ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Prospect Heights & Clinton Hill
Master Critic Review
Wayward Fare
7.6
A newer Vanderbilt Ave dining room that plays Mediterranean through a seasonal, chef-driven lens—wood-fired bread, mezze, and a few bigger mains that want to be the table’s anchor. It’s best when you treat it like a paced night: start with bread and dips, then pick one centerpiece and stop there. Chef Akhtar Nawab’s menu leans more “date-night warm” than “quick neighborhood pit stop.”
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-fired bread & mezze, Manti-style dumplings, Roasted chicken
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: A newer Prospect Heights Mediterranean room built around wood fire and seasonal mezze.
Who should go: Date nights and small groups who like chef-y plates
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for the calmest flow
What to order: Wood-fired bread & mezze, dumplings, roasted chicken
Insider tip: Budget for extra bread—one order won’t cover multiple dips.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited on Vanderbilt Ave and surrounding blocks. Easier earlier in the evening, tougher after 7pm—plan a few extra minutes or consider a short walk from side streets.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—nice jeans work, but most diners treat it like a date-night spot rather than everyday wear.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but controlled; you can comfortably hear your date without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner-focused spot
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—mezze, vegetable-forward small plates, and dips make it easy to build a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—several mezze and vegetable dishes can work; confirm modifications with the server.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free mezze and mains available, but the menu leans bread-forward; cross-contact awareness is advised.
Best For
Better for: A polished, chef-driven Mediterranean meal with strong atmosphere—ideal when the room and pacing matter as much as the food.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quick, inexpensive neighborhood Mediterranean fix or a loud, high-energy group dinner—there are better value and faster options nearby.