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Sayat Nova
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sayat Nova
8.2
Open since 1970, Sayat Nova is a tucked-away Armenian restaurant just off Michigan Avenue serving kebabs, pilafs, and meze that read as earthier takes on Mediterranean standards. The low-lit, slightly retro dining room feels removed from the street, making it a long-running choice for pre- or post-Mag Mile dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mixed Grill Kebab Platter, Stuffed Grape Leaves, Trout with Rice Pilaf
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A decades-old Armenian spot offering rustic, shareable kebabs and meze in a cozy, tucked-away room.
Who should go: Din ers who like old-school ambience and hearty grilled plates.
When to visit: Evenings 6–8pm before the room fills with pre-theater crowds.
What to order: Mixed grill kebab platter, stuffed grape leaves, trout with rice.
Insider tip: Request a booth away from the entrance for a quieter, more intimate feel than the main walkway tables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet; most guests use nearby paid garages off Michigan Avenue. Street parking is limited and can be difficult in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for date nights and theater outings.
Noise level: Moderate — low-lit room with conversation-friendly tables; you can generally hear your dining partner.
Weekend wait: Often 30–45 minutes without a reservation during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short waits outside peak tourist periods.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several meze, salads, and rice-based plates work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — a few meze and salads may qualify with minor adjustments; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free kebabs and rice dishes; request guidance as cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the tucked-away, softly lit dining room feels intimate and relaxed, making it well suited for conversation-focused dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes on weekdays and early evenings, but weekends near theater and Mag Mile rush can fill quickly — calling ahead or booking a reservation is safer.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for well-behaved kids and families — portions are hearty and the room is calm rather than rowdy, but it’s not activity-oriented for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Cozy, old-world ambience and rustic Armenian kebabs and pilafs that feel more personal and home-style than polished tourist-corridor spots.
Skip if: You want trendy décor, small-plate modern Mediterranean, or fast in-and-out dining near the Mag Mile.
Sayat Nova
8.5
Tucked just off Michigan Avenue, Sayat Nova has served Armenian and broader Middle Eastern dishes in a low-lit dining room since 1970. Locals lean on kebabs, buttery pilaf, and mezze spreads, using it as a quieter alternative to the flashier spots around the Magnificent Mile.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lula Kebab, Yalanchi Sarma (stuffed grape leaves), Rice Pilaf with Lamb Shish Kebab
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A decades-old Armenian spot quietly serving kebabs just off Michigan.
Who should go: Couples and small groups craving cozy, non-touristy Middle Eastern.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners when the room stays calm but nicely humming.
What to order: Lula kebab, mixed mezze platter, lamb shish with rice pilaf.
Insider tip: Ask for extra lavash and pace mezze; portions add up quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site lot; closest option is nearby paid garages along Michigan Ave and Ohio St. Street parking is limited and competitive in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is comfortable at most tables, especially on weeknights.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; quieter later in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are usually seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several mezze, salads, and vegetable plates work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — a few mezze and salads can be adapted, but mains skew meat-focused.
Gluten-free options: Some kebabs, rice pilaf, and salads can be made gluten-aware; confirm sauces and bread.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the low-lit, cozy dining room and slower pacing make it a strong choice for conversation-forward dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weeknights; on weekends, walk-ins may wait briefly during prime hours but are usually accommodated.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — the room skews adult and date-night oriented, but older kids and families are fine earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: A quieter, cozier Middle Eastern experience with longtime neighborhood roots and comforting kebab-and-pilaf plates.
Skip if: You want trendy, high-energy dining, large group space, or a fully vegan or gluten-free-specialist menu.