Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Irving Park

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

Chicago

Neighborhoods

Albany ParkAndersonvilleLakeview / East LakeviewLincoln ParkRiver North (Chicago)West Loop

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

10 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Sifr

4.6

Exceptional(522)

$$$$

• Middle eastern • River North (Chicago)

Booked 24 times today

Sifr in River North, Chicago, is a gem for Mediterranean cuisine, offering a unique twist that sets it apart. Under the meticulous guidance of Chef Sahil Sethi, mentored by Chef Sujan Sarkar, Sifr promises a dining experience that is both authentic and innovative. Guests are raving about the "incredible lamb kebab" and "delicious and flavorful" mezze platters, with dishes cooked over a traditional charcoal and wood-fired hearth, enhancing their rich flavors. The ambiance, complemented by attentive service, creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. As a 2024 Michelin Bib Gourmand Winner, Sifr stands out as a must-visit destination for Mediterranean food lovers.

2. Cafe Yaya

4.7

Exceptional(90)

$$$$

• Middle eastern • Lincoln Park

Booked 17 times today

A neighborhood cafe for life’s pleasures: good food, coffee, wine and friends.By day, a selection of house-made pastries and coffees. By afternoon and night, a curated menu of Mediterranean and French flavors with intriguing wines and cocktails.

A photo of Antepli Mediterranean Grill restaurant

3. Antepli Mediterranean Grill

4.4

Awesome(33)

$$$$

• Middle eastern • Albany Park

Booked 2 times today

Antepli Mediterranean Grill- Serving up Chicago’s favorite Mediterranean tastes,baklava,kunefe and flavors that happen to be healthy- since 2020! Fresh baked pita, zesty meats,lahmacun,pide,hummus and baba ghanoush that will show up in your dreams. All of our meals will leave you saying Place your order, and bite into your falafel fantasy today! Eat, Live, Love, Antepli Mediterranean Grill!

A photo of The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen restaurant

4. The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen

4.9

Exceptional(418)

$$$$

• Middle eastern • Lakeview / East Lakeview

Booked 20 times today

The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen in Chicago offers a unique dining experience, showcasing the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. As the city's first Kurdish restaurant, it invites you into a warm and inviting atmosphere filled with rich aromas and modern decor. The menu celebrates Kurdish culinary heritage, featuring dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes. Enjoy the Sampler platter, a delightful mix of hummus, baba ganoush, and ezme, served with warm, house-baked bread. For your main course, try the perfectly seasoned Adana kebab or the Mardin Eggplant Stew, which includes your choice of protein. Don't miss an extraordinary Michelin recommended breakfast, served every Saturday and Sunday. At The Gundis, every bite reflects a commitment to quality and authenticity, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers in Chicago. Come experience the rich flavors and warm hospitality that define Kurdish cuisine.

5. Avaspi

4.8

Exceptional(121)

$$$$

• Middle eastern • Lakeview / East Lakeview

Booked 13 times today

Avaspi is a unique restaurant in Chicago that brings the flavors of Anatolia, a region in modern-day Turkey, to the city. Inspired by the rich culinary heritage of Anatolia, Avaspi offers a diverse menu of tapas-style mezze platters and authentic dishes, all served with warm hospitality. Step into a modern space with black marble tables and velvet seating that creates a chic atmosphere. The menu features classic Anatolian staples like dolma and ezme, alongside innovative dishes that blend regional flavors with modern techniques. Indulge in mezze platters perfect for sharing, such as creamy haydari, a yogurt dip with fresh herbs, and spicy muhammara, a blend of walnuts, red peppers, and pomegranate molasses. Don't miss the stuffed eggplant, a delightful mix of grilled eggplant, haydari, and homemade tomato sauce. For heartier options, choose from lamb chops, beef kebabs, and chicken kabobs, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients and expertly seasoned.

6. Maman Zari

4.7

Exceptional(59)

$$$$

• Middle eastern • Albany Park

Booked 29 times today

Maman Zari is an upscale Persian dining experience located just steps away from the Kedzie Brown Line in Chicago's vibrant Albany Park neighborhood. Through its tasting menus and a la carte options, Maman Zari offers a modern take on traditional Persian flavors, with signature dishes like Mirza Ghasemi—a smoky eggplant dish.Named one of the city's best new restaurants of 2024 in Chicago Magazine, the restaurant's warm, understated atmosphere is complemented by contemporary Iranian artwork, creating a space where the food takes center stage. With their tasting menu and a la carte options, Maman Zari is an ideal destination for both special occasions and casual indulgence.

7. Vela

4.5

Awesome(307)

$$$$

• Middle eastern • River North (Chicago)

Booked 7 times today

Vela Bar y Cocina is a true gem in the heart of River North, Chicago, offering an authentic taste of Mexico City with a modern flair. Chef Jorge Angulo crafts each dish with love, ensuring the flavors burst with authenticity and innovation. Guests rave about the "phenomenal food" and "exquisite drinks," highlighting the Pollo a la Leña, tacos, and empanadas as standout dishes. The ambiance is described as "warm and inviting," complemented by attentive service that leaves a lasting impression. With its vibrant atmosphere and expertly curated cocktails, Vela promises a cosmopolitan dining experience that's perfect for any occasion.

A photo of Alhambra Palace Restaurant restaurant

8. Alhambra Palace Restaurant

3.5

Very Good(684)

$$$$

• Middle eastern • West Loop

Booked 1 time today

Alhambra Palace Restaurant in the vibrant West Loop of Chicago offers a premier Moroccan dining experience that is both "delicious" and "impeccable" in presentation. This enchanting venue is renowned for its authentic Moroccan cuisine, perfectly marrying vibrant spices and traditional dishes with cabaret-style flair. Diners rave about the "amazing" food and the "warm & welcoming" atmosphere, making every visit a memorable feast for the senses. From lively belly dancing to expert performers, Alhambra Palace creates an immersive dining adventure. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a night out, this Moroccan gem promises "a 10 out of 10 experience."

A photo of Andies Restaurant - Andersonville restaurant

9. Andies Restaurant - Andersonville

4.4

Awesome(297)

$$$$

• Middle eastern • Andersonville

Booked 2 times today

Andies is a family friendly restaurant. We cook our food with maximum freshness and flavor before it reaches your table. Our servers are hand picked, they are very detailed, attentive and friendly. Bottom line it is all about pleasing you and your loved ones.

10. Habibti Chicago

3.0

Good(5)

$$$$

• Middle eastern • West Loop

Nestled in the heart of West Loop, Habibti Chi brings the warmth and soul of Mediterranean cuisine to Chicago's most vibrant neighborhood. By day, we serve bold, fire-kissed dishes crafted from family recipes passed down through generations.By night, step through our hidden door and discover a world of handcrafted cocktails in our speakeasy lounge — where every sip tells a story and every evening becomes unforgettable.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
SharonGold
Chicago / Illinois •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We went for the tasting menu after one of us had been there for Restaurant week. Outstanding food, service and value.
More info
Maman Zari$$$$• Persian• Albany Park
•
4.7
G
Glenn
Chicago / Illinois •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
My wife and I have eaten multiple times at Avaspi, when we are going to a show at Theater Wit. The food and service are always the best - very, very enjoyable. This last visit we were with another couple. We really enjoyed ordering 4 tapas and sharing them. That, plus dessert, was plenty of food. One of our group appreciated the gluten free bread and other GF options. Interesting cocktails and nice list of wines by the glass. Highly recommended!
More info
Avaspi$$$$• Mediterranean• Lakeview / East Lakeview
•
4.8
L
Linda
Chicago / Illinois •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 22, 2026
Always an excellent meal. We very much like the tasting menu but everything we have had has been excellent. Service is first rate and the ambience is great. We tend to like a table in the bar area as the tables are larger. We continue to be impressed with the quality of the food and service.
More info
Sifr$$$$• Middle Eastern• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6
B
Ben
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on May 17, 2026
Outstanding experience at brunch, beautiful and delicious food, prompt and courteous service. The Brunch for Two was tremendous.
More info
The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen$$$$• Middle Eastern• Lakeview / East Lakeview
•
4.9
N
Nafiseh
1 review
4.0
Dined on May 3, 2026
Good relaxing resturant, food was good, the waitress very good and ontime. We recommend this place.
More info
Antepli Mediterranean Grill$$$$• Mediterranean• Albany Park
•
4.4

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