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Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in West Loop

9 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

8.9
$$$ West Loop Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Aba is a high-energy rooftop spot in Fulton Market where modern Middle Eastern–leaning mezze, shawarma-spiced proteins, and a deep cocktail list are matched by one of the most polished patios in the city. Locals treat it as a go-to for celebratory dinners, brunch with out-of-towners, and nights where food and scene both matter.
Must-Try Dishes: Whipped Feta with charred pita, Short Rib Hummus, Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak
What makes it special: Destination rooftop Mediterranean spot where polished mezze meets a lush, scene-y patio.
8.6
$ West Loop Middle Eastern
Beity brings chef Ryan Fakih’s Lebanese heritage into a moody, stone-walled Fulton Market dining room with a tasting menu built around mezze, sayadieh, and classic Levantine flavors. It leans more fine dining than neighborhood grill, with cocktails and service calibrated for long, special-occasion evenings.
Must-Try Dishes: Parsley Hummus with Lamb, Shish Barak Dumplings, Qatayef with burnt honey ice cream
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Lebanese tasting menu that treats mezze and family recipes with fine-dining framing.
$$$$ West Loop Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Crave Kabob is a counter-service fixture near the United Center turning out build-your-own bowls, shawarma, and kabob plates at high-volume with a strong value-to-portion ratio. It’s where nearby workers, students, and event-goers grab fast, filling Middle Eastern plates that hold up to delivery as well as dine-in.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Shawarma Plate, Crave Bowl with mixed kabobs and dips, Mixed Grill Platter
What makes it special: High-volume shawarma and kabob counter where customization, portions, and price all line up.

Worthy Picks

$ West Loop Middle Eastern
A fast, office-district Middle Eastern counter that’s most reliable when you keep your order in one lane: shawarma or falafel, plus a simple side. It lands as a practical, flavor-forward lunch when you want something filling without a full sit-down.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken shawarma bowl, Falafel wrap, Fries
What makes it special: A no-frills shawarma-and-falafel counter built for fast, satisfying workday lunches.
$$$ West Loop Middle Eastern
Alhambra Palace is a sprawling West Loop Middle Eastern venue where mezze, kabob platters, and Moroccan-leaning mains share space with belly dancing, live music, and late-night dancing. The food leans straightforward, but the ornate room and built-in entertainment make it a go-to for big birthdays and group nights out.
Must-Try Dishes: Hummus and Baba Ghanoush Mezze Platter, Royal Mixed Grill Kabob Platter, Chicken Kabob with rice
What makes it special: A theatrically decorated Middle Eastern supper club where dinner comes with belly dancing and a dance floor.
$$ West Loop Middle Eastern
A Turkish stall inside the Chicago French Market that shines when you treat it like a curated snack-and-sweets stop. Go savory with kofte or a pastry lane, then finish with baklava rather than trying to turn it into a big mixed order.
Must-Try Dishes: Kofte, Borek (Turkish pastry), Baklava
What makes it special: Turkish street-food energy in a market format with a strong pastry-and-baklava finish.
$ West Loop Middle Eastern
Libanais operates as a Lebanese shawarma and mezze counter inside Time Out Market Chicago, serving wraps, falafel, and fries to a crowd hopping between stalls. It’s less a sit-down restaurant and more a reliable way to get freshly carved shawarma and garlicky sauces while enjoying the food hall’s energy and rooftop options.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Falafel Wrap, Baklava
What makes it special: Lebanese shawarma counter inside Time Out Market that pairs Middle Eastern wraps with a lively food hall backdrop.
$ West Loop Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
A fast, West Loop counter built for a clean Mediterranean lunch: crisp falafel, shawarma, and bowls that stay satisfying without turning heavy. The best orders are simple—one wrap or bowl plus a dip—so flavors stay focused and the line keeps moving.
Must-Try Dishes: Falafel pita or wrap, Chicken shawarma, Hummus with pita
What makes it special: Fast Mediterranean built around crisp falafel and straightforward shawarma.
$$ West Loop Middle Eastern
A fast-casual Middle Eastern option that’s most useful for predictable bowls, pita builds, and workday takeout speed. It performs best when you keep the build simple—one protein lane, one sauce direction, and a couple toppings that add crunch and acid.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken shawarma bowl, Falafel in pita, Hummus + pita
What makes it special: A build-your-own Middle Eastern bowl and pita stop designed for speed and consistency.