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    Elia

    3.9 (174 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM

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    ELIA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Upscale
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - Elia

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    Reviews With Photos

    Mussels
    Molly C.

    This is a good spot for Turkish cuisine with a really unique feel. The interior space is nicely designed and sexy. The use of interesting plates and platters make the presentation stand out. We had the mezze platter, which was tasty and offered a good variety to start the meal. Service was friendly and prompt, and the drinks were a nice addition to the experience. Overall, a pleasant visit and I'd come back to try some of the other dishes.

    Mix Grill Platter for Two
    Angela R.

    We had a party of 7 when we enjoyed an early dinner here recently. My sister ordered several appetizers for the table including the Muhammara, Truffle Cheese Saganaki, Grilled Baby Carrots, Tzatziki, Kefalograviera Pide with Black Truffle, & Hummus. They also served bread for the table. I thought the appetizers were very tasty as did several others in the party. However, I really could not taste much truffle in the Truffle Cheese Saganaki. Since I ended up eating a lot for apps, I ordered the Greek Salad for dinner. It was ok but different than what I am used to for a Greek salad. This one did not have any lettuce. My husband ordered the Salmon which I tasted and thought was wonderful. One couple at the table ordered the Mix Grill Platter for Two. It was a lot of food which they enjoyed. We did run low on water around the table by mid meal. No one came around to check on drinks and they never noticed. I had to flag our waiter down. The ambience was lovely and part of what you are paying for.

    Giselle L.

    We decided to check out Elia after seeing an ad on Instagram, and we LOVED IT. The place is so beautiful with a lot of red tones, so elegant spot. The food was fantastic! We tried their all-inclusive menu, and it's not a buffet, it's actually unlimited plates. They started us off with a bunch of different starters, and then we got to pick our main dishes and desserts. My husband and I have tried Mediterranean food in a lot of places, and this place is right up there at the top of our list now. The staff was incredibly welcoming, the food was amazing, and the prices were really reasonable.

    Giovanni D.

    We ventured out for brunch at this Turkish place and it surpassed our expectations! The all-you-can-eat brunch was a winner. Every plate was a delight! The cheese, bread, eggs, and cold salads were all amazing. Wish the server had explained each dish, hence the 4 stars, but the flavors spoke for themselves. I also enjoyed the Turkish beer and coffee. Friendly staff, Mediterranean ambiance, and uniquely styled plates added to the experience. Can't wait to try dinner!

    All you can eat
    Suhani A.

    We did the all you can eat experience and it was so great! Absolutely loved everything we ordered. The food is really very very good. I would give it 5 stars, but I felt that the service wasn't the best. It seemed like every waiter had a different understanding of the all you can eat menu and each waiter would add what seemed like their own made up restriction on the menu. For instance, one waiter told me we could only order each item once, and then another waiter said no we could order more but we must order only one order of a given dish at a time, even though we were two people. If two people are dining and each paying for all you can eat, they should both be able to order their own meals. Other than the complications around the menu, it was overall still fun and the food was great!

    Bread
    Jeremías C.

    The food was really good. The restaurant is in a great location and it's beautiful inside and very clean. The service was terrible. So we were sat down right in front of the door and it was really cold. So we asked to be moved and they did move us. After that we were pretty much ignored and it got worse as the night went on. The appetizers and the food came out at the same time. I wasn't exactly sure who our waiter was because we ended up having to flag down someone and all of a sudden that became the person attending us even though she wasn't the person who took our order. It was my wife's birthday so they gave us 2 small pieces of backlava but they took our forks and napkins before the backlava came so it was messy. Then we sat for a while trying to get someone's attention to get the check. It was really unfortunate that their service was terrible because the food was really good

    Bread for hummus
    Natasha A.

    Came here at 5 on a Friday, they asked us if we had reservations, we did not and there were three of us. Didn't seem to matter as there was no one inside or outside. We sat in one of the outdoor couches. Prior to arrival I looked in here and saw they had a kids menu. I asked when we arrived and they shared they did not. So as a reminder they do NOT have a kids menu anymore. We got the Pastami Hummus which is more of a jerky style pastrami within a plain hummus. It was quite good. It was served with a thick bread. Then we got the grill meal for 2. It came with three meat skewers charred in a good way. It was steak, lamb, and chicken, then it had 1 pepper, 1 tomato, and pickled the grilled red onion, and a traditional chickpea rice. I felt it should have had more vegetable options or more than 1 tomato and 1 pepper. It was good. Simple but good. They didn't serve it with a sauce so it was a little dry. Definitely recommend getting a sauce if you order this from a different part of the menu. My kid got fries, and a lemonade. They do not have a N.A. drink menu with juices or anything really. It was surprising. The service was slow, I asked the waiter for the check he nodded, left came back and asked if we wanted a box or dessert. My partner then asked for the check and the waiter obliged. It felt weird.

    Pide
    Ozzie T.

    We stopped in on Thursday night for the $35 all you can eat special. Flavors wowed us! To start, you get 6 mezes. We really enjoyed all of them: the hummus was one of the best I've had; the Muhammara has roasted red pepper, bread crumbs, walnuts; tzatziki; htipiti was delish with roasted spicy red peppers and creamy feta cheese. The grilled chicken and adana were grilled to perfection and seasoned perfectly. And, you must try the truffle cheese saganaki. It's delightful. We sat outside and you can't sit outside and not have a cocktail. I tried the Smoky Saint, it was pretty good with mezcal and passionfruit. Overall, a nice restaurant with delish food.

    Andrés W.

    This amazing turkish restaurant located in wicker park is absolutely incredible!!! Went there on a Thursday with some friends I haven't seen for a while, one of them suggested to eat at this place because they have a great all you can eat only on Thursday's, also there is no menu for you during the AYCE, they start bringing everything out to you. All dippings were amazing, they have a cheese with honey truffle that we repeated like 4 times, and also ordered extra pita bread just to keep dipping on those. The meat platter, the chicken is absolutely my favorite, made with chicken thigths and overly juicy, the lamb I was drooling at it too, but the Chicken is the winner and you can't miss on this one. We sat on the patio and our waiter was incredible and keep checking on us if we needed something else or bringing more food, he kept it on point. I will undoubtedly come back again and bring more people when they visit chicago

    Baklava
    Susan W.

    We decided to try the Thursday all you can eat mezze and kebabs and oh my gosh it was amazing! The ambiance and decor in this place was beautiful. Elegant and tasteful and comfortable. Our server was quick to explain the AYCE offer and food started coming out fast. There was so much! The kebabs were especially tasty so don't fill up on all the bread. We enjoyed all the spreads and were pleasantly surprised to see they brought us dessert also. Drinks were well priced and they kept our water glasses full. The value cannot be beat and this would be such a fun place to come as a group. They have AYCE on Thursday and brunch for an even better price. We will be back!

    cocktail list
    Kayla F.

    A wonderful birthday experience! With amazing cocktails to delicious food, this place is a must try! Located in the heart of west town this place has great cocktails, appetizers, main dishes and desserts. The staff was sure to make our experience unforgettable! They were attentive and kind. The atmosphere was warm the whole night and a perfect spot to celebrate my birthday. I hope to return soon!

    Dorhec B.

    I have been twice in a week. My friend invited me for my bday last Thursday. All day all you can eat $35. Love it! Worth every penny. I would recommend you to not eat a lot of the appetizers which are breads and dips because for the second round of food you'll be stuff. I won't make that mistake next it was my only meal for the day and until dinner next day. The chicken and the lamb ufffff Service was great, Ebrar was funny and nice to us! Then I went today (Sunday) for $25 all you can eat brunch to see difference and because I was amazed by my experience on Thursday. The pics you'll see are from brunch but they are almost the same for lunch just with a few more dips. Hummus is probably the best I have had in my life. Everything is delicious, everything... BUT the lack of protein was disappointing I'm a trainer and actually came straight from the gym very excited having in mind the lamb and chicken.. not for brunch! My diet is high in protein and I barely got any for brunch. However, Mustafa our server was great and the music was nice, good environment but I wouldn't go again for brunch.

    Menu
    Amin S.

    Interior: wow! Great spot to impress a date. Went there on a Sunday at 1300 & it was empty. Why? Everyone was out on the patio. They have paid attention too details here. Unique stamped (with the restaurant name) plates etc. Service: prompt and attentive. Good: great! Had the Hatpti and the chicken shish. Both were excellent and filling! Would easily return !!

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    1 year ago

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    6 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    7 months ago

    Fantastic food, creative plating, beautiful atmosphere, and great service. I will absolutely return to Elia.

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    2 years ago

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    6 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    7 months ago

    Food was amazing and Eb our waiter was awesome. We're out of town visiting but definitely will come back next time. Highly recommend.

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    1 year ago

    The food is amazing, beautiful place, good service, only 4 stars bc the desert menu is poor

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    7 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    7 months ago

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    7 months ago

    The food was great and very nice staff! The manager was super nice. I will definitely go back!

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    10 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    10 months ago

    Food was really good. Everyone enjoyed their meal. Good options for everyone with multiple price points

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    9 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Great food, really really good dips and bread, tried so many great options. Staff was very nice and helpful, strong recommend

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    2 years ago

    Decent sized portions, fantastic wine selection and great service! I will be back Elia!

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    10 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Food delicious service good- Martini? Don't order it was $25. All other drinks on the menu were about $14.

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    1 year ago

    Great food, great service, beautiful atmosphere and bar. Very much worth stopping in for a business lunch or dinner or a fancy date night.

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    2 years ago

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    Page 3 of 5

    Elia Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Elia

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    Ema - Salmon bab.

    Ema

    4.3(1.9k reviews)
    2.5 miNear North Side
    $$

    I've come here with my boyfriend a handful of times and we love it. We like to try different…read morecocktails every time. The mimosa on a nice summer day on the patio is my happy place. The entrees are amazing too. The rice with the chicken skewer is my favorite so far and my boyfriend loves the beef and lamb skewer. The service has always been great as well. We've had the same server a couple times now and she's friendly and gets the job done. (Wish I could remember her name!) The ambience is great. With natural light coming in and the soft lamps, it's calming. Truly a beautiful restaurant.

    So disappointed. I…read morecame about 5 years ago and loved my meal, especially the sticky date cake, which lingered in my memory as my favorite all time dessert. This year I was so excited to bring my family and Ema was the only restaurant in Chicago I couldn't wait for them to try. I booked it as our final meal in Chicago and lay awake at 4am being so disappointed in my choice. Our server's greeting was monotone and emotionless, which I realize now, would be foreshadowing the meal to come. Ordered the following 1) Smoky eggplant- arrived appearing as an unappetizing curdled purple grey mush. This was the worst tasting baba ghanouj I have ever eaten. It was acidic and had the texture of cottage cheese. The only redeeming thing about this appetizer was the warm naan. 2) house made stratciatella with side of green falafels- The stratciatella was bland and stringy. I would not order this dish expecting the creamy interior of typical burrata. However, if you like string cheese mixed with heavy cream- you may enjoy this dish. The tomatoes and basil were good. 3) chicken kefta- kefta was bland, rice even blander . 4) short rib with polenta- bland and the meat and polenta had the same texture, which seems impossible but somehow the plating was over complicated by the addition of mushy dates and grapes. 5) buttered noodles- my 8 year old ordered this. It was decent with a good amount of Parmesan and cooked perfectly al dente. By the end of the meal, I was so shocked by how terrible the food was I didn't even want to order the sticky date cake that was my main purpose for returning to this restaurant. Ema, what happened to you?!

    Photos
    Ema - Ema tables and bar

    Ema tables and bar

    Ema - Double chocolate.

    Double chocolate.

    Ema - Inside

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    Inside

    Kabobi Grill - Mixed #1: Lamb Koubideh Kabob (Lamb Kofta) and Chicken Koubideh Kabob (Chicken Kofta Kabob)

    Kabobi Grill

    4.5(1.3k reviews)
    4.8 miAlbany Park
    $$

    We stopped by as a group of 5 for dinner Sunday night and we were promptly seated. We visited…read moreChicago for St. Patty's, but my two Persian friends were eager to show us some authentic food and Kabobi did not disappoint. The food was absolutely delicious and I particularly loved the Shami and Koubidehs. The koubidehs were so tender and juicy. The service was phenomenal and they even brought us some tea and dessert (bamieh) for free. Kabobi is open late and was the perfect spot to chat while the rain died down. Definitely coming back when I'm in Chicago next time!

    Ordered: Caspian Mix Grill (~$25) with Albaloo Polo (~$6): 1…read moreskewer boneless chicken breast, 1 skewer filet mignon marinated in a pomegranate walnut sauce, with grilled onion, raw onion, and butter Bamieh & Balava (complimentary) Aya's take: I was really craving Persian food before leaving Chicago and decided to place an order for pickup to take on my way. I arrived 25 minutes later and they hadn't even made my order. From there, 3 different people told me it'll be another 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes. I ended up waiting 20 minutes and during that whole time there was no apology. One of the workers handed me a tea and later I saw they included dessert in the bag. It was a nice gesture but I was frustrated that it wasn't acknowledged by the staff at all and part of my order was still missing. I paid $2.25 for a Yogurt & Cucumber Sauce which I never received. The Caspian Mix Grill with Albaloo Polo was very good. The filet mignon & chicken breast were both juicy and well-seasoned. The Albaloo Polo is plain basmati rice mixed with saffron, caramelized onion and sauteed sweet & sour cherries. I liked the rice but it felt like they just threw the cherries on top rather than incorporate it into the rice. It was very filling, enough to share with 2 people, and good value. The Bamieh & Balava were also fresh, sweet, and a nice bite to end on. Ultimately, I would give the food a 4/5 and the service a 2/5, hence my 3/5 rating.

    Photos
    Kabobi Grill - Dine in area

    Dine in area

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    Kabobi Homemade Mango Saffron Icecream

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    Chicken fesenjan

    Al Bawadi Grill - Family Platter (serves 5-6 people)

    Al Bawadi Grill

    4.1(1.2k reviews)
    13.4 mi
    $$

    Came here for lunch to celebrate my birthday. It is located in the Harlem Corners shopping center…read morewith ample parking. The staff is warm and welcoming, and we were seated quickly upon arriving. Love the ambiance! It is very cozy and inviting. We were served a complimentary appetizer: pita bread strips, pickled veggies, and what I believe to be an eggplant dip. We also ordered the Bawadi wing appetizer. It was delicious, and those wings! It came with a sauce, but I cannot comment on that because none of us tried it. The wings by themselves are delicious! My friends both ordered the lamb chops, and I ordered the Al Bawadi mixed grill with hummus and bread. Everything was good, and the portions are generous. The meat was tender, juicy, and seasoned well. We all enjoyed our meals. We plan on coming back in the Fall to celebrate another birthday. This is definitely a neighborhood staple and will come back with family.

    We came here for a quick bite to eat before a game. The place was packed including the parking lot…read more They stay had plenty of tables available and we also received quick service. We ordered two sandwiches. A Chicken shawarma and meat shawarma. Both were fantastic and came with a lot of fries. Overall a very filling dish and a great option for a quick meal. The sandwiches were very flavorful and priced very fairly. Definitely do want to return to perhaps order some bigger entrees.

    Photos
    Al Bawadi Grill - 20 minute wait for two. Food smells delicious though

    20 minute wait for two. Food smells delicious though

    Al Bawadi Grill - Kenafah

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    Avec - Chicago - Chorizo-Stuffed Medjool Dates

    Avec - Chicago

    4.3(2.6k reviews)
    2.2 miWest Loop, Near West Side
    $$$

    I finished work early and wanted to find a spot where I could have a light bite and drink to…read moreunwind. I remember seeing an Avec in River North, but my office was near West Loop so that made this location more convenient. I made a reservation for myself as I wasn't sure how busy the place got. Hospitality was great right off the bat. My reservation was for 5:30pm, but I arrived early and was offered a seat at the bar immediately. My hostess asked if I wanted to have my jacket held at coat check, which I was much obliged to maximize my space at the intimate bar. I got a Last Frontier, a gin-based cocktail that was sweet, slightly tart and refreshing. It was well crafted and hit the spot. I loved their Potato and Salted Cod Brandade. Talk about stick to your ribs! The brandade's warmth, thick texture, and rich flavor made the dip oh so comforting. Perfect for the blustery weather. I'll be back to try other popular items from the menu!

    I went to Avec for my birthday and from food, service, and ambiance the entire experience was a…read moredisappointment. The endive salad was warm and not cohesive at all. Nothing really went together and it was warm, which didn't make sense and made it worse. The steak was cooked how I asked, but the sauce was extremely oily and had this strange burnt flavor which likely was from the onions? The onions were extremely burnt, nothing like a typical caramelized delish onion. The chicken had the same issue, everything had that same burnt tasting oil and the chilies sitting in it just made it more intense. It was honestly just edible and nothing I would come back for or recommend. I love middle eastern food and know that even with a midwestern there are some considerations to take with the flavor profile but the burnt onions, burnt spicy oil in the chicken, and a warm salad are all indications for poor execution. As for the actual ambiance and experience it was my birthday and there was no acknowledgment at all not even someone to check in on whether the food was okay. I did not want to order a dessert after the salad, steak, and shawarma all missing the mark. The seating was very uncomfortable. It is cramped and communal and at this price point I expected a much better experience. Will admit I should have looked into the actual dining set up before booking a late night reservation but even still there are so many better places in Chicago where you can get better food and actually feel comfortable. Overall it just was not worth it. I would not return or recommend this spot.

    Photos
    Avec - Chicago - Restaurant view from bar

    Restaurant view from bar

    Avec - Chicago - Roasted Corn & Freekeh Tabbouleh

    Roasted Corn & Freekeh Tabbouleh

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    Chorizo-stuffed Medjool Dates

    Elia - turkish - Updated May 2026

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