Restaurants

15 Edible Spots For Mediterranean Food In Chicago

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The restaurants in Chicago come in all shapes and sizes, from pizza joints and Michelin-starred restaurants to some best cheap eats in the city. 

Its best-busting food scene shows no signs of slowing down, as we narrowed the list to the 15 best spots for having Mediterranean food in town.

1. Galit

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Galit is a Middle Eastern Restaurant owned and operated by Andres Clavero and Chef Zachary Engel.

Their menu focuses on a personalized and localized approach to dishes of the Middle East and Israel's immigrant cuisines. They also offer vegetarian-friendly and vegan options for those with specific dietary preferences.

Address: 2429 N Lincoln Ave

2. Bandol Brasserie & Raw Bar

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It is a Southern French coastal-inspired urban bistro, seamlessly mixing French and Mediterranean classics with seafood, raw bar, and American sophisticated casual touch.

This place is a perfect backdrop for enjoying an early morning expresso and pastry, lunch with business colleagues, and a memorable dinner. You can also find indoor/outdoor coffee and bakery counter and Parisian style outdoor cafe.

Address: 100 W Monroe St

3. Fig & Olive

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This restaurant is an escape for shoppers and locals weary from the rush of city life.

You can either indulge in a craft cocktail on the Rose Terrace or an elegant evening dining, transporting guests away from the everyday hustle to the South of France. 

Address: 104 E Oak St

4. Aba - Chicago

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Aba is a Mediterranean restaurant with locations in Chicago, and other states. Their cooking style is from the Mediterranean, including Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece.

Their bar program also showcases rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits. Signature dishes include Smoky Garlic Hummus, Muhammara, Heirloom Crispy Chicken Thigh, and Grilled Salamon Kebab.

Address: 302 N Green St 3rd Floor

5. Rose Mary

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Rose Mary is a newly established restaurant inspired by the owner's Italian heritage and bold, bright flavors of Croatian cuisine.

The restaurant offers a seasonal menu of rustic yet refined dishes that encapsulate what the owner has coined "Adriatic drinking Food."

Address: 932 W Fulton St

6. Ema

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It is a Mediterranean and California-inspired restaurant featuring small plates and Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter-style cooking.

The menu features a selection of mezze, Mediterranean small plates, with emphasis on Hummus and Spreads Raw, Vegetables, and Kebabs. You can find cozy ambiance, good music, and food, and excellent food with different new options to try.

Address: 74 W Illinois St

7. Cira

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Cira is a warm and welcoming all-day restaurant that celebrates its vibrant flavors and culinary culture of the Mediterranean.

The menu consists of small, shareable plates, inspired by the countries that make up the Mediterranean Basin and their symbiosis over the years.

Address: 200 N Green St

8. Avec River North

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The Avec River North brings up warm and rustic Mediterranean-inspired cuisine under the culinary supervision of James Beard Winning Chef, Paul Kahan and executive Chef Dylan Patel.

It is popular for its short rib hummus and deluxe focaccia, which are often ordered together. The menu features diverse dishes from small plates like Medjool dates and radish hummus to large offerings such as chicken thighs and pork shoulder.

Address: 141 W Erie St

9. Nisos Prime

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Nisos Prime Steakhouse celebrates the Mediterranean heritage and prime steak excellence in the heart of the West Loop. It offers succulent steaks, craft cocktails, an extensive wine list, and the enchanting allure of the Mediterranean classics. 

It also has a flagship space on the second floor with two additional spaces including the Prime Bar: first floor Mediterranean eatery and cocktail bar and The Lounge: a hidden cocktail lounge 

Address: 802 W Randolph St Floor 2

10. True Food Kitchen - Chicago

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True Food Kitchen is a chef-driven restaurant and scratch bar founded by Dr. Andrew Weil. Their menu features food and drinks crafted with nutrient-dense ingredients and carefully sourced proteins from the world's most responsible growers.

You can grab a bite of comfort food with the Grass-fed Burger, or enjoy lighter fare with O.G Tucsan Kole Salad with Grilled Sustainable Salmon.

Address: 1 W Erie St Unit A/Floor 1

11. Kinzie Chophouse

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Kinzie Chophouse is a classic Chicago steakhouse with some modern twists on the menu. The atmosphere is inviting and is perfect for family dinners, private events, or any business lunch or dinner.

They are also known for their outstanding steak and seafood alongside vegan and vegetarian options for special diet preference.

Address: 400 N Wells St

12. Avli

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Avli offers contemporary and classic Greek small plates, mains, desserts, approachable Greek wines, and inventive cocktails.

You can enjoy the inviting level dining room and expansive dog-friendly outdoor patio for dinner, lunch, and brunch. The menu includes traditional Greek dishes, including Chicken Souvlaki, Moussaka, and Avgolemono soup.

Address: 702 N Wells St

13. The Purple Pig

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This restaurant is located at North Michigan Avenue and offers cheese, swine, and wine, among other standout dishes specializing mainly in meat and pasta varieties.

Their menu features enticing options like chicken thigh kebabs, milk braised Berkshire pork shoulder, and pasta selections including Pappardelle and Ricotta Gnocchi. Its standout items are the Spanish Octopus and Salt-Roasted Beets.

Address: 444 Michigan Ave

14. Somerset

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Somerset is a vibrant dining experience that draws a breath of fresh air from nearby Lake Michigan and puts Midwest farms in the spotlight with local ingredients.

The modern cuisine they offer is complemented by a "garden to glass" wine and cocktail program. With each inventive dish, diners enjoy an experience that's exciting yet comfortably familiar.

Address: 1112 N State St

15. Pinched On The River

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This restaurant offers a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Guests can enjoy a selection of bowls such as the Rice Bowl, Salad Bowl, and CousCous Bowl, as specialty creations like the Athena Bowl and Poseidon Bowl.

The menu also features Pita Rolls, including the Veggie Pita Roll, and a range of proteins like Chicken Shawarma and Spicy Beef Chevaps. It also serves Kids Falafel and various house-made soups like Chicken Veggie and Gazpacho.

Address: 443 E Illinois St