What is the best Eastern restaurant in Avondale & North Center?

Turquoise Cafe & Restaurant is our top pick for Eastern restaurants in Avondale & North Center, scoring 8.7/10. Long-running Turkish-Mediterranean spot with beloved brunch and warm hospitality.

Any insider tips for Turquoise Cafe & Restaurant?

Book weekend nights ahead and budget time for a lingering brunch.

What should I order at Turquoise Cafe & Restaurant?

Turkish brunch spread, lahmajoun, Hunkar Begendi lamb.

When should I visit Turquoise Cafe & Restaurant?

Sunday brunch or lively weekend dinners with music.

Who should go to Turquoise Cafe & Restaurant?

Groups and couples craving hearty Turkish classics and mezze.

Any insider tips for Sinya Mediterranean Grill?

Build bowls heavy on salads and pickles to keep rich meats balanced.

What should I order at Sinya Mediterranean Grill?

Chicken shawarma bowl, kefta plate, falafel with extra sauces.

When should I visit Sinya Mediterranean Grill?

Lunch and early dinner to dodge peak delivery rush.

Who should go to Sinya Mediterranean Grill?

Takeout-minded diners wanting hearty Mediterranean plates or wraps.

Any insider tips for Pi-Hi Cafe?

Split a pizza and a platter; portions are big for the price.

What should I order at Pi-Hi Cafe?

Mediterranean Pizza Pi, chicken shawarma plate, falafel side.

When should I visit Pi-Hi Cafe?

After-school and early evening for fastest counter service.

Who should go to Pi-Hi Cafe?

Budget-minded diners and students wanting filling Mediterranean plates.

Any insider tips for Alfarsi Restaurant?

Pair rich kebabs with extra herb salad and tart pickles for balance.

What should I order at Alfarsi Restaurant?

Beef koubideh, lamb shank, Kashkeh bademjan with warm bread.

When should I visit Alfarsi Restaurant?

Weeknights for easier seating and unhurried meals.

Who should go to Alfarsi Restaurant?

Locals chasing kebabs, stews, and generous rice plates.

Any insider tips for Sanabel Bakery & Grocery?

Buy extra pitas and freeze them; they reheat beautifully in a hot oven.

What should I order at Sanabel Bakery & Grocery?

Warm pita, spinach pies, zaatar flatbread with labneh at home.

When should I visit Sanabel Bakery & Grocery?

Mornings or early afternoon when breads are freshest out.

Who should go to Sanabel Bakery & Grocery?

Home cooks stocking up on bread and Middle Eastern groceries.

Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Avondale & North Center (60618)

5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: January 2026

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Our Top Pick

Turquoise Cafe & Restaurant

Long-running Turkish-Mediterranean spot with beloved brunch and warm hospitality.

Notable Picks

#1 Turquoise Cafe & Restaurant

8.7

$$$ Roscoe Village

Vibes: Date Night Magic Brunch Bliss Spots Group Dining Gatherings Birthday & Celebration Central

Since 2002, Turquoise has been Roscoe Village’s go-to Turkish-Mediterranean dining room for kebabs, mezze, and an all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch that fills the cozy space with regulars. A long track record, live-music nights, and nearly two thousand cross-platform reviews make it one of the neighborhood’s most established Mediterranean destinations.

Must-Try Dishes: All-You-Can-Eat Turkish Sunday Brunch, Hunkar Begendi (Sultan’s Delight), Lahmajoun and mezze spread

What makes it special: Long-running Turkish-Mediterranean spot with beloved brunch and warm hospitality.

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#2 Sinya Mediterranean Grill

8.4

$$ Roscoe Village

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Hidden Gems Heaven Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Sinya’s Roscoe Village counter focuses on shawarma, gyro, kebab plates, and salads built for fast takeout without sacrificing char or seasoning. High order volume across delivery platforms and praise from local guides make it one of the area’s most reliable everyday Mediterranean stops.

Must-Try Dishes: Chicken shawarma bowl or wrap, Kefta kabob plate, Falafel with hummus and salads

What makes it special: High-volume shawarma and gyro operation where bowls, wraps, and falafel travel well.

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#3 Pi-Hi Cafe

8.3

$ Roscoe Village

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Hidden Gems Heaven Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Across from Lane Tech, Pi-Hi Cafe blends Middle Eastern staples with wood-fired "Pi" pizzas topped with shawarma and vegetables. It’s a go-to for students and neighbors looking for affordable plates, reliable takeout, and an unusually deep menu for a small strip-mall space.

Must-Try Dishes: Mediterranean Pizza Pi with shawarma, Chicken shawarma plate, Falafel plate with hummus and salad

What makes it special: Strip-mall Mediterranean cafe known for shawarma, generous portions, and hybrid pizzas.

View Full Review →

#4 Alfarsi Restaurant

8.2

$$ North Center

Vibes: Comfort Food Classics Family Friendly Favorites Hidden Gems Heaven Solo Dining Sanctuaries

A newer North Center entry, Alfarsi centers Persian-leaning kebabs, dill rice, and mezze in a modest dining room that has quickly drawn local praise. Portions, BYOB friendliness, and thoughtful execution make it feel like a neighborhood Persian canteen rather than a polished destination spot.

Must-Try Dishes: Beef koubideh kebab with dill rice, Lamb shank entree, Kashkeh bademjan (eggplant dip)

What makes it special: Persian-driven kebabs and stews bringing regional depth to a casual North Center space.

View Full Review →

#5 Sanabel Bakery & Grocery

8.0

$ Irving Park

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Hidden Gems Heaven Sweet Treats Escapes

Sanabel Bakery operates as a working Middle Eastern bakery and grocery, turning out pitas, flatbreads, and savory pies alongside pantry staples. Many locals treat it as their source for fresh bread, mezze components, and quick snacks rather than a sit-down meal destination.

Must-Try Dishes: Fresh White or Whole Wheat Pita, Spinach and Cheese Pies, Zaatar Flatbread

What makes it special: Working Middle Eastern bakery supplying the neighborhood with fresh pita, flatbreads, and mezze staples.

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