The Absolute Best Lebanese Food in Chicago [Updated 2025]

Having reviewed twelve standout restaurants, I'm excited to share my top picks that deliver authentic flavors and unforgettable meals.

From savory shawarma to richly spiced tabbouleh, each spot offers a unique twist on traditional Lebanese cuisine.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to these delicious dishes, this guide will help you navigate Chicago's vibrant Lebanese food scene.

Join me as we explore hidden gems and beloved establishments that showcase the diversity and richness of this remarkable culinary tradition!

Ameer Kabob Mediterranean Cuisine

Highlights
Fresh and delicious ingredients
Excellent chicken shawarma
Timely delivery service
Friendly owner and staff
Reasonable prices

Ameer Kabob Mediterranean Cuisine is a vibrant gem nestled in Chicago that truly celebrates Lebanese flavors. Upon entering, I was immediately greeted by the friendly owner and staff, who made me feel right at home. The atmosphere buzzed with warmth, and I knew I was in for a treat.

I opted for the chicken shawarma, and let me tell you—it was an absolute delight! The chicken was perfectly marinated and grilled, boasting a juicy texture that was simply irresistible. Each bite was a melody of spices that transported my taste buds to the heart of Lebanon. The generous portions paired with fresh sides made the whole meal feel indulgent yet reasonable in price, which is a rare find these days.

The delivery service was also timely, ensuring that my meal arrived just as fresh and delicious as if I had dined in. Overall, my experience at Ameer Kabob was delightful, making it a must-visit spot for anyone craving authentic Lebanese cuisine in Chicago. With fresh ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder they’ve become a beloved local favorite!

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Galit

Highlights
Affordable Michelin-star dining
Impressive Middle Eastern wines
Fresh, made-to-order pita
Comfortable, hip dining atmosphere
Excellent for sharing

Review of Galit - Chicago's Hidden Gem for Lebanese Delights

Stepping into Galit feels like entering a vibrant slice of the Middle East, right in the heart of Chicago. This place offers an unmatched blend of delicious flavors and a laid-back yet stylish vibe. I was thrilled to discover that Galit is not just about great tastes; it boasts affordable Michelin-star dining that redefines my expectations of upscale dining.

The made-to-order pita is a marvel in itself. There’s something truly special about the freshness that elevates it from mere bread to a delightful vehicle for all the bold flavors to come. I found the Middle Eastern wine selection particularly impressive, showcasing options that complemented the dishes beautifully, perfect for sharing among friends—or for a solo indulgence.

The atmosphere of Galit strikes that rare balance between comfort and trendiness, inviting you to linger a little longer than intended. If you’re searching for a place that makes Lebanese cuisine not only accessible but exciting, Galit is a must-visit. With their commitment to fresh ingredients and inventive menus, it’s easy to see why I’ll be returning, spoon in hand, for more culinary adventures.

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Baba Pita - Middle Eastern Scratch Kitchen and Bakery

Highlights
Great Baklava
Best Beef Shawarma
Freshly Made Drinks

Firstly, let me start by saying that Baba Pita has some of the best Lebanese food in Chicago. From their Great Baklava to their Best Beef Shawarma, everything is cooked to perfection.

The beef shawarma was juicy and tender with a perfect blend of spices that left my taste buds dancing. The hummus was fresh and creamy, making it the perfect accompaniment to the shawarma wrap. And let's not forget about their freshly made drinks! I highly recommend trying their mint lemonade, which was a refreshing compliment to my meal.

But what really impressed me at Baba Pita was their baklava. It's not easy finding good baklava these days, but Baba Pita's baklava is second to none. Each layer of pastry was crisp and flaky with just the right amount of honey and pistachios.

Overall, if you're looking for amazing Lebanese food in Chicago, then look no further than Baba Pita - Middle Eastern Scratch Kitchen and Bakery. The quality of ingredients and attention to detail truly make this restaurant stand out amongst others in the area.

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Masada

Highlights
Great atmosphere
Friendly staff
Beautiful decor
Tasty home-made food
Highly recommended

Firstly, I was impressed by the beautiful decor of the restaurant. It had a warm and cozy atmosphere that made me feel right at home. The friendly staff also added to the welcoming ambiance.

But let's talk about the most important part - the food. Masada offers a variety of lebanese dishes that are all home-made and prepared with fresh ingredients. As an avid fan of hummus, I must say theirs was exceptional! Creamy and flavorful, it was definitely a highlight of my meal.

I also tried their shawarma plate which consisted of tender meat, seasoned perfectly and served with a side of rice pilaf and salad. Every bite was full of flavor and left me feeling satisfied.

Overall, I highly recommend Masada for anyone looking for delicious lebanese food in Chicago. The combination of great atmosphere, friendly staff, and tasty home-made food make it a must-visit spot in the city. Don't just take my word for it - give it a try yourself!

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Alhambra Palace Restaurant

Highlights
Excellent management
Amazing food quality
Great entertainment
Attentive service

First and foremost, I have to commend the excellent management of the restaurant. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with a warm welcome and guided to my table in no time. The atmosphere was so inviting that it made me feel like a queen.

Now let's get to the most important part - the food! The amazing food quality at Alhambra Palace Restaurant is something I can't stop raving about. From the traditional Lebanese appetizers like hummus and tabbouleh to the mouth-watering entrees like shish kabobs and lamb chops, every dish was full of flavor and cooked to perfection.

The entertainment at Alhambra Palace Restaurant was also a highlight for me. They had belly dancers performing throughout the night which added an extra layer of excitement to my dining experience.

Last but not least, I have to give a shoutout to the attentive service at Alhambra Palace Restaurant. My server was very knowledgeable about the menu and made great recommendations that suited my taste buds perfectly.

Overall, if you're looking for a place with amazing food quality, great entertainment, and attentive service then look no further than Alhambra Palace Restaurant in Chicago.

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Zam-Zam Middle Eastern Grill

Highlights
Fresh pitas
Delicious kabobs
Made-to-order
Baba ghanoush

First of all, let me tell you about the fresh pitas. I mean, they were so fluffy and warm, it was like biting into a cloud! And that's not an exaggeration. You can tell that they were made with love and care.

Moving on to the main course - the kabobs were absolutely delicious. They were juicy, succulent and grilled to perfection. The meat was so tender, it practically melted in my mouth. And the spices they used? Chef's kiss. Plus, everything is made-to-order, so you know you're getting a fresh meal.

Now let's talk about something that really stood out for me - the baba ghanoush. Oh my goodness. It was creamy, smoky and had just the right amount of tanginess to it. I could eat this every day for the rest of my life and never get tired of it.

Overall, I would highly recommend Zam-Zam Middle Eastern Grill to anyone looking for authentic lebanese food in Chicago. From their fresh pitas to their delicious kabobs and amazing baba ghanoush - everything was spot on. Don't miss out on this gem!

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Taste of Lebanon Restaurant

Highlights
Affordable
Quick serving
Friendly staff
Tasty food
Healthy options

Let me start by saying that this restaurant offers an affordable dining experience without sacrificing quality. As soon as I walked in, I noticed the quick serving time which was perfect for my busy schedule. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home.

Now onto the most important part, the food! The menu offers a range of tasty options that are sure to satisfy your cravings. From hummus to shawarma, you won't be disappointed. But what really stood out to me was the healthy options available. As someone who values a balanced diet, it was refreshing to see so many nutritious choices.

Overall, my experience at Taste of Lebanon Restaurant was fantastic. The combination of great food and attentive service made for a memorable dining experience. If you're looking for authentic Lebanese cuisine in Chicago, this is definitely a spot worth checking out!

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Yaba’s Food & Middle Eastern Grill

Highlights
Fantastic falafel
Generous portions
Friendly staff

Firstly, let me start by saying that this place is a hidden gem! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with the most welcoming smile from their friendly staff who were eager to help me with my order.

Now onto the food...I ordered their falafel and boy was it something else! It was so good that I almost forgot to take note of other items on their menu. The falafels were crispy on the outside, and perfectly moist and flavorful on the inside. It's no wonder it's considered one of their fantastic dishes.

The portions were also very generous; I definitely left feeling satisfied without having to break the bank. Speaking of banks, did you know Yaba’s Food & Middle Eastern Grill is an affordable option for those looking for delicious lebanese food in Chicago?

Overall, my experience at Yaba’s Food & Middle Eastern Grill was a delight. If you're in the area and looking for some amazing lebanese food, give this place a try. You won't be disappointed!

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Old Jerusalem Restaurant

Highlights
Family owned and operated
Delicious food with love
Variety of good dishes
Perfect taste in every dish
Great for take-home orders

First of all, what impressed me the most about Old Jerusalem Restaurant is that it's a family owned and operated business. You can feel the love in every dish they serve. The menu offered a variety of good dishes that made it hard for me to choose. But I ended up trying their hummus, kebabs, and falafel plate.

Let me tell you, the taste was out of this world! Each dish had its own unique flavor that blended perfectly with one another. It was like a party in my mouth! I can confidently say that they have perfect taste in every dish they serve.

The ambiance of the restaurant was cozy and comfortable. It's perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a meal with friends or family while catching up. Also, if you're not feeling like dining in, Old Jerusalem Restaurant is great for take-home orders too.

Overall, I had an amazing experience at Old Jerusalem Restaurant. The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was inviting. If you're looking for some authentic Lebanese cuisine in Chicago, Old Jerusalem Restaurant is definitely worth checking out!

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Dawali Jerusalem Kitchen

Highlights
Tasty and fresh food
Generous portions
Great value for money
Friendly atmosphere

From the moment I entered, I was greeted with a friendly atmosphere, making me feel right at home. The restaurant itself was cozy and intimate, giving off a sense of warmth that is hard to come by in big cities like Chicago.

Now on to the food. Oh boy, where do I even begin? The dishes were not only tasty but also incredibly fresh, which is always a plus in my book. Each bite was packed with flavor that left my taste buds dancing with joy. And let's talk about the portions - they were generous! Perfect for sharing or for those who have a bigger appetite than most.

The highlight of my meal had to be the chicken shawarma wrap. It was filled with juicy chicken, fresh veggies and topped off with their delicious garlic sauce. I must say, it was one of the best shawarmas I've ever had in Chicago.

What's even better about Dawali Jerusalem Kitchen is that all this amazing food comes at a great value for money. You won't break the bank here, which is always nice when living in an expensive city like Chicago.

Overall, if you're looking for authentic lebanese food in Chicago that won't disappoint your taste buds or your wallet - give Dawali Jerusalem Kitchen a try!

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Rumi Middle Eastern Grill

Highlights
Wide food selection
Modern comfortable atmosphere
Delicious halal food
Affordable prices
Vegetarian and vegan options

Walking into Rumi, I was impressed by the modern and comfortable atmosphere. The decor was chic yet cozy, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with friends or family. And speaking of meals, the food selection was impressive! They had something for everyone - from meat lovers to vegetarians and vegans.

As a halal food lover, I was particularly excited to try their halal options. Let me tell you - they did not disappoint! The flavors in each dish were bold and savory, leaving my taste buds dancing.

But what really stood out to me about Rumi was their affordable prices. Despite being located in a trendy area of Chicago, their menu items were reasonably priced without sacrificing quality or taste.

Overall, I highly recommend Rumi Middle Eastern Grill to anyone looking for delicious Lebanese food in Chicago. With its wide food selection, modern comfortable atmosphere, delicious halal food, affordable prices, and vegetarian/vegan options available - there's no reason not to give it a try!

Falafel & Grill

Highlights
Fresh and Fast
Large Portions
Flavorful Falafel
Friendly Staff
Delicious Food

Upon walking in, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The staff greeted me with a smile and were eager to help me navigate the menu. I ordered their famous falafel wrap and let me just say, it was fresh and fast! The portion size was surprisingly large and I had plenty of leftovers to take home for later.

The flavorful falafel was perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It paired well with the vegetables that were stuffed inside the wrap. Each bite was a burst of flavor!

The staff at Falafel & Grill were so friendly and made me feel like I was part of the family. They even recommended some other dishes that I should try on my next visit.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out Falafel & Grill if you're looking for some delicious lebanese food in Chicago. Their fresh ingredients, large portions, flavorful falafel, and friendly staff make it an experience worth having. Don't miss out on this gem!