50 Best Mediterranean Restaurants near Norridge

“Great authentic middle eastern food. I tried the chicken kabob bowl. The chicken was very tender and everything was delicious. Perfect sized portion as well. The falafel is also delicious. Service is fast and organized. Support a family owned business!“

“I was nearby running an errand when I spotted this place and took a chance and it paid off. The chicken shawarma sandwich was delicious. It took sometime to make but was really tasty and fries were crispy and hot! The lady took care of my famished tummy and was very sweet to talk to. Highly recommend it if you’re around.“

“WOW. Simply delicious I'm not really into fast food places but this this place you can really get a good selection of freshly cooked food. I had a beef wrap but I liked it so much that I had to try another thing and I went for the combination plate which was even better the french fries were out of this planet you can really taste the freshness not the old oil like the chain restaurants. I really recommend it and hope you enjoyed it.“

“I ordered chicken kalamaki & lemon potatoes. I am picky eater and I was pleasantly surprised how amazing both items were. Tender juice chicken and garlicky lemon potatoes, mmmmm!!!! Ordered take out, but the restaurant was packed! I really loved the ambiance. I’m looking forward to dining in!“

“The lentil soup at Jaffa Shawarma is a comforting and delicious option for those looking for a warm and satisfying meal. Made with lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices, it's a bowl of goodness that's sure to warm you up from the inside out and leave you feeling nourished and content.“

“Worth the wait and must try! Beautiful and unique venue in the unassuming town of Des Plaines. Our server was kind and welcoming, food was delicious, drinks were fun and tasty. The only two items that were less than ideal, the horrible acoustics (incredibly loud) and although it was too on my list to try, the chicken shawarma rolls were underwhelming. Even with those two items, the great service and food quality it's still worth the 5 star review. We sat upstairs, which very much appreciated, being out of the hustle and bustle of the downstairs. Looking forward to trying the brunch and the outside patio... overlooking the water.“

“My boyfriend and I came in for a last minute dinner without a reservation and the hostess was able to seat us on the patio which we appreciated. We ordered the cacio e pepe and the focaccia, and they were both delicious! The cacio e Pepe was a little smaller than what you would receive at other restaurants, but it was just enough for one person, but I would keep that in mind if looking to share dishes.“

“Foodwise, is truly a wonderful story, somebody in the kitchen knows what to do and that translates all the way to our braines stirring waves of good sensations.Their turkish culture habits, the hours limitation for certain types of food, do not always overlap with other's schedule or expectations. The staff is very polite and forthcoming but that's so much they can do.The atmosphere is a bit bizzare, the music for example, is not in tune with the specific, the way that the tables are set, suggests rather a train fare than a regular restaurant.Their sweets shop however, is there to take away all possible clouds and make your day.Parking: Plenty of parking“

“This is the best Mediterranean restaurant I have ever been to. The kabobs are perfectly seasoned and are the real deal. The hummus is amazing. It has an almost whipped texture and is very fresh tasting. The yellow rice is great, too. Usually I love to drown all my food in tahini sauce, but here I barely use any. I don't want to mess with the food. It's perfect as is. The staff is super friendly and the prices are reasonable, especially considering how big the portions are. I definitely recommend giving it a try“

“The El Juez tequila drink is a masterpiece; it's got perfect hints of cucumber that blend harmoniously making every sip feel luxurious thanks to an exceptional balance between sugary content without overdoing both aspects so you can savour each moment in pure delight.“

“Automatically, love this place the minute I stepped in. The owners were eager to greet me. They are from Syria & Lebanon. Upon asking, the lady came out with soup for me! On the house!!!!!. I ordered take out. Catfish & combo 1. I’m real excited to eat this because Im waiting here writing this review DEVOURING the lentil soup.Service is immaculate.Everything 5 stars afterwards.Update: 40 mins later -Look at this cat fish y’all.This catfish is AMAZING.5+ stars.GIRRRLLLLLL.“

“Have a designated driver because you will not want to stop eating. The food is DELICIOUS. I highly recommend their season pita chips with the garlic sauce and the BUTTER CHICKEN ?. Their staff was super welcoming and friendly- note this was my first time so they gave an a walk through about how it goes here. They ran out of their way to help me with loading my vehicle because I am one to refuse two trips lol. They have an AWESOME lunch special so go BEFORE 3 PM! Thank you team at Pita Bowl. I. WILL. BE. BACK.Thank you for supporting our nonprofit and thank you for your commitment to community engagement! :)Cheers!Giselle @ Skokie Chamber of Commerce.“

“I ordered the shish kebab, kufta kebab, and chicken shish tawook to share for lunch. Everything was ready in 15 minutes.Each dish was served on a bed of golden rice with a small salad on the side as well as a tasty homemade sauce. I asked for a couple containers of hot sauce as well.These are the best skewers I've had. Everything was tender and juicy, especially the lamb! I hope they bring back the lamb chops platter.“

“Lovely new Turkish restaurant in the area. The bread is to die for. We tried adana kababs, pide , iskender, lentil soup and some of the eggplant appetizer. Each dish is delicious and flavorful - except for the lentil soup. Unfortunately, that was pretty bland.“

“I was searching for a new location for Mediterranean food to try with my best friend and I found this restaurant. We came close to 8 pm, and it was a slightly chilly day. The owner of the restaurant was so kind, humble and so generous! Since we were the only people in the restaurant, he definitely made sure that we had a welcoming experience! He gave us complimentary lentil soups, and it was delicious, hearty, and filling. I would definitely come more often for the soup, and he gave us so much food! I ordered the chicken shawarma by itself, and the flavor of the chicken was delicious, and the condiments it came with were delicious, too! I will definitely be returning! The owner takes the time to make sure his customers are satisfied and he is hardworking and passionate, and he puts a lot of commitment and time into being the owner. The owner's kindness definitely made us feel cared for that day.Parking: Parking may be tight at times“

“The food is always fantastic and the service was stellar. I spent some time catching up with and old friend and the gentleman overseeing the dining area stayed close by, ready to clear our table, but respectfully not interrupting us. A fantastic experience“

“Trying Afghan food for first time…. and I love it. Roasted Eggplant with tomatoes & garlic yogurt . Tender not mushy & bitter, definitely for garlic lovers, then dumplings that reminded me of russian plemieni finally traditional Afghan rice with cinnamon & raisins ( not sweet at all) with veal. We finished with Afghan milk tea for dessert . Food in this place is delicious , but decor is minimalistic & basic. Very reasonably priced, friendly service. If you in area worth stopping by.“

“Just had lunch here to support a local restaurant and it was delicious! I started with an espresso which was phenomenal. Bit of a wait for the food but definitely worth it. Spinach feta bourek was fresh and perfect. Flakey pastry which wasn't overpowered by the filling. The sudjuk sausage sandwich was insanely tasty and so well priced for both. Highly recommend this place!!“

“We went back to Citrine for pre-concert eats on our way to Chicago. This is a Mediterranean-type restaurant. Cocktails are good, food is good. Service is impeccable. Our server this visit was Theo, and he was attentive and friendly. The other staff from the young woman who sat us to the guys who delivered food and cleared the table were attentive and always gave us a smile. My husband and I started out with a glass of wine and a cocktail. We decided once again to share small plates together. We had the New York strip steak tartare. It's absolutely fabulous so we had to have it again. Fresh steak with a raw egg on top that oozes into the steak as you break it, it's perfection. We also got the homemade lepinja bread served warm with a couple spreads. I can't eat nuts or seeds and it came out covered with sesame seeds. No problem, Theo was more than happy to take it back and have bread made just for me without seeds. That's great service. We then shared the roasted beet salad which had arugula, goat cheese, avocado, and orange. It was a very small salad for the price of $14. Having said that, the salad was fresh and I liked the different textures, but it was the size of a small side salad and not worth the price. I would pass on this my next visit. The final dish we shared was the shrimp and grits. The shrimp were large and grilled perfectly, the grits were creamy. This dish was packed with flavor and some heat. Delicious. Citrine accepts reservations and parking is paid street parking. I definitely recommend this restaurant and you must try the steak tartare. So damn delicious!“

“Outstanding Dining Experience at Wild Pita RestaurantMy recent visit to Wild Pita Restaurant was nothing short of exceptional. The food was superb, offering a delightful array of Mediterranean flavors that left me thoroughly impressed. The service was equally commendable, with the staff providing attentive and friendly assistance throughout the meal. From the welcoming atmosphere to the knowledgeable staff, Wild Pita Restaurant truly exceeded my expectations, making it a must-visit dining destination for anyone seeking a memorable culinary experience.“

“This place is special in a way that would almost makes me want to keep it a well-guarded secret. You don't really get this experience anymore, it takes a confluence of passion and community that's hard to come by in any era, let alone the modern, distanced, impersonal world we occupy now.This is the quintessential Chicago Mom n' Pop experience. Great food at ridiculously good prices served up with a smile and a friendly familiarity that makes you feel like you're right at home.The decor matches the patrons: humble, comfortable, working-class Americana and unapologetically Chicagoan to the core. You can tell most of the customers here are patrons for life, and with good reason. You always feel like a person here, not an order. They aren't just trying to turn over your ticket, they want to make sure you're taken care of.I can't tell you the last time I had perfect fries before this, like too-hot-to-eat, immaculate golden brown fries. I definitely can't recall ever getting them with a whole burger for under $7. I fed two hungry adults here for less than $20. It felt absurd, almost, like I wanted to pay more because it felt unfair to them that I'd pay twice that much at a lot of places.Just a positively perfect experience every time and we always make it a point to stop here anytime we're remotely close by.“

“Been here a few times and absolutely love the environment, so cozy cute and just simply a wonderful place to bring your significant other for a beautiful dinner date! Also food is zabiha halal and truly authentic Turkish! Chicken doner is amazing and so doner kabob mmmm!!!“

“Yum!! This was such a delicious meal! It shouldn’t be hard to find really good Persian restaurant but it is, well search no further! I thoroughly enjoyed the food, service (compliments to Katarina!!) and the ambiance! Cheers! We will be back“

“This is a newer spot near me that I recently discovered, it overs a different variety of food to the area. Will fulfill that middle eastern craving close to home and they offer other menu items for those not brave enough to venture. Have been here a few times and it doesn't disappoint.“

“Visiting from Indiana for training and decided to get Greek for dinner.....man o man o man.....was this a fantastic choice!When I pulled up, it was free valet parking and I was a little confused because I didn't anticipate it being that type of fine dining experience but I was wrong.We arrived at 6ish on Tuesday and let me say we beat the crowd. Within 20 minutes of our arrival, there was a wait for seating.As an appetizer we ordered the Flaming Cheese (Saganaki) And it was phenomenal. They automatically give you a platter of toasted bread and it was the perfect accompaniment.I ordered the chicken kebab meal which came with a soup and my choice of side. I chose the lemon chicken soup and greek potatoes...my tummy was in agreement with my choices.My friend ordered the Moussuka and it was a large portion that also came with soup and choice of side...she chose the mixed veggies and they were truly delicious.We tried the dandelion greens because neither of us had had them before. They weren't my fav but my friend loved them. This was simply a matter of preference nothing more nothing less.My friend got a baklava to go because we were too full for dessert at that moment.The portions are healthy, service was top notch and the food was obviously quality ingredients. There is something for everyone on this menu!“

“Always welcoming atmosphere, best "burek" and "cevapi u lepinji" in town. Always quick and fresh.I always feel welcome, the hosts are always in a good mood.Cevapi in a bun like at home! Excellent! Burek is always freshly prepared.“

“Pita Inn is consistent in quality and service. The business lunch special is great! I call my order in 10-15 min before arriving during lunchtime rush and it’s almost always ready when I walk in to pick up. There is plenty of parking in the back, no need to jam up Milwaukee Ave trying to find an open spot in front of the building. Perhaps management could place a sign showing that.“

“I've become a lunch regular here - absolutely delicious and fresh food in generous portions with special deals that are hard to beat. Very friendly, hospitable service even in a casual space like this. $10 chicken and falafel lunch special featured in the pic!“

“Owners are great ,. food is prefect same authentic Balkan taste and quality,. It’s hard to find real and good food taste this days ,. but this place it’s real deal 5 stars and above ,. Number 1 dining place strongly recommended if you want to try Bosnian Kebap and Pleskavica ,.“

“enjoyed a wonderful dinner last night, started off with the mezza platter which i highly recommend followed by the most tender octopus ive ever had then thoroughly enjoyed the scallops which were exquisite and also ordered the chicken thighs with a unique taste of its own; i was visiting from out of town but its worth the drive and i highly recommend a visit“

“The food was so so good and fresh! The seasoning of the chicken and beef was perfect and it was cooked to perfection. Dont even get me started on the rice! I honestly could have this for lunch every day of the week! Highly recommend it and will be going “

“Food is excellent and tastes homemade. Our favorites are all lamb - tagine, kebab, and merguez. Mint tea is a must. CASH ONLY so make sure you have some or get cash back at Walgreens at the corner. Parking is easy on side streets west and south. Hidden neighborhood gem.Dietary restrictions: They’re mindful if you have an allergy.“

“I haven't tasted any food in my travels as memorable and delicious as Hassan's restaurant! Best in Chicagoland,-believe me!My boyfriend and I ordered the Lamb special and we like to order hummus and the yummy warm bread. A cozy date and our hostess/waitress was attentive and very kind! A really charming restaurant.“

“Ordered a beef schwarma dinner with a yogurt cucumber salad and coffee. My dinner was excellent. Our server went above and beyond, was warm, welcoming and polite.. And overall the atmosphere was nice. Only complaint is there was a considerable draft of cold air everytime the door opened.“

“During an unexpected additional day in the city caused by a cancelled flight leg, I ended up at a hotel near ORD. On a whim, I visited Sultan for lunch, a restaurant about which I knew nothing beforehand. It turned out to be an incredibly pleasant surprise. The food was remarkably fresh, brimming with flavor, and all at a very reasonable price. Fayez, the owner, personally takes care of his guests, and his hospitality is truly outstanding. His commitment to providing a memorable dining experience was genuinely touching and highly appreciated. So impressed by the warmth and quality of my first visit, I eagerly returned for dinner the same day, further making Sultan a highlight of my extended stay in the city. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant. If it were possible, I would give it 10 stars!“

“Rustico's new space on Oak Park Ave. (in the old Oak Park Brewery) is incredible in terms of its aesthetics. Very open, high, exposed bow-tie roof trusses, reclaimed wood plank ceiling, a really cool floor (tinted concrete?), and exposed brick walls. Totally cool vibe indeed. Myself, my wife, and two 21 year old kids dined there 1.5 weeks ago and it was awesome. Upon arriving, we were seated immediately. All of the staff that helped us were great: fun, personable, and attentive. We ordered the seafood Paella, Carbonara, Fruitti Di Mare, and Braised Short Ribs. All seafood in the Paella and Fruitti Di Mare was cooked to perfection-nothing was the least bit rubbery and everything was quite savory. The Carbonara was so tasty and incredibly decadent (which, when ordering Carbonara, you almost expect!). The Braised short ribs that my son ordered were so good (based on his review), but unfortunately, decorum prohibits printing the words he used to describe his love of the dish herein. When the bill arrived, there was absolutely no sticker shock and in fact, my wife and I felt that the entrees were very reasonably priced (especially given their generous portions). I don't think that many diners leave this place hungry. Personally, I love Rustico as the food is awesome but the restaurant is anything but pretentious. We will most def be back soon! Jimmah!“

“Cozy place in Oak Park with great tasting food.My order always includes stuffed grape leaves and hummus.Kofta kebab are delicious and you can't go wrong with a cup of Moroccan mint tea. If you are craving Moroccan food, this is definitely the place!“

“The experience at Zhivago was truly exceptional! The atmosphere was lovely, and the staff were exceptionally friendly and welcoming. The food was not only delicious but also beautifully presented, adding to the overall experience. I highly recommend Zhivago to anyone looking for a fantastic event – it's definitely worth a visit!“

“You know the place is good when you have to fight for a spot on a weekday. The place was packed but that did not stop them from providing amazing service and excellent quality food. The kabobs were juicy and very flavorful. I would definitely recommend Adas polo rice ?Can’t wait to go back and try more dishes.“

“Food is amazing! I always get the combination platter and it’s so delicious. Best Baba Ghanoush I’ve had- it’s my favorite thing on the menu. Can’t forget the baklava- so good! We always pick up & it’s easy to order online & my order is always correct. This is our new favorite local spot!“

“Shish Kabob and Grill is definitely a go to place of mine for great food. The server always greets customers with a smile and he even remembers my usual - the Beef Kabob. It's a welcoming restaurant for everyone who comes in, has a good selection of food, and you pay for what you get every time.Parking: The parking lot has a lot of space due to the area it is in. There's always parking right in front of the building so it's a short walk.Kid-friendliness: The server is friendly with all customers including younger ones. Always checking in to make sure pita bread is filled and water glasses are full. Helps clean up messes that are made as well.“

“We dined at Plateia for the first time tonight. The food is absolutely fantastic. We had the feta and honey appetizer along with tzatziki and fresh warm pita. For our main course, I had the yogurt chicken and oven potatoes which were delicious. My husband had the pastitcio which he enjoyed. Service was great, too! By the way, while waiting did our table, we observed a screaming woman who was upset that she had not been seated yet. She was incredibly rude to the hostesses and left in a huff. She threatened to leave nasty reviews on Yelp, calling the restaurant "trash". Make no mistake... she was the trashy one. If she leaves a review here, ignore it!“

“Easy to miss spot next to Jiffy Lube. I came in when I was changing my oil, and was pleasantly surprised. It's a small quiet place with excellent food. You can tell the owners really care about the quality of the food. I had the chicken wrap and fries and it was fresh and delicious!“

“Hands down the best slider trio I have ever had. Regular cheeseburger was terrific. Buffalo chicken with blue cheese was outstanding. But the winner was the pot roast slider. Wow. Tons of flavor and very juicy. We had never been to down Elmhurst and decided to try this gem. We will be back!!!“

“Went there with a group of friends last night. The place was so cute & cozy. While there are a lot of entrees to choose from we just ordered a bunch of appetizers & cocktails. Food was delicious & service was excellent. Great for a date night, girls night or just hanging with friends. It also has a very nice bar to just stop in for a cocktail. Check it out!“

“I’ve seen this place on the google maps one year ago and forgot to go there. 1 week ago a was lucky to stop in this area and was so starving. I entered the restaurant, and there was a very polite lady meet me and served well. I ordered chicken kebab shawarma which I recommended to eat if you in rush and needs to go back to work faster. The food was so great and they also give a garlic sauce which goes fantastic with shawarma. What I did? I ordered again! Tasty!“

“Jerusalem Cafe is like a cheat code for affordable, nutritious food in Oak Park. It's just about the cheapest place to get tasty salmon in downtown OP, and all the food is reliably delicious. I've lived here long enough to remember the restaurants that used to occupy this space, and I'm glad Jerusalem Cafe has stuck around.“

“I went here with a friend since I had heard about this new restaurant in the neighborhood and wanted to try it. One of my friends didn't love it (they did takeout), but I had such a wonderful time. I tried one of the boneless chicken kebabs and it was so good. I was honestly having a rough day and this was such a yummy meal that lifted my mood in a much needed way.“

“Nadine was an amazing server! She was prompt and knowledgable about the establishment. Food was good, but nothing to rave about.Definitely would come again if someone wanted to meet here, but don't think it would be something I'd crave to come back on my own terms.“