Favorite Middle Eastern restaurant in the city! Labneh, baba ghanoush, hummus are all so satisfying. Beef dishes are all excellent. Lamb is fabulous. Rice and salad dishes are excellent. lentil soup is the best! Baklava is the best I've had!!! Tea service is very nice! service - above all - is like no other! wonderful gem all around! read more

Its not too often you get to meet the real owner of an eating establishment and that too someone who personally greets you and wants you to feel at home. I went to dinner with a mentor and some friends to this restaurant. Once there, I felt the warmth and coziness in the dining room. All the food was absolutely fresh and truly authentic Lebanese. My favorites were baba ganouj, potato Boorak, dolma, and the beef kabab. Others at the dinner loved the mint tea, which I didn't try but I wish I had. Portions were almost as large as the heart of the woman behind it all (Sylvana...sp?) I would be going back for sure. read more

Cedar Palace - Lebanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place was terrific! This was one of the first places we dined at in March after a long Chicago winter. This was the first time that we were eating out with friends since the beginning of the pandemic. I am very glad we chose to eat here. It was 39 degrees outside and we came here to dine in the patio. I was a little worried, but it turns out that they have a beautiful covered patio with heaters that made it pretty warm and comfortable. We were the only ones in the patio that day ;) We ordered chicken schwarma and kafta kabob plates and a falafel appetizer. The plates all come with rice and vegetables. All of the meat was tender and delicious. The portion sizes were huge! We probably could have shared a single entree plate between the two of us. The falafel was fried nice and crispy and tasted great as well. We were very pleased after our meal here and would definitely come back. read more

My favorite place in Chicago! Amazing lentil soup and falafel! Our server was so welcoming and brought us his favorite dish! Made us feel so welcome and made our experience great! Would give it 6 stars if I could read more

Absolute hidden gem in Lincoln Park. Everything is so fresh and super friendly service. They have a beautiful patio in back perfect on a summer night! Also they are BYOB which is awesome. My son goes to LPHS across the street and says they have really good lunch specials as well, I've only been in the evenings Anyways, one of my favorite restaurants in Lincoln Park! read more

We came here for dinner, and the food and service here was amazing! It's a nice chill/low key spot in Lincoln Park with great food. The restaurant was very cleanly and the staff was very nice and accommodating. All our food was very flavorful and delicious! The chicken was very well cooked and tender! Definitely recommend and would come back again! read more

Cedar Palace - Hummus & Pita - Lebanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We were walking in the neighborhood, and went in for lunch. Service is excellent and the food was great. It looks like a family business, and the chef stopped by the table to chat for a bit, and also threw in a rice pudding which tasted yummy. Would highly recommend this place. read more

My husband and I were visiting Chicago from Seattle and went to this place for lunch based on the good reviews on yelp. We ordered lentil soup, falafel sandwich and shish tawook lunch plate. Everything was delicious and the chef and the owner personally came to check on us. I would recommend this place. read more

Cedar Palace - Shish Tawook Lunch Plate - Lebanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The food here isn't amazing to contradict a lot of the reviews for this restaurant. There are some things that are very good but a lot that falls short of 5 stars. This cuisine is super simple and is wholly dependent on the quality of ingredients and knowledge of prep. I had the vegetarian combination for lunch and ordered a side of fries for the hummus because I can't stand the cardboard thin pita that is served at the majority of these kinds of places. Does anyone like this? The fries were served without salt. Any decent chef knows you salt food out of the frier. I asked for some and could not believe it when they brought me tiny packets of iodized salt and pepper. The worst quality and flavor salt and pepper you could possibly serve. I hate to extrapolate but I am pretty sure they aren't using the quality of salt and olive oil I would expect from 5 stars in the rest of their food. Some Yelper said the food is of "incredible quality" I think it varies from very good to ok... not incredible. The server was excellent and offered us a free cup of their lentil soup. It came with a nice dusting of cumin and was good. It's a nice restaurant and a good menu. The plate was again good. I don't like dolmas and traded my wife for one of her falafel. I thought the falafel, baba ganoush and hummus were very good. The rice needed some sea salt. It's a good portion and a good plate overall. I prefer some tabbouleh on my plate to the pieces of radish and lettuce. I like when people go to the trouble to make their pita or at least source something better. I'm not saying you shouldn't come here or that it wasn't good. It's typical of so many of the Mediterranean restaurants in Chicago. We just expected more with the rating of 5 stars. read more

There's a reason why this place has 5 stars out of 200 + reviews! We decided to take a walk around Lincoln park and stumbled upon Cedar Palace. We were really surprised at the consistent 5 star reviews so we decided to give it a try! For an appetizer, we ordered the hummus (definitely flavorful and tasty!!). I shared the dinner combo between my bf and I. We were both starving and the amount of food was just right to leave us happy, but not in a coma. With the combo dinner, you get to choose 3 different proteins. We chose beef shawarma, kafta, and shish tawook. In addition, you also get a choice of soup or salad: we chose the lentil soup. Everything we ordered was so delicious. We will definitely be back again! read more

My friend and I came here for a weekend lunch, and this place was surprisingly uncrowded, which is a shame because this is some very good, well-priced Lebanese food. My friend, in particular, is hard to impress / a solid complainer, and had nothing but good things to say about this place. We started off with free lentil soup (they had a sign outside offering free lentil soup, and we each got one), which was perfect for the rainy day. I don't have any particular fondness for lentils (they're healthy and cheap, I know), but this was really good. It was warm and nourishing, like all good meals. My friend liked it so much that he ordered another non-free one. I got the beef shawarma sandwich, which was delicious. The meat was flavorful and perfectly seasoned, and bonus points since the sandwich didn't fall apart when I bit into it. I would definitely get this again. My friend has a bigger appetite and got the lunch combo (shish tawook - grilled chicken, shawarma, and kebab), and that was also good. It's definitely a healthy portion for one person, and is great value, and was really good based on the bites I stole off my friend's plate. I'm not sure why this place wasn't busier at lunch (perhaps the dreary winter weather), but you need to go here. Everything is clearly fresh and thoughtfully cooked, and the next time I want Lebanese food, I'll be thinking of this place. read more

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This place was very cute to begin with. The patio is the sweetest part! The food was excellent. The Shish tawook was marinated and cooked very well and the hummus was amazing!! I love the thin pita breads which is very authentic to middle eastern cuisine! I want to go here again for dinner- maybe byob this time! They have a small corkage fee and you could enjoy their food and beautiful patio! The service was very personable and warm! Will be trying their falafel next! read more

Cedar Palace - Hummus and tea - Lebanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My Lebanese family's go-to place for celebrations! The atmosphere is warm and beautiful, the food is delicious, and most of all, the family who run the restaurant are so very welcoming and fun to be around. The service is truly outstanding. Tonight they noticed my two young children sulking a bit on our way out of dinner and presented them with free rice puddings to take home - absolutely SO generous and lovely!! And the rice pudding was FANTASTIC. Sweet, tender, delicately flavored with rose water the way it should be. Love this place. read more

I biked all the way here from a pretty far distance to check this place out and it was totally worth it! The cute outdoor patio, the huge portions, the tasty food, the insanely affordable prices! Cedar Palace has it all. I was in food heaven the entire time I was here. The meats were wonderfully cooked and the rice and sauces were so flavorful. Also, I would say that this place has the best lentil soup I've ever tasted. When we all can frequent restaurants again, I recommend to definitely sit outside on the patio. It's an absolutely beautiful space - with bright colors and beautiful plants and trees surrounding you. I can't wait to be able to hang out here again! read more

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Bland tasteless food. The food was warm and not hot. Great service. We were happy with server...

I am loss for words! What a beautiful place. The food is incredible. I am Lebanese and I have been in the US for 3 years. I have gone to many, many restaurants across the US in search of authentic Lebanese food, specifically chicken shawarma. The food is absolutely incredible. It's the most authentic Lebanese food I have had outside of Lebanon and I have been to Dearborn and LA! The chicken shawarma, tabbouleh, and kafta sandwich are better than the best Dearborn Lebanese restaurant. I was jumping in my seat. The chef and owner came down and greeted everyone personally. They offered free mana'ish, coffee, and dessert to everyone in attendance. We got all the desserts pictured below for free (3 baklavas, 3 nammouras, 2 osmaliyes) by the chef (owner) and the pastry chef (owner's sister). They are so humble, sweet, and hospitable -- just as authentic a representation of Lebanon and the Middle East as their food is. The tabbouleh is better than the tabbouleh you would get in a Lebanese restaurant in Lebanon. Fayrouz was playing all lunch long. If you have not been there, run don't walk!!!!!!!!!! read more

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Delicious food and warm hospitality! Owner came to our table and told us the origin story of the restaurant. Can't recommend this place enough. They have breakfast lunch and dinner options. Will be coming back!! read more

Incredibly friendly and prompt service every time I dine in or carry out. The food is great and they always make the best suggestions. Back patio is a great asset for warmer weather and BYOB makes it all the better. read more

Guys.. do not hesitate dining or ordering from here. The food is so good, and the service is attentive and friendly. We came here during Covid, and the service and quality of food was not at all affected. The hummus, dolmas, falafel, meat bootak, lentil soup.. all great. Chicken shish tawook, tender and moist! Baklava was so crispy and light, not at all soggy! I believe the restaurant is family owned, but yet I would highly recommend over some of the high end competitors. Pricing is reasonable, and there is no surprise it's a 5 star restaurant!! read more

Got takeout of the chicken shawarma and lentil soup and it was fantastic! Fast pickup and good food.

I just moved in a block away from Cedar Palace so last night my roommates and I gave it a try. The inside is small and cozy and the food was GREAT! I had the vegetarian combo plate which I highly recommend. It's BYOB. We definitely will be coming back and I'm excited to visit again when their patio is open read more

Cedar Palace - Vegetarian Combo Dinner Plate - Lebanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The hummus here was good, and the falafel was ok, but the chicken was absolutely disgusting. It was inedible. Very stringy and fatty and everything you don't want chicken to be. Wanted to like this place, but the quality of meat is just not good. This is the type of place you only want to eat the veggies. Probably would not go back. read more

The atmosphere and food at Cedar Palace is excellent! With a colorful backyard patio (open during COVID-19), the amazing Lebanese dishes served by the staff at Cedar Palace is sure to impress. We ordered from the lunch menu and tried the falafel, hummus with chicken shawarma, and fattoush salad. The salad had amazing crispy deep fried Pita chips with pomegranate molasses! The falafel were crisp and hot. The hummus and chicken shawarma was full of flavor. I would highly recommend this restaurant! read more

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A small menu, but the food is consistently good. A small place but take out is always quick.

First off, the server was very friendly and informative. He helped guide me to getting the Vegetarian Bowl since it was my first time here. The actual bowl was very unique in that it also had a cheese stick and a filled leaf sandwich for the end I presume. The highlight of the dish was definitely the crunchiness of the falafel exterior and the hummus and baba ghanouj. read more

Cedar Palace - Vegetarian Combo Lunch Plate - Lebanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Everything - absolutely everything - here is bar none fantastic. Anthony, the son of the owner, was gracious, kind and welcoming. I came here with a friend and brought my girlfriend the following weekend - arrived right after the kitchen closed, thought about it for a week and came back the following week with her. Favorites are the potato boorak, baba ghannouj, lentil soup, beef shish kabob - and the baklava was the absolute freshest and best I have ever had. read more

Cedar Palace - Lebanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Got this place to go but wow! How has this tiny spot been here for years and I'm just trying it now. Has a secret patio in the back, run and enjoy! Get the chicken! read more

Amazing food just like my mom's food great people loved everything about it . A gem of a place Thank you for the amazing experience read more

The food was fresh and delicious. The service was outstanding. The hostess and the servers were very friendly. Overall a great experience and I can't wait to come back! read more

Great food and service! If you're in a hurry, this probably isn't the spot to dine. However, if you're interested in something delicious where you can relax a bit, this is a great spot. They take their time and everything is made fresh to order. I work across the street and whether I am dining in or getting takeout, they have never failed me! Chicken shawarma sandwich is great. I've had their hummus and falafel too. Kafta kabob is also a favorite. read more

Back in Chicago for the weekend. Not as good as I remember from 3 years ago when we moved. Still pretty good, but not sure I will "crave" it anymore. read more

Best Mediterranean food I've had. Highly recommend the vegetarian combo - you get the best falafel, dolma, and baba ghannouj. Lovely patio with heat lamps, BYOB read more

Cedar Palace - Vegetarian combo, shish tawook - Lebanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wanted to try this place out after seeing all the 5 star reviews. Sat outside in their heated patio and got their hummus for an app and the dinner combo with the shish tawook, beef kabobs, kafta, rice, and bulgar wheat. Literally every item on the plate was delicious. The beef kabob was smokey, tender, and exactly as described (easily worth the extra $7). Anthony (owner's son) was the highlight though, this guy is awesome! He gave us the rundown of their history, how they make everything from scratch, and also put together the dinner combo for us which ended up being exactly what we wanted. Can't wait to go back! read more

I was craving a flavorful salad and we found this gem. The restaurant was full of customers and the host was super friendly. I have to say each bite of our food was delicious and flavorful. We ordered carry out and got it within 10 minutes! I love the small business family feel and the family recepies read more

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Delicious, authentic food from the Levant. highly recommend Cedar Palace! It's in a great location with a beautiful patio in Lincoln Park

The city's best real authentic middle eastern food. There's something special about family owned businesses. You can taste the love in the food. Benny is the best, so awesome to see such a great work ethic at such a young age. He is flat out awesome!!! I can't wait to be back, try the hummus, chicken tawook and their top secret garlic sauce. read more

Came here about three years ago and again recently, and I thought why not leave them a good word. My friends and I had a great experience here. We ordered a plethora of plates, and it was great that my vegetarian friend LOVED the food here as well. The first time I visited I was so lucky to have the opportunity to meet the chef (and owner?). She was kind and personable and let us know these were all family recipes, and you can taste the love and care she put in them! I would definitely come back, and I recommend checking it out for newcomers! read more

The best Mediterranean place in Chicago. The staff is amazing . Food is awesome. I recommend it 100%. The owner is such a sweetheart. read more

So good and great value ! Came for lunch and got the hummus and lunch combination plate. It's so much food for what you get! My favorite part was the chicken . I also love their thin pita bread pieces- it's super thin which I was surprised to see. Place is also BYOB so will have to come back for dinner sometime ! Highly recommend ! read more

Cedar Palace - Hummus - Lebanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The restaurant is really cute, and the food is really good at (I think) authentic! The staff is really nice, and very affective. Would recommend. read more