Best Hidden Gems Heaven Middle Eastern Restaurants in Lakeview
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen
Chicago’s first Kurdish restaurant, pairing soulful mezze with a serious Kurdish breakfast.
Notable Picks
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.
8.4
A high-throughput Middle Eastern counter that consistently lands best in the shawarma-and-falafel lane, with sides that show real care. It’s a reliable move for a fast meal that still tastes fresh, especially when you keep the order focused and let the classics do the work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma plate, Falafel wrap, Lentil soup with lemon
What makes it special: Big-flavor shawarma and falafel that holds up at high volume.
Worthy Picks
7.8
Heart Of Middle East Market is a compact Halsted grocery that doubles as a takeout counter for falafel, shawarma, and house-made dips. Shelves of pantry goods, a deli case, and hot sandwiches make it more of a neighborhood utility stop than a sit-down restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Sandwich, Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Hummus with Fresh Pita
What makes it special: Tiny Middle Eastern market where grocery runs meet quick falafel and shawarma.