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New Zaika Restaurant
ZipPicks Awards
Best Indian in Gold Coast & Old Town
Best Middle Eastern in Gold Coast & Old Town
Master Critic Review
New Zaika Restaurant
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
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
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Neighborhood Pakistani grill with a tight lineup of kebabs, tikka, and curries.
Who should go: Friends splitting mixed grills and big rice platters.
When to visit: Casual dinners or takeout runs before or after shopping nearby.
What to order: Chicken tikka, chicken boti, beef seekh kabab.
Insider tip: Build your own platter by pairing kebabs with extra naan instead of rice.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the surrounding area; availability varies by time of day
Dress code: Casual — jeans and everyday wear are completely fine
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is generally easy at most tables
Weekend wait: Usually little to no wait, though it can fill up during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several vegetarian curries and sides are available
Vegan options: Limited but workable — some vegetable dishes can be made vegan
Gluten-free options: Naturally gluten-free curries and grilled meats are available, but naan and some sauces contain gluten
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than formal dates — the focus is more on hearty food than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most guests walk in, and it’s usually easy to find a table outside of the busiest dinner windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are welcome, portions are shareable, and the setting is relaxed enough for children.
Best For
Better for: Large, filling mixed grills and straightforward Pakistani comfort dishes at reasonable prices
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale décor, specialty cocktails, or a long curated wine list