Great spot for yemeni cuisine! It's pretty hole in the wall and makes for a cool experience. The staff are very friendly. We got the chicken zurbian, fava beans, and liver. The zurbian was great, the chicken was juicy and the dish was very well spiced. Came with three extra sauces and lots of fresh veggies tossed in. I think the fava beans were my favorite as the flavor was overall the best in my opinion. The liver was good as well. I might get the pita next time instead of the yemeni bread, as it was a little more fried than I would've preferred, but glad I got to try it! Loved the adeni chai as well. I would totally come back here if I'm in the area! read more

Al-Diar Restaurant - chicken zurbian, fava beans, liver, yemeni bread - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We literally had planned to go to another restaurant nearby, but found parking near Al-Diar, and on a whim decided to venture into this tiny restaurant instead. What an absolute serendipitous choice because man this was an experience! When you first walk in the restaurant seems too small and cramped, and is very unassuming. No frills, simple tables and a simple set up. We made our orders at the counter and then sat at our table. It took a little while but when the food came, it was WORTH EVERY SECOND OF THE WAIT. The Fahsa Lamb was MELT IN YOUR MOUTH tender, and just so well balanced and delicious. I kid you not when I say, I actually dream about this Fahsa sometimes! The liver was not gamey at all and so well seasoned! I also have to mention, the kitchen can be seen through the seating area and I kept seeing the chef (a sweet lady) keep washing and cleaning her hands as she cooked. She would bring out the food to the tables sometimes and would go right back in and wash her hands again. I thought this attention to detail was amazing. Like I said, this will be a staple in our rotation now!!! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (even if you don't dine in, it has a very robust take out business, please consider ordering take out or delivery!) read more

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Excellent food and service but not good ambience! We had lamb Mandi, fish, shredded lamb stew and home made bread. read more

Amazing flavor, meat, sauce and service. However, I do believe I was overcharged for what I asked for...I showed a picture of what I had seen on social media and they gave me the family size/large portion for $40. I got a lamb dish that was tender, juicy and flavorful but I did not expect to pay that much. The tea was sweet and tasted like a chai tea latte. I would love to come back and try other dishes but wish I knew more about what and how much to order so that I wasn't overcharged because I wasn't familiar with the cuisine. read more

Al-Diar Restaurant - Lamb dish - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hole in the wall spot but delicious!! Highly recommend. Very large portions, we could have split one and then maybe gotten a side dish and have been satisfied. It does come with peppers and some spicy sauce, so just something to keep in mind if you order it with everything on top. read more

Al-Diar Restaurant - Mandi chicken (bottom) & haneeth chicken - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have a weakness when it comes to this place. I don't live in Chicago but I come once or twice a year and I have to come to this place. I can't resist it. The food and the hospitality makes up anything else that one can think is missing. Ahmed was the chef whom I ordered my, I appreciate his hospitality. Alhamdulilla this place will continue to flourish for honesty, cooking with genuine intentions and serving everyone regardless of who they are with at most respect. read more

Al-Diar Restaurant - Lumb Mandi With my favorite soda. - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Sososoo good. Food was very flavorful and the meats were tender. The owner is so kind as well. He gave me and my bf complimentary tea :-) read more

Al-Diar Restaurant - 1/2 Haneeth Chicken - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Wow. I got a plate of lamb stew with rice to go and walked 25 minutes home to eat. It was still piping hot and the most delicious lamb dish I have tried. Delicious food, kind people, quick service. I cannot recommend this place enough. read more

A hole in a wall restaurant that serves Yemeni food. Although the restaurant was out of lamb, the 1/2 haneeth chicken was delicious especially the rice and the sauces compliment the chicken nicely. Overall, I would go back and try the haneeth lamb. read more

Al-Diar Restaurant - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We happened to bump into this restaurant for a late lunch....while exploring that area. We peeped in and saw that it is literally a hole in the wall, with limited seating right next to the serving counter, with authentic feel. Clearly, it seemed like a favorite place of some Yemeni people.....So we decided to give it a shot even though it was very modest decor. There was a short wait time to get seated. But they set up the table for us, very quickly and patiently answered all our questions about what do order. We had never tried yemeni food before this. We ordered both lamb and chicken out of the limited venue. Both dishes were served in a platter style to share. Both platters were pieces of well, cooked meat, served on a platter of rice and lots of salad and couple of sauces. We also ordered butter milk as accompaniment since there was not much curry/saucy moisture in the dishes. Portions were large, taste was good and dishes were not greasy....and best of all, we tried something new. Two platters were enough for 4 adults. We also tried a warm dessert Areka, which was delicious! The staff were also eating in batches on the other table, so likely a small family run modest, newly established small business. This was a very new experience for us.... and overall we really enjoyed it. read more

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Al-Diar has become one of my regular spots, and here's why: the owner personally greets you and takes your order, then passes it to what has to be the fastest chef I've ever witnessed. This guy starts cooking the moment your order hits the kitchen - it's like watching culinary magic happen. I've worked my way through most of the menu over multiple visits, and the lamb dishes are absolutely outstanding. Don't sleep on the Yemeni tea either, and make sure you save room for their honey cornflake dessert - sounds weird, tastes incredible. Fair warning: this place is tiny and you'll definitely be eating shoulder-to-shoulder with other diners. But honestly? That cramped atmosphere just makes everything taste better. There's something about sharing this authentic experience with strangers that adds to the whole vibe. If you're looking for authentic Yemeni food and don't mind cozy quarters, Al-Diar delivers every single time. The speed, the flavors, the personal touch from the owner - it all comes together perfectly. Pro tip: Come hungry and be ready to try something new. You won't regret it. read more

The owner is such a nice guy! He gave my friends and I free tea while we waited for our food. It was delicious, flavorful and perfect to share with friends! I cannot wait to come back and try more things! Please get the chai with milk read more

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Was on my way to Mogadishu Restaurant when i saw the bright signage for "#1 Yemeni Cuisine" on a nondescript brick building and had to satisfy my curiosity. The inside looks like is not much bigger than a household kitchen, with just as much seating as you can imagine cramming into a converted dining room -- don't expect to dine in as there's 3-4 tables and they've been mostly occupied when I've been there Unlike Mogadishu and the nearby Bulsho, Al-Diar isn't cafeteria style but the food comes out almost as fast. The meals seem to be cooked and packaged throughout the day and the to-go containers are not unlike what you'd get at the prepackaged dinners section at a nice grocery store where everything tastes homemade The first thing I tried was the 1/4 chicken dish, which was fine but I immediately regretted not getting something more substantial. The second thing I got was the Mandi haneeth lamb - which is a slow roasted fall off the bone lamb dish that I'm still thinking about, and was so good I'm a little worried I won't bother trying anything else at Al-Diar. Both dishes come in a bed of rice and dates, accentuated with grilled onions. Never had Yemeni cuisine before so can't say how Al-Diar compares with its peers but can vouch for it being absolutely delicious overall read more

Al-Diar Restaurant - Mandi-haneeth lamb - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hidden gem! We loved the haneeth chicken, Mandi chicken, and cucumber salad. Black tea was incredible as well! Everyone there was so kind and owner let us try a dessert as well! We couldn't believe we'd been sleeping on this spot. Can't wait to go back read more

Al-Diar Restaurant - Haneeth chicken - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is a very small restaurant that serves chicken and lamb platters. The portions are very generous and the presentation was extremely appetizing. The meat's so tender and well seasoned. The whole meal came together very well, and it was a very satisfying experience. The owner's from Yemen, and he was so friendly to offer us free tea complementary to our meal. Would definitely come again read more

Al-Diar Restaurant - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Little shop, massive flavor. Came in on a busy Saturday night. Owner was so gracious and fit us in somehow! The lamb Mehndi is OUT OF THIS WORLD. Truly amazing. Home cooking from the Yemeni kitchen like it should be! 10/10 would recommend read more

Al-Diar Restaurant - Mandi Lamb - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Food was amazing - from the lamb to the chicken to the wonderfully spiced fish, they happily served our large party and conversed with us throughout the meal. At the end the owner chatted with us for a long time and offered us dessert and tea! Excited to try the Yemeni coffee we purchased there as well. read more

The definition of hole in the wall authentic fam style delicious Yemeni food. Def get lamb Mandi and a lamb dish starting w R that was served in a hot stone that was 10/10. Chicken was 8/10 , lamb just had so much flavor and juicy. Adeni chai after dinner was perfect. Despite only one guy speaking English had amazing customer service and eager to make sure we got everything . I wish I took pics of food but we inhaled everything ... Also for all the Muslims there's a prayer room in the back. read more

Absolutely amazing food! This is hands down one of the best mandis I've ever tasted in the US! The hospitality was incredible, and they were so accommodating when I took the deliciousness all the way to Ohio. What a treat!! read more

With great sadness , i hate to give this place Two Thumbs Down. This one is highly overated Chicago. I love Yemen food and this place is not what you should settle for if you want the Yemeni experience. Its wayyy too basic and understaffed. Its mid at most. 1 chicken and 1 lamb plate basically. And youll pay 30$ for protein over rice in a colorful presentation. It's cute for the Gold Coast, but you shouldnt accept or settle for this foolery if you've experienced real Yemen food before. I had to wait an hour for the lamb to finish cooking while dining in. Ramadan or not. It shouldn't impact your business. When i asked for bread with my lamb, they said they didnt know what that was ,but as i was paying ,I noticed the other table had bread and pointed it out and they said that is was called "bread" and smiled....let that tell you everything about this restaurant. During my meal, I asked for a chili sauce and pointed out the red chili sauce on their cook top. They brought me a bottle of Mexican Cholula Hotsauce,but the other habibi tables had red chili sauce. Wild how this works. If you aren't african or arabe, they will treat you very different. I can tell most of their business is delivery or carry out. Many don't dare dine in. The hole in the wall joint is not right here. I was so hopeful that this place would live up to their 4.9 google reviews but its no where near a $30 a plate experience or ready for dine in. Go to "Al-Shibam City" on the northside and experience the real Yemeni restaurant. I'm sad just writing this review. I had high hopes and they failed pretty bad. Best part. The unseasoned rice and veggies. I should've gone to Roti or Chipotle tbh. read more

The owner Mohammed made us feel at home! He simply chose the best dishes they have and created a variety platter for the table. We didn't leave a crumb. Make sure you get a cup of Adeni tea at the end! FYI, free parking in a gravel lot next door. Access through the alley in the back. read more

extremely friendly and professional they give you an army of food (legit half a chicken lmao) Actually clean on the inside absolutely DELICIOUS, do yourself a favor and come here I would have taken a picture of my food but I wolfed it down too fast read more

Best authentic Yemeni food. Absolutely delicious and great taste of Yemeni cuisine. The owner was super friendly. Food came out great and quickly with a lot of care and love. Overall, I am definitely going back to try the rest of their food menu. The ambiance of the restaurant is simply Yemeni. read more

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That was genuinely the best hole in the wall restaurant I have ever been to. The chicken was the best I have ever had. I am not exaggerating. The owner is incredibly kind and friendly, and he is really passionate about bringing Yemeni food to Chicago. I don't think it'll be long before it's a restaurant that becomes very popular! Go now before you have to wait in a line!!!! read more

Lamb and rice was amazing!! Lamb fell right off the bone. All the staff was nice and helpful especially Mohammed. The Adeni Chai was also yummy however very sweet I couldn't finish all of it. Best place i've eaten in chicago hands down!! read more

Al-Diar Restaurant - Fast Food Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing place and very nice owner. He gave me a Yemeni tea to try while they prepared my food. Ordered the haneeth lamb and it was absolutely amazing!!! I'm Greek, and eat lamb all the time....it was very tender and very well seasoned. Will definitely be back to eat there! read more

I had my birthday celebration here tonight. The owner and team were incredibly hospitable and friendly. The food came out quickly and had incredible flavor. I had wanted to come and experience the cuisine for a long time and was happy I got to bring my family here. They went above and beyond to make sure we all felt good. They even bought me a cake! I can't wait to come back and bring more people! read more

Great food, kind service, big portion size. The staff gave me a good recommendation. There is limited seating on a first come first served basis read more

This is an absolute gem. Feels like coming into a Yemeni family home and being treated to a family dinner. All the food we ordered was steaming hot and delicious. All the food is halal and made to order. 1000% recommend. You need to pray, don't worry there is a place in back to perform prayers too. We will be back! read more

Incredible food and service. Lamb and chicken dishes were flavorful, and the veggies really took it to the next level. We got a complementary dessert that may have been the best I've eaten! Sort of like a warm ride pudding with condensed milk topped with crunchy corn flakes. The lemon mint drink was also a favorite! read more

Super good food love the service super nice and very clean I loved the food it was great I will really recommend it for you.