Very yummy food and friendly staff! They're quick to serve. Love coming here during my lunch breaks when I work downtown read more

Mezza Mediterranean Grill - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I had the chicken added to the Shepard Salad and it was not fresh! The vegetables for the salad was stale & had a bad smell! I don't think they use organic ingredients especially the vegetables in their salad. I asked the lady and she had no clue at all! The lentil soup only has the broth and celery. No lentil! I was very surprised as this was my first time. I hope the owner see my review so they can improve the quality of the food. read more

For the price, you definitely get a lot of food, however i and a few issues. For one, they were out of hummus at 1 PM which I didn't understand considering the lunch rush is one of the busiest times there. The pita was super difficult to eat so I ended up using a fork and knife which helped a little but if I want a pita, I want to make sure I can hold it. Last, the feta or sauce was extremely salty so it made the dish hard to eat. I don't think it was bad but there can definitely be some improvements. read more

Decided on Mediterranean for lunch today and was very satisfied with Mezza! We almost didn't go here because of the line but then realized that lines usually mean the food is popular... so we waited. The line actually moved very quick and we were up ordering in under 5 minutes. I got the chicken schwarma plate with rice, Israeli salad, hummus, and pickles. The hummus was creamy and you can tell it is homemade. The chicken was moist and the the Israeli salad was crisp and also tasted fresh. The plate also came with a pita. The pita tasted a bit dry however. I think if the pita was served warm, it would have complimented the meal so much better! Overall, the dish was very flavorful and the portion side was large. I was stuffed after my meal! A plate and a bottle of water was around $10 so I'd say it was on par with other pricing in the food court at the mart. I would go again! read more

Mezza Mediterranean Grill - Chicken schwarma plate - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I didn't expect to enjoy my lunch as much as I did! TBH, I almost passed on Mediterranean for lunch and went with something else thinking it wouldn't fill me up. I'm so glad I opted for the Mediterranean salad with chicken, because it was delicious and I'd get it again in a heartbeat. Next time I have the opportunity to dine at The Mart for lunch, Mezza can count on me as a customer. Okay, on to the salad. First of all, it was a very large salad that came with a warm pita bread side. Loaded with green peppers, feta, tomatoes, and seasoned chicken as an add on, the big win was the dressing. It was SO good. It had a nice lemony, oregano kick to it. So the lettuce might not have been super duper green, and they were a little light on the chicken, but I left stuffed and completely satisfied. read more

Mezza Mediterranean Grill - Mediterranean salad - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've had the shepherd salad and Mediterranean salad both with chicken. Both of these salads have a lot of romaine lettuce. I wish there was more variety of veggies in the salad. I like the Mediterranean salad more since there seems to be more flavor with the olives. The shepherd salad is a bit bland. You get a full pita with the salad The lentil soup is tasty and their pita here is warm and fluffy. During lunch this place is packed so expect to stand in line here. read more

Mezza Mediterranean Grill - Shepherd salad with chicken. - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Solid place for lunch during the week if you work near the Merch Mart! Their portions are on the large side and they're packed with flavor. Wish there was a little more spice in some of the sauce options. It also gets pretty busy during lunch hours, so I'd recommend ordering ahead! read more

Normally I love Mezza, but this location isn't like the ones I've visited elsewhere. Normally, there's a menu to see the toppings and sauces available, but I couldn't find one . Here, the options feel more limited, the topping are hard to see, nothing is listed in an easy to read place, and since it's downtown Chicago everything in lines moves really fast with an emphasis on getting you out the door. I think the banker behind me almost had a stroke when I asked what kind of sauces they had and the staff didn't seem patient enough to explain. And the thing is, I've been to Mezza many times, but this location is arranged in a way, with a short counter, so it's almost impossible to see the available options. They also charge more for hummus (or do they? It's not clear), while other locations have 2 or three types available for your bowl or salad at all times. Also, beware, this location is closed on weekends and holidays. I wish I had gone to Chipotle, honestly. Overall, this is a really "Meh"za experience. read more

Mezza Mediterranean Grill - A falafel bowl - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Solid lunch option in the Merchandise Mart! It was my first time in the Merchandise Mart. I opted for Mezza because it seemed to have the most activity (my theory being--go where the people are). I ordered their chicken shawarma pita, which was prepared pita-pocket style, stuffed with chicken and whatever other fixings you desire (hummus, veggies, etc). Except, feta. Feta cannot be put on the pita (but can be on salads) and must be in a separate container (not sure what the deal was with that?). The service was incredibly speedy and friendly. And, they definitely offer a healthier alternative to many other fast-food options. A-ok! read more

So good!!! Used to come here nearly weekly for lunch break when I worked in the Mart last year. Always got the chicken schwarma plate. Never failed to satisfy. Yummy basmati rice with onions, Israeli salad, onions, tomatoes, free ranged chicken and garlic sauce. One of the times I came here, my chicken was a little cold and startled my taste buds a bit but other than that one time, I've had really good experiences here! You can tell the ingredients they use are fresh! read more

Mezza Mediterranean Grill - Chicken schwarma - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great lunch option in the Merchandise Mart! On a Wednesday at like 1:45 pm there was absolutely no line, but I can only image the scene at noon. I ordered the falafel plate with yellow rice, hummus, tahini, tomatoes and cucumbers accompanied by a root beer fountain drink. I was a little confused as to what the side options were, and what exactly was included in the different meal options, so I asked the guy a lot of questions (and was probably really annoying). When all was said and done it was about a $10 lunch, which honestly is no shocker for the area. My meal was really good though! I'm not sure what it was that made the hummus stand out to me, but it was delicious. The rice was tasty and the veggies were fresh. As far as the falafel goes, it had a pretty good consistency - crispy, but not overdone. It unfortunately wasn't the best falafel I've ever had, but still pretty dang good. I think next time I'll try one of their salads or the chicken kabob! read more

Ehhhhhh....it was ok at best. I appreciate healthy options at the Mart - when you're on your feet at a trade show all day, eating fast food can really slow you down. I usually hit up Foodstuffs for a big salad but the line of 40 blinged out decorinas had me turning to Mezza. The concept? Good. The service? Surly, and kind of slow. The food? Just ok. I had the mezze sampler where you pick three things from a list. I had fruit salad (not terribly fresh and 90% melon), hummus (boring) and falafels (tasted great, not terribly fresh). With a soda = $10. Pretty expensive for what I got as the servings were small, and nothing was great to boot. If you're trying to eat healthy at the Mart my advice would be to hit up Tokyo Lunch Box or brave the line at Foodstuffs. read more

Pretty good Mediterranean food, I usually get the spicy chicken plate. Its another chipotle style add what you want in a bowl place. Flavorful and fresh food with decent portions and decent price. It can be a bit of sensory overload with all the tastes merging together and not really knowing what you're eating. But that's I think just the style of the food and also me putting everything possible in my bowl. Overall decent place, I come here every now and then if I don't bring lunch to work. But I'm not chomping at the bit to come. read more

A solid lunch choice that borders on a four. While working for the day from Merchandise Mart, I hopped in the Mezza line because it was super long in a sea of ten or so restaurants; I figured it had to be pretty decent if people were willing to wait. The menu isn't the clearest as far as what comes with what, so I was a little flustered when I ordered and figured that if I asked for something that didn't come with my bowl they'd either let me know or just charge me extra at the end. I built my own plate with basmati rice, chicken shawarma, tomato cucumber mix, pickle, and hummus; pita was included on the side. I also requested some roasted garlic sauce. The good: the veggies were really fresh and crunchy, it was a large portion for $8, the flavors went really well together, and it was easy to eat quickly on my lunch break. The things that could use improvement: I love garlic but the sauce was just not my jam, the pita didn't taste fresh (more like the shelf-stable supermarket kind), and the chicken could have been trimmed a little bit better. In the end, though, these are pretty minor quibbles and for the price it's a good deal. Everyone else in the Merchandise Mart is hip to this fact, though, so you will have to wait. If you're tight on time you might want to pick another option, even though the counter is well-staffed and they do their best to move people through as quickly as possible. read more

Yum! came here randomly on my lunch break and I was impressed. I ordered the Mediterranean salad with spicy chicken and it was delicious. Mezza gives HUGE portions of food for around $10.00-$15.00. It's definitely my new go-to spot in the Nordstrom food court. read more

Good but not great. Probably one of the palatable recommendations in the Merch Mary's food court. The portions are good but pretty pricey. Get the hummus and you'll at least allow for some redemption. read more

Had a falafel platter for take away. Falafel was massively salty and has weird aftertaste. Definitely my first and Last time. Sorry. read more

Mezza fills a void at The Mart - the void being a healthy and quick option that doesn't include a biz that focuses on juices or smoothies. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but sometimes I need a little spice in my workday but don't want to leave the giant expanse that is The Mart. I've gotten the same thing during both my trips to Mezza's counter - the Shepherd's salad. Expect tons of fresh romaine, bits of dates, avocado, a handful of corn, goat cheese, and I add chicken for a bit of protein. They toss it in front of you, where I ask for easy dressing (they oblige). The salad is plentiful and fills me up for the right price and my meal leans on the healthy side (even with a side of pita). Areas for improvement would include: more flavorful chicken, more variety in general, and if the pita was more substantial (or hell, even made in house), this place would sky rocket in my book. read more

I had falafel and steak with hummus. All of which was tasteless and mediocre. Hummus is watery, steak is chewy and falafel is overcooked. I am not coming back, but hope their other items on the menu taste better to keep the business. read more

So I WAS excited to have a semi healthy and veggie friendly option for lunch among the sea of fried food court. Too bad it's not good, at all! The Jerusalem salad had the rough basic ingredients correct, but ick it's bland bland bland. I think the major culprit here is the hummus, it's so watered down it was dripping out of my wrap and I can only assume this is what they use for the salad. I won't event comment on the lack of organization in the line. Just go down the hall, look at Potbelly, and copy! Over all, not even worth a 2nd go. Get your recipes right first!! read more

I work out of the 1871 in the Mart so I came here thinking I could get a healthy lunch. Had their chicken kabob pita today and thought "what the hell am I eating?" The taste was just terrible. I was very hungry but only ate a fourth of my pita before tossing it. Should have just got a burger from McDonalds. read more

April 23, 2017 review: I stopped going here for several months, but I missed the chickpea salad so I gave in at around the start of this year. The service is better. The falafels are made quicker. I still refuse to put that app back on my phone, but the manager I'd debated with before is cordial so I am too. The customer service is still pretty good, and they're more efficient. Without Perka, I don't believe I'd have ever had a problem. Once I got rid of that app, I was good to go and still enjoy the food. I've also recommended the spot to others. So I changed my review from one star to three. August 31, 2016 review: I love the chickpea salad and other healthy options at this location, especially being a vegan. But the customer service sometimes drives me crazy. I appreciate that they always make falafels fresh, but that can significantly drag out getting my order. Not only that, but at least twice they've waited until I got to the register to make them. So now I'm standing there waiting for four to five minutes for something that should've been being prepped as soon as I ask for it. And using the Perka app is a nightmare. I signed up for it and got a promotion to get a set of free falafels. I asked the clerk about getting a 6-piece instead of 3-piece. Her exact words was "I'll just put it in as one order." I get to the register, and she for some odd reason claimed she could not honor my check-in points if I got the falafels free but then I look on my receipt and see a charge for the falafels, too. What was more irksome was they continued to check people out while I'm trying to get this figured out. I counted at least four other people that were checked out before me although I was in line before them. Even the second cashier when I went back was able to honor my check-in points. How ridiculous considering I found out the first lady, who was a manager, swore up and down that I couldn't get Perka check-in points and the free falafel promo at the same time. (It does not say that anywhere on the app, but she refused to print out the scan receipt and said I'd have to come back next time to get check-in points. That rationale is illogical considering the app would only honor that next time I was at the location, not two times at once.) Then she claimed she charged me for a set of falafels because I got six instead of three, but at no point did she elaborate when I was checking out about doing this. All she said was, "I'll just put it in as one order." I understood that to mean that the entire falafel order would be free, per the app promo. I stormed off. This entire experience took almost 25 minutes to resolve. I am so over this place. I will never go back. read more

I had the Mediterranean salad with chicken, dressing on the side. It has a lot of romaine lettuce. They are a bit cheap with the chicken and toppings. That said, it is a large portion. The chicken is well spiced and the dressing is very tasty. This place is a solid choice if you're stuck in the Mart. read more

These morons don't even know what a LINE is! I just want a full-size side order of falafel, since I'm not too hungry. The first woman I encounter tells me I have to order it from the next guy. That guy makes a kabob wrap for the man in front of me, then starts in on the salads for the two women behind me. I guess he heard me say I wanted a side order and decided it wasn't worth his while to acknowledge me. (They're way overpriced for my $5.50 a day lunch budget anyway.) I'll keep going to my fave MM lunch vendor, Tokyo Lunch Boxes, and avoid Mezza like the plague. read more

This Mezza has the same great food and fair prices as all of the others. My issue is that they've been open for several months and still have not gotten their line in order. I continue to wait a long time for service even when I am the only person waiting and then my order is invariably confused despite the fact that I ordered directly off the menu with no special changes. I'd suggest that they re-train their front line personnel to better serve their customers. And please start taking the frequent diner Mezza card! It's sort of ridiculous that you haven't gotten a hole puncher yet! Happy dining! read more

Best mediterranean restaurant in the Merchandise Mart food court. That's not saying much. However, it is a OK spot for when Chicago turns to Chiberia and you don't want to go outside. It's no Taza, nor even Roti. But it works. They've got a sampling of the usual stuff: kabobs, shawarma, and falafel -- all used in a variety of salads, wraps and plates. The staff is friendly and quick. The prices are slightly high for food court fare, but are still reasonable. The portions are solid. My go to item: the Shepherd's salad with spicy chicken and splash of hot sauce. Its a delicious salad that comes in just south of $10. read more

I love Mediterranean food and I have high expectations when it comes to Mediterranean food too! I was pleasantly surprised by this place. Their chicken shawarma was very tender and flavorful! Their basmati rice and salads are on point as well. This place is located in the food court of Merch Market. I'd say this place is a Mediterranean version of chipotle. Meaning, you pick your meat and rice, and you add whatever topping/veggies/sauce you'd like to spice up your bowl. Their portions are quite large, so come prepared to satisfy your taste buds and your stomach! read more

The food is ok. Always ready fast and friendly service. The menu could get a few more items to add variety. And the falafel usually doesn't taste fresh, like it's stale. read more

I'm confused why this rating isn't higher. Mezza is a delicious quick meal! Service is speedy, and they have a great system for getting people through the line quickly. They have so many add ins. The tahini/chipotle combination is my favorite! read more

I work at the merchandise mart and eat in the building most days. Mezza is my favorite not only because of chicken schwarma plate but also because employees are truly wonderful. Upbeat, friendly and efficient too. Mezza is busiest restaurant for a reason...its the best. Using ritual has been godsend. Check it out and check out mezza. Highest regards and thx so much. read more

Love the food, I work at the mart and I eat here daily. Never disappointed. It's busy between 12 and 12:40pm. I'd suggest be there by 11:30 or at 1:00 for faster order. read more

Had the Shepard salad with chicken today and was very satisfied! Nice portions of avocado and goat cheese as well! Other than the long lines at lunch this is a great lunch spot if you're in river north or just work in merch mart! read more

I have eaten many times. The food and service both are good too. But I am still giving this place on 2 stars. This is because, the last two I visited this place they had meats mixed with veggie stuff. As in, there meat pieces in tomato/cucumber mixture container from which they serve. I am vegetarian. I dont prefer when food outlets tend to mix meats with veggies and dont care to replace those containers with washed ones. Usually this cross contamination issues causes problems to those who have allergies. Mezza, very humble request to you, please ensure this doesn't happen ever. read more

I work in the Mart. This place is terrible. I love Mediterranean cuisine and this place does that type of food ZERO justice. I just tried it for a second time thinking perhaps the last time was just a bad day. Nope. Got a wrap that was the most bland, soggy, sorry excuse for lunch I've experienced in a long time. I'll never get that 10 minutes of my life back. Never again. read more

I'm so sad that some of these reviews have been trash-talking this place. Whenever I come here, I always get really good food and service. And I come here pretty often because I'm a student at TCSPP. Their shawarma and red pepper hummus is pretty deelish. The food can get a little pricey for a broke student like myself, but the plus side is you get pretty filling portions. Ignore the haters and eat here! read more

The service was not bad for a lunch rush. The food was not super impressive. The chicken was little dry and not all that flavorful. I would probably go back since it is so convenient if you are meeting up with folks in the Merchandise Mart; nonetheless, if the like is long I that day I would skip it antogether. read more

Not sure if I was just really hungry today, or just excited to have a new option in the Mart food court, but my Shepard's salad with chicken & olives was awesome! read more

Decent salad, but they "nickel & dime" you at the registrar. If it were inexpensive, that would be one thing, but it is fairly pricey. Service is unenthusiastic, at best. read more

Just opened and employees were friendly and the food was very good. It's similar to Roti, but I think they need to follow Roti and edit their menu a bit. I ordered the Spicy Chicken Pita and a mini-side (Fatoosh salad). I didn't realize that the meal deal was the way to go (I would've gotten a drink too for around the same price), but that's okay. Although I ordered the Fatoosh salad, they gave me the Villager's Salad which is apparently the same as the Fatoosh but with olives. I'm good with olives, but I just think they have too many menu items that are very similar with just a one ingredient difference. Like I think the Spicy Chicken sandwich is the same as the Mezza Chicken? Maybe? They just don't need to offer so many chicken sandwiches. It's confusing and I think the staff was having trouble knowing what's what. Anyway, good food, nice people. My main criticism is that the menu is overwhelming, confusing, and could be easily streamlined. read more

Just had a very unsatisfying sandwich at this place. I knew it was a bad idea as soon as I was in line. The schawarma looked pale. The cucumber/tomato salad was also pale and extremely watery. I couldn't tell if the tub of orange gloop was hummus or something else. But I had no time to be picky so I went ahead and ordered a chicken schawarma pita to go. By the time I got to my office (literally across the street from Merchandise Mart) and unwrapped my sandwich, the entire contents of it fell through the bottom of the pita. I proceeded to eat my sandwich with a fork and was just so underwhelmed. The hummus and chicken had no flavor. The tomatoes and cucumbers didn't taste fresh and were kind of mushy and watery. The pickled red onions and feta cheese were ok. I couldn't even taste the hummus and spicy sauce, if I hadn't seen the worker spoon them onto my sandwich I would have thought they forgot. Honestly, Roti or Olive Grill are much better choices for quick Mediterranean. At least their veggies are crisp, crunchy and fresh, hummus is delicious and chicken is well seasoned and cooked. I spent over $7 on a sandwich that immediately fell apart and didn't taste good and I'm still hungry. read more