Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Aba

    4.4 (2k reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Order Aba Takeout or Delivery

    Aba Photos

    ABA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Romantic

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Aba

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    06.13.26 Tuna & Watermelon dish did not have watermelon and it was salty.
    Chris V.

    It was our first time dining here, stopping in on a Saturday for lunch. We managed to snag seats at the bar, but if you plan to visit, I'd definitely recommend reserving a table. We ordered the grilled chicken kebab along with the tuna and watermelon. The chicken was moist and well-cooked, but the tuna and watermelon dish was disappointing. There was no watermelon at all, and the seasoning was overwhelmingly salty. The cucumber and mint spritz was refreshing, but the bartender was new and not very attentive. Overall, the experience fell short of expectations.

    Falafel
    NiNi F.

    I really love the ambiance. It makes you feel like you are somewhere other than Chicago. They have a nice size patio for outdoor dining. They give you water of course but it was room temp and I had to ask for a cup of ice for it. Collin was our host. He knew the menu very well and make great recommendations. The crispy short rib hummus was deliciously savory. My friend ordered the falafels but it does come with a tzatziki sauce they she got on the side. I probably would've preferred it on their. A lot of the dishes can be shared. The short rib was just as tasty as the hummus. It was tender and the vegetables were cooked perfectly too. We had the sticky date cake for dessert and we have had better. Our cake tasted burnt.

    Grilled Salmon Kebab Whipped Feta
    Noah

    Walked in for a spontaneous dinner based on the overwhelming positive feedback seen online. The ambiance in the restaurant was more of an elevated, classy vibe. It was very busy but we were able to secure bar seating luckily. We ordered the whipped feta as an appetizer, along with the salmon kebab for our main course. We loved both and the portion sizes were great! Highly recommend this spot and will definitely be coming back!!

    Lamb & Beef Kefta Kebab
    Pamela G.

    I first discovered Aba around the time they had first opened up and it was such an amazing dining experience, that I made a reservation again when I came back into town all these years later. I have to admit... it's not the same as it used to be. Don't get me wrong, it's an excellent place to dine at, especially on their patio during the Chicago summer, which was one of the biggest reasons why I came back. I was with someone who had not explored Chicago before so it definitely gave the city ambience while being engulfed in the Mediterranean experience. Yet the inside dining area feels like you're dining in small romantic villages in Italy or Greece. Service is still top notch. But the food is what's not the same. For me, the highlight was the crispy short rib hummus. I never thought they'd go well together but the juices from the meat blended in with the hummus and it's just soooo good. The kefta was nothing to be impressed about in which I expected more for the price we paid for. The chicken thighs were good but also nothing to be that impressed about. The one thing I was a little disappointed by is that they no longer serve a desert I tried the first time I was there, and their new desserts are average. Nothing to marvel about. Their OG desert is what had stayed in my mind all these years. You can't go wrong for a nice little date night at this spot or if you're new to the city, but it's not exactly a place I feel like I want to come back to, especially at that price. You're really mostly paying for the experience of the place.

    Crispy Potatoes Lamb & Beef Kefta Kebab
    Gia G.

    Food 3/5 We got whipped feta, short rib hummus, and Brussels sprouts for apps and they were great individually but dip the Brussels in the whipped feta and it's even better. We got the steak frites, chicken kebab, crab cakes, grilled chicken kebab for our entrees and they were pretty mid. We honestly could have skipped them. The ambiance is always great in there. The music and the lighting. The server was great answering our questions about wines.

    Whipped Feta
    Sara G.

    Aba is my all time favorite restaurant in Chicago. The food was all so freaking good, the service was top notch, and the ambiance of the place is vibey but not too over the top. I recommend this spot to everyone!

    Green Falafel
    Myia S.

    Went to Aba for my husband's birthday. Reservation was for 8pm we waited a little bit to be seated. We grabbed drinks while we waited. I had the freeda vita I really liked that it was refreshing and great for a hot day. I also had a expresso martini but it was not as good as some other local restaurants in the area. Our favorite dishes were the green chili shrimp, whipped feta and garlic hummus. The falafel and taziki was good. The beef and lamb kabob was dry the rice was delicious. I think the dips could be better if they had crispy pita bread or chips vs soft pita we needed texture. The sticky date cake was burnt at the bottom. Had a bad taste. The short ribs were just okay. The ambiance was okay I didnt like the music and it was just super loud. Overall I al happy I tried it but will likely not go back. They also charged us for a birthday dessert which I wasn't expecting. The waiter was not excellent he was pretty average didnt do anything to wow me.

    Shawarma-Spiced Steak Frites
    Neal M.

    Elevated, clean cuisine that is becoming a Chicago classic. Food was fantastic. Dishes are elevated yet carry a rustic charm resembling what you would get from a mom-and-pop restaurant. No dish was too heavy with oils or grease or fats which left us feeling full and satisfied without the groggy food coma. Flavors sing Mediterranean, and truly can't pick a wrong item. If I had to make a recommendation, the mushroom hummus for vegetarians is devine!! For the beef lovers out there, I've been recommended the short rib hummus countless times and I'm certain it would hit the spot. Unfortunately not the best Mediterranean food I've had in town, but definitely a can't miss place when making your restaurant hit list. The ambiance is also elegant and fit for an upscale Mediterranean meal. The indoor section is beautiful but I hear outdoor section is just as great of an experience. Again, can't go wrong on where you choose to make your reservation. The service is where the restaurant falls a bit short. They get incredibly busy and as a result it took over an hour to receive our meal. Was it worth the wait? Definitely, but wish the service could have been a bit more attentive also. Rating: 4/5

    Lamb & Beef Kefta Kebab
    Susan Z.

    Came back to Aba during their happy hour hours and got to try a spread of their hummus -- sooo delicious! The asparagus dish was phenomenal; it was a mix of flavors my partner and I had never expected to be a match made in heaven and i'd highly recommend! There was also a hot honey cheese offering from the HH menu and it was also amazing. The honey was strong and the spice wasn't too much; such an amazing pairing together. Aba never disappoints and I will always come back!

    Rikiyah M.

    Aba is easily one of my favorite Mediterranean spots in West Loop! I honestly come back just for the short rib hummus because it's that good. Stopped in for brunch this time and tried the frittata, which was delicious. The food is always amazing, but the bar is also so pretty and makes the whole space feel so inviting.

    Grilled Salmon Kebab
    Jimmy N.

    The vibes were great within the restaurant, the food was wow. Of everything we ordered, the only one I'd skip is the whipped feta, just lacking some oomph in flavor, but I love the simplicity of the spread. The things you MUST get: crispy short rib hummus, and the stick date cake (do not skip out on this, you ALWAYS have room for desserts). Service was quick, efficient and very friendly. Great spot overall

    Jorge P.

    I can't hype up this place enough... Aba Chicago is my Top 3 favorite food spot in the city. I've had such good experiences here that I actually took my entire cousins Wedding Party here to celebrate and they treated us beyond well. Took very good care of us. I've gone here for multiple birthdays, that's how much I've enjoyed my time here. Can never go wrong with the crispy Brussels sprouts or braised short beef rib... to die for. I could give compliments all day so I'll stop here. Also, wonderful customer service & vibes, top notch truly. Just know, if you've never been, I highly highly recommend. Even if you have to travel out of your way to go here. You'll fall in love, I guarantee it. Just look at my pictures and videos haha Personal Review: 9.4/10

    Cappuccino
    Leslie C.

    Wow!! Amazing food, excellent service, and beautiful ambiance! I'm so glad I took my boyfriend here for his birthday! The decor is beautiful! The romantic lighting and lovely trees all around really create a special atmosphere. Olivia took great care of us and made excellent recommendations. It's family style and it was suggested that we share around two dishes per person. We started with the wild mushroom hummus, and it was so creamy and delicious. The homemade bread with it was fantastic too. The Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak Frites dish was perfection! The steak was cooked perfectly medium rare and served with red wine jus, za'atar and feta, and the fries were well seasoned and crispy. We really enjoyed the green chili shrimp, with garlic, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs. The dish had a nice spice level and kick. The Brussels sprouts were a tasty side dish too. For dessert, the Chocolate Hazelnut Torte was phenomenal! The dark chocolate mousse was divine and the praline crunch was the best texture and flavor. The candied orange slices around the sides provided a really nice compliment to the dish. Olivia treated us to a frozen Greek yogurt for a birthday treat. It was so refreshing and such a lovely palate cleanser. Smooth cocktails too. I really enjoyed the Paper Plane. My boyfriend liked his Mediterranean Mule too. And we enjoyed a cappuccino and cortado to end our evening. It was a wonderful night!

    Oasis g&t

    See all

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chris V.
    15
    616
    2384

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 hours ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    23 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sara G.
    285
    27
    22

    2 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 23
    Thanks 10
    Love this 22
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tessa F.
    2
    52
    101

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Blue A.
    3203
    1759
    4829

    3 months ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 4

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    Page 1 of 51

    Aba Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Aba

    Is your meat Halal?

    Hi Shiva! Our meat is not halal. We hope to welcome you in soon!

    Can I walk in? How long I wait on average?

    Hi there! We accept walk-ins based on availability and our bar is first come, first served and full service!

    Does the restaurant add an additional service fee on the check?

    Yes, I think they add a 4% service fee to offset rising operational costs. The fee is optimal and you can request to remove it and they will!

    When making a reservation, what is the difference between the Outside patio lounge and Outside patio table options? Also, is the outside patio different from the rooftop?

    Lounge is couches and low tables

    Hi, I just booked a reservation for outside seating on Oct 20 in the late evening. Is the outside seating going to be okay if it is cold? Do you have an enclosure or heaters or something?

    Hi Roger! We have heaters installed on the patio and have blankets available upon request, and suggest dressing for the weather. We look forward to welcoming you!

    High top seating?

    They have a few

    I was wondering what time does the kitchen usually close? Looking to make a late night reservation but not sure how much time we would have to dine. (ex. 9:45pm reservation, but you close at 10pm)

    Hi Dominick! As long as you are seated for your reservation within our open hours, you will be able to order from the kitchen and enjoy our full menu. Our close time is when we stop seating for the evening. We hope to welcome you in soon!

    Do you take walk in's?

    Hi Daniel! Yes, we do take walk-ins based on availability and our bar is full service and first come, first served. We do suggest making a reservation to shorten wait times. We look forward to welcoming you!… 

    What is the dress code for men?

    Hi Daniel! We do not have a fixed dress code at Aba - please dress as you please. We look forward to welcoming you!

    How do you get reservations. It's really tough?

    Hi Karan! Reservations are released 30 days out from your desired reservation date at midnight. We encourage checking https://www.exploretock.com/aba for availability!

    Anyone knows why there aren't reservations available between 1:15 - 6:45pm on Saturdays? Do they close during that time?

    Hi Lorena! We are open for brunch from 10:00AM-3:00PM, and open for dinner from 3:00PM-11:00PM, on Saturdays. If you don't see the time you'd like, we are likely fully committed at that time. Please feel free to give our host stand a call at… 

    Menu looks amazing! But we have one in our party allergic to olives/olive oil...anything on the menu for him?

    I would recommend calling the restaurant. I cannot say much was made without olive oil, but the staff would know. It will be limited for sure. Good luck.

    Does Aba take walk-ins for dinner?

    Hi Carolyn! Yes, we do seat walk-ins based on availability, however we strongly encourage making a reservation to minimize wait times. Additionally, the bar is first-come, first-serve and full service. You can make a reservation by visiting… 

    What are the dairy free options for here? Do they accommodate severe allergies?

    Hi Janna! Yes, Aba has a strict allergy procedure in place. Upon your visit, please inform your server of your dietary restrictions and they will be able to suggest which dishes are safe, or can be modified. We hope to see you in soon!

    Hi, can customers bring outside cake? I am a vegan asking for a birthday.

    Hi Anastasia! Yes, you are welcome to bring your own cake. Please note there is a $3.50 per person cutting fee that will be applied to the final check. We look forward to celebrating with you!

    I absolutely love the scent in the lobby before coming upstairs. Do you know what it is? Is it a spray?

    Hi Manika! Thank you, we're so happy to hear that. It is Moroccan Fig by ScentAir, made exclusively for Aba.

    Can you BYOB here? We have friends coming in town and want to bring a nice bottle of wine we have.

    Hi Ky! You are welcome to bring up to two 750ml bottles of wine, with a $40 corkage fee per bottle. We look forward to having you in soon!

    If we plan to walk in and sit at the bar this Saturday what time frame would you recommend before it typically gets busy? I know you cannot guarantee but was just curious based on your experience. Thanks

    They open at 3 on Saturday for dinner. I would recommend arriving at 3 or 4 as it fills up quickly with reservations. Brunch begins at 11, but not sure how that works and such

    Can you eat dinner outside?

    Hi Alice! Yes, full service is offered on the patio. You can make a reservation to dine with us on the patio through https://www.exploretock.com/Aba/, or by calling us directly at 773-645-1400.

    Hi there, do you not offer the bagel anymore? It was my favorite dish from your menu :(

    Hi Morgan! We absolutely still are offering our Jerusalem Bagel - it is available during weekend brunch from 11:00am-3:00pm. We look forward to having you in.

    View All 49 Questions

    You might also consider

    Ema

    Ema

    4.3
    (2k reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    The atmosphere was great for our 6 person group for brunch! Service was fantastic…read more A very nice ambiance that wasn't too loud for a brunch at 11am where we could all hear each other, sat at a round table so we could see each other. That part was lovely because often I find that with larger groups it's hard to ensure everyone is able to interact (especially since I was taking my parents) Lamb shakshuka was a winner in my book!! So flavorful and perfect hearty brunch. The skewers my parents got were wonderfully cooked. Others got a more standard scrambled egg breakfast that they said was nothing special. Definitely opt for a Mediterranean breakfast if you're at a Mediterranean spot imo.

    I was really disappointed with my experience at Ema. The portions were much smaller than expected,…read moreespecially considering the prices. The biggest issue was that our drink glasses had a terrible odor, as if they hadn't been washed properly. We mentioned it to the manager, who promptly replaced the glasses, and the new ones did not have the smell, which confirmed there was an issue with the original ones. I ordered the short ribs, which cost $35 and the portion was extremely small. One of the pieces was also mostly fat, leaving very little actual meat. For the price, I expected a much better-quality dish and a more satisfying portion. Overall, the experience did not live up to the restaurant's reputation or pricing. Unfortunately, I won't be returning.

    Photos
    Ema tables and bar
    Ema tables and bar
    Double chocolate.
    Double chocolate.
    Inside

    See all

    Inside
    The Purple Pig

    The Purple Pig

    4.3
    (9k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$$

    My new favorite restaurant! the food is DELICIOUS and the staff was incredible. I don't give…read morereviews much but just loved it here so I had to :)

    This place had a line that went out of the door during the multiple times I've crossed the…read moreMagnificent Mile bridge in Chicago. Made last minute reservations for brunch next day after the infamous architecture tour. It was quiet as we've put in an early morning. All the more better to savor all intricate dishes from start to finish. Like the name, The Purple Pig, their specialty is pork dishes so majority of our orders were this. Daily special of the bone marrow bacon jam toast - glazed, slippery off the bone, savory and sweet. Always love a good bone marrow dish to get the sweetness off it. This was so good that there were bits of the marrow and jam left stuck to the bone, I took a piece of the toast and scooped the bone dry. Nothing left for anyone to attack this. Non pork dishes were the Mushroom 3 ways and Spanish octopus. Mushroom dish was savory with all the coated sauces elevating this. Spanish octopus was kicked lightly and easily can bite in to enjoy the tender and charred portions. But the award went to my main course - the braised pork shoulder with saffron, apricots and Swiss chard. Aside from the rippable pork meat when dining on it, the sauces fused together on this dish elevated it and had everyone coming back for more. I needed an official Chicago culinary experience and found it at The Purple Pig without a doubt.

    Photos
    The kitchen
    The kitchen
    Chicago style hot dog
    Chicago style hot dog
    Squid Ink Chitarra

    See all

    Squid Ink Chitarra
    Falafel & Grill

    Falafel & Grill

    4.3
    (669 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    Good "bang for buck" would be an understatement when describing this place. The quality of the food…read moreat Falafel & Grill is absolutely OUTSTANDING, and comes at a beyond reasonable price. As typical for a counter serve, this facility is no thrills but it's kept very clean and the service is straightforward and great. We've gone back here a few times and have never had an issues with wait time, which is impressive as it can get pretty busy with orders. We've tried both the Chicken Kabob Plate and the Kifta Kabob Plate and both were fantastic. They truly make the meat here the PERFECT tenderness - probably the softest and juiciest chicken I've had in the city!!! The hummus and falafel that the Plate meals come with are also delicious. 10000% recommend for a casual Mediterranean meal or takeout

    I lived in Chicago ten years and always wanted to try this place. Sadly it took me moving away to…read morefinally give it a try! This place is a local gem: simple, quick, casual, but packed with flavor. The falafel is crispy crunchy and herby served with two sauces (the red is bright and spicy - my fav), and you can see that juicy shawarma rotating in the window as you pass. Though unassuming on the outside, this place serves yummy Lebanese food at high ROI. Of the two shawarma plates I tried, I fancy the beef, but I tend to lean beef. The chicken was clean and flavorful. The hummus is creamy and delicious and the plates are served with a balsamic fresh salad on the side. The guys behind the counter are working hard and if you're picking food up to-go, you're likely in and out of line with hot fresh food in under 10 minutes. Definitely a spot to try if you've never had shawarma or Falaffel, or need a quick bite while on your lunch break. Also wouldn't be a bad late night snacky

    Photos
    Falafel & Grill
    Falafel & Grill
    Kofta Kabob Plate Baba Ghanoush

    See all

    Kofta Kabob Plate Baba Ghanoush
    Al Bawadi Grill

    Al Bawadi Grill

    4.1
    (1.2k reviews)
    13.2 mi
    $$

    food was delicious, great serving size and fresh !! customer service was also fantastic, super…read morefriendly and accommodating. will be coming back

    I really liked this place. They have parking in front of the restaurant and back. I highly…read morerecommend a reservation on Friday-Sunday even if you are just one person. I called them because I wasn't sure if the online version would be too slow. We were a group of three that came in Saturday night at 7 pm. It was moderately busy. The staff were all welcoming with smiles on their faces and attentiveness. Prices were fair for the amount of food you receive. Food portions are colossal so I would recommend one appetizer and one entree if you are a couple. They give you a complimentary dish. We ordered arayes with meat, meat toshka, mixed grill with baba ghanouj, fillet of basa fried, and mint lemonade. They also offer you fresh Arabic coffee before you leave. This is about a 4.5-5. -arayes with meat 4 - this was not bad. It's like a tamer version of the meat toshka. -meat toshka 5 - I prefer this over the arayes because they add the Syrian cheese. This one was bursting with flavor the moment you took a bite out of it. The minced beef and lamb just melt in the mouth. -mixed grill 5 - this came with 3 big skewers (shish kabab, kufta kabab, and chicken tawook. It also has tomatoes and onions to help cut down the meat when digesting. There are two heaping portions of biryani and saffron rice and baba ghanouj. The baba ghanouj was creamy and flavorful. It goes well with the pita bread. The meats were cooked medium well unless you want something. I think next time I'll ask for the shish kababs to be cooked medium rare or medium for a more juicy taste. The chicken tawook and kufta were both succulent. -fillet of basa fried 5 - the two pieces of basa fillet were astronomical. It also comes with two different kinds of rice. The fish was flaky, moist, and seasoned. Make sure you add the lemon and eat it with the sauce. -mint lemonade 5 - this was very refreshing after eating a heavy meal.

    Photos
    20 minute wait for two. Food smells delicious though
    20 minute wait for two. Food smells delicious though
    Kenafah
    Kenafah
    Lotus cake

    See all

    Lotus cake
    Avec - Chicago

    Avec - Chicago

    4.3
    (2.7k reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$$

    We came here on Saturday for their brunch and I wanted to say our server was amazing!! The food was…read moregreat especially the Meijoo dates. We got a lot of dishes to share between four people and it was more than enough. A lot of the dishes had eggs which is great and everything was so flavorful. We choose to sit outside and it's so lovely and nice. Will be back to try more on their menu.

    This came highly recommended by multiple people, and for a good reason! Our friend made a late…read morenight reservation, which was perfect after the architecture boat tour. This location runs a long narrow path with tables on the right and bar seating on the left. Beware, you'll be pretty cozy with your neighbors since some of the tables aren't split up. Mediterranean food is usually a hit for group dinners since we get to try a ton of small dishes. - Endive peach salad: delicious parm greek yogurt on the bottom, and was just what we needed after a day full of carbs. Light and refreshing - Wild mexican prawns: they added another for us since it usually only comes with 3. Make sure to dip the pita bread in the sauce - Chorizo stuffed dates: not a favorite for me, it was a bit too salty - Hummus with glazed short rib - this one was also just ok, the short rib was quite fatty - Heirloom tomatoes: another light and refreshing, but very savory starter. Loved this with the endive salad - Shwarma spiced chicken: we had to order this after seeing and SMELLING our neighbors' chicken. The spices are so fragrant and reallly good. I don't usually order chicken because it's usually dry, but even the white meat was moist As you can see, we left STUFFED. happy bellies

    Photos
    Restaurant view from bar
    Restaurant view from bar
    Roasted Corn & Freekeh Tabbouleh
    Roasted Corn & Freekeh Tabbouleh
    Whole roasted branzino

    See all

    Whole roasted branzino
    Avaspi

    Avaspi

    4.8
    (109 reviews)
    3.7 mi

    An absolutely standout meal, each dish better than the next. The stuffed dates, however, were about…read moreas spectacular as anything I've had. A perfect place to go with a group to try as many different things as possible. And don't sleep on their happy hour, which makes the experience even better!

    Avaspi is one of the best restaurants I've been to in Chicago. My party of six split 6 appetizers…read moreand 3 entrees. Mediterranean Meze - very flavorful blend of 22 ingredients according to our waiter. This dish was truly unique. 5/5 Grilled Halloumi Meze - delicious cheese with olives and garlic bread. 4/5 Stuffed Eggplant - savory and creamy dish which actually might be even better served hot. 5/5 Calamari Meze - Excellent and tender. Not chewy at all which was nice. There were a ton of olives which I didn't think complimented the calamari. Overall, still 5/5. Mushroom Tava - mushrooms were cooked perfectly and were delicious. One of my favorite dishes of the night. 5/5 Stuffed Mushrooms - this dish fell flat on flavor and had more of the typical mushroom texture. 3/5 The Hunkar entrée initially was extremely salty. I mentioned this to the waiter and they remade it, which turned out great, so I'm hoping the salty dish was a one-off. 5/5 Our waiter was very friendly and attentive throughout. The restaurant itself is also casual upscale, so nice for most occasions. Avaspi exceeds expectations and I highly recommend this excellent Mediterranean restaurant.

    Photos
    Avaspi bar
    Avaspi bar
    Bread
    Bread
    Cool bar

    See all

    Cool bar

    Aba - mediterranean - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...