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Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in River North

4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: February 2026

Our Top Pick
Tabaq Restaurant
Late-night halal Pakistani comfort plates in Old Town.

Notable Picks

$$ River North Middle Eastern
A late-hours halal Pakistani option that locals use for hearty staples like biryani and curry plates when you want maximum food for the money. It’s functional and no-frills inside, but the kitchen leans into big flavor, big portions, and reliable takeout.
Must-Try Dishes: Lamb biryani, Nihari, Tandoori chicken tikka
What makes it special: Late-night halal Pakistani comfort plates in Old Town.

Worthy Picks

$ River North Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Daboul Avenue is a delivery-focused Lebanese street food kitchen near River North that leans hard into shawarma, falafel, and mezze. It’s built for quick pickup and third-party delivery rather than dine-in, with portions and seasoning tuned for late-night and office orders.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken shawarma wrap, Falafel wrap, Hummus with pita
What makes it special: Delivery-first Lebanese street food with tightly focused shawarma and falafel.
$$ River North Middle Eastern
A halal Central Asian kitchen that offers a different lane from the neighborhood’s usual shawarma-and-falafel rotation, leaning into dishes like plov and dumplings. It’s best when you order classics that highlight slow-cooked meats and rice rather than chasing novelty.
Must-Try Dishes: Plov, Manty, Samsa
What makes it special: Halal Central Asian comfort dishes beyond standard kebabs.
$ River North Indian, Middle Eastern
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
What makes it special: Neighborhood Pakistani grill with a tight lineup of kebabs, tikka, and curries.