Best Trendy Middle Eastern Restaurants in Chicago
7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Aba
Destination rooftop Mediterranean spot where polished mezze meets a lush, scene-y patio.
Notable Picks
#1
Aba
8.9
Aba is a high-energy rooftop spot in Fulton Market where modern Middle Eastern–leaning mezze, shawarma-spiced proteins, and a deep cocktail list are matched by one of the most polished patios in the city. Locals treat it as a go-to for celebratory dinners, brunch with out-of-towners, and nights where food and scene both matter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whipped Feta with charred pita, Short Rib Hummus, Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak
What Makes it Special: Destination rooftop Mediterranean spot where polished mezze meets a lush, scene-y patio.
#2
Beity
8.6
Beity brings chef Ryan Fakih’s Lebanese heritage into a moody, stone-walled Fulton Market dining room with a tasting menu built around mezze, sayadieh, and classic Levantine flavors. It leans more fine dining than neighborhood grill, with cocktails and service calibrated for long, special-occasion evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Parsley Hummus with Lamb, Shish Barak Dumplings, Qatayef with burnt honey ice cream
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized Lebanese tasting menu that treats mezze and family recipes with fine-dining framing.
8.5
Chicago’s first Kurdish restaurant serves mezze, hearty lamb plates, and a standout Kurdish breakfast in a cozy Lakeview dining room. Locals use it for relaxed date nights and long, share-heavy meals that feel special without going full white-tablecloth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kurdish Breakfast, Sac tawa with lamb, Red lentil and goat cheese soup
What Makes it Special: Chicago’s first Kurdish restaurant, pairing soulful mezze with a serious Kurdish breakfast.
#4
Fiya
8.3
A modern Middle Eastern/Israeli-leaning kitchen where the move is to build the meal around hummus-and-pita and one larger centerpiece, then stop before it turns into a crowded table. The food lands best when you let the spice blends and sauces do the work—bright, savory, and designed for sharing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hummus (Original or Shawarma), Shakshuka, Khachapuri
What Makes it Special: Modern Middle Eastern cooking anchored by hummus, pita, and bold mains.
#5
Avaspi
8.2
Avaspi brings an Anatolian slant to Lakeview with tapas-style mezze, charcoal-grilled kebabs, and a polished room of velvet seating and cocktails. It’s where locals upgrade a neighborhood dinner into something closer to a night out without leaving the zip code.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mixed meze appetizer, Grilled halloumi meze, Anatolian Breakfast for Two
What Makes it Special: Design-forward Anatolian spot where mezze, cocktails, and brunch meet in a chic space.
#6
Ragadan
8.2
An Uptown counter that treats falafel like the main event, with Jordanian flavors and a menu designed for quick, high-satisfaction meals. The smartest order is one sandwich that shows off the texture—crisp outside, soft middle—plus one sweet closer if you’ve got room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel sandwich, Labneh egg salad sandwich, Baklava milkshake
What Makes it Special: Falafel-first Jordanian cooking with a fast, modern counter rhythm.
Worthy Picks
7.8
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Live Music Showtime
Trendy Table Hotspots
Alhambra Palace is a sprawling West Loop Middle Eastern venue where mezze, kabob platters, and Moroccan-leaning mains share space with belly dancing, live music, and late-night dancing. The food leans straightforward, but the ornate room and built-in entertainment make it a go-to for big birthdays and group nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hummus and Baba Ghanoush Mezze Platter, Royal Mixed Grill Kabob Platter, Chicken Kabob with rice
What Makes it Special: A theatrically decorated Middle Eastern supper club where dinner comes with belly dancing and a dance floor.