The best shawarma in Chicago.

Greek Islands has anchored Greektown for decades, and the flaming saganaki is the reason most tables are there. The cheese arrives tableside, ignited and finished with lemon, and the room tends to fill fast on weekends. Spanakopita and lamb chops round out the menu, but the saganaki is the order. Parking on Halsted can be a project; plan accordingly. A reliable Greektown institution for groups.

Spreads and Skewers on Illinois Street

Ema runs a Mediterranean menu with a strong rotisserie and mezze program, and the lamb ragu is the standout. The room skews lively and works well for drinks alongside a meal. Portions read as generous across the record. The Ema Rotisserie counter nearby draws a separate lunch crowd for quick bites and froyo. Two different operations, same name; worth knowing which one is the destination.

Kabobi runs a Persian and Mediterranean menu serious enough to draw Chicago visitors specifically for it. The Soltani, a combination of filet mignon and ground beef koobideh, is the signature order. The Caspian Mix Grill comes with skewers of boneless chicken and filet mignon marinated in pomegranate walnut sauce, served alongside Albaloo Polo, a sour cherry rice. Groups of five get seated without much friction on busy Sunday evenings.

Bar La Rue operates closer to a burger-and-brunch room than a strict Mediterranean destination, but the patio draws a weekend crowd when the weather cooperates. The Royale with Cheese and the Provence burger are the main event at lunch. The Bloody Mary holds up at brunch. The space is designed for outdoor dining, with windows that open to the street. Worth knowing before expecting a shawarma-forward menu.

Ambar runs an all-you-can-eat format for dinner and brunch, covering Balkan and Eastern Mediterranean shared plates. The Sujuk Flatbread, Steak Tartare, Crispy Corn Ribs, Brussels sprouts, and wild mushrooms all circulate through the table on a busy night. Service pace at brunch has drawn some criticism. The unlimited dinner format is the version most diners are there for, and it works better for groups willing to graze across multiple rounds.

CAVA is a counter-service chain with a Streeterville location inside Northwestern Hospital on the first floor, which shapes the clientele: hospital staff and downtown workers on a lunch break. Grain bowls and pita builds with hummus and falafel are the format. The kitchen operates at volume and moves quickly. Large office catering orders have seen cancellations without notice, per the record. For a fast, build-your-own Mediterranean lunch, it functions.

West Loop Mediterranean That Runs On Shared Tables

Avec has been a West Loop anchor long enough that its communal-table format and wood-roasted menu feel like part of the neighborhood's identity. The Medjool dates stuffed with chorizo-stuffed peppadew peppers are the dish most cited across the record. Wood-roasted fish and the endive salad fill out a focused menu. Brunch draws well on weekends; midweek lunch runs at a more relaxed pace. Reservations are the sensible move.

Cairo Kebab is one of the few Egyptian-focused kitchens in Chicago, and the mezza combo platter anchors the menu: baba ghanoush, falafel, and the assorted mezze spread are the draw for regulars who return for lunch and dinner. Koshari, the Egyptian lentil-and-pasta dish, appears on the menu as a relatively uncommon find in the city. Service is relaxed and friendly. Portions are consistent. A straightforward neighborhood room for Egyptian food.

Beatnik West Town trades on its room as much as its brunch menu. The space draws attention for its aesthetics and proximity to the Chicago River, and weekend birthday brunches are a regular occasion there. The kitchen runs avocado toast, eggs benedict, and french toast as the core brunch lineup. Opinion on the food splits: some find it solid, others find the room outpaces the plate. The river-facing setting is the primary argument for the trip.

Zizi's Cafe holds regular-spot status for a loyal neighborhood contingent, both for dine-in and takeaway. The hummus and falafel are the anchors, and the baklava rounds out the meal. Staff gets mentioned repeatedly for being welcoming and knowing the menu. The kitchen also handles delivery, and the record suggests the kitchen is generous when it can be. Straightforward Mediterranean cafe format, priced for repeat visits.

Falafel and Grill functions as a late-night destination for grilled meat and rice when options in the city have closed down. The gyro sandwich and falafel are the core of the menu. Portion size has drawn mixed feedback: some diners find the gyro sandwich undersized for the price, while others note generous portions and quick service. The room is described as spacious. Late-night grilled meat is the case for going; portion expectations should be set accordingly.