Best Middle Eastern Food In Chicago
6653 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 262-2227
www.masouleh.biz
Step inside this Rogers Park Persian restaurant and you'll be greeted like family. In fact, this casual spot is operated by a husband — who runs the kitchen — and a wife, who works the front of the house. The dishes truly are authentic; savor the flavors of a kebab, which comes with soup and rice; or opt for one of their many vegetarian dishes, especially the entrees featuring eggplant, like the Mirza Ghasemi. On the weekend, the chef also offers a few additional specials. The one thing you won't find on this menu? Hummus. Or alcohol — so be sure to bring your own of the latter!
Sultan's Market
2057 W. North Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 235-3072
www.sultansmarket-hub.com
With a tagline like "If it's not our falafel, it's freakin' awful," patrons know they're in for something fun and tasty when they visit this popular Wicker Park restaurant. And their tagline doesn't lie; they offer, easily, one of the best falafel wraps in the city. But don't overlook the rest of their menu either; not only is it affordable, but every bite -- from the hummus to the salad bar -- is just right. Just be sure to bring cash; this establishment doesn't take credit cards.
326 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 263-0019
www.nafnafgrill.com
With 14 locations in and around Chicago, original owners Sahar and Elan are fulfilling a dream to share their Middle Eastern cuisine with the Midwest. Today, all the locations -- including the original in Naperville, as well as the one on Michigan Ave. -- offer a make-your-own Middle Eastern dish. You pick how your meal starts (pita or bowl), and then you can add your shwarama or falafel. Next comes salads, garnishes and sauces. Of course, a couple sides are a must-have, and those options include fries, lentil soup or basmati rice. No matter which combination you come up with at this quick-service restaurant, you can't go wrong.
Related: Best Middle Eastern Food In Chicago
Mizrahi Grill
Crossroads Shopping Center
215 Skokie Valley Road
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 831-1400
www.mizrahigrill.com
Mizrahi Grill has a kosher menu worth traveling for -- and with it's location in Highland Park, that's just what you'll do! The family-run restaurant prides themselves on offering family recipes. With a focus on fresh ingredients, and plenty of spices, it's delicious and healthy for you too. While they offer a wide range of menu options, it's their shawarma -- available for $10 as a pita, $14 as a laffa -- that has people driving from the city to enjoy this quick-service food.
5255 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 561-1898
www.rezasrestaurant.com
For a wide array of options, head to Andersonville's Reza's restaurant for their buffet, which is available during the week for lunch and during the weekend for brunch. No matter when you arrive, there'll be plenty to choose from, including a number of vegetarian options like hummus and roasted feta cheese, as well as plenty of meat options too, including their signature kebabs. The extensive menu also offers salads and wraps. This meal gets even better when you go on your birthday (because you'll get 20 percent off). Reza's also has locations in River North and Oakbrook.
