Mediterranean cuisine always leaves diners wanting more. Known for its simple yet exotic ingredients, Mediterranean flavors derive from countries around the Mediterranean Sea; Greece, Italy, and Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon and Turkey, just to name a few. Chicago is no stranger to this remarkable cuisine. Here are 10 of the best Mediterranean restaurants in Chicago.
Jubranos
A hidden gem on W Taylor Street, Jubranos is the perfect spot for a quick, delicious meal. Along with friendly service, the food is fantastic. Delightful Greek and Mediterranean flavors will grab your attention in no time. The menu offers chicken gyros sandwiches, veggie wraps, and the famous gyros cheeseburger. The secret of this wonderful cheeseburger comes from its fresh quality and tzatziki sauce.
The Halal Guys began as a hot dog cart in New York City in 1990. 25 years later, it has grown to be a delicious global phenomenon. One of the restaurants is in Chicago on Division Street, and it lives up to the hype. Halal Guys is known for its blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. The menu includes platters of chicken or gyro, rice, and the famous white sauce drizzled on top. If your tastes buds can handle extra spice, try the platter with some hot sauce for a fiery experience.
I Dream of Falafel is a lively, pleasant, and contemporary counter-service restaurant. This quick and casual place offers a wide range of Mediterranean ingredients. From fresh falafel to tender shawarma, it carries organic selections to complement all nutritional needs. IDOF lets guests personalize and create their own meals, so whether you are trying to eat healthy or just need a fresh bite, IDOF will satisfy any of those desires.
Elegant and quaint Kabobi Grill is all about bringing traditional flavors together. It does not shy away from providing its guests a little bit everything. Kabobi offers a blend of Persian and Mediterranean selections. Try the tender and delectable chicken koubideh kabob with dill rice; this beautiful dish is presented on a round, silver plate with a bottom layer of flat bread, and the top is filled with meat, rice, and vegetables.
Zaytune Mediterranean Grill prides itself on offering a customized, modern take on traditional Mediterranean cuisine. It offers a wide range of options, such as grilled wraps, steak shawarma, traditional falafel, lentil soup, and baklava. Zaytune is also known for its exceptionally fresh ingredients. Guests are sure to notice that items such as hummus or the grill platter are served with the cleanest herbs, vegetables, and bread, for a memorable experience.
Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, Athena Restaurant offers traditional Greek cuisine. The interior of this restaurant, with its classic Grecian architecture, provides guests with an extraordinary experience. Athena delights in being called ‘a piece of Greece,’ earning this title with authentic, appetizing dishes such as savory chicken riganati, chicken kabobs, or the succulent gyros plate while providing a view of the famous Chicago skyline.
Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen offers authentic Mediterranean flavors, and homemade aromas fill the air as guests choose from a variety of items on the menu. Dishes include the spicy chicken sandwich and the falafel sandwich, and you can order your own combination plates with the finest ingredients.
Refreshing, colorful, and scrumptious, Rōti Mediterranean Grill offers its guests a personalized experience, in which they can chose from the healthiest ingredients. This place is considered a ‘Chipotle’ for Mediterranean food. Begin by choosing a sandwich, salad, or plate, and fill it up with whatever you wish. The possibilities are endless, from meat and veggies to toppings and sauces. Rōti prides itself on holding the title of ‘Food That Loves You Back,’ due to its healthy ingredients and exceptional taste.
Turquoise Restaurant is a cozy and comfortable place that invites its guests to try contemporary selections. The flavorful approach to traditional Turkish and Italian food is what makes this establishment stand out. Guests can try entrées such as İskender or Adana kabob and braised lamb shank. This restaurant also accommodates guests’ dietary needs and restrictions.
This lavish, unique restaurant not only looks bright and aesthetically appealing, but its food is crafted to perfection. It all starts with the selection of the best extra virgin olive oil from vast Mediterranean regions. Fig & Olive Restaurant makes certain to include these fine oils in dishes such as beef carpaccio, shrimp and salmon salad, and grilled lamb chops. All these dishes contain the best herbs and appealing finishing touches.
