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Sifr
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sifr
8.7
From the team behind Indienne, Sifr brings wood-fired Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking to a bi-level River North space, backed by a Michelin Bib Gourmand and steadily growing review volume. Charcoal-grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables come in shareable formats that pair well with a cocktail program locals use for date nights and small-group dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Tiger Prawn with Toum and Harissa, Hokkaido Scallop with Zaitoon, Lamb Kebab with Wood-Fired Vegetables
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Michelin Bib Gourmand wood-fired Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking in a design-forward space.
Who should go: Diners who want shareable plates, cocktails, and modern Middle Eastern flavors.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinner slots or early weeknights for easier reservations.
What to order: Black tiger prawn, lamb kebab, manti-style dumplings or a seasonal vegetable plate.
Insider tip: Order one more vegetable or seafood plate than you think you need—those dishes showcase the hearth and are often standouts.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; garage parking available within a one-block radius, valet offered on busy weekends when events increase demand.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — dark jeans or slacks, elevated tops, and jackets fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak hours but you can usually hold a normal conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; bar seating sometimes available sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short wait when open for daytime service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple mezze and vegetable plates are strong ordering anchors.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — 2–3 vegetable dishes can be made vegan on request; confirm with your server.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free options and grilled proteins; cross-contamination is possible, so notify the team if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the design-forward space, shareable plates, and moderate noise level create an engaging but not overwhelming first-date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — early weeknights and later seatings offer the best walk-in chances; on weekends, expect a wait or plan for bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally suitable for older kids or teens; the menu and atmosphere skew adult and social, with no dedicated children’s offerings.
Best For
Better for: Shareable wood-fired vegetables, seafood, and charcoal-grilled meats in a stylish setting that works especially well for dates and small groups.
Skip if: You want a very quiet dinner, large-format family dining, or strictly traditional Mediterranean preparations without modern touches.
Sifr
8.5
Opened in 2023, Sifr is a modern Middle Eastern restaurant from the Indienne team where wood-fired breads, vegetable-forward mezze, and seafood share the spotlight. While not exclusively vegetarian, the menu leans heavily into dishes like charred eggplant dips, roasted mushrooms, and halloumi that make it a strong option for mixed vegetarian and omnivore groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charred Eggplant Hummus, Maitake Shawarma, Halloumi with Hot Honey
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Middle Eastern cooking from a Michelin-pedigreed team, with a deep bench of serious vegetarian plates alongside meat and seafood.
Who should go: Mixed groups where vegetarians want more than token options.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours for full bar energy and the most complete menu.
What to order: Charred eggplant hummus, maitake shawarma, a halloumi or veggie-heavy main.
Insider tip: Build a vegetarian mezze spread around breads and sides first, then add one or two larger vegetable dishes instead of defaulting to meat plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in this part of River North; most guests use nearby paid garages. Valet availability may vary by evening and is not guaranteed — plan for garage or rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; jeans are fine if paired with a polished top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate-lively — bar and dining room have energy, but conversation at a small table is generally still possible.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may face 30–60 minutes or may be waitlisted during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, though smaller parties are seated faster than large groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent — many mezze and mains are built around vegetables, grains, mushrooms, and cheeses.
Vegan options: Moderate — several mezze and sides can be vegan or made vegan on request; confirm with your server.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free options are available (especially salads, spreads, and seafood), but breads and several signatures contain gluten — ask for guidance when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the room is stylish and energetic without feeling formal, and the shareable mezze format creates easy conversation. Go earlier in the evening if you prefer a quieter vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and limited walk-in tables are occasionally available, but peak weekend dinners book up. If you’re flexible on time or party size, you’ll have better luck.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults and older teens than young children — the menu is shareable and flavorful, but there are few kid-specific dishes and evenings can be lively.
Best For
Better for: Vegetable-forward Middle Eastern plates with real depth (not just token vegetarian dishes), stylish ambiance, and menus that work well for mixed vegetarian-omnivore groups.
Skip if: You want a fully vegetarian or vegan restaurant, very quiet dining, or a casual, budget-oriented meal — in those cases, alternatives may be a better fit.