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Sinya Mediterranean
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sinya Mediterranean
7.9
Sinya Mediterranean is a casual counter-service concept with a River North location that focuses on shawarma, kabob plates, wraps, and salads at accessible prices. Portions run generous and customization is easy, making it a dependable option for quick lunches, solo dinners, or low-key takeout within the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Shawarma Plate, Mixed Grill Entrée, Falafel with Hummus
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 6
What makes it special: Fast-casual Mediterranean with big portions and buildable plates in a central River North location.
Who should go: Neighborhood workers and locals wanting quick, filling Mediterranean.
When to visit: Weekday lunch rush or early dinner for freshest turnover.
What to order: Chicken shawarma plate, mixed grill entree, side of hummus or falafel.
Insider tip: Lean into the customizable plates—ask for extra pickles, sauces, and a mix of proteins to maximize variety for a single meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in the area with limited availability during peak meal hours; nearby garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual — workwear, gym clothes, and everyday streetwear are all common.
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally easy to hold a conversation, especially outside peak lunch hours.
Weekend wait: Usually little to no wait, though short lines may form during delivery rushes.
Weekday lunch: Light to moderate flow — brief waits possible at peak lunch hours but typically moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — falafel, salads, hummus, and build-your-own plates can be assembled fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Yes — several items can be made vegan by omitting sauces with dairy and choosing vegetable sides.
Gluten-free options: Partially — rice plates and salads can be ordered gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible in a fast-casual setting.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups or quick meals than a formal first date — it’s counter-service, practical, and no-frills.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only with counter ordering, and seating is first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual family meals — straightforward plates, generous portions, and quick service, though there are no dedicated kids’ amenities.
Best For
Better for: Faster, more affordable Mediterranean plates with generous portions and easy customization compared to sit-down restaurants.
Skip if: You want a polished dining room, table service, or a slower, social meal — this is primarily a functional quick-serve option.
Sinya Mediterranean
7.9
Sinya is a fast-casual Mediterranean counter in River North where shawarma, gyro, kabobs, and salads get the volume treatment for office workers and late-shift diners. It leans more casual than the neighborhood’s sit-down Greek spots but covers the cravings for platters, wraps, and baklava at everyday prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Gyro Entrée, Baklava
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: High-demand Mediterranean counter where shawarma, gyro, and salads run from breakfast through late evening.
Who should go: Anyone wanting fast, filling wraps or platters under $25.
When to visit: Weekday lunch rush or early dinner for freshest turnover.
What to order: Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Gyro Entrée, Baklava.
Insider tip: Leverage the frequent wrap deals and combo pricing, then add extra sauces and a side of baba ghanoush to stretch one platter into two meals.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual — counter-service setting where work attire and everyday clothing are both common.
Noise level: Moderate — generally easy to hold a conversation, with more chatter during lunch rush.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal wait; short lines possible during peak takeout hours.
Weekday lunch: Can see brief lines during office rush, but service typically moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — falafel, salads, and customizable platters can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — salads, falafel, and veggie platters with careful sauce choices.
Gluten-free options: Some platter and salad options can be made gluten-free; wraps generally are not.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than formal dates — it’s counter-service and practical for a quick bite rather than a long sit-down experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Seating is first-come and often turns over quickly, especially outside the lunch rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick, informal meals — simple platters and wraps work well for older kids; space is limited for strollers during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable Mediterranean platters and wraps with generous portions and flexible build-your-own customization.
Skip if: You’re looking for a lingering sit-down Greek meal, alcohol service, or a quieter, more polished dining room.