Middle Eastern Restaurants near Skokie, IL

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

“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“

“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!“

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

“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.“

“I had really good experience at The Halal Guys! The two ladies working the night shift were super nice and helpful with all my questions and this was my first time here. They both had great customer service with me and my family and made sure everything was done right. The food was fresh and delicious and they made the whole experience even better!! Shoutout to palina aileen for being so welcoming and doing a great job I will definitely be coming back for that delicious white sauce!“

“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.“

“I recently checked out this relatively new River North restaurant. It’s located in the old Bernie’s Lunch and Supper location. Bernie’s was one of favorite spots to grab an elevated burger and fries so this place has some big shoes to fill (I lived around the corner for many years). Thankfully Sifr has done a good job at just that. I went with wife to check out not only the restaurant, but to check out the mini martini collaboration between Kastrae Vodka and Petrossian caviar. The service was good as the hostess sat my wife and right away at the bar. Yes, this a busy River North spot and you might have to be a bit flexible at to where you sit to get seated quickly. The interior of the restaurant is a cool vibe. It features neutral colors and a cool bar. After we were seated at the bar we let the bar tender know we wanted to try the mini martinis. While it was busy night, he got to work right away. It was super cool that he made the drinks right in front of us. I enjoy watching the process. The martinis featured a Petrossian caviar stuffed olive. The martini went down smooth and the briny Petrossian caviar stuffed olive was the perfect complement. My wife and also order a kabob to go along with our drinks. We both enjoyed it; it was delicious. Make no mistake this place is expensive, but remember this is in River North and it’s worth the money.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“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“

“For the amount and quality of food you get for the price, this place is a steal. After traveling all day and parking at the Cumberland Blue Line, we came down the road to Bab Alsalam and I cannot rave enough how amazing this place is and will be coming back each and every single time we travel out of O'Hare. The food was not only delicious, but so much flavor punched into every bite. We ordered a Chicken Shawarma Entree and the Mixed Shawarma and both were exceptional in taste. Comes with salads, pita bread, and incredibly flavorful hummus. Attached is a photo of how much food they give you. It's massive. We had enough for leftovers the next day. HIGHLY recommend this place and I'm already trying to find a way to make my way back to Chicago just to eat at this place again lol. Thanks for the amazing service!“

“Atmosphere wise, its just a small strip mall food place, so nothing crazy, but it is still very nice inside.

I got a beef and chicken shawarma platter. The beef was very tasty, and the chicken was also delicious. A lot of rice also. Couldn’t finish it all, very much worth the price.“

“Been here a few times and finally decided to write a review. Prices are fair. Food is always consistent, warm, tasty, and portions are large. Haneeth Mandi was fabulous. Chicken was spicy and tender and juicy. Fall off the bone cooked perfectly. Rice was also fresh and cooked to perfection. They provide sauces that compliment the dish nicely. Love that this place has maintained the quality and their service is always friendly. Restaurant is clean and a good atmosphere to sit relax and enjoy a meal.“

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

“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!“

“Food was delicious! The decor was very nice. Different from what we have seen“

“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..“

“We dined on Easter for brunch- it was delicious and lovely with excellent service - our server Dylan was so sweet and took great care of us! We really enjoyed all of our dishes but the shakshuka, mezze platter, oysters and the chicken & waffles were stand outs! Good coffee and nice cocktails too! We’ll be back for sure!“

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

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

“Best food, very kind staff, all around great place!“

“is a good place for eat healthy.“

“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“

“The food here is fantastic, except for the fries which are really thick potato slices. They used to have the best thin, crispy fries (chips) but no more. Hence the reason for only 4-stars.

The lady working was very friendly, making me feel like I was a regular despite it being my first visit to this location. The food was hot, fresh, as ordered and most importantly, delicious. The in-house baked pitas are like eating a cloud of heaven.“

“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! ❤“

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