Middle Eastern restaurants in Chicago
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A
Maza
Romantic yet unpretentious, this Lebanese favorite even has menu items for couples, including the wide-ranging Maza Deluxe, a tasting of hot and cold appetizers that includes marinated meats and stuffed grape leaves, and the fanciful Maza’s Signature Entree, which offers a stuffed crown of lamb, served flambé. For a more platonic and less pricey experience, go with baked kibbeh (a traditional ball of cracked wheat, stuffed with spiced sirloin) or a broiled kebob. Afterwards, try the hearty Lebanese coffee and a slice of gooey homemade baklava. Be warned, the place can get packed on the weekends.
reviewed
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B
Falafill
Buy a falafel sandwich or falafel salad at the counter, then customize it at the topping bar with cilantro chutney, Moroccan olives, zhug (hot jalapeno sauce), tabbouleh, pickled ginger and 15 other fresh items. Soup, hummus and sweet-potato fries sum up the side dishes. Freshly squeezed carrot, orange and apple juices add to the healthy fast-food vibe.
reviewed
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C
Icosium Kafe
It’s crepes galore at this exotic Algerian cafe (which sometimes goes by the name Crepe & Coffee Palace). The signature dish comes in varieties both sweet (stuffed with figs, Nutella, Belgian chocolate or berries) and savory (stuffed with chicken, smoked salmon or escargot), alongside robust coffee.
reviewed
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D
Old Jerusalem
This friendly Middle Eastern joint has been pumping out falafel and pita sandwiches for over 30 years. For something leafy try the Greek salad, served with Lebanese flatbread. If the weather’s good, get your food to go and feast in nearby Lincoln Park.
reviewed
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E
Oasis
Walk past diamonds, gold and other bling in the jewelers’ mall before striking it rich at the cafe in back. Creamy hummus, crisp falafel and other Middle Eastern favorites fill plates at bargain prices. Eat in or carry out to nearby Millennium Park.
reviewed
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F
Sultan’s Market
Steps from the Blue Line, this Middle Eastern spot has meat-free delights like falafel sandwiches, spinach pies and a sizable salad bar. Carnivores can come in, too; many swear by the chicken shawarma.
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