Best Mediterranean Food In Chicago + 9 Restaurants in Chicago

Chicagoans are fond of Mediterranean cuisine. It is full of flavor and has nourishing ingredients, prepared at home or ordered in a restaurant.

The “Mediterranean” category includes many different kinds of foods. It begins with Greek food, which is a traditional Mediterranean diet. The food is fresh, healthy, and has been known to lower cholesterol.

Following is Italian cuisine, which uses simple ingredients for its preparation. There is also Turkish cuisine and Lebanese cuisine, which use spices and herbs in their main dishes. If that’s not enough, there is alot more Mediterranean food in Chicago.

A typical Lebanese meal includes freshly baked bread and yogurt-based salads paired with meat and vegetarian dishes. You can find it hard to choose one set of flavors over another when dining at a Mediterranean restaurant.

Combined with fresh herbs and spices, Mediterranean cuisine offers meals appealing to both the eyes and the taste buds. It’s no secret that Chicago is home to many fine Mediterranean restaurants. Here are ten of my favorites!

The 9 Best Restaurants For Mediterranean Food In Chicago

Athena Greek Restaurant

212 S. Halsted St. #1, Chicago // +13126550000

There seems to be a universal love of Greek cuisine, and most people seem to enjoy its flavors and simple ingredients.

The simplicity of olive oil, good bread, cheese, and meat is a staple of Greek cooking and a favorite of Chicagoans!

Restaurant Athena offers its customers Greek dishes such as seafood kebabs, chicken kebabs, stuffed chicken breasts, and roasted lamb.

Mediterranean Food Chicago: Chicken Kebab

Inside, you can enjoy the soothing waterfall and admire the Greek-inspired architecture, or outside, if the weather permits, you can take in the city’s beauty from the patio. In any case, you can look forward to a delicious meal and a friendly atmosphere.

The lamb chops I had were perfectly cooked and seasoned! Also, the ambiance was lovely, and the service was excellent! I will definitely be back!

Tuscany Taylor

1014 W. Taylor St., Chicago // +13128291990

If you’re craving upscale Italian cuisine that boasts your favorite seafood, then Tuscany is a perfect place for you.

If you visit the restaurant for lunch or dinner, be sure to try the soups, salads, bruschetta, polenta, and ravioli that they serve.

Customer service is excellent, so you will feel like part of the family as soon as you walk in. You can also sample a few new vintages from their extensive Italian wine list.

Bar Cargo

605 N. Wells St., Chicago // +13129290065

Chicago has a lot of great pizza joints, but when you want one with a Mediterranean flair, head to Bar Cargo. When it comes to authentic Roman-style pizza, this bar is the best around–even the flour for the dough comes from Rome.

According to your customization, each pizza is hand-tossed and then topped with only the freshest, best toppings. The food is then grilled in an Italian stone oven, also imported from Italy, until it is perfectly cooked.

Pizza is one of the menu items you can choose, but you can also opt for a salad, fried ravioli, or a chicken Caprese sandwich.

There’s no doubt that you’re going to have a great time eating whatever you choose. Also, check out the bottomless drink specials during the weekend brunch!

The Halal Guys

172 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago // +13123741145

Originally a humble food cart, it has been transformed into one of the country’s most successful small businesses.

They started in New York City but have expanded to Chicago, where they have a few locations across Windy City.

The best way to understand why it is so popular is just to taste their perfectly seasoned halal meat and rice, and you’ll understand why people travel from all over to enjoy this particular Mediterranean food in Chicago.

Mediterranean Food Chicago: Halal Meat And Rice

Alternatively, you can choose to have your meat and rice on a platter or wrapped in gyro. Of course, it wouldn’t be the same without the famous red and white sauces, which tie all those flavors together and create a truly delicious meal.

It’s even possible to get your halal wrapped up in a burrito, so consider giving it a try the next time you’re here!

The gyros on their menu are delicious. Their lamb platter is also excellent. I’m sure I’ll return because their service is good and fast. The food can be prepared and served within a few minutes.

Cira

200 N. Green St., Chicago // +13127611777

Cira is a great place to dine if you want to try various Mediterranean-style dishes with your friends.

Their small plates are meant to be shared between friends and family while enjoying good conversation.

Since the menu changes with the seasons, you can always try something new, so make sure to stop by often to discover new and exciting flavors.

During the day, you can lounge here and listen to some great music from the live DJ while chatting with friends, or you can sit with your laptop all day and get work done and still receive table service.

I Dream of Falafel

851 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago // +17736722780

When you’re rushing or just on the go, it can be hard to eat healthily. At I Dream of Falafel, you’ll never run into that problem because they’re able to give you all your favorite Mediterranean dishes, and they’re healthy, too!

You can request a sandwich in a pita, a wrap, a plate, or over hummus. Then choose your base, such as rice, couscous, or quinoa, and then your protein.

You can choose from chicken shawarma, gyros, kebabs, or falafel patties and then add toppings of your choice.

Mediterranean Food Chicago: Chicken Shawarma

By the time you’re done, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s easy on your wallet as well as your waistline! Then, with such fast and friendly service, you can get your sandwich and get going with your busy day!

Crave Kabob

1521 W. Madison St., Chicago // +13126006800

The popular Chicago eatery, Crave Kabob, has locations both in the West Loop and in Skokie, both of which feature a modern take on Mediterranean food and quick service. So simply grab a bite and go.

Many choices are available on the menu, but the most popular items are the wraps, the hummus, and the falafel balls – all your Mediterranean favorites.

Mediterranean Food Chicago: Falafel Balls

I’ve ordered the bowl four or five times because it’s so good. You can choose from a variety of proteins, salads, and sauces, all of which are fresh and flavorful.

Taste of Lebanon Restaurant

1509 W. Foster Ave., Chicago // +17733341600

Tucked behind a Lebanese-owned fabric store in Chicago, Taste of Lebanon Restaurant is a popular lunch spot for Middle Eastern food lovers.

This no-frills Lebanese restaurant is a great choice if you’re looking for a quick, cheap, and hearty Middle Eastern meal.

There is a wide selection of Middle Eastern specialties to choose from at this restaurant, including creamy lentil soup, lavash wraps filled with falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, wrapped grape leaves, lamb kebabs, beef shawarma, and more. Baklava is a favorite dessert among those sweet-toothed individuals.

Kabobi

4748 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago // +17735831400

If you’re looking for traditional Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean food in Chicago, you’ll find it here! Kabobi Grill does not disappoint with its portions or flavors. In addition, the restaurant itself has a casual, counter-serve atmosphere.

Among the many options, you can choose from our lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks.

Kabobi Grill is open every day of the week from 10:30 a.m. to midnight!

You can choose from a wide selection on their menu. They offer both meat and vegetarian options, and a lunch special is also provided and late-night dining. Some of the menu items include Filet Mignon and Chicken Breast Kabob, Lamb Shank, and Caspian Eggplant.

Summary Of The Best Restaurants for Mediterranean Food Chicago Serves

What’s not to love about Mediterranean dining? This diverse style of food always leaves diners craving more. You can expect a wide range of choices from open-air restaurants serving fresh seafood and steaming hot hummus to shawarma shops that serve meat on a spit.

It is well known that the flavors of the Mediterranean lure people in droves, and Chicago is no stranger to this highly popular cuisine.

Recipes are drawn from the countries along the Mediterranean Sea, such as Italy, Greece, Turkey, Spain, and Lebanon, which means you’re sure to find something you love and maybe even something new!

Visiting other destinations in Illinois? Check out our other delicious guides:

Visiting Chicago? Don’t miss out on these delicious Chicago food guides!

Now that we’ve shown you the best Mediterranean food In Chicago, which restaurant will you try first? Let us know in the comments section below!

Igor Jovanovsky

Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever

The Best Mediterranean Food In Chicago | 9 Must-Try Chicago Mediterranean Restaurants

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