Chicago has many Arabic restaurants.
If you're in Chicago and you have a craving for Middle Eastern food, then you're in luck. There are literally dozens of Arabic and Middle Eastern restaurants and grocers to choose from in the city. Lebanese, Moroccan, Egyptian and many other Arabic cuisines are represented. From moderately priced to lavish, the options for Arabic food in Chicago will have something for everyone.
Lebanese
Chicago boasts several fine Lebanese and Levantine restaurants. For those looking to stay on a budget, Maza restaurant at 2748 N. Lincoln Ave. offers authentic Lebanese cuisine at reasonable prices ($9-$17). Fish, meat and vegetarian dishes are a strength. For those willing to spend a bit more for their food, Kan Zaman at 617 N. Wells St. is a good fit. It features appetizers such as hummus and falafel, main dishes with chicken and lamb, and several seafood entrees. Expect to pay at least $15.
Moroccan
The Windy City is no stranger to North African food. There are several Moroccan restaurants in Chicago, including the Alhambra Palace at 1240 W. Randolph St. This lush restaurant captures the essence of medieval Muslim Spain with traditional decor, music and live performances. Entrees range from $20 to $100, so expect to pay a bit more for your evening out. For those on a budget, try Marrakech Cuisine at 1413 N. Ashland Ave. While this restaurant also offers live performances, the food is considerably less expensive than Alhambra Palace ($10-$20).
Egyptian
Several restaurants and hookah bars with an Egyptian theme can be found in Chicago. One such venue is King Tut, a combination restaurant and hookah bar located at 3737 W. Lawrence Ave. This moderately priced ($10-$20) restaurant opens for lunch and closes at 3 a.m. It draws a mostly Middle Eastern crowd, making for a more authentic experience. There is also Bolat African Cuisine, Inc., 3346 N. Clark St., which, in addition to Egyptian food, also serves Ethiopian, Moroccan and Afghani dishes.
Other
Other types of Arab food restaurants are spread out all over the city. For traditional Algerian crepes, try Crepe and Coffee Palace at 2433 N. Clark St. There is also Pomera Bakery, an Algerian bakery, at 4304 N. Elston Ave. For Assyrian-Iraqi food, George's Grill Kebab at 3216 W. Lawrence offers in-house dining and takeout. Baghdad Kabab, 3200 W. Lawrence, offers a wide variety of Iraqi dishes at reasonable prices.
Tags: Middle Eastern, Alhambra Palace, Lawrence offers, live performances, moderately priced, reasonable prices