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New Zaika Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
New Zaika Restaurant
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
New Zaika Restaurant focuses on Pakistani grill plates and curries, with a menu built around kebabs, tikka, and tandoor-friendly meats. It’s a practical option near Clybourn for filling mixed platters or shareable grilled orders.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tikka, Chicken Boti, Beef Seekh Kabab
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Neighborhood Pakistani grill with a tight lineup of kebabs, tikka, and curries.
Who should go: Friends splitting mixed grills and big rice platters.
When to visit: Casual dinners or takeout runs before or after shopping nearby.
What to order: Chicken tikka, chicken boti, beef seekh kabab.
Insider tip: Build your own platter by pairing kebabs with extra naan instead of rice.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the surrounding area; availability varies by time of day
Dress code: Casual — jeans and everyday wear are completely fine
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is generally easy at most tables
Weekend wait: Usually little to no wait, though it can fill up during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several vegetarian curries and sides are available
Vegan options: Limited but workable — some vegetable dishes can be made vegan
Gluten-free options: Naturally gluten-free curries and grilled meats are available, but naan and some sauces contain gluten
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than formal dates — the focus is more on hearty food than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most guests walk in, and it’s usually easy to find a table outside of the busiest dinner windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are welcome, portions are shareable, and the setting is relaxed enough for children.
Best For
Better for: Large, filling mixed grills and straightforward Pakistani comfort dishes at reasonable prices
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale décor, specialty cocktails, or a long curated wine list
New Zaika Restaurant
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
A casual halal counter focused on quick Mediterranean and Middle Eastern staples—falafel, gyros, and grilled skewers—built for takeout and delivery. It’s not a destination dining room, but it’s a practical neighborhood option when you want fast, filling plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel, Chicken shish kabob, Gyro sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Fast halal staples that travel well for takeout.
Who should go: Quick lunch seekers and delivery regulars
When to visit: Lunch hours for freshest off-the-grill items
What to order: Falafel, chicken shish, gyro sandwich
Insider tip: Get sauces on the side to keep pita crisp.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots nearby can be tight during peak lunch hours.
Dress code: Very casual—anything from gym clothes to workday jeans is fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly counter service noise, easy to have a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak delivery and takeout rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—falafel plates, sandwiches, and vegetable sides are reliable options.
Vegan options: Limited—falafel and some vegetable sides work if sauces are checked.
Gluten-free options: Limited—grilled meats and rice-based plates are possible, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a functional counter-service spot than a sit-down date destination.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—seating is first-come and usually available, with quick turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—simple menus and quick service work well, but no special kids amenities.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive halal meals that travel well for takeout or delivery.
Skip if: You’re looking for a relaxed sit-down meal, ambiance, or a special-occasion experience.