhelming. Even with those two items, the great service and food quality it's still worth the 5 star review. We sat upstairs, which very much appreciated, being out of the hustle and bustle of the downstairs. Looking forward to trying the brunch and the outside patio... overlooking the water.“
“The lentil soup at Jaffa Shawarma is a comforting and delicious option for those looking for a warm and satisfying meal. Made with lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices, it's a bowl of goodness that's sure to warm you up from the inside out and leave you feeling nourished and content.“
“My boyfriend and I came in for a last minute dinner without a reservation and the hostess was able to seat us on the patio which we appreciated. We ordered the cacio e pepe and the focaccia, and they were both delicious! The cacio e Pepe was a little smaller than what you would receive at other restaurants, but it was just enough for one person, but I would keep that in mind if looking to share dishes.“
Mediterranean • $$
“Foodwise, is truly a wonderful story, somebody in the kitchen knows what to do and that translates all the way to our braines stirring waves of good sensations.Their turkish culture habits, the hours limitation for certain types of food, do not always overlap with other's schedule or expectations. The staff is very polite and forthcoming but that's so much they can do.The atmosphere is a bit bizzare, the music for example, is not in tune with the specific, the way that the tables are set, suggests rather a train fare than a regular restaurant.Their sweets shop however, is there to take away all possible clouds and make your day.Parking: Plenty of parking“
“This is the best Mediterranean restaurant I have ever been to. The kabobs are perfectly seasoned and are the real deal. The hummus is amazing. It has an almost whipped texture and is very fresh tasting. The yellow rice is great, too. Usually I love to drown all my food in tahini sauce, but here I barely use any. I don't want to mess with the food. It's perfect as is. The staff is super friendly and the prices are reasonable, especially considering how big the portions are. I definitely recommend giving it a try“
“Great authentic middle eastern food. I tried the chicken kabob bowl. The chicken was very tender and everything was delicious. Perfect sized portion as well. The falafel is also delicious. Service is fast and organized. Support a family owned business!“
“Truly excellent. I totally see why this place is so highly rated - it deserves more reviews even!I went here with my sister on a random Sunday for some Mediterranean food. We passed it by a million times but never knew it existed in this small strip mall! The person working the front is one awesome guy. I’m not sure if he’s the owner (he gives me owner vibes) but he was so personable, attentive, hospitable, and welcoming. Such a gracious host!The food was phenomenal, period. The hummus was so creamy and seasoned nicely, the chicken was flavorful and juicy, the lentil soup was delicious, the salad was refreshing, and the falafel was crispy on the inside and so soft on the inside. Everything was very fresh and flavorful. We took what we couldn’t finish home but rest assured we devoured everything lol.There’s convenient parking right outside and even though it’s a relatively small place, there’s tables inside for you to dine in if you’d like.I’ll totally be back here again! 5/5!“
“Have a designated driver because you will not want to stop eating. The food is DELICIOUS. I highly recommend their season pita chips with the garlic sauce and the BUTTER CHICKEN ?. Their staff was super welcoming and friendly- note this was my first time so they gave an a walk through about how it goes here. They ran out of their way to help me with loading my vehicle because I am one to refuse two trips lol. They have an AWESOME lunch special so go BEFORE 3 PM! Thank you team at Pita Bowl. I. WILL. BE. BACK.Thank you for supporting our nonprofit and thank you for your commitment to community engagement! :)Cheers!Giselle @ Skokie Chamber of Commerce.“
“Sarra Grill is a great find for fresh middle eastern food. Fresh, large portions with very friendly and attentive service by Nadine. The fresh grouper was a huge portion and very flavorful. Lentil soup, baba ganoush, and a kabob plate were really good too. I'm looking forward to trying the falafel and vegetarian dishes. Casual setting for dining in, but carry out seems pretty popular too.“
“Lovely new Turkish restaurant in the area. The bread is to die for. We tried adana kababs, pide , iskender, lentil soup and some of the eggplant appetizer. Each dish is delicious and flavorful - except for the lentil soup. Unfortunately, that was pretty bland.“
“I have been eating at the Pita Inn locations of the Chicago suburbs for 15+ years and absolutely love them! The food has never failed to make my mouth water and the service/friendliness of the staff makes each restaurant feel like home. The shish kebab entree is my all time favorite.“
“I was searching for a new location for Mediterranean food to try with my best friend and I found this restaurant. We came close to 8 pm, and it was a slightly chilly day. The owner of the restaurant was so kind, humble and so generous! Since we were the only people in the restaurant, he definitely made sure that we had a welcoming experience! He gave us complimentary lentil soups, and it was delicious, hearty, and filling. I would definitely come more often for the soup, and he gave us so much food! I ordered the chicken shawarma by itself, and the flavor of the chicken was delicious, and the condiments it came with were delicious, too! I will definitely be returning! The owner takes the time to make sure his customers are satisfied and he is hardworking and passionate, and he puts a lot of commitment and time into being the owner. The owner's kindness definitely made us feel cared for that day.Parking: Parking may be tight at times“
“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.“
“We went back to Citrine for pre-concert eats on our way to Chicago. This is a Mediterranean-type restaurant. Cocktails are good, food is good. Service is impeccable. Our server this visit was Theo, and he was attentive and friendly. The other staff from the young woman who sat us to the guys who delivered food and cleared the table were attentive and always gave us a smile. My husband and I started out with a glass of wine and a cocktail. We decided once again to share small plates together. We had the New York strip steak tartare. It's absolutely fabulous so we had to have it again. Fresh steak with a raw egg on top that oozes into the steak as you break it, it's perfection. We also got the homemade lepinja bread served warm with a couple spreads. I can't eat nuts or seeds and it came out covered with sesame seeds. No problem, Theo was more than happy to take it back and have bread made just for me without seeds. That's great service. We then shared the roasted beet salad which had arugula, goat cheese, avocado, and orange. It was a very small salad for the price of $14. Having said that, the salad was fresh and I liked the different textures, but it was the size of a small side salad and not worth the price. I would pass on this my next visit. The final dish we shared was the shrimp and grits. The shrimp were large and grilled perfectly, the grits were creamy. This dish was packed with flavor and some heat. Delicious. Citrine accepts reservations and parking is paid street parking. I definitely recommend this restaurant and you must try the steak tartare. So damn delicious!“
“Outstanding Dining Experience at Wild Pita RestaurantMy recent visit to Wild Pita Restaurant was nothing short of exceptional. The food was superb, offering a delightful array of Mediterranean flavors that left me thoroughly impressed. The service was equally commendable, with the staff providing attentive and friendly assistance throughout the meal. From the welcoming atmosphere to the knowledgeable staff, Wild Pita Restaurant truly exceeded my expectations, making it a must-visit dining destination for anyone seeking a memorable culinary experience.“
“Yum!! This was such a delicious meal! It shouldn’t be hard to find really good Persian restaurant but it is, well search no further! I thoroughly enjoyed the food, service (compliments to Katarina!!) and the ambiance! Cheers! We will be back“
“This place is special in a way that would almost makes me want to keep it a well-guarded secret. You don't really get this experience anymore, it takes a confluence of passion and community that's hard to come by in any era, let alone the modern, distanced, impersonal world we occupy now.This is the quintessential Chicago Mom n' Pop experience. Great food at ridiculously good prices served up with a smile and a friendly familiarity that makes you feel like you're right at home.The decor matches the patrons: humble, comfortable, working-class Americana and unapologetically Chicagoan to the core. You can tell most of the customers here are patrons for life, and with good reason. You always feel like a person here, not an order. They aren't just trying to turn over your ticket, they want to make sure you're taken care of.I can't tell you the last time I had perfect fries before this, like too-hot-to-eat, immaculate golden brown fries. I definitely can't recall ever getting them with a whole burger for under $7. I fed two hungry adults here for less than $20. It felt absurd, almost, like I wanted to pay more because it felt unfair to them that I'd pay twice that much at a lot of places.Just a positively perfect experience every time and we always make it a point to stop here anytime we're remotely close by.“
“Been here a few times and absolutely love the environment, so cozy cute and just simply a wonderful place to bring your significant other for a beautiful dinner date! Also food is zabiha halal and truly authentic Turkish! Chicken doner is amazing and so doner kabob mmmm!!!“
“This is a newer spot near me that I recently discovered, it overs a different variety of food to the area. Will fulfill that middle eastern craving close to home and they offer other menu items for those not brave enough to venture. Have been here a few times and it doesn't disappoint.“
“Visiting from Indiana for training and decided to get Greek for dinner.....man o man o man.....was this a fantastic choice!When I pulled up, it was free valet parking and I was a little confused because I didn't anticipate it being that type of fine dining experience but I was wrong.We arrived at 6ish on Tuesday and let me say we beat the crowd. Within 20 minutes of our arrival, there was a wait for seating.As an appetizer we ordered the Flaming Cheese (Saganaki) And it was phenomenal. They automatically give you a platter of toasted bread and it was the perfect accompaniment.I ordered the chicken kebab meal which came with a soup and my choice of side. I chose the lemon chicken soup and greek potatoes...my tummy was in agreement with my choices.My friend ordered the Moussuka and it was a large portion that also came with soup and choice of side...she chose the mixed veggies and they were truly delicious.We tried the dandelion greens because neither of us had had them before. They weren't my fav but my friend loved them. This was simply a matter of preference nothing more nothing less.My friend got a baklava to go because we were too full for dessert at that moment.The portions are healthy, service was top notch and the food was obviously quality ingredients. There is something for everyone on this menu!“
“Always welcoming atmosphere, best "burek" and "cevapi u lepinji" in town. Always quick and fresh.I always feel welcome, the hosts are always in a good mood.Cevapi in a bun like at home! Excellent! Burek is always freshly prepared.“
“Pita Inn is consistent in quality and service. The business lunch special is great! I call my order in 10-15 min before arriving during lunchtime rush and it’s almost always ready when I walk in to pick up. There is plenty of parking in the back, no need to jam up Milwaukee Ave trying to find an open spot in front of the building. Perhaps management could place a sign showing that.“
“Pita Inn needs no introduction, this is an established staple of the neighborhood. Pita Inn is full of staples for lunch, and dinner. The lunch specials are perfect and a crowd can be expected. Pita Inn service is top notch and will get everyone through as quickly as possible.The menu also offers great entrees, sandwiches, sides and some sweet eats like baklava. Pita Inn is always on my short list for take out.“
“Great service - friendly owner makes you feel like you are eating at home. I go weekly for lunch and order the falafel wrap. It's fresh, and the tahini sauce is dairy free. The falafel bowl is outstanding; with delicious yellow rice and a fresh salad. There's a sense of perfectionism, and how simple ingredients are executed. They have an amazing deal on Fridays four dollar sandwiches or wraps! Highly recommend.“
“Food is excellent and tastes homemade. Our favorites are all lamb - tagine, kebab, and merguez. Mint tea is a must. CASH ONLY so make sure you have some or get cash back at Walgreens at the corner. Parking is easy on side streets west and south. Hidden neighborhood gem.Dietary restrictions: They’re mindful if you have an allergy.“
“I haven't tasted any food in my travels as memorable and delicious as Hassan's restaurant! Best in Chicagoland,-believe me!My boyfriend and I ordered the Lamb special and we like to order hummus and the yummy warm bread. A cozy date and our hostess/waitress was attentive and very kind! A really charming restaurant.“
“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 food was so so good and fresh! The seasoning of the chicken and beef was perfect and it was cooked to perfection. Dont even get me started on the rice! I honestly could have this for lunch every day of the week! Highly recommend it and will be going “
“I’ve seen this place on the google maps one year ago and forgot to go there. 1 week ago a was lucky to stop in this area and was so starving. I entered the restaurant, and there was a very polite lady meet me and served well. I ordered chicken kebab shawarma which I recommended to eat if you in rush and needs to go back to work faster. The food was so great and they also give a garlic sauce which goes fantastic with shawarma. What I did? I ordered again! Tasty!“
“Rustico's new space on Oak Park Ave. (in the old Oak Park Brewery) is incredible in terms of its aesthetics. Very open, high, exposed bow-tie roof trusses, reclaimed wood plank ceiling, a really cool floor (tinted concrete?), and exposed brick walls. Totally cool vibe indeed. Myself, my wife, and two 21 year old kids dined there 1.5 weeks ago and it was awesome. Upon arriving, we were seated immediately. All of the staff that helped us were great: fun, personable, and attentive. We ordered the seafood Paella, Carbonara, Fruitti Di Mare, and Braised Short Ribs. All seafood in the Paella and Fruitti Di Mare was cooked to perfection-nothing was the least bit rubbery and everything was quite savory. The Carbonara was so tasty and incredibly decadent (which, when ordering Carbonara, you almost expect!). The Braised short ribs that my son ordered were so good (based on his review), but unfortunately, decorum prohibits printing the words he used to describe his love of the dish herein. When the bill arrived, there was absolutely no sticker shock and in fact, my wife and I felt that the entrees were very reasonably priced (especially given their generous portions). I don't think that many diners leave this place hungry. Personally, I love Rustico as the food is awesome but the restaurant is anything but pretentious. We will most def be back soon! Jimmah!“
“During an unexpected additional day in the city caused by a cancelled flight leg, I ended up at a hotel near ORD. On a whim, I visited Sultan for lunch, a restaurant about which I knew nothing beforehand. It turned out to be an incredibly pleasant surprise. The food was remarkably fresh, brimming with flavor, and all at a very reasonable price. Fayez, the owner, personally takes care of his guests, and his hospitality is truly outstanding. His commitment to providing a memorable dining experience was genuinely touching and highly appreciated. So impressed by the warmth and quality of my first visit, I eagerly returned for dinner the same day, further making Sultan a highlight of my extended stay in the city. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant. If it were possible, I would give it 10 stars!“
Mediterranean • $$
“Fantasticly fresh. Rediculously generous portion size for lunch. The eggplant appetizer was superb. Excellent Value without sacrificing quality flavor and variety. The freshest hummus I have ever tasted. I may never eat it again unless it’s from here.“
“The experience at Zhivago was truly exceptional! The atmosphere was lovely, and the staff were exceptionally friendly and welcoming. The food was not only delicious but also beautifully presented, adding to the overall experience. I highly recommend Zhivago to anyone looking for a fantastic event – it's definitely worth a visit!“
“Shish Kabob and Grill is definitely a go to place of mine for great food. The server always greets customers with a smile and he even remembers my usual - the Beef Kabob. It's a welcoming restaurant for everyone who comes in, has a good selection of food, and you pay for what you get every time.Parking: The parking lot has a lot of space due to the area it is in. There's always parking right in front of the building so it's a short walk.Kid-friendliness: The server is friendly with all customers including younger ones. Always checking in to make sure pita bread is filled and water glasses are full. Helps clean up messes that are made as well.“
“Every dish we ordered so far ????? . The grilled octopus is always our favorite here, perfectly chargrilled, tender sauce is not overpowering. This restaurant has such a cute, comfortable ambience for date night or family gatherings.“
“Hands down the best slider trio I have ever had. Regular cheeseburger was terrific. Buffalo chicken with blue cheese was outstanding. But the winner was the pot roast slider. Wow. Tons of flavor and very juicy. We had never been to down Elmhurst and decided to try this gem. We will be back!!!“
“Went there with a group of friends last night. The place was so cute & cozy. While there are a lot of entrees to choose from we just ordered a bunch of appetizers & cocktails. Food was delicious & service was excellent. Great for a date night, girls night or just hanging with friends. It also has a very nice bar to just stop in for a cocktail. Check it out!“
“Cozy place in Oak Park with great tasting food.My order always includes stuffed grape leaves and hummus.Kofta kebab are delicious and you can't go wrong with a cup of Moroccan mint tea. If you are craving Moroccan food, this is definitely the place!“
“Jerusalem Cafe is like a cheat code for affordable, nutritious food in Oak Park. It's just about the cheapest place to get tasty salmon in downtown OP, and all the food is reliably delicious. I've lived here long enough to remember the restaurants that used to occupy this space, and I'm glad Jerusalem Cafe has stuck around.“
“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!“
“I went here with a friend since I had heard about this new restaurant in the neighborhood and wanted to try it. One of my friends didn't love it (they did takeout), but I had such a wonderful time. I tried one of the boneless chicken kebabs and it was so good. I was honestly having a rough day and this was such a yummy meal that lifted my mood in a much needed way.“
“Nadine was an amazing server! She was prompt and knowledgable about the establishment. Food was good, but nothing to rave about.Definitely would come again if someone wanted to meet here, but don't think it would be something I'd crave to come back on my own terms.“
“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.“
“Disclaimer: I’m Lebanese. Decent food (not as authentic as could be though) and cute decoration and display of desserts. Prices are decent and portions are generous! The waitress was speaking too fast and constantly seemed in a hurry. We felt pressured to order and communicate any requests. It would be nice to add some music to add some ambience (Fairuz!).“
“One of my favorite places back home- recommend to all! Amazing food, great vibe, fast service and usually not very crowded so peaceful.Wheelchair accessibility: Can get inDietary restrictions: Mom is lactose intolerant and never has an issue“
“Title: A Delightful Experience at Amante BakeryI recently had the pleasure of visiting Amante Bakery and I must say, it was an absolutely delightful experience. From the moment I stepped into the bakery, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The smell of freshly baked goods filled the air, instantly making my mouth water.The star of the show was undoubtedly their Miodovnik cake. It was a true masterpiece, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Every bite was an adventure of rich honey, aromatic spices, and layers of moist cake. It was obvious that a lot of care and craftsmanship went into creating this delectable treat.What made the experience even more enjoyable was the owner's Daniela dedication to customer satisfaction. They truly made me feel welcome and valued as a customer. Their attentiveness and willingness to answer my questions and provide recommendations was a testament to their passion for their craft.Overall, my visit to Amante Bakery was a memorable one. Not only did I have the opportunity to indulge in their incredible Miodovnik cake, but I also experienced a level of service that went above and beyond. I highly recommend this bakery to anyone seeking a truly exceptional bakery experience. I will definitely be returning to Amante Bakery for more of their delightful creations. Customer from Children's Land“
“Pleasantly surprised when we came in for happy hour and had a great experience. Cori was very friendly and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend if you’re in the area. The whipped feta ❤️Vegetarian options: I liked that there were various options from shared plates to salads to “sushi” rolls.“
Recommended
“Shemroon is my go-to spot for the most authentic Persian cuisine in the city! Their koubedeh and joojeh kabab are unparalleled, boasting rich flavors that keep me coming back for more. Not only are the portions generous, but the prices are also reasonable. The staff are always friendly and attentive, ensuring a great dining experience every time. I highly recommend Shemroon to anyone craving delicious Persian food!Vegetarian options: na“