Where to Get the Best Middle Eastern Food in Chicago

Chicago is filled with world-class restaurants where you can enjoy Middle Eastern food. This cuisine is sought after globally for its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and diverse dishes that offer a taste of the vibrant cultures of the Middle East.

Here is a list of the five best places in Chicago to savor delightful Middle Eastern dishes:

Istanbul Market and Cafe

Istanbul Market and Cafe serves one of the best simit (Turkish Bagel), lahmajoon, menemen, and borek in town. This Turkish spot with its baked goods to-go is worth a stop. 

Location: 2324 Elmhurst Rd, Mt Prospect, Illinois

Fiya

Fiya offers "soul food from the Levant," with dishes and ingredients from a swath of countries including Tunisia, Palestine, Iran, and Syria. Their Georgian khachapuri with lamb sausage is a must-try!

Location: 5419 N Clark St, Chicago, Illinois

Baghdad Bakery

Baghdad Bakery offers fresh, warm, pillowy samoon (Iraqi bread baked in a stone oven), cheese and spinach pies, flatbread with meat or zaatar, and kahi, which is phyllo pastry best eaten with honey and popular in Iraqi cafes for breakfast.

Location: 2741 W Devon Ave, Chicago, Illinois 

Libanais Restaurant

This Lebanese restaurant has an extensive menu, including regional specialties like sfiha, and fatteh. All of the mezzes are excellent, especially baba ghanoush which comes with the level of smokiness you find in Beirut. 

Location: 3300 W Devon Ave, Lincolnwood, Illinois

Taste of Lebanon Restaurant

Taste of Lebanon serves some of the best falafel and lentil soup outside the Middle East. They are known for their super light falafel, extra creamy hummus, and fresh tabouleh. 

Location: 1509 W Foster Ave, Chicago