Chicago/ Food & Drinks
Published on April 09, 2018
Taste of the Middle East: Check out these 3 new Chicago spotsPhoto: Marwa Grill/Yelp

So you're hungry—and you're ready for some Middle Eastern food. Good news: we've found the freshest spots to satisfy your appetite. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in the mood for Middle Eastern food.

Marwa Grill

6257 N. McCormick Blvd., North Park

Chicken shawarma plate. | Photo: Marwa Grill/Yelp

The family-owned Marwa Grill recently opened its doors in North Park, specializing in Middle Eastern, Indian and halal cuisines.

Marwa Grill wants to take diners on a cultural journey, it explains on its website, by combining "some of the greatest flavors in a unique and pleasant, family-friendly atmosphere."   

On the menu, expect to find Middle Eastern favorites like hummus, beef gyro  and chicken shawarma, plus South Asian dishes like lamb biryani (seasoned lamb over rice) and chicken boti (marinated chicken cooked in a clay oven).

For larger parties, there are family-sized platters of beef and chicken kafta, chicken shawarma, beef gyro and rice for up to eight people. Marwa Grill also offers delivery and catering services.

With a 4.5-star Yelp rating out three reviews, the new spot has been getting positive attention.

Yelper Mo A., who reviewed Marwa Grill on March 31st, wrote, "My family and I ordered from Marwa Grill two days in a row because the food tasted amazing! We haven't dined in, but both times I've picked up the food and the interior is beautiful."

Arham P. noted, "The food is exquisite, I highly recommend the kebabs! The cheese naan is amazing, butter chicken is another option that was absolutely great. And no hassle in parking—they have plenty! Absolutely creating a new level of excellence in the Chicago area!"

Marwa Grill is open Tuesday–Sunday from 11am–10pm. (It's closed on Monday.)

Cedar House

655 W. Armitage Ave. (between Orchard and Howe streets), Old Town

Photo: Michael P./Yelp

Over in Old Town, Cedar House has taken over the former Robinson's No. 1 Ribs space, which closed last year.

The new restaurant features an extensive menu of authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. 

For entrées, dishes include chicken shawarma in a bed of house-made hummus and pickled baby cucumbers, salmon kebab served with a choice of lentil soup or Lebanese salad, and kafta kebab served with tomatoes, onions and green peppers. 

There's also a selection of salads and pita sandwiches with falafel, kebabs or hummus, along with sides such as pickled turnips and rice or bulgar wheat. (See full menu here.)

Cedar House has been well-received thus far, with a current Yelp rating of five stars out of seven reviews.

Yelper Oriana T. who reviewed Cedar House on April 8th, wrote, "Absolutely amazing food with friendly service. The food was authentic and so delicious. Highly recommend to anyone who wants real Middle Eastern food."

Yelper Jordan D. wrote, "I hesitate​ to review this place because I want it to be my secret, but it is awesome! Tons of authentic food and flavor. BYOB. Great family-run feel. I highly recommend for a quick lunch or a casual dinner."

Cedar House is open Tuesday–Thursday from 11am–9pm, Friday from 11am–10pm, Saturday from noon–10pm, and Sunday from noon–9pm. (It's closed on Monday.)

Karam Grill

4849 N. Kedzie Ave. (between Ainslie St. & Lawrence Ave.), Albany Park

Photo: Karam Grill/Yelp

Head north to Albany Park and check out Karam Grill, which is serving up Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes. Located in the same plaza as the Sahar International Supermarket, the new spot offers fresh salads, sandwiches and platters in a brightly lit space.

On the menu, diners can choose between kebabs and shawarma, or feast on  the "Karam Mixed Grill," which features beef and chicken shawarma, chicken kebab over rice with grilled vegetables and tahini sauce, all for $14.99. For steak lovers, the grill serves T-bone and ribeye steaks with french fries. (See the full menu here.)

With a five-star rating out of two reviews on Yelp so far, the new addition has been warmly received by patrons.

Ismael A., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on April 5th, said, "Got to love this place. Really good shawarma; very clean and friendly. Great service!"

Yelper Leyla A. added, “Impeccable service, delicious food and a contemporary atmosphere. The appetizers are so affordable and portion sizes are generous ... They have a private dining room available, as well as a catering menu where you can order things like an entire whole lamb, roasted, stuffed and sprinkled with almonds."

    Interested? Stop by to welcome the new business to the neighborhood. Karam Grill is open weekdays from 11am–2pm. (It's closed on weekends.)