Chicago is known for its diverse culinary scene, and Mediterranean cuisine is no exception. From Greek to Turkish, Lebanese to Israeli, the Windy City boasts a wide range of Mediterranean restaurants that offer delicious and authentic dishes. In this blog article, we will explore some of the best Mediterranean restaurants in Chicago, highlighting their unique flavors, ambiance, and customer experience. Whether you’re a local looking for a new spot to try or a visitor curious about the city’s food scene, this guide will help you discover some of the best Mediterranean restaurants in Chicago.
Aba
Address: 302 N. Green Street, 3rd Floor Third Floor, Chicago, IL 60607-1300
Phone: +1 (773) 645-1400
Aba is a Mediterranean restaurant located in the Fulton Market district of Chicago. The restaurant has a beautiful modern space with an open and airy interior and a rooftop patio. The ambiance is outstanding, and the service is excellent. The food is meant to be shared, and the portions are plentiful. The menu features Mediterranean tapas-style dishes that are delicious and photogenic, and there are many excellent vegetarian options available.
The restaurant has a full bar, and the cocktails are enjoyable, especially the old fashioned and Arak. The sommelier is knowledgeable and can help with the wine selection. The service is friendly, knowledgeable, and professional, and the staff are helpful and accommodating. The Crispy Short Rib Hummus and the Spicy Chicken Thighs are phenomenal, and every entree and side is spectacular. The whipped feta, hummus, stracietella, and pita are also highly recommended. The pistachio cake is a must-try dessert.
The restaurant is very affordable, and the dining room is nice and earthy. The restaurant is always busy, but the service remains good throughout. Aba is a perfect spot for a dinner out with friends or family, a Sunday brunch or a special event. The restaurant is a real gem with quality and flavor at the same time, and it is definitely worth a visit.
FIG & OLIVE
Address: 104 E Oak St, Chicago, IL 60611-1646
Phone: +1 (312) 445-0060
FIG & OLIVE is an incredible Mediterranean restaurant located in a convenient location in Chicago. The restaurant has an excellent atmosphere and ambiance, and the service is courteous, helpful, and prompt. The menu is full of interesting and creative dishes, including crustini appetizer trays, crusted lamb filet, truffle risotto, and Harissa salmon. The food is superbly seasoned, and no butter or cream is used in the cooking, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious customers.
Join inKind, dine at a participating venue
and pay your bill with inKind
The wine selection is multiple reds and whites, including a Cabernet with a unique caramel note that customers have never tasted before. The Fig & Olive is an amazing restaurant because of the skills of the executive chef Andrew Spagnola, who is one of America’s top chefs. The dessert choices are decadent and creative, and the apple tart is off the charts good. The restaurant is perfect for any type of occasion, including weddings, and the staff is helpful and understanding of the situation.
The wait staff is excellent and very personable, and they provide great suggestions and feedback on the meal plan. The crostini starters are a must-try item, but be careful; they are addictive. The steak tartare is particularly memorable, but all the dishes are delicious. The restaurant is an excellent choice for foodies, and the whole menu is great, making it impossible to go wrong on any item on the menu. The Fig & Olive is a special place to visit, and it’s a great place for a special occasion or a business credit card dinner.
Kostali
Address: 521 N Rush St Inside The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Chicago, IL 60611-3646
Phone: +1 (312) 645-1500
Kostali is an outstanding Mediterranean restaurant located in the Gwen hotel in Chicago. The restaurant provides an excellent dining experience with exceptional service from the staff. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, making it perfect for an intimate dinner or a high tea service. The menu is full of delicious and creative dishes, including halibut, scallops, garlic shrimp, and burrata salad. The restaurant also offers an interesting selection of Greek wines and unique cocktails.
The staff at Kostali is exceptional, with servers like Kayla, Patrick B, and Troy, who provide attentive and friendly service to the customers. They are knowledgeable about the food and wine menu, making great recommendations to the customers. The private dining menu is also fantastic, accommodating different dietary needs and providing a great variety of food. The service is also very accommodating, helping customers find extension cords for projectors and providing last-second dietary needs.
The food is exquisite and delectable, with every dish being wonderful. The tower full of treats served during high tea service is more filling than most teas, and the avocado toast and scones are delicious. The Prosecco adds sparkle to the occasion, and the hand-crafted cocktails are well thought out with the menu. The desserts are also fantastic, including cookies and pastries. Overall, Kostali is a must-see restaurant in Chicago, providing an outstanding dining experience with excellent service, delicious food, and an intimate atmosphere.
Turquoise Restaurant
Address: 2147 W Roscoe Street, Chicago, IL 60618-6271
Phone: +1 (773) 549-3523
Turquoise Restaurant is a fantastic Mediterranean restaurant located in Chicago, offering an authentic and delicious Turkish cuisine. The restaurant has a cozy and relaxed atmosphere and a friendly and attentive staff. The menu is full of traditional Turkish dishes, including fresh-baked bread with carrot dip, zucchini beignets with yogurt sauce, shepherd’s salad, mixed grill, lamb kabobs and Turkish lamb chunks, and Turkish baklava. The restaurant also offers an excellent selection of Turkish and Italian wines, as well as a full bar.
The service at Turquoise Restaurant is exceptional, with a knowledgeable and courteous staff. The owner, Ezgi Serbest, is wise and experienced, and she has introduced new sensational and creative dishes to the menu, such as French Onion Soup. The kitchen chief lady is well-educated about both Turkish and world food, and the presentation is excellent. The staff is very professional and attentive, making the dining experience relaxing and enjoyable.
The food at Turquoise Restaurant is outstanding, with every dish being authentic and delicious. The portions are generous, and the food is presented beautifully. The Iskender, cheese pide, and lahmacun are all fantastic, and the eggplant salad is a great vegetarian option. The desserts, including baklava, are also delicious, and the Turkish tea is a perfect way to end the meal. Overall, Turquoise Restaurant is a must-visit restaurant in Chicago, offering an exceptional dining experience with outstanding food, friendly staff, and a cozy atmosphere.
Taxim
Address: 1558 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622-2008
Phone: +1 (773) 252-1558
Taxim is an outstanding Mediterranean restaurant located in Wicker Park, Chicago. The restaurant serves authentic Greek cuisine with unique dishes from different areas of Greece. The menu is full of delicious options, including homemade phyllo stuffed with leek and herbs, shrimp grilled and wrapped in grape leaves, fried mussels and sauce, duck gyros, lamb chops, and sea bass. The wine list is extensive and includes all-Greek wines. The portions are generous, and the food is exquisitely prepared with house-made ingredients from top to bottom.
The atmosphere at Taxim is beautiful and serene, with a cool and off-the-beaten-path section of town. The restaurant has a lovely roof garden that is perfect for summer nights. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. The service is outstanding, with great recommendations and attention to detail. The decor is gorgeous, and the ambiance is relaxed and enjoyable. Taxim is a great place for a nice sit-down-and-enjoy-a-nice-bottle-of-wine dinner.
Taxim is not your typical Greek restaurant. It’s the real thing in Greek cuisine, and the food is deeply authentic and regional. The restaurant is under-publicized, but it is a gem in Wicker Park, offering sublime and masterful real cooking. The restaurant is a must-visit for anyone who loves Mediterranean food, and it is one of the best dining out spots in Chicago. Taxim is a fantastic restaurant with outstanding food, attentive staff, and a beautiful atmosphere that makes it a perfect place to enjoy a delicious and relaxing meal.
I Dream of Falafel
Address: 60 E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604-2320
Phone: +1 (312) 818-2075
I Dream of Falafel is an exceptional Mediterranean restaurant located in Chicago. The staff is very friendly, and the customer service is outstanding. The atmosphere is perfect, and the area is fun and diverse. The restaurant is very clean, and the food is dynamic.
The menu at I Dream of Falafel is full of delicious and healthy options. The food is well worth the prices, and the quantities of the servings put them at the top of the heap. The Chickpea Quinoa Salad is divine, and the falafel is exceptional. The chicken shawarma is fresh and tasty, and the couscous, rice, and falafel are all very good. The food is made fresh, and the value for your buck is great.
I Dream of Falafel is one of the best restaurants in Chicago, with exceptional service and great variety of dishes. The restaurant is a perfect place to enjoy healthy and delicious fast food. The restaurant is a favorite lunch spot for many, and the lines are usually not too terribly long. The food is well worth the wait, and the staff provides great service. If you are looking for a different fast food experience that is healthy and delicious, then I Dream of Falafel is the place to go.
Old Jerusalem Restaurant
Address: 1411 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610-1305
Phone: +1 (312) 962-6029
Old Jerusalem Restaurant is a hidden gem located in the historic Old Town neighborhood of Chicago. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the service is excellent. The restaurant has a great atmosphere, with a nice outdoor dining area. The menu features fresh and authentic Middle Eastern cuisine that will wow your taste buds.
The vegetarian sampler and the musaheb are both delicious, as are the hummus, arayess, and tabouleh. The Greek salad topped with grilled kefta and the chicken kebab with rice and side salad are fresh and flavorful. The lentil soup, Kibbah, and Arayess are all worth trying. For an entree, the Kefta Kabob and Shish Kabob are both excellent choices. The Baklawa and Arabic coffee/Turkish coffee are perfect for finishing off your meal.
Old Jerusalem Restaurant has been a tradition in the Old Town neighborhood for many years. The restaurant specializes in Middle Eastern dining, featuring a menu of Middle Eastern recipes that are authentic and expertly seasoned. The restaurant is family-owned and operated, and the pride in their culture and cooking comes through in every dish. The prices are reasonable, and the food is amazing. Whether you are looking for a quiet relief from sports bars and pub food or a taste of home, Old Jerusalem Restaurant is the perfect place to go.
Galit Restaurant
Address: 2429 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614-2414
Phone: +1 (773) 360-8755
Galit Restaurant is a Michelin rated Mediterranean cuisine restaurant located in Chicago. The house-made pita is a standout dish and is worth the price of admission. The menu is unique and changes frequently, featuring creative and delicious Middle Eastern food that will leave a lasting impression. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and personable, adding a sweet touch to special occasions.
The restaurant offers a 4-course tasting menu with choices and starts with one of three hummus with fluffy house-made pita, together with small dishes of salatim. Warm appetizers and a small main course from the coal-fired grill follow, with a dessert to share to finish. The prix fixe meal is reasonably priced for the quality and amount of food, and the service is excellent. The dining environment is cozy, with a cool vibe.
Galit Restaurant is sometimes difficult to get a table, but eating at the bar is usually an option. Most of the food is cooked over wood, and the flavors are diverse and remarkable. The bartenders are great, and the staff is friendly and kind. The restaurant charges an optional 5% fee to cover employee health insurance, and the prices are fair for the quality of food and service. Watch the ratings skyrocket on this one.
In conclusion, Galit Restaurant is a must-visit for those who want to splurge and pamper themselves with top-notch Mediterranean cuisine. The house-made pita is a standout dish, and the menu is unique and changes frequently, featuring creative and delicious Middle Eastern food. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and personable, and the dining environment is cozy with a cool vibe.
Mercat a la Planxa
Address: 638 S Michigan Ave The Blackstone, Autograph Collection, Chicago, IL 60605-1901
Phone: +1 (312) 765-0524
Mercat a la Planxa is a sophisticated restaurant located in the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago. The atmosphere is inviting and open, with high ceilings overlooking the park. The staff is consistently friendly and knowledgeable, providing good and friendly service. The menu features a variety of Spanish dishes, including tapas and entrees, and the traditional tasting menu is a must-try. The prices are reasonable for the quality of food and service.
The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, including gambas al ajillo, croquetas, bacon-wrapped dates, and vaca vieja. The bread is flown in from Barcelona and goes well with the oil-garlic sauce that accompanies the gambas al ajillo. The poached pear with ricotta sorbet is a standout dessert. The wine selection on the glass is limited, but the Rioja and Ribera del Duero reds are good. The bacon-wrapped dates with Marcona almonds are a must-have.
Mercat a la Planxa is a gem and above the typical tapas experience you would have at a restaurant or bar in Barcelona. The decor is sophisticated and inviting, and the staff is consistently friendly and helpful. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, and the traditional tasting menu is a must-try. The prices are reasonable for the quality of food and service.
Sayat Nova
Address: 157 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611-3107
Phone: +1 (312) 644-9159
Sayat Nova is a family-owned restaurant that has been a Chicago institution for over 50 years, serving delectable Mediterranean and Armenian cuisine. The cozy atmosphere is enhanced by lanterns and a romantic decor, and there is even a speakeasy-style room downstairs for private events. The staff is warm and friendly, providing excellent service throughout your dining experience. The menu offers a wide range of options, including small-plates style or traditional app-main approach, with marvelous choices for vegetarians and a wide range for carnivores and omnivores.
The food is exceptional, with fresh and colorful ingredients that provide a unique and flavorful taste. The mezza (appetizers) are a must-try, with plenty of vegetarian options available. The juicy lulla kebabs made of ground lamb and beef with fragrant spices are a standout Armenian classic. The raw kibbee, aka Armenian steak tartare, is also a must-have. The entrees are excellent, including chicken, shrimp, and lamb kebabs, delicious lamb pilaf dishes, and other Armenian specialties. The desserts are amazing, and a glass of Armenian Ararat cognac is the perfect way to top off your meal.
Sayat Nova is a true gem and a surprise, offering excellent service, lovely atmosphere, and delectable cuisine. The menu is varied, with something for everyone, and the food is fresh, savory, and flavorful. The staff is attentive and accommodating, providing a high level of customer service. Whether you eat small-plates style or traditional app-main approach, you’ll enjoy a sensual experience, not merely a meal. The prices are reasonable for the excellent quality you experience, and it’s definitely worth a trip to Chicago to dine at Sayat Nova.
Beatnik West Town
Address: 1604 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622-5126
Phone: +1 (312) 929-4945
Beatnik West Town is a Lebanese/Mediterranean restaurant located in the Fulton Market area, offering a sensory experience in every aspect. The décor is exquisite with massive plants, colorful tile work, and melted candle “structures” that create a visually stunning display. The atmosphere is funky and fun, with an open-air indoor/outdoor setting filled with greenery and lush décor. The service is exceptional, with attentive but never invasive staff providing an outstanding dining experience.
The menu at Beatnik West Town offers a range of small plates and cocktails that are both imaginative and delicious. The cocktails are tasty and pretty strong, and the small plates menu includes stuffed medjool dates and smoked Banana Ghanoush for starters. The entrees are also excellent, including Lebanese-style roasted lamb with tatziki, hummus, pickled veggies, and nan, and the Moroccan Pastilla is highly recommended. The cinnamon roll dessert is also divine, and the mimosas are yummy.
The overall experience at Beatnik West Town is amazing, with exceptional attention to detail in every aspect, from the décor to the service to the food. The venue is perfect for food, laughs, and vibe, with a jungle vibe inside that matches the small plates menu and cocktails. The staff members are professional and courteous, providing attentive service throughout your meal. The establishment is pricey, but it is worth it for the overall experience.
Cedar Palace
Address: 655 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614-4431
Phone: +1 (312) 643-0933
Cedar Palace is a Lebanese gem in Chicago that offers delicious and fresh Mediterranean cuisine at a reasonable price. The menu is extensive, and the food is authentic and excellent. The staff is accommodating and friendly, making sure that every diner enjoys their meal to the fullest. The owner, Silvana, is lovely and attentive, and one of the chefs, making it a point to come out and speak to customers about the dishes.
The atmosphere at Cedar Palace is charming and inviting, with a secluded patio area that is perfect for dining outdoors. The restaurant is BYOB, which adds to the relaxed and casual vibe. The service is excellent, with Ankito providing exceptional service during our visit, and the owner, Silvana, being gracious and welcoming. The portions are ample, and we had plenty to take back with us.
The food at Cedar Palace is delicious and fresh, with a wide selection of appetizers and entrees to choose from. Some of the standout dishes include the falafel, hummus, lentil soup, salad, and two different kinds of chicken. The baba ganoush is also a must-try, and it’s one of the best in Chicago. The restaurant also offers vegetarian options, such as the delicious Vegetarian entree that we shared during our visit. Overall, Cedar Palace is an excellent dining destination for authentic Mediterranean cuisine, excellent service, and a charming atmosphere.
Nia
Address: 803 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: +1 (312) 226-3110
Nia is a hidden gem in the West Loop area of Chicago that offers a wonderful selection of Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff who go above and beyond to make diners feel comfortable. The hostess even created a kids water cup out of a soup bowl and put a smiley face on it, showing their attention to detail and excellent service.
The menu at Nia offers a great selection of items, including the Nia salad, spanakopita, seared scallops, lamb meatballs, eggplant with ricotta, and sauteed banana with caramel sauce for dessert. Everything is flavorful and delicious, not salty, and the portions are ample. The wine list is also excellent, although pricey, and the staff is open to making changes to orders. The restaurant also offers a tapas-style menu, providing a variety of tastings from many countries.
Nia is an excellent dining destination for special occasions or anytime, with a large space downstairs for larger groups and a private room for events. The eight-course family-style menu is amazing, and the service is wonderful. The owner, Nia, is engaging, and the staff is accommodating, letting diners select whatever tapas they like from the menu. The restaurant also offers sangria, which is delicious, and the food is truly outstanding. Overall, Nia is a great place to go for a personal feel and touch, with outstanding food and service.
Roti
Address: 33 N Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: +1 (312) 858-6972
Roti Mediterranean Grill is a restaurant that offers fresh and delicious Mediterranean food at a reasonable price. The restaurant is located in a clean and bright space, and the employees are friendly and efficient. The ordering process is simple, and customers can customize their meals by picking as many toppings as they want. The food is assembled from fresh ingredients, and the portions are generous. The menu features a wide variety of choices, including hummus, falafel, couscous, and fresh vegetables.
The quality of the food is outstanding, and every item on the plate is full of flavor. The salad with Roti chicken is highly recommended, and the pearl couscous with exotic spices and raisins is a must-try dish. The red cabbage and carrot salad is very satisfying with flavor and crunch, and the meat tastes like real roasted meat. The restaurant is a great spot for a quick and healthy lunch or a late lunch after visiting the Art Institute. The dining area can be a bit cramped during the lunch rush, but it’s still a good place to grab a good lunch.
The service is fast, and the staff is welcoming and helpful. The CEO of the company, Carl, was gracious enough to guide customers through the ordering process and made helpful suggestions. The restaurant is perfect for gluten-free vegans, and it’s easy to have a delicious meal here. The restaurant is highly recommended, and customers who love Mediterranean food will definitely enjoy the food and the service.
In conclusion, Chicago’s Mediterranean restaurants offer a rich and diverse culinary experience that reflects the vibrant cultural heritage of the city. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty gyro, a flavorful falafel, or a refreshing bowl of hummus, the city has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. From casual eateries to upscale dining, you can find a Mediterranean restaurant to suit any occasion and budget. So next time you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, consider visiting one of the best Mediterranean restaurants in Chicago.
