Cira

OMG sexy, gorgeous delicious fun. ENCHANTING is how I would describe this place. This gorgeous…read morerestaurant 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!

Strong delivery option. Excellent appetizers, solid main…read more Hummus all 4.5/5 Smoky garlic: standard hummus, fun twist with garlic and chili Muhammra: original, spike kick. Charred eggplant: good oil level Green falafel: wife loved, super crispy Crispy potatoes: wife would order again Grilled cauliflower kebab: 3.5/5. Lovely date. super charred. Like the red onion and wished for more. Chicken kefta kebab: 3.5/5. Wild chicken. Per the website: ground chicken, eggs, grated zucchini, green onion, cilantro, mint, and spices. Really fun with tzatziki and rice. Sticky date cake: 4/5. Nice cake texture. combination with whiskey caramel and whipped cream worked great.

Interior

Short rib

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Muhammara

Ema

4.3(2k reviews)

1.0 mi•Near North Side

Ema is special…read more It's Mediterranean with a California twist. Everything is very flavorful and each bite is memorable The pumpkin hummus was really good. It tasted almost like a pumpkin pie filling The bhel hummus was great too. With a ton of toppings. It has a citrusy flavor which was really pleasant The baba ghanoush was also incredible. Super smoky and flavorful. The pita that comes with the dips are also incredible. They've got zatar sprinkled on top The Greek salad was great. Tomatoes feta and olives with cucumber The halloumi kebab was really good. I was so full at this point I couldn't eat much but it comes with a really spicy sauce that is outstanding and also perfectly cooked basmati rice

I first tried Ema back in 2022 when I visited Chicago for the first time to attend the Northcoast…read morefestival. For some reason, I overlooked reviewing it then, but I never forgot it, so I was ecstatic when I found out my company's annual offsite team dinner would be hosted at Ema. Our group of 35 was pretty large, so we were split up amongst several tables, but it was nice getting to chat in smaller groups. Our drink orders were taken not long after we were seated, and the food and bevvies started to arrive in short order. I got to try way more during my business trip than I did 4 years ago, but regardless, I noted the quality of food that was served remained consistent over the years. Highlights for me included the salmon, Greek village spread, pita bread, chocolate torte, and honey cake. The salmon was so mild and tender, the Greek village spread taster local and refreshing, and the pita bread was seasoned to perfection and hands down the best I've ever had. The desserts were a surprisingly delicious end to the meal. I didn't think I could stomach more food, but somehow I rallied. I don't even like chocolate that well, but the chocolate torte really hit the spot, and the honey cake was a new-to-me decadent dessert. It reminded me of the flavor of honey grahams but in cake form. I've never had anything quite like it and am really glad I got to try it. Coming back to Ema after 4 years was better than I expected. I love Mediterranean food, and after 5 total trips to Chicago, I must say Ema is so far my favorite restaurant here. I'm not easy to please, but Ema serves up some of the best this city has to offer.

2.1 mi•Wicker Park, West Town

Ema tables and bar

Tuna & Watermelon* june 2026.

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Inside

Rumi Middle Eastern Grill

4.5(405 reviews)

This place is beyond welcoming and such a refreshing spot to eat at. The food is delicious,…read morefilling, and so affordable. It's your typical kind of ambiance for a place like this--clean but not at all sterile. A welcome quiet spot in the chaos of Wicker. Aside from the delicious, comforting food, the service is incredible. It is rare to find spots like these nowadays and I sincerely hope the CAVA heads (don't get me wrong, I love CAVA!) try this out, too. We were accidentally charged for two orders of dolma when we ordered one, but I didn't realize. The person who took the order--wearing a propellor hat, by the way (hello whimsy!)--walked over to our table to let us know and asked if we'd like a refund and apologized. This already took me by surprise, so while I was fine without it, I said "sure." Next thing I know, they walk over with still two orders of dolma and the refund. I looked for a tip jar to put it back but couldn't find one. It was such an act of kindness and generosity. The kind of small interaction that reminds you of what being human is all about. Any time I'm in Wicker, I will try and stop at this place. Reminds me so much of Bulgaria and the "" I'd always beg for as a kid. 10/10 -- please support this independent restaurant!

I got delivery from here, interesting take on middle eastern food. I go the falafel wrap, with…read morehummus, it did not come with many veggies on it, the falafel itself was quite dry and the hummus was not very flavorful. My partner got a falafel plate. He liked the meal. He also got a salad, which he reports was good. I also got some French fries with tahini and extra garlic sauce. Overall average.

Wicker Park Platter

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The Purple Pig

4.3(9.1k reviews)

1.3 mi•Near North Side

Had a great experience at The Purple Pig while visiting Chicago! The food was delicious, everything…read morecame out fresh, and you can tell they put a lot of thought into their dishes. The staff was friendly and attentive without making us feel rushed, which I really appreciated. Loved the atmosphere too, busy and lively but still a nice place to sit down and enjoy a meal. Definitely one of the better dining experiences I've had in Chicago. Would absolutely come back next time I'm in town!

Stopped into The Purple Pig for a few cocktails and was blown away. The Caribbean Crush, a…read morerum-based drink, was bright, refreshing, and dangerously easy to sip. The Galician Garden, a gin and cucumber cocktail, was crisp and balanced, with the cucumber keeping things light without losing the gin. The space is a big part of the charm too. The Spanish tiles on the walls give the whole restaurant a warm, Mediterranean feel that makes you want to linger over another round. Great drinks, great atmosphere. I'll definitely be back to try the food.

The kitchen

Chicago style hot dog

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Squid Ink Chitarra

Roti

3.9(454 reviews)

1.1 mi•The Loop

This review / experience is solely dependent on placing an order for delivery... keep that in mind…read more First I have to start off with the portions seemed SIGNIFICANTLY smaller than if you are eating there. Especially the sides, like fries and Roasted Brussels Sprouts. I usually love Roasted Brussels Sprouts but these arrived (obviously) cold and seemed like they shrunk on the way to my home. Unfortunately, if I put them in my air fryer... they would have shriveled up with how small they got (ha). Same thing with the fried, just overall cold & needed reheating. Overall this is to say, i ABSOLUTELY love Roti and it's one of my favorite fast food places and i highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. Unfortunately (x2), i will never order via delivery again haha it still tasted healthy & good though. The only reason for 4 stars is because of the delivery experience vs definitely 5 stars in person restaurant. Thank you Roti, looking forward to seeing you soon! Personal Review (for delivery 5.4/10)

pros: -fast and friendly service…read more-such a yummy meal!! i ordered the harissa chicken bowl -clean tabled and restaurant cons: -none

Salad and rice bowl to-go with all the toppings

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Bowl with rice, chicken, onions, tomatoes and cabbage

Kabobi Grill

Love this place for lunch! The lunch specials are great and the portions are huge!…read more This is a pretty good deal. You order at the counter and then sit down. Please know that if you pay with card you pay extra fee, which I didn't know. This is a pretty big portion so I did have leftovers. For one of our lunches we upgraded to the dill rice which wasn't as different from regular rice as I wanted. But when you add sumac it's perfect! This place is bright and airy.

I needed this meal so bad. So delicious and great hospitality. This place is located on a busy…read morestreet but I was able to find street parking no problem during rush hour. When you walk in, you are brought to the dining room to your table but are instructed to order at the counter. The space is big with tons of tables. Vegetarian sampler: We got this to share. Comes with hummus, tahini sauce, falafel x2, persian salad, baba ghanoush, and dolma. Something nice to sample for the table. Everything tasted great. The falafel could've been more crispy. The platter also comes with a basket of pita bread! Combo mix grill #1: For my entree I got the mixed grill and chose both beef and lamb koubideh as my proteins. I really couldn't tell which meat was which since the meat is ground but both were super delicious otherwise. Great flavor. Got the half & half rice (basmati/dill) which is a great choice and I highly recommend. The platter also comes with red onion, a whole roasted tomato, and some butter. If you've been here before, you already know the portion sizes here are massive!!! So great for sharing!

1.8 mi•Wicker Park, West Town

Assorted Kabob Platter

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Jujeh Kabob with Dill Rice

Falafel & Grill

4.3(673 reviews)

I ordered the Combination Meat Plate - beef kabob, kifta kabob, chicken kabob, chicken shawarma…read more This combo plate was delicious and enough for two people. Meats and rice were well seasoned. Beef kabob and shawarma were notably tender and chicken kabob was white meat and juicy. No issues with service. No frills interior. I will definitely come back next time I'm seeing a show at the Den Theatre.

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

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Kofta Kabob Plate Baba Ghanoush

Al Bawadi Grill

4.1(1.2k reviews)

13.1 mi

Start with the friendly and helpful service, oooh the food! Nun bread with some sauce very tasty!…read moreThen We had chicken and beef Shawarma , it was delicious, amazing is understatement!!! Then we ordered lamb skewers plater that came with nice spiced medium chicken! Served with rice or a choice of French fries! Best food I have eaten lately! The freshly blended juice is bomb , I had mixed fruits and hubby had Mint lemonade ! It was 17mins from the airport but it's totally worth it! If I lived in Chicago this would be my to go weekend refresh Nice Music by the way

This restaurant was recommended to me recently and I finally had the chance to visit. The staff…read morewere super friendly and helpful in guiding me while placing my carry out order. The decor transports you, very intentionally decorated. I had the chicken shish tawook dinner, the eggplant, falafel, wings, and hummus. This was legitimately some of the best middle eastern food I've ever had. The wings were extremely flavorful, the chicken shish tawook was juicy and beautifully seasoned, and the eggplant was delightfully tangy. I was really looking forward to coming here again.

0.3 mi•West Loop, Near West Side

20 minute wait for two. Food smells delicious though

Kenafah

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Lotus cake

Avec - Chicago

4.3(2.7k reviews)

amazing food from avec! i went in knowing nothing and left satisfied :) short rib hummus was my…read morefavorite of the night! lots of flavor in the short rib and the hummus is so smooth! the meat was also soft and tender, easy to pull apart! all the items we ordered were yummy too! the chorizo medjool dates were interesting and great! something different. service was very good. they refilled our waters many times and were attentive and polite! the inside is kinda swanky. dimly lit and a sort of communal seating. very vibey! would come back

Avec is such a cozy and cute spot right along Randolph! We stopped in around dinner time on a…read moreFriday evening and they were able to get us in! We shared some wine carafes and they suggested splitting a few lighter bites and a main. We had the Endive and apple salad which had a light, refreshing flavor, and the chorizo- stuffed medjool dates to start. Both were flavorful and delicious! We also split the Shawarma spiced chicken which was fantastic and filling, the pitas here are to die for. All of the staff were friendly and helpful in suggesting dishes and portions, and we felt perfectly full and brought some home for later too! Definitely a cozy date-night spot to add to your list!

Restaurant view from bar

Whole roasted branzino

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Roasted Corn & Freekeh Tabbouleh

Avaspi

4.8(115 reviews)

3.8 mi•Lakeview

If you only know of the Kurdish people or culture through the news, it's time to remedy that-- head…read moreover to Avaspi for drinks and snacks at the generous Happy Hour or for a full dinner. The beautiful bar is set back in the glowingly dining room that has a painting of the Kurdish area in Turkey from where the owner comes from. Remixes of contemporary tunes gives a kind of clubby feeling inside, and the large sidewalk patio (on the side street) to enjoy the season is a completely different vibe. It's not just another variant on Mediterranean/Middle Eastern/ Persian cuisine, though you'll find familiar salads, spreads and cuts of meat. The presentations and flavors are different. The friendly (and easy on the eyes) staff will guide you through the menu. Very nice wine list as well as creative takes on standard cocktails (some mocktails too) complement the meal. Come in a group so you can sample many things; I assure you it'll all be good. Loved the calamari and the meze plate on this last visit. Grilled haloumi and shrimp were great previously. Easy to get to so get going!

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 bar

Bread

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Cool bar

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

13 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Mayur D.

Elite 26

9 months ago

Cira is an excellent choice in Chicago when you're dining with a group that has mixed dietary preferences. The ambience is one of the biggest strengths here--stylish, energetic, and polished without feeling too formal. It's the kind of place that works just as well for a celebratory dinner as it does for a casual night out with friends. The menu is broad and flexible, with options that work well for vegetarians alongside other dietary needs. Two standout items were the soufflé pancakes and the falafel burger, both of which were flavorful and well executed. Cocktails are another strong point and pair nicely with the overall vibe of the space. Service was smooth and efficient, making it easy to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. Overall, Cira is easy to recommend for group dining in Chicago--good food, strong drinks, and a space that accommodates everyone at the table. read more

JHenry C.

2 years ago

Cira is one of those places that just feels "right" the moment you walk in--warm, stylish, and relaxed. It's perfect for a night out with friends or just unwinding over a great meal. It's odd that it's part of a hotel lobby, but it still worked. We loved the vibe as soon as the casually cool host seated us. He had such great energy and a big ole' smile! The pistachio ravioli was unreal--rich, nutty, and so smooth. The grain bowl was fresh and hearty, and the muhammara? Easily one of the best I've had. Every bite was packed with savory sweetness - YUM Our server was fantastic-- he was super friendly and knowledgeable and went out of his way to help my friend with their vegan diet and allergies. You could tell he really cared. Great food, great vibes--I'll definitely be back! read more

Duke M.

1 year ago

Yo, pulled up to Cira in Fulton Market for a chill morning and went straight for the Matcha Latte and their Overnight Oats. The matcha had that velvet green tea vibe, smooth and earthy with just the right amount of sweetness. The oats came in this jar with fresh berries, date syrup, coconut whip, and crunchy pine nuts--it was legit breakfast goals right there.The café's lobby-luxe meets Mediterranean flair, and staff were super chill--kept my drink flowing and even gave a few recs. If you're looking for a low-key, feel-good start to your day, this duo is a no-brainer. Easy 5 stars. read more

Han W.

6 years ago

I would give 0 if here is an option for it. We went CIRA for quick bite on Saturday noon, we are able to sit quickly, however, no waitress come for order after we sit about 15mins. The waitress was busy on chatting with other guests and ignore us without any apology. After 15mins, we finish our meal and ready to check, we have to talk with reception to get our waitress come over and help for check. I would like to give 0 tips since there is no service at all, but my boyfriend still pay 18% tips finally. read more

J M.

3 years ago

This spot exudes a London atmosphere, complemented by a DJ who absolutely nailed it. And let me tell you, Angelica, our server, was an absolute gem. She not only recommended the ideal drinks to pair with our meal but also attentively catered to our every request with elegance and precision. The food...........simply divine, with a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors. Every aspect of our experience, right down to the parting drink she crafted for us, was top-notch! read more

Grace H.

4 years ago

I go here pretty often since I work nearby and it's quickly become one of my favorite places to remote work and meet friends or colleagues to grab a bite or drink. Beautiful space and vibe. The food and drinks are solid. They don't have a huge food menu, but the few things I've gotten were delicious like the Avocado toast and hummus plate. Simple concepts, delicious execution. The front hostesses and the bartenders I've interacted with were all very friendly and lovely. read more

Paige W.

220

7 years ago

If I could rate this place 0 starts I would. First of all their employees are Thieves, they stole my phone along with all of my credit cards and photo IDs. I found proof my phone was stolen there and even got the police involved. The managers where of no help at all. This place hires and abet theives. Garbage! read more

Maya O.

Elite 25

720

170

3 years ago

Cira's got a chill vibe, staff's nice even if service takes its sweet time. The hummus is a winner, and the bowls hit the spot. The chicken pita is a personal fave, and catching the sunlight through those windows is a nice touch. Looking forward to another round at Cira - good food, good times. read more

Keng Z.

8 years ago

Food is ok but service is horrible, maybe it's just my table but we've waited for more than 40 mins and no services at all, not even for drinks. read more

Nicole J.

6 years ago

The staff is incredible!!! And the food is SPEECHLESS!!!!! Just go there!!!!!!! Highly recommended!

Irma T.

4 years ago

Loved this place. Food was delicious, service was good and ambience lovely. Will be back for sure.

Britney A.

5 years ago

The Food is delicious, staffs are friendly. I definitely will come back . highly recommend. read more

Yael M S.

7 years ago

Great Mediterranean brunch in the Hoxton Hotel.

Cira - mediterranean - Updated October 2026

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Avec River North

4.2

(395 reviews)

This is a great Mediterranean place with amazing food! Just about everything we ordered was very…read moretasty! The focaccia we ordered was very memorable & makes me want it again! I described this place as a fancier version of Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba & everyone in our group agreed. The decor was quite interesting, but had a very open kitchen & open space kind of vibe. I liked how it was a very welcoming space. The service was kind of slow, but we just about ordered everything on the menu so it came out as it was ready. They forgot the seafood pasta we ordered, but didn't charge us for it & the desserts were all very yummy too! We went there to celebrate my Mom's Birthday & they got her a free dessert! Highly recommend if you like small plates you can share with people!

Sat outside in the patio. Patio is dog friendley. There are umbrellas so shaded…read more Service was really good. Our server Diego was very attentive to our allergies. Vegetarian food review out of 5 Chickpea Hummus dish - 4.5 - good flavor Pita -5 - best tasted potassium far. soft and warm Rose cardmon latte - 5 Roasted summer squash and spinach cocotte - 4.5 - very filling Papa's Braves- 2 - did not like the red sauce on it

Sifr

3.9

(212 reviews)

The shrimp and squid small plate was just okay, and the scallops were covered in sauce but cooked…read morevery well. The giant shrimps were overcooked, surprisingly! We really liked the side of spicy potatoes. The rice pilaf was bland but I guess it's rice. Service was great and we loved the ambiance!

Our friends took us here as a house welcoming dinner for buying our first home and what a treat!…read more We got the sampler dip and the spicy eggplant was my personal favorite. I can't stop thinking about the potatoes. The mushrooms were incredible. The waiter told us to order more, which i was grateful for because my friends were like THIS IS PLENTY. But no. Gimme the Hawaiian crudo for the rest of my life. The rooftop was dope but it was hot as hell and not all the fans were blowing? Felt bad for staff. There was a longer wait in between the courses, but they brought champagne for the inconvenience. We will be back!

Avli River North

4.1

(473 reviews)

I've been to Avli River North twice, both times with a large group from work. The first time, the…read moreservice was excellent; the second time, it was noticeably slower, although the food was still good. Some dishes can be a little hit or miss, but the ones that are good are really good. The atmosphere is nice and works well for a group dinner--not overly trendy or fancy, but still a good ambiance and an enjoyable place to spend the evening. For our group of around 12 people, the total was about $1,200 including food and drinks, so it can get pricey with a larger group. Overall, a good spot for a work dinner or group gathering.

Great spot for a work dinner, date, friends gathering. Food is really good. So are the drinks…read more We tired a bunch of apps, ofc Saganaki is a must hehe I had a Pork Gyro for dinner - super yummy. And then the fries... mmmmmm really good! Highly recommend this spot!

Avli on The Park

4.0

(338 reviews)

These plates were shared by our party of five. Our waiter was great and helped us with suggestions…read moreon certain dishes and also the quantity we might need for a party our size. He was spot on with everything. We sat on the rooftop, which is beautiful. In addition to table seating, there is also a very nice bar. The food was not only phenomenal, but there were so many gluten-free options! Our waiter was very knowledgeable and helpful in this regard as well. The zucchini chips were so good. I actually had to ask him a second time to make sure they were truly gluten-free! This desserts look delicious, but we did not have room to even consider that. I would say the prices are a little bit high, but definitely worth it for a special occasion. My friend looked up their happy hour prices, and we are planning a visit for happy hour in the near future. In addition to the regular menu items, they also have a selection of fish depending on what is market fresh each day. The restaurant was pretty busy for a Monday. Fortunately, we had reservations and I would highly recommend doing that.

I came in to escape the rain after a long walk along the lake. Lunch options & prices are…read morephenomenal, & service was very fast & friendly. It's pretty sterile inside.. lots of affluent looking folks & extremely clean. The chicken gyro was underseasoned & tasted as if the oil was not fresh. The only appetizing thing about it was the tzatziki. Without that i would not have been able to muscle it down. It's bla at best. Maybe dinner service is tastier.

Yasemi, A Modern Mediterranean Restaurant

4.3

(75 reviews)

The ambiance is great. Not too crowded. But there is only one halal dish Lamb fest. Food serving…read moresize says 2-3 but very small. You get 1 slice of bread. Even asked for more pita you'll get 2. We were. Group of 5 people.

Yasemi is a really nice option in River North if you want a date-night setting without vegetarians…read morefeeling like an afterthought. We tried the cheese pie with honey and nigella seeds, hummus with pita, sumac fries, maitake mushroom kebabs with rice, cauliflower bravas, and the deconstructed Banoffee. The cheese pie was a standout -- crispy outside with a gooey cheesy center -- and the cauliflower bravas were probably my favorite savory dish. The Banoffee was easily one of the highlights of the meal: surprisingly light, perfectly sweet, and a great way to finish. The experience overall felt relaxed and well suited for a date night or an evening out where you actually want to sit and enjoy several dishes rather than rush through dinner. The River North setting and more polished feel also make it a nice change from the typical casual vegetarian-friendly spots. Most importantly, the vegetarian choices felt intentional and interesting rather than like substitutions. Definitely somewhere I'd return to, especially for the cheese pie, cauliflower bravas, and Banoffee.

Sinya

4.5

(96 reviews)

Stopped by this place unexpectedly as we were looking for a place to eat. Decided to go in and try…read morethe food with not much expectation. I got the wagyu burger and let me say it was fire. The spread in it reminded of in n out but better. Highly suggest you try it especially if you are a west coast person that knows about in n out.

We asked Google to recommend a restaurant near our destination and Sinya was one of several…read morerecommended. Really glad we picked it. Service was friendly and didn't take long. Inside was nice and spacious, and moderately busy at about 1pm, but not loud. My wife had a veggie combo plate with hummus, tabouli, baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves, and falafel. I had the chicken kabob, which came with rice, salad, and hummus. Both came with some pita. Portions were generous. The food was delicious. I especially liked that though the chicken had some tasty crunchy fragrant char on the outside it was still moist inside. The baba ghanoush had a really good smokey flavor. Everyone around us seemed to be eating the wraps, so I guess they're good (or it's because they're about half the price of the entrees), but we were very happy with what we had. Would gladly go back if in the area again.

Bar Tutto

4.1

(63 reviews)

It was my first time here and to start off, the atmosphere inside is lovely! Dim lighting, kind…read morestaff, and a cute bar. My one downside about the interior though - the tables are really close together. My partner and I could hear the entire conversation of the family sitting next to us. Our waitress was kind, but we felt extremely rushed in terms of figuring out what drinks to order, and what food to get. We kept apologizing to her that it was taking us so long (when, it really wasn't), to figure out what we wanted to get (we were there at 7 pm on a Saturday, so they were still busy). The food and drinks were good as well! The one downside, everything was insanely spicy. Yes, we read the menu, and yes, we knew what the ingredients were, but it was still so spicy to the point of being inedible.

THE GOOD - Very cool space…read more- Decent food & drinks - Good for families - Lounge-able THE BAD - Server did not listen - brought wrong drink - Server charged for items not eaten - Telephone # does not connect to restaurant THE UGLY 4% food charge by owners - not reimburable

Bereket Turkish Mediterranean Restaurant

4.6

(253 reviews)

Wonderful light meal at Bereket. Warm hospitality. Quiet, casual atmosphere. The food is stunningly…read moregood. Everything is made fresh and in house. Started with freshly made bread. Was treated to the lentil soup which was smooth, not too heavy on the tomato, and a slightly minty - a delicate flavor. I had the Sampler 4. The best falafel I have ever had. The eggplant salad was smokey and a bit like baba ghanoush. The shakshuka was slightly spicy. The ezme was slightly carmel flavored. The dolma were tender and tasted of lemon and mint. My husband enjoyed the manti, small dumplings filled with ground beef. For dessert, we had a delicious cup of tea that they blend in house. And kunefe, which is made from finely ground filo with cheese in the middle, fried and topped with simple syrup and chopped pistachios. Truly outstanding. The owner and staff were attentive and kind. This has just become one of our favorite places to eat in the Loop.

I look at Turkish food as Greek food with less ocean and more land…read more Maybe that's incorrect, but it works for me. What I mean is, it's way more meat-forward, and there's usually less focus on seafood. Anyway, this place has lots of delicately spiced meat dishes, which is what I come to a Turkish place for! Service was also very good, we were able to get in-and-out on a lunch break!

Beatrix - Fulton Market

4.0

(794 reviews)

Truly had the best dinner and service after a long work trip in Chicago…read more Service from the beginning was lovely, friendly and personable. My friend had a serious shellfish allergy and they labeled both our shared plate and her entree with an allergy pick, which I thought was so smart and attentive. Ordered the buffalo cauliflower bites with homemade Ranch and they were so good. I had the strip steak with chimichurri and fries, friend had the mushroom burger with fries and we both licked our plates clean. So damn good! The dessert is what really blew us away / we ordered the strawberries and cream cake and got the largest slice of goodness. Fluffy, fresh, not too sweet. We destroyed that as well. Left happy, full and well taken care of. Can't wait to come back and try more next time I'm in town.

The inside ambience was surprisingly buzzy & fun at lunchtime yesterday...the restaurant is quite…read morelarge & most tables were occupied. The greeter & our server were very pleasant & attentive. I couldn't decide between their cheeseburger or the blackened fish tacos...the cheeseburger was recommended so I went with it, but I didn't really enjoy it & regretted not selecting the tacos. But everyone else enjoyed their choices! It's all about how you order!

Cedar Palace

4.8

(551 reviews)