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I haven't been here since it first opened seven years ago, and I was honestly taken aback by how beautiful the space still is. The breathtaking views, exceptional customer service, and quality of the food made this visit a surprisingly memorable one. Any great restaurant starts with great service, and that experience began the moment I walked through the door and continued throughout my meal. My server, Fabricio, was phenomenal. He gave thoughtful recommendations, made sure I had everything I needed, and consistently checked in while keeping a genuinely warm and welcoming spirit. I started with the charred eggplant dip, which is a unique take on traditional baba ganoush. The yogurt gives it a creamy component, while the char adds a beautiful depth of flavor. The consistency was perfect -- creamy without being too wet -- and it paired incredibly well with the pita. But the star of the show was definitely the falafel. They were perfectly golden and crispy on the outside with an incredible crunch, while the inside was soft and almost pillow-like. The ground lentils gave them a great texture, and the touch of sea salt on top helped cut through some of the richness. Paired with the sauces that came alongside them, these were easily some of the best falafel I've had. I also ordered the grilled chicken kebab skewer, which was cooked beautifully. It had a nice char on the outside while remaining tender and juicy throughout. The rice was light and flavorful, although slightly clumpy, but overall it complemented the dish nicely. To finish, I had the Greek frozen yogurt topped with olive oil, Maldon sea salt, and candied pecans, along with a cup of peppermint tea. The combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and nutty flavors was a great way to end the meal. Walking into this restaurant genuinely feels like stepping into an oasis, and the food complements the atmosphere perfectly. There's a reason reservations here can be so hard to come by. If you haven't been yet, do yourself a favor and check it out as soon as you can.
OMG sexy, gorgeous delicious fun. ENCHANTING is how I would describe this place. This gorgeous restaurant is a total standout. it is take your breath away beautiful! You should sit on the gorgeous patio if you can. Have your birthday party here if you can and eat everything off the menu if you can! We had it all! The server said the portions "were small", ummmmm... they are not. You can share the delish skewers between two or even three people. The small plates are not that small. I thought the portions were very, very generous and we came home stuffed! TOO MUCH FOOD! We were so inspired by the menu that we ordered way too much! I love the new app in which you used to pay with, especially for a large group. Fancy! This is one of the most romantic restaurants I have been to. It's perfect for a fun group of people or a really romantic date night. We had so much fun. We didn't want to leave to go to our next destination. GO!
This was my first time at Aba. I'd heard great things and really liked the atmosphere, but unfortunately my experience was just okay. The food was decent overall, although the chicken skewers were noticeably overcooked. My bigger concern, however, was the cleanliness of the artificial trees and greenery throughout the restaurant. There was a significant amount of visible dust buildup all over the branches and leaves, and this wasn't isolated to the tree near our table. Even more concerning, we could actually see dust particles floating through the air while we were eating. Much of the greenery hangs directly above or around the dining tables, so seeing that much accumulated dust--and then seeing it airborne--was pretty unsettling in a restaurant. The space itself is beautiful and I can understand why Aba is so popular, but the greenery is a major design feature and really needs to be included in a routine deep-cleaning schedule. Hopefully management addresses it, because the dust definitely took away from what otherwise could have been a much better first experience.
This restaurant space is beautifully done inside and you can also sit out on their balcony patio, which is such a nice option as well. They have the decor down to the details. We got the smoky garlic hummus, whipped feta, brussel sprouts, and lemon meringue bar for dessert, and honestly everything was amazing. The harissa honey on the brussel sprouts was so good, and the lemon meringue bar with the citrus crema and graham cracker crust was the perfect sweet item to round out the meal. They bring complementary pita with your hummus and dips and the bread with za'atar itself was delicious. They recommend 2-3 share plates per person, but we ordered 3 plus dessert for two people and still had leftovers. So I'd say it definitely depends on how hungry you are! We went for lunch/brunch and were pretty much the first people there, so service was super fast. Our server was lovely and incredibly attentive with topping off water and clearing plates. Definitely would come back to try some of their larger plate options.
Great birthday and celebration spot! Family style so you can get a lil taste of everything. Friendly smiley service. Dim lighting, candlelight, indoor outdoor seating. We had an allergy at our table so they added a little stick to mark it. We felt safe. Will return, yum!
Came here with my coworkers to celebrate my birthday and unfortunately I have to deduct stars due to service. We're convinced that the waiter either forgot to put in more than half of our meals or the kitchen lost our ticket, but either way our wait time for our food was unacceptable. We're also convinced that the one persons plate who had probably been ready for a long time had been sitting there because her meal was cold. All of ours when the waiter went to check for the 3rd time finally came out hot. For the wait we got 1 appetizer deducted. I didn't get photos of all the food but the star of the show was the hummus! I also had the crab cakes as my meal and it was tasty with an interesting purée. Not sure if I'd come back as it is a pricey place. I will say that their decor is top notch. I'm told it's Californian Mediterranean inspired.
Food: delicious, tasty. Modern Mediterranean. Service: upscale restaurant, fancy atmosphere for brunch/lunch or dinner Value: expensive but worth it imo
Came here for a dinner and got three spreads, three hummus, and three mains. The drinks were not very good in my opinion. The spreads and the hummus were good my favorite was walnut one and the spared ribs. The entrees were not bad and portions were pretty good. We got unlimited bread and service was amazing. A lot of seating and outdoor seating but was a bit too dark. Overall, it was a good experience and would come back. Definitely filling and for all we get it was roughly 360$ after tax tip and surcharge.
Stopped here on a trip to Chicago - gorgeous space in the West Loop. We ordered the crispy short rib hummus, whipped feta, honey brussels sprouts, lamb & beef kefta over rice, and crispy chicken thighs. The kefta and the honey brussels were the standouts - I'd get both again. Dining room is lovely. The letdown was the service: we waited about 15 minutes just to get seated and around 45 minutes for the food, and it didn't even seem that packed. I wanted to love this spot and the food mostly delivered, but the slow service was disappointing.
We came in from out of town and on short notice was able to grab a table at 3:30pm for a late lunch. The place is beautiful with a lively terrace on nice days but also a very open and bright interior with modern decor. We were seated right away at a table off to the side of the bar area. We must have waited like 15-20 minutes before anyone even realized that we were there. It seemed as though none of the servers running around serving other tables around us had our table to service. Eventually we caught the attention of who I can only imagine was a manager or supervisor who finally came over to take our orders. We ordered the Smokey garlic hummus which fresh pita bread and this was very good. We also ordered the crispy potatoes and the Brussel sprouts as a side. These were also nice and crispy and the brussel sprouts had a tasty kick with the harissa honey. For our main we had the chicken kebab which was perfectly cooked and tender, braised short rib (not as good), and the shawarma skirt steak frite. We quite enjoyed our meal and everything very fast which more than made up for the initial delay in service. For dessert we decided to share a frozen Greek yogurt with Olive Oil and sea salt. This had an interesting taste with a tanginess at the end. I'm not sure I would order this again but you could tell the Greek yogurt was of very good quality. All in all we enjoyed our meal at Aba and would definitely come back if in town.
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!!
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.
Had a great experience at Aba during the weekend of August 9. Food was great, especially the intro hummus spreads, the drinks were very fresh, i loved that they weren't too sweet. Service was exceptional and the wait staff was extremely kind (they let us stay at the restaurant and extra 30 minutes during a freak torrential downpour). And of course the restaurant itself was beautiful, I'd recommend pictures in the lobby downstairs as the restaurant itself is more intimate.
29 days ago
3 days ago
Okay this place was a vibe. I went on a random weekday and I could only get seats at the bar. The staff are great. They take allergies very seriously which felt great. The chicken thighs paired with potato puree were fantastic. The brussels were good as well. Maybe slightly too much honey but still very good. I'll have to go back. read more
I haven't been here since it first opened seven years ago, and I was honestly taken aback by how beautiful the space still is. The breathtaking views, exceptional customer service, and quality of the food made this visit a surprisingly memorable one. Any great restaurant starts with great service, and that experience began the moment I walked through the door and continued throughout my meal. My server, Fabricio, was phenomenal. He gave thoughtful recommendations, made sure I had everything I needed, and consistently checked in while keeping a genuinely warm and welcoming spirit. I started with the charred eggplant dip, which is a unique take on traditional baba ganoush. The yogurt gives it a creamy component, while the char adds a beautiful depth of flavor. The consistency was perfect -- creamy without being too wet -- and it paired incredibly well with the pita. But the star of the show was definitely the falafel. They were perfectly golden and crispy on the outside with an incredible crunch, while the inside was soft and almost pillow-like. The ground lentils gave them a great texture, and the touch of sea salt on top helped cut through some of the richness. Paired with the sauces that came alongside them, these were easily some of the best falafel I've had. I also ordered the grilled chicken kebab skewer, which was cooked beautifully. It had a nice char on the outside while remaining tender and juicy throughout. The rice was light and flavorful, although slightly clumpy, but overall it complemented the dish nicely. To finish, I had the Greek frozen yogurt topped with olive oil, Maldon sea salt, and candied pecans, along with a cup of peppermint tea. The combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and nutty flavors was a great way to end the meal. Walking into this restaurant genuinely feels like stepping into an oasis, and the food complements the atmosphere perfectly. There's a reason reservations here can be so hard to come by. If you haven't been yet, do yourself a favor and check it out as soon as you can. read more
2 months ago
OMG sexy, gorgeous delicious fun. ENCHANTING is how I would describe this place. This gorgeous restaurant is a total standout. it is take your breath away beautiful! You should sit on the gorgeous patio if you can. Have your birthday party here if you can and eat everything off the menu if you can! We had it all! The server said the portions "were small", ummmmm... they are not. You can share the delish skewers between two or even three people. The small plates are not that small. I thought the portions were very, very generous and we came home stuffed! TOO MUCH FOOD! We were so inspired by the menu that we ordered way too much! I love the new app in which you used to pay with, especially for a large group. Fancy! This is one of the most romantic restaurants I have been to. It's perfect for a fun group of people or a really romantic date night. We had so much fun. We didn't want to leave to go to our next destination. GO! read more
This was my first time at Aba. I'd heard great things and really liked the atmosphere, but unfortunately my experience was just okay. The food was decent overall, although the chicken skewers were noticeably overcooked. My bigger concern, however, was the cleanliness of the artificial trees and greenery throughout the restaurant. There was a significant amount of visible dust buildup all over the branches and leaves, and this wasn't isolated to the tree near our table. Even more concerning, we could actually see dust particles floating through the air while we were eating. Much of the greenery hangs directly above or around the dining tables, so seeing that much accumulated dust--and then seeing it airborne--was pretty unsettling in a restaurant. The space itself is beautiful and I can understand why Aba is so popular, but the greenery is a major design feature and really needs to be included in a routine deep-cleaning schedule. Hopefully management addresses it, because the dust definitely took away from what otherwise could have been a much better first experience. read more
This restaurant space is beautifully done inside and you can also sit out on their balcony patio, which is such a nice option as well. They have the decor down to the details. We got the smoky garlic hummus, whipped feta, brussel sprouts, and lemon meringue bar for dessert, and honestly everything was amazing. The harissa honey on the brussel sprouts was so good, and the lemon meringue bar with the citrus crema and graham cracker crust was the perfect sweet item to round out the meal. They bring complementary pita with your hummus and dips and the bread with za'atar itself was delicious. They recommend 2-3 share plates per person, but we ordered 3 plus dessert for two people and still had leftovers. So I'd say it definitely depends on how hungry you are! We went for lunch/brunch and were pretty much the first people there, so service was super fast. Our server was lovely and incredibly attentive with topping off water and clearing plates. Definitely would come back to try some of their larger plate options. read more
1 month ago
Great birthday and celebration spot! Family style so you can get a lil taste of everything. Friendly smiley service. Dim lighting, candlelight, indoor outdoor seating. We had an allergy at our table so they added a little stick to mark it. We felt safe. Will return, yum! read more
Came here with my coworkers to celebrate my birthday and unfortunately I have to deduct stars due to service. We're convinced that the waiter either forgot to put in more than half of our meals or the kitchen lost our ticket, but either way our wait time for our food was unacceptable. We're also convinced that the one persons plate who had probably been ready for a long time had been sitting there because her meal was cold. All of ours when the waiter went to check for the 3rd time finally came out hot. For the wait we got 1 appetizer deducted. I didn't get photos of all the food but the star of the show was the hummus! I also had the crab cakes as my meal and it was tasty with an interesting purée. Not sure if I'd come back as it is a pricey place. I will say that their decor is top notch. I'm told it's Californian Mediterranean inspired. read more
Came here for a dinner and got three spreads, three hummus, and three mains. The drinks were not very good in my opinion. The spreads and the hummus were good my favorite was walnut one and the spared ribs. The entrees were not bad and portions were pretty good. We got unlimited bread and service was amazing. A lot of seating and outdoor seating but was a bit too dark. Overall, it was a good experience and would come back. Definitely filling and for all we get it was roughly 360$ after tax tip and surcharge. read more
Stopped here on a trip to Chicago - gorgeous space in the West Loop. We ordered the crispy short rib hummus, whipped feta, honey brussels sprouts, lamb & beef kefta over rice, and crispy chicken thighs. The kefta and the honey brussels were the standouts - I'd get both again. Dining room is lovely. The letdown was the service: we waited about 15 minutes just to get seated and around 45 minutes for the food, and it didn't even seem that packed. I wanted to love this spot and the food mostly delivered, but the slow service was disappointing. read more
We came in from out of town and on short notice was able to grab a table at 3:30pm for a late lunch. The place is beautiful with a lively terrace on nice days but also a very open and bright interior with modern decor. We were seated right away at a table off to the side of the bar area. We must have waited like 15-20 minutes before anyone even realized that we were there. It seemed as though none of the servers running around serving other tables around us had our table to service. Eventually we caught the attention of who I can only imagine was a manager or supervisor who finally came over to take our orders. We ordered the Smokey garlic hummus which fresh pita bread and this was very good. We also ordered the crispy potatoes and the Brussel sprouts as a side. These were also nice and crispy and the brussel sprouts had a tasty kick with the harissa honey. For our main we had the chicken kebab which was perfectly cooked and tender, braised short rib (not as good), and the shawarma skirt steak frite. We quite enjoyed our meal and everything very fast which more than made up for the initial delay in service. For dessert we decided to share a frozen Greek yogurt with Olive Oil and sea salt. This had an interesting taste with a tanginess at the end. I'm not sure I would order this again but you could tell the Greek yogurt was of very good quality. All in all we enjoyed our meal at Aba and would definitely come back if in town. read more
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!! read more
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. read more
Had a great experience at Aba during the weekend of August 9. Food was great, especially the intro hummus spreads, the drinks were very fresh, i loved that they weren't too sweet. Service was exceptional and the wait staff was extremely kind (they let us stay at the restaurant and extra 30 minutes during a freak torrential downpour). And of course the restaurant itself was beautiful, I'd recommend pictures in the lobby downstairs as the restaurant itself is more intimate. read more
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. read more
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. read more
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 read more
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! read more
This place was good, can't give it 5 stars bc some of the foods were bland and dry, but the standout dish was the shrimp!! It was incredible, so flavorful and made like escargot. It was hands down the best dish. A must try for sure. Service was smooth and the outdoor rooftop area is super nice! read more
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! read more
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 read more
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 read more
huge restaurant with lots of seating! very lively even on a tuesday night. staff are friendly and attentive. we got the crispy short rib hummus, muhummara, and halloumi. they were actually all starters/ small plates as we heard those were better than the mains. our server recommended 2 dishes per person but we (2) were stuffed with 3! they give plenty of pita per hummus plate which is a nice touch. I liked the muhammara the most, followed by the crispy short rib hummus then halloumi. the halloumi dish was a little bare and simple. read more
8 months ago
I stopped by Aba's after work hoping it was OK to simply walk in. I arrived at the restaurant around 5:45pm and saw that the place was already super busy. That said, I had no problem snagging a spot at the bar, which was first come first serve. I can totally see why Aba was a trendy spot. The restaurant was quite stunning, and the impressive menu matched the aesthetic. The bartenders were awesome. There were 2 gentlemen in charge of the bar, and they were both very friendly and helpful. Loved chatting with them, hearing their food recommendations at Aba and advice on the local scene. Food came out lightening fast. I felt that as soon as they placed an order, the dish came out in 5 minutes. I enjoyed everything I had. I started off with their Oasis G&T, which was a "tropical" spin on a gin and tonic. The cocktail paired perfectly with the Hamachi & Charred Avocado, which had coconut cream and lychee. This dish was so light, cool (thanks to the mint), and refreshing. Last but not least, I got the chocolate hazelnut torte that one of the bartenders raved about. It was clearly a popular opinion as the server who delivered it to me also confirmed that it was their best dessert off the menu. The torte was fantastic. The chocolate mousse was silky, and the praline crunch broke up the texture in a good way. read more
Fantastically simple but delicious Mediterranean food. Everything we ordered was warming, filling, and fresh. I was actually so surprised at how much I loved the Greek salad. The best one I've ever had. I also of course recommend the short rib hummus,. I would advise for a chicken kabob over something like the crispy chicken thigh. It was delicious but really leaned more into the American California flavors than the Mediterranean ones. My preference! Service was a little slow for the small crowd but everyone was kind and professional. This should have a bib gourmand! Definitely will come back to try more! read more
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. read more
3 months ago
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. read more
3 months ago
Aba was our first stop on a seven-restaurant food tour through Chicago, and what a way to start. The restaurant is absolutely GORGEOUS - we loved, loved, loved the space. Every detail of the design and atmosphere was beautiful, and the service was just as great. We ordered several dishes to share, but the carrot labneh and poblano hummus were the standouts. In fact, they ended up being two of our favorite dishes of the entire day -- which is saying a lot considering how much food we ate! read more
(3.5/5) For my birthday, we decided to try Aba, a Mediterranean fusion restaurant with a beautiful interior. We were seated at a high-top table next to the bar, which wasn't my preference, but I also didn't specify what type of seating I wanted. The server was a nice lady who introduced the menu to us and suggested some dishes to order. The meal began with bread service. I really liked the soft pita-type bread that was made with yogurt. When the short rib hummus arrived, it also came with the soft bread. The short rib was tender and wonderful, and wasn't too salty. I especially liked the brussels sprouts and found the sweetness of the honey very memorable. I would also recommend the truffle orzo as it was flavourful and baked to perfection. Apart from those dishes, everything else felt standard and not too memorable. For dessert, I selected the house-made frozen Greek yogurt, and I loved it! The pistachio and candied orange paired really well with it. My friends also prepared a cake for me, which I had no idea of! The server suggested that we could cut the cake ourselves to avoid the cake plating fee. This was a kind suggestion. I decided to round up the review to a 4 for the beautiful ambiance and wonderful service. read more
8 months ago
My friend had been wanting to try this restaurant on a special occasion so we came with our party of 6. Booked a reservation for 11 am and we were seated in the middle dining area. The decor was very modern with a lot of foliage and bright lighting from the skylights. The staff were really helpful giving us their recommendations and we opted for 6 items as the dish portions aren't too big. Avocado Hummus - My first time trying avocado hummus and it was really refreshing. Especially with the strawberries and gooseberries, it was nice with the warm fluffy pita. Short Rib Hummus - This on the other hand was indulgent in the best way. The short rib was soft and it was a rich savory creamy hummus with the pita. House Made Stracciatella - The combination of peaches with cheese can never go wrong. The grilled peaches were perfect with the smokiness and the sweetness. Very fresh and light. Khachapuri - My favorite dish of the meal. This broke apart so easily and it was delicious filled with cheese, mushroom and a baked egg. It wasn't too heavy and great with the creamier sauce and herb green sauce. Lamb and Beef Kefta - The kefta were a good size, very soft with the mix of beef and lamb. I enjoyed the rice on the side a lot, it was a nice base layer for the kefta. Shawarma Spiced Skirt Steak & Eggs - It was a decent portion with good spices but the steak was a little tough and hard. We had a nice time from the beautiful ambiance to the amazing spread of food. We thoroughly enjoyed trying their version of modern Mediterranean brunch dishes. read more
I've walked past this place a million times and finally made it in during restaurant week and I'm so glad I did. The rice was to die for, perfectly cooked and packed with flavor. My lamb skewers were tender and seasoned just right, and the drinks were good too. The only thing that didn't win me over was the falafel. I've yet to find one I truly love, and this just wasn't it for me. The space itself is absolutely gorgeous, such a beautiful atmosphere that makes the whole experience feel special. It can be tough to snag a reservation at a good time, so I recommend setting up an alert for cancellations. Parking in Fulton Market can be a little chaotic, but there is street parking along with nearby garages and lots if you're patient. Overall, I will definitely be back. read more
Aba was an ASTOUNDING! I visited with friend for a Galentines evening reservation and it was perfect for the outing. Truly, I left with absolutely no notes from the ambiance, to the staff, to the food it all exceeded my expectations. The interior was stunning with tons of greenery, moody lighting, and contemporary decor. This whimsical experience starts in the lobby with a huge ceiling to floor mirror for all your pre/post dinner pics and a stunning chandelier. We were seated in the heated in the terrace area which was equally stunning with a fire pit and not a cold breeze in sight. Our server was attentive, giving menu highlights, specials and even shared with us some of her favorites. The FOOD is the reason I will be coming back. Everything was absolutely tasty and flavorful. My personal menu highlights were the: -Short Rib Hummus: Flavorful short ribs with a saucy/gravy over hummus. Not your average hummus, the consistency was similar to that of mashed potatoes? Served with pita. Very yummy and hearty for it to be a started. Lamb and Beef Kefta: served with lemon, rice and tzatziki sauce. While the serving only includes one kebob, it was extremely flavorful, and the seasonings paired well with the lemon and rice. The perfect entree! My friends also had high praises for the Shawarma-Spiced Steak Frites, and the crispy potatoes. I highly recommend, Aba and when you give them a shot, you'll probably see me there because I cannot wait to get back. read more
Went to Aba for the first time during Restaurant Week with friends and had an excellent experience. The space is huge (third floor) and has more of an after-work / business dinner crowd, but it still felt fun and welcoming. We did the Restaurant Week menu (drink, app, entrée, dessert) and shared everything family-style, which I highly recommend. I had the Mediterranean Mule, really good. For apps, we did the smoky garlic hummus, green falafel, and added the whipped feta. Portions for the dips and hummus are massive, two apps for three people would've been plenty. The hummus and whipped feta were the clear standouts. Falafel was just okay, but they accidentally brought us an extra and let us keep it, which was a nice touch. For my entrée, I got the braised beef short rib and it was phenomenal, served over a parmesan polenta-like base with pomegranate on top. Not something I'd normally order, but I'm glad I did. Dessert was the sticky date cake classic, solid, not the best I've had but still very good. Overall, easy 5/5. Would absolutely come back, even just for apps and drinks. read more
I can't explain how good this restaurant was! It was so good that I completely forgot to take pictures of the food. We came for a birthday. Not sure what the deal was, but we had endless appetizers (4 cold mezze and spreads) and endless hot mezze and meats (kebabs, meat, veggies) and drinks. This is definitely different than your average restaurant experience, but I got to try lots of dishes and everything was super good. Not one item that I didn't care for. The pita bread was heavenly, warm, seasoned perfectly, fluffy. I had way more pieces than I would like to admit. The stracciatella and hummus were super fresh as well. My favorite of the hot items were the lamb chops and salmon and brussel sprouts. Everything was flavored well. The restaurant is beautiful and lively. Service was great. Really good selection of drinks and wine. I can't wait to visit again. read more
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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!
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.
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