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    Aba

    4.5 (2k reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Recommended Reviews - Aba

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    Crab Cakes
    Vanity H.

    Came here with my coworkers to celebrate my birthday and unfortunately I have to deduct stars due to service. We're convinced that the waiter either forgot to put in more than half of our meals or the kitchen lost our ticket, but either way our wait time for our food was unacceptable. We're also convinced that the one persons plate who had probably been ready for a long time had been sitting there because her meal was cold. All of ours when the waiter went to check for the 3rd time finally came out hot. For the wait we got 1 appetizer deducted. I didn't get photos of all the food but the star of the show was the hummus! I also had the crab cakes as my meal and it was tasty with an interesting purée. Not sure if I'd come back as it is a pricey place. I will say that their decor is top notch. I'm told it's Californian Mediterranean inspired.

    Isabel R.

    Food: delicious, tasty. Modern Mediterranean. Service: upscale restaurant, fancy atmosphere for brunch/lunch or dinner Value: expensive but worth it imo

    Bar
    Tania A.

    We came in from out of town and on short notice was able to grab a table at 3:30pm for a late lunch. The place is beautiful with a lively terrace on nice days but also a very open and bright interior with modern decor. We were seated right away at a table off to the side of the bar area. We must have waited like 15-20 minutes before anyone even realized that we were there. It seemed as though none of the servers running around serving other tables around us had our table to service. Eventually we caught the attention of who I can only imagine was a manager or supervisor who finally came over to take our orders. We ordered the Smokey garlic hummus which fresh pita bread and this was very good. We also ordered the crispy potatoes and the Brussel sprouts as a side. These were also nice and crispy and the brussel sprouts had a tasty kick with the harissa honey. For our main we had the chicken kebab which was perfectly cooked and tender, braised short rib (not as good), and the shawarma skirt steak frite. We quite enjoyed our meal and everything very fast which more than made up for the initial delay in service. For dessert we decided to share a frozen Greek yogurt with Olive Oil and sea salt. This had an interesting taste with a tanginess at the end. I'm not sure I would order this again but you could tell the Greek yogurt was of very good quality. All in all we enjoyed our meal at Aba and would definitely come back if in town.

    Char-Grilled Lamb Chops
    Ananya M.

    This place was good, can't give it 5 stars bc some of the foods were bland and dry, but the standout dish was the shrimp!! It was incredible, so flavorful and made like escargot. It was hands down the best dish. A must try for sure. Service was smooth and the outdoor rooftop area is super nice!

    Grilled Salmon Kebab Whipped Feta
    Noah

    Walked in for a spontaneous dinner based on the overwhelming positive feedback seen online. The ambiance in the restaurant was more of an elevated, classy vibe. It was very busy but we were able to secure bar seating luckily. We ordered the whipped feta as an appetizer, along with the salmon kebab for our main course. We loved both and the portion sizes were great! Highly recommend this spot and will definitely be coming back!!

    Lamb & Beef Kefta Kebab
    Pamela G.

    I first discovered Aba around the time they had first opened up and it was such an amazing dining experience, that I made a reservation again when I came back into town all these years later. I have to admit... it's not the same as it used to be. Don't get me wrong, it's an excellent place to dine at, especially on their patio during the Chicago summer, which was one of the biggest reasons why I came back. I was with someone who had not explored Chicago before so it definitely gave the city ambience while being engulfed in the Mediterranean experience. Yet the inside dining area feels like you're dining in small romantic villages in Italy or Greece. Service is still top notch. But the food is what's not the same. For me, the highlight was the crispy short rib hummus. I never thought they'd go well together but the juices from the meat blended in with the hummus and it's just soooo good. The kefta was nothing to be impressed about in which I expected more for the price we paid for. The chicken thighs were good but also nothing to be that impressed about. The one thing I was a little disappointed by is that they no longer serve a desert I tried the first time I was there, and their new desserts are average. Nothing to marvel about. Their OG desert is what had stayed in my mind all these years. You can't go wrong for a nice little date night at this spot or if you're new to the city, but it's not exactly a place I feel like I want to come back to, especially at that price. You're really mostly paying for the experience of the place.

    Crispy Short Rib Hummus
    Jake H.

    Fantastically simple but delicious Mediterranean food. Everything we ordered was warming, filling, and fresh. I was actually so surprised at how much I loved the Greek salad. The best one I've ever had. I also of course recommend the short rib hummus,. I would advise for a chicken kabob over something like the crispy chicken thigh. It was delicious but really leaned more into the American California flavors than the Mediterranean ones. My preference! Service was a little slow for the small crowd but everyone was kind and professional. This should have a bib gourmand! Definitely will come back to try more!

    Falafel
    NiNi F.

    I really love the ambiance. It makes you feel like you are somewhere other than Chicago. They have a nice size patio for outdoor dining. They give you water of course but it was room temp and I had to ask for a cup of ice for it. Collin was our host. He knew the menu very well and make great recommendations. The crispy short rib hummus was deliciously savory. My friend ordered the falafels but it does come with a tzatziki sauce they she got on the side. I probably would've preferred it on their. A lot of the dishes can be shared. The short rib was just as tasty as the hummus. It was tender and the vegetables were cooked perfectly too. We had the sticky date cake for dessert and we have had better. Our cake tasted burnt.

    Crispy Potatoes Lamb & Beef Kefta Kebab
    Gia G.

    Food 3/5 We got whipped feta, short rib hummus, and Brussels sprouts for apps and they were great individually but dip the Brussels in the whipped feta and it's even better. We got the steak frites, chicken kebab, crab cakes, grilled chicken kebab for our entrees and they were pretty mid. We honestly could have skipped them. The ambiance is always great in there. The music and the lighting. The server was great answering our questions about wines.

    Whipped Feta
    Sara G.

    Aba is my all time favorite restaurant in Chicago. The food was all so freaking good, the service was top notch, and the ambiance of the place is vibey but not too over the top. I recommend this spot to everyone!

    Rikiyah M.

    Aba is easily one of my favorite Mediterranean spots in West Loop! I honestly come back just for the short rib hummus because it's that good. Stopped in for brunch this time and tried the frittata, which was delicious. The food is always amazing, but the bar is also so pretty and makes the whole space feel so inviting.

    Good looking business.

    Excellent quality and better service always.making a good business on times service in an ambiance time always for all their customers be a part of this business.

    Green Falafel
    Myia S.

    Went to Aba for my husband's birthday. Reservation was for 8pm we waited a little bit to be seated. We grabbed drinks while we waited. I had the freeda vita I really liked that it was refreshing and great for a hot day. I also had a expresso martini but it was not as good as some other local restaurants in the area. Our favorite dishes were the green chili shrimp, whipped feta and garlic hummus. The falafel and taziki was good. The beef and lamb kabob was dry the rice was delicious. I think the dips could be better if they had crispy pita bread or chips vs soft pita we needed texture. The sticky date cake was burnt at the bottom. Had a bad taste. The short ribs were just okay. The ambiance was okay I didnt like the music and it was just super loud. Overall I al happy I tried it but will likely not go back. They also charged us for a birthday dessert which I wasn't expecting. The waiter was not excellent he was pretty average didnt do anything to wow me.

    Crispy Short Rib Hummus

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    Page 1 of 51

    Aba Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Aba

    Is your meat Halal?

    Hi Shiva! Our meat is not halal. We hope to welcome you in soon!

    Can I walk in? How long I wait on average?

    Hi there! We accept walk-ins based on availability and our bar is first come, first served and full service!

    Does the restaurant add an additional service fee on the check?

    Yes, I think they add a 4% service fee to offset rising operational costs. The fee is optimal and you can request to remove it and they will!

    When making a reservation, what is the difference between the Outside patio lounge and Outside patio table options? Also, is the outside patio different from the rooftop?

    Lounge is couches and low tables

    Hi, I just booked a reservation for outside seating on Oct 20 in the late evening. Is the outside seating going to be okay if it is cold? Do you have an enclosure or heaters or something?

    Hi Roger! We have heaters installed on the patio and have blankets available upon request, and suggest dressing for the weather. We look forward to welcoming you!

    High top seating?

    They have a few

    I was wondering what time does the kitchen usually close? Looking to make a late night reservation but not sure how much time we would have to dine. (ex. 9:45pm reservation, but you close at 10pm)

    Hi Dominick! As long as you are seated for your reservation within our open hours, you will be able to order from the kitchen and enjoy our full menu. Our close time is when we stop seating for the evening. We hope to welcome you in soon!

    Do you take walk in's?

    Hi Daniel! Yes, we do take walk-ins based on availability and our bar is full service and first come, first served. We do suggest making a reservation to shorten wait times. We look forward to welcoming you!… 

    What is the dress code for men?

    Hi Daniel! We do not have a fixed dress code at Aba - please dress as you please. We look forward to welcoming you!

    How do you get reservations. It's really tough?

    Hi Karan! Reservations are released 30 days out from your desired reservation date at midnight. We encourage checking https://www.exploretock.com/aba for availability!

    Anyone knows why there aren't reservations available between 1:15 - 6:45pm on Saturdays? Do they close during that time?

    Hi Lorena! We are open for brunch from 10:00AM-3:00PM, and open for dinner from 3:00PM-11:00PM, on Saturdays. If you don't see the time you'd like, we are likely fully committed at that time. Please feel free to give our host stand a call at… 

    Menu looks amazing! But we have one in our party allergic to olives/olive oil...anything on the menu for him?

    I would recommend calling the restaurant. I cannot say much was made without olive oil, but the staff would know. It will be limited for sure. Good luck.

    Does Aba take walk-ins for dinner?

    Hi Carolyn! Yes, we do seat walk-ins based on availability, however we strongly encourage making a reservation to minimize wait times. Additionally, the bar is first-come, first-serve and full service. You can make a reservation by visiting… 

    What are the dairy free options for here? Do they accommodate severe allergies?

    Hi Janna! Yes, Aba has a strict allergy procedure in place. Upon your visit, please inform your server of your dietary restrictions and they will be able to suggest which dishes are safe, or can be modified. We hope to see you in soon!

    Hi, can customers bring outside cake? I am a vegan asking for a birthday.

    Hi Anastasia! Yes, you are welcome to bring your own cake. Please note there is a $3.50 per person cutting fee that will be applied to the final check. We look forward to celebrating with you!

    I absolutely love the scent in the lobby before coming upstairs. Do you know what it is? Is it a spray?

    Hi Manika! Thank you, we're so happy to hear that. It is Moroccan Fig by ScentAir, made exclusively for Aba.

    Can you BYOB here? We have friends coming in town and want to bring a nice bottle of wine we have.

    Hi Ky! You are welcome to bring up to two 750ml bottles of wine, with a $40 corkage fee per bottle. We look forward to having you in soon!

    If we plan to walk in and sit at the bar this Saturday what time frame would you recommend before it typically gets busy? I know you cannot guarantee but was just curious based on your experience. Thanks

    They open at 3 on Saturday for dinner. I would recommend arriving at 3 or 4 as it fills up quickly with reservations. Brunch begins at 11, but not sure how that works and such

    Can you eat dinner outside?

    Hi Alice! Yes, full service is offered on the patio. You can make a reservation to dine with us on the patio through https://www.exploretock.com/Aba/, or by calling us directly at 773-645-1400.

    Hi there, do you not offer the bagel anymore? It was my favorite dish from your menu :(

    Hi Morgan! We absolutely still are offering our Jerusalem Bagel - it is available during weekend brunch from 11:00am-3:00pm. We look forward to having you in.

    View All 49 Questions

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    Ema - Salmon bab.

    Ema

    4.3(2k reviews)
    1.0 miNear North Side
    $$

    I LOVED my meal here! Ēma (Ay-mah) brings some glamour and glitz to the Mediterranean dining scene,…read morewith an airy, elevated hotel-lobby feel that still doesn't demand a dress code. Dresscode: Smart Casual / Casual Noise Level: Medium (it gets buzzy after 5:30pm) Thursday night Happy Hour was lively, so it took about 10-15 minutes for someone to come around, but service was attentive once we got going. The food is where Ēma really shines. From the Happy Hour menu, the Charred Eggplant Hummus and Crispy Potatoes were generously portioned and great for sharing. On the main menu, the Indian-Mediterranean fusion Bhel Hummus was a party for my taste buds, while the Hot Honey Halloumi and Chicken Kefta rounded out the table nicely. The halloumi is more of a side than a main, but that sweet-and-salty hot honey combo was chef's kiss. For our finisher, the Chocolate Torte knocked us out. Decadent, delicious and chocolate with lots of depth. Overall, Ēma is an excellent spot to order a bunch of dishes for the table and get an elevated meal without feeling stuffy, and delicious without taking itself too seriously. DO's: - Make a reservation ahead, especially for happy hour 4-6pm - Treat apps like small plates, order 2-3 to sample - Entertain their wine list, they have a lot! - Bring vegetarians here, there are plenty of options DON'Ts: - Dismiss the desert menu. It's fantastic and shareable! - Forget to ask for extra pita with the hummus! - Miss out on the LettuceEats loyalty points (check-in with your server before paying your check)

    Came for a late lunch. Split a meal: *Whipped spicy feta -…read moreVery tasty. The pita was warm with lots of za'atar. Enough to share with 2-3 people *Braised short rib sandwich - In a pita stuffed with cabbage. The beef was extremely tender. Unfortunately there was several large pieces of cabbage core vs shredded. The fries were crispy and seasoned with za'atar. The au jus provided, tasted it had a bit of red wine vinegar. That was a winner! Would order both items again. The decor is beautiful. Sat at the bar and the bartender wasn't in the best mood. Minus one star for the combination of the large pieces of cabbage core and sat at the bar for about 15 minutes - no one was there to serve us.

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    Ema - Ema tables and bar

    Ema tables and bar

    Ema - Double chocolate.

    Double chocolate.

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    Al Bawadi Grill - Family Platter (serves 5-6 people)

    Al Bawadi Grill

    4.1(1.2k reviews)
    13.2 mi
    $$

    The whole concept and aesthetic of this restaurant completely wowed me!! It feels so well thought…read moreout. The service was amazing too, super professional, friendly, always on top of everything without being overwhelming. And the hummus was especially good, and creamy, which I loved!! The food overall was great. Such a cool experience from start to finish.

    I really liked this place. They have parking in front of the restaurant and back. I highly…read morerecommend a reservation on Friday-Sunday even if you are just one person. I called them because I wasn't sure if the online version would be too slow. We were a group of three that came in Saturday night at 7 pm. It was moderately busy. The staff were all welcoming with smiles on their faces and attentiveness. Prices were fair for the amount of food you receive. Food portions are colossal so I would recommend one appetizer and one entree if you are a couple. They give you a complimentary dish. We ordered arayes with meat, meat toshka, mixed grill with baba ghanouj, fillet of basa fried, and mint lemonade. They also offer you fresh Arabic coffee before you leave. This is about a 4.5-5. -arayes with meat 4 - this was not bad. It's like a tamer version of the meat toshka. -meat toshka 5 - I prefer this over the arayes because they add the Syrian cheese. This one was bursting with flavor the moment you took a bite out of it. The minced beef and lamb just melt in the mouth. -mixed grill 5 - this came with 3 big skewers (shish kabab, kufta kabab, and chicken tawook. It also has tomatoes and onions to help cut down the meat when digesting. There are two heaping portions of biryani and saffron rice and baba ghanouj. The baba ghanouj was creamy and flavorful. It goes well with the pita bread. The meats were cooked medium well unless you want something. I think next time I'll ask for the shish kababs to be cooked medium rare or medium for a more juicy taste. The chicken tawook and kufta were both succulent. -fillet of basa fried 5 - the two pieces of basa fillet were astronomical. It also comes with two different kinds of rice. The fish was flaky, moist, and seasoned. Make sure you add the lemon and eat it with the sauce. -mint lemonade 5 - this was very refreshing after eating a heavy meal.

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    Al Bawadi Grill - 20 minute wait for two. Food smells delicious though

    20 minute wait for two. Food smells delicious though

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    Avec - Chicago - Chorizo-Stuffed Medjool Dates

    Avec - Chicago

    4.3(2.7k reviews)
    0.3 miWest Loop, Near West Side
    $$$

    Yum yum yum! I came here for lunch left thoroughly impressed and full. $26 prefix menu includes…read morechoice of soup, choice of salad or sandwich, choice of baklava or fudge. Now for $26, this is such an incredible steal. We actually got to choose between the soup or we got the chorizo stuffed dates which oh my GOSH. These really sent the tone for the rest of the lunch. They are served in a bacon and piquillo pepper-tomato sauce that I honestly could have drank. Highly recommend! My husband went with the lentil soup and love it as well! I got the chicken shawarma which was also absolutely delicious. The flavors were so good and portions are legit. Ended the meal with a baklava which also hit the spot! Forgot to mention we also got two starters: the heirloom tomatoes and hummus. I cannot think of a single bad thing to say about our experience. The service, ambiance, and most importantly, THE FOOD, were all top notch. I'm sold on the dinner menu now and will absolutely be back!

    Originally thought the restaurant was French because of the name. It isn't French. Good food. We…read morestarted with some drinks. I got a Negroni it was made well. Friend ordered some small plates that relieved our hunger until entrees. We got calimari and salmon and I'm forgetting an appetizer. For our mains we got pizza and pork shoulder. The mushrooms on the pizza were savory and tasty. The pork was tender and life giving. Even with 3 people had food left over. For dessert we shared the honey peach cake. It reminded me a lot of a tres leches.

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    Restaurant view from bar

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    Avaspi - Babaganoush

    Avaspi

    4.8(111 reviews)
    3.7 miLakeview

    Firat, Avaspi manager, helped us plan a surprise birthday party for a friend, which included 10…read moreguests July 8, 2026. The table was beautifully set with red cloth napkins and small lanterns adding to the ambiance of the place. He welcomed adding our own decorations- paper placemats and a balloon bouquet. The area was set apart from the main dining area which made the experience more intimate. The food was served family style on platters, attractively presented and absolutely delicious! The individual printed menus at each setting described the wine choices, the first course Meze, the Main course choices , and 2 Desserts. Each course was tastier than the next! We chose: 1st course 2 platters of Mixed Meze, homemade bread, 2 Mushroom Tava, and 2 Calamari. 2nd course: 3 platters of "Mixed Plate for two" had Chicken kebab, Beef delight, Lamb Delight, Lamb Chops, Haydara, Ezme, Fries, and Rice. 2 Orange Salmon platters and Green Olive Salad. 3rd course: Baklava and Coconut Cake. The portions were more than enough for the 10 guests In order to try almost every food choice. Our server, Maine, timed each course very well. He also cleared European-style waiting until everyone was done eating. A pleasurable change as we weren't rushed! The water glasses and wine glasses were consistently filled. Though we had dined at Avaspi for both Happy Hour and Dinner, all 8 guests expressed how enjoyable the cuisine, wine selection, service and ambiance was throughout the evending. We all plan to return!

    If you only know of the Kurdish people or culture through the news, it's time to remedy that-- head…read moreover to Avaspi for drinks and snacks at the generous Happy Hour or for a full dinner. The beautiful bar is set back in the glowingly dining room that has a painting of the Kurdish area in Turkey from where the owner comes from. Remixes of contemporary tunes gives a kind of clubby feeling inside, and the large sidewalk patio (on the side street) to enjoy the season is a completely different vibe. It's not just another variant on Mediterranean/Middle Eastern/ Persian cuisine, though you'll find familiar salads, spreads and cuts of meat. The presentations and flavors are different. The friendly (and easy on the eyes) staff will guide you through the menu. Very nice wine list as well as creative takes on standard cocktails (some mocktails too) complement the meal. Come in a group so you can sample many things; I assure you it'll all be good. Loved the calamari and the meze plate on this last visit. Grilled haloumi and shrimp were great previously. Easy to get to so get going!

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