I had the vegetarian combo at the recommendation of waiter that it was a better choice than the vegetarian version of the Sarma dinner. I guess it was good to try a bit of everything as I quickly learned what was good and what was not. The spinach boereg was by far the weakest offering as it had way too much phyllo and not enough filling. Add in the fact that it seemed like it was sitting out for awhile. The Armenian spinach, on the other hand, was actually pretty tasty which made me sad they couldn't pack more spinach into those little phyllo-y triangles. The plaki was mostly broth with little beans and the majority of the meal was made up by just plain rice. For half the price, I might put up with this, but at the cost of the meal you're better off looking elsewhere. read more

Incredible, authentic armenian food. Staff is kind and knowledgeable. Extremely fast service, an excellently run establishment. I truly wish I could eat here every day. A must try especially if you are visiting from out of town!! read more

Wonderful restaurant! The service is top notch and the food is always fresh and delicious. I would recommend this restaurant for all occasions. Very cozy booth seating. One of my favorites in the downtown area! read more

Central location, reasonable prices. Easy to get a table, comfortable ambiance. I recommend this place, the food is really tasty, especially the appetizers. The service was a bit slow but they were friendly and nice. read more

i'm a huge persian, mediterranean and armenian food fan. I live in LA, so I'm pretty spoiled with all of the great traditional restaurants around me. I was thrilled to find an armenian restaurant down the street from where I'm staying in Chicago, HOWEVER, this place is not authentic. The hummus and rice tasted like it was store bought and warmed up in their restaurant. The rice isn't traditional armenian rice either. The chicken was decent and the service was great since I was the only one in the restaurant. I'm never eating here again. read more

Ordered a kebab lunch from here the other day, which came with moist rice and 3 pieces each of chicken and beef kebab. Also got their eggplant appetizer(not the baba ghannouj), but the roasted one served with peppers and onions. First off, a little disappointed with the size of the meal; seemed like 6 small'ish pieces of meat along with a cup or so of rice, and essentially a single(4in long or so) piece of eggplant with a smattering of veggies on top. So the taste test; First had a bit of the eggplant app and was surprised at how cold it was. I understand it's a dish that's supposed to be served chilled but this was legitimately like ice cold when I bit into it. Took the entire appetizer and threw it in the kebab lunch to heat it up a bit(and also because the kebab lunch itself didn't actually come with many veggies aside from a piece of pepper and tomato. To it's credit, after mixing the two together, the beef kebab itself actually was quite good. Tender, rare pieces of beef with a hint of marinade that tasted quite aromatic upon each bite. The chicken kebab wasn't as good, but still passable. The rice pilaf was....unlike any rice pilaf I've had before. Very wet, which made it a bit more difficult to parse out any strong spices in it. Ultimately, lunch at Sayat Nova had some redeeming qualities, but for the price point you can get more, tastier kebabs at other spots. Lunch entrees at $12-20 a pop are already pushing it, but the same dishes at $20+ each for dinner are a no-go for me. read more

If you are in this part of town and need to eat you could do a lot worse. Nothing earth shattering about the meal. For the type of cuisine I don't know if there is anything else in the neighborhood. read more

Loved this little restaurant just off Michigan Avenue. Authentic foods and excellent service. No upstairs bathroom.

Our visit last night can be summed up by one word: COCKROACH. The first few minutes of our visit were great. The hostess was friendly. The ambiance and layout was a cozy without being cramped, and the waitstaff was knowledgeable and polite. We started out with a pita and hummus appetizer, and both ordered traditional Armenian entrees. So far, so good. I was about halfway through my entree, enjoying spending time with my girlfriend after a crazy work week, when out of the corner of my eye I noticed some motion on the floor next to us. I turned my head, and there it was--a cockroach. I watched in disbelief as the bug scurried across the floor from the bar area to our table. I discretely moved my foot into position and squashed the bug with my heel. I was torn with what to do. Here I was, eating a great meal among well-dressed guests in a well-rated restaurant, yet I had just witnessed a public health hazard. If this critter was found in dining area, what might be going on back in the kitchen? I discretely asked the waiter if I could speak with the manager. I reassured him that I wasn't complaining about the service. The waiter disappeared into the back for a few minutes and then came back to say that the manager was busy helping out in the kitchen. He asked if he could relay a message for me. "Well," I said politely and quietly, "Just a few minutes ago I saw a cockroach crossing the aisle, and I squashed it with my shoe." I motioned discretely to the crushed roach carcass at the foot of our table. The waiter glanced down and I saw some of the color rush from his face. "Wow..." he said. "That's... that's completely gross. I'll take care of that immediately. I'll make sure that the manager knows." The waiter quickly came back with a towel and scooped up the bug. "I told the manager about this," he said. "He was just as shocked as you were. We've never had that problem before." A few minutes later we received our check. I paid the bill (and left a 15% tip), and we were on our way. We didn't receive any discount on our bill, but that's not really the issue here. When I look back on this experience, the number one thing that disappointed me was that the incident was brushed off like it didn't warrant special attention. If you're the manager of an upscale restaurant, and a customer tells you that they saw a roach, at least have the decency to personally speak with me. Assure me that the health inspection is up-to-date. Assure me that you have regular exterminator visits. Assure me that you'll call Orkin (or whoever) first thing tomorrow morning and have them check the restaurant. In other words, help me believe that you're on my side. read more

Used to eat there all the time, but hadn't been in the area in about a year. Remembered it as GREAT food at a GREAT price, located right in the middle of overpriced, mediocre big chain restaurants. What a hidden treat is was. How sad to learn (the hard way) that the prices seem to have doubled and the portions halved, and my favorites dishes have vanished from the menu. The server insisted that the menu has not changed since the 1960s. Well, maybe it was all a dream. I won't return. read more

Food is OK ! Nothing great about this place. The service needs improvement. You have to keep waiting for the waiter as no one comes to clear up the plates or ask you for order another drink or desserts or food. read more

Love this place. A little cozy spot hidden away from the crazed shopping district where you can have a quiet lunch of lentil soup, hummus, boreg, etc. Stick to the appetizers, they are the best. read more

I went there several times and the food was amazing! but the last time, my stuffed grape leaves were not fresh! and their excuse: we put lemon. I grew up eating grapeleaves! I knooowww when its been in the microwave! they got us boerg instead The knafi was also not fresh either! and last... to top it off, there was an insect on out table!! a cockroach !!!! we were paying the check at the time and the guy did not even offer to compensate us in annyy way.. btw we were the only people at the restaurant at that time. It was a Sunday at around 5.00!!!! will neevr go back there!! Also portions are really small read more

I'm turkish and this restaurant has the best lamb chops ever in Chicago. you definitely must try !

Great location, warm atmosphere, great service. We were seated right away on a Saturday night. Enjoyed the labneh as an appetizer with warm pita, the kebab combo (delicious) and the Armenian combo (very good, especially the kufta and stuffed eggplant.) The house red was very good. We will definitely go again. read more

Love this Armenian place North of Loop. Quality Mediterranean food with superb service and intimate atmosphere. Out of towners that I've been bringing here for years report coming back when they visit in my absence. for business meal or pleasure Sayat Nova won't let you down. read more

If you are looking for authentic Armenian food this is your place. I have been coming here for 20 years and I do not think I have ever had a bad meal. Order the chicken Kabob. It melts in your mouth. There are many middle eastern please to eat in the city, but there is nothing like Sayat Nova. I bring many of my friends there and it becomes there favorite restaurant. But don't take my word for it. Go there yourself....order some kabab and pilaf and get ready to have a great experience. read more

I can't comment on the authenticity issue of this food because I've not had any other food claiming to be Armenian. I go here mainly for the atmosphere first (the dark and quiet cozy booths in particular) and the convenience of the location. For lunches we sometimes sit by a window to get the sunlight, too. I've been to a number of restaurants around the area and this is the one we always go back to, since the Indian place has been disappointing the last several times we tried it and the Japanese place that's hyped is never much. None of the food blew us away but it's always good enough. For people visiting the city and staying nearby I can recommend it for lunch or dinner. Don't expect anything special in terms of the cuisine but do expect it to be adequate and served in a comfortable atmosphere. Glancing at recent reviews I've heard things about noisy music and lights so perhaps things have changed. I haven't to Chicago in a few years. It is true that the appetizer portions are on the small side. The service is impersonal but not rude or slow. read more

In love with their Labneh can't get enough :) Great food, great service and awesome bartenders

OMG. My family is Syrian and I have looked high and low for a spot in chicago that comes close to my family's home cooking. Wow! This place is AMAZING. Raw Kibbeh, Tabbouleh, Hommos, fresh warm pita and Sarma (Grape Leaves). Don't tell my mom, but these grape leaves were the best I ever had. I had to ask our server the secret, which he shared with me, so I will be bringing that secret home for the holidays. This place has been here 50 years, and I can tell why. Do yourself a favor and come on in!!! read more

Awesome Armenian food! First time eating at an "official" restaurant, but I had made Kibbee before so I was familiar with the concept. Very good! Hummus was also awesome! read more

Best place for middle eastern cuisine near Michigan ave. Intimate setting, cute decor, delectable cuisine. Pricier than it needed to be bc portions were average but the location justifies it. Three course + drinks, everything was tasty. Will return for sure read more

Sayat Nova is one of my favorite restaurant in town , the food is great and the place is very familial , the meat is just perfect , will definatelly come back soon read more

A coworker and I went here for take out today. He got the vegetarian combo and I got combo #2. The descriptions on the menu did NOT match what we were given. His was supposed to have couscous, tabouleh, 2 pieces of goereg (philo dough stuffed with cheese or spinach). Instead: lettuce with a slice of tomato, dressing, small cup of soup, one piece of goereg, plain white rice. Mine was stuffed eggplant, goereg, tabouleh, and i think something else. I got one piece of stuffed eggplant, one goereg, lettuce, tomato, side of soup. That's just sad. Not worth the 9.95, pathetic. Really dissatisfied. read more

Food was good, service okay and the place was small. I would go back, especially for lunch. The rice and fish was delectable. The place is really retro inside and the booths are cool. The bar was sort of small and the wines were unusual. Try for yourself. read more

Had a very nice dinner last night - shish kebab was prepared very well, and was quite tasty. Really enjoyed the quiet atmosphere - very easy to converse with other members of our party. Price with drinks averaged about $25/person. Great job, guys! read more

Crap food, below par service and pricy. First dining experience in Chicago and what a disappointment. There was not one thing that we ordered that was, and when I say not good, I mean almost uneatable. The only thing decent was the maybe the Hummus and the Stella lol. They rushed us out of there as if we were taking time out of their Saturday evening activities. Thinking back, I should not even have paid. read more

This was a beautiful unique looking restaurant years ago, but sad to say now it looks overly done with too much lighting throughout and some gaudy add-ons everywhere without a single thought given for esthetics. And of course, that Hookah Night garbage totally takes away from what it was meant to be originally. Supposed to have been a nice cozy, classy, special unique little restaurant with an Armenian flavor, and not to make it look like a place for bunch of drunk hookah heads! How classless could it be for this restaurant's integrity and reputation with this Hookah garbage in an Armenian ressautant! One more thing while I'm at it! The menu is full of useless dishes, dishes with, lets say non Armenian names. I'm sure the owner knows exactly what I'm referring to. "Yalanchi"? read more

I have been to Sayat Nova many times since I moved to Streeterville. The food is always great and my experience is often accented by the wonderful staff. I often eat at the bar and the bartender is both professional and knowledgeable in all drinks/cocktails. I recommend this restaurant for the authentic food and great experience and ambience. read more

This restaurant is located across from Inn of Chicago. Thank goodness I had a training session at this hotel otherwise I may have missed this gem! Great food! I saw "Armenian cuisine" outside the restaurant and was instantly intrigued. I love trying new cuisines! I was there at noon and the place had a couple of patrons but wasn't too crowded. The wait staff was limited but friendly. I had asked my waiter what was most "Armenian" on the menu. He noted the Pita and the Kibbee. Their lunch specials aren't listed on their website so I'll try to recall what I had. I ordered the Kibbee which is basically Armenian steak tartar, lean ground beef, cracked wheat, onions, parsley, tomatoes, and olive oil. It was delicious! Lightly flavored, moist on the inside and a bit crispy on the outside. The Kibbee also came with Jajik which is creamy garlic yogurt, cucumbers, and mint. The Jajik was yummie!!! In addition, I had about 4 small cut up pita bread pockets to make my own little falafels. $8.95 for all that in downtown Chicago! The atmosphere in the restaurant is very romantic. Dim lit and cute little half circular booths to sit in! If ever I am in that neighborhood again I will make another stop in! read more

Great place! Delicious food and drinks. Cozy environment. Nice staff. Really enjoyed my visit.

I really like this place. Some friends and I checked it out after seeing it on "Check, Please". It's hidden right off of Mag Mile but it's worth discovering. The place had low lighting and nice decor. We decided to try a mix of appetizers to get a taste of all they had to offer. We had baba ganouj, hummus, a flatbread-type app called lamajoun, raw kibbee, spinach boereg, stuffed grape leaves and red lentil soup. The food was top notch and reasonably priced. And tapas-style was definitely the way to go. After several drinks and seven apps the damage was only $70 for three people. read more

Came to Chicago for a conference and went here for dinner. Hostess was very friendly and there was no wait, unlike most places in Chicago on a Thursday night. They have these great booths with back lit stonework. The service was super friendly but sometimes on the slower side. We tried the lamb cous cous, jajic, and vegetable kebab. All fairly tasty. Vegetables were a little on the chunky side. Lamb cous cous was flavorful and the meat was nicely cooked but not as hot as it could have been. The best thing about the restaurant is the atmosphere. Would go here again! read more

Ambiance is perfect for a date night. Food is served fast and can be easily gluten free. Salty, but I was sort of expecting that. They were absolutely packed so call ahead. read more

Don't expect Armenian waiters. but, the flavors of the food were absolutely wonderful.... and this coming from a Greek who's very particular! read more

Oooh... Luleh kabobs. Ground lamb sausage grilled to perfection. This was my first foray into Armenian food, so I don't have much to compare it to, but it was certainly delicious. read more

Very cozy and intimate for our party of 4. They have some cool booths that sort of sink into the walls with back lighting in the walls themselves which was cool. The food was quite tasty too - no complaints from anyone in our group. I would say the only reason it didn't make a fifth star was the service, which I would describe as merely adequate. They weren't overly attentive and at one point I waited for a while to get an opportunity for a second drink. But the food and atmosphere made up for quite a bit of the lackluster service. read more

I have been here a couple of times. The food is pretty standard middle eastern fare without too many surprises. A nice break from other options in the area, but hardly a destination place. read more

The food here was divine. We couldn't have asked for a better meal, more stellar service, or a more welcoming environment for a long early-evening dinner. The vegetarian options I tried were delicious, and my husband's kibbeh was just like his Lebanese uncle used to make on the holidays - both of us were incredibly pleased with our experience and will return as soon as we're able. read more

Love the ambience and food. The prices are slightly on the higher side. Their appetizers and kabobs are very good. I have been here a couple of times. On our last visit my husband ordered a lamb entrée and they gave him beef instead. He realized after he had a few bites. He told our server that they gave him the wrong entrée and they didn't do anything about it. Entrée and appetizer portions are also small. read more