Demera was an excellent introduction to Ethiopian food! Since it was our first time, the staff was…read moreincredibly friendly and attentive, taking the time to answer our questions and make recommendations. The food was absolutely delicious and tasted incredibly fresh. It struck the perfect balance of being healthy while still being satisfying. We ordered a platter that didn't look like it would be very filling at first, but it was more than enough food. I would definitely recommend Demera to anyone looking to try Ethiopian cuisine, whether it's your first time or you're already a fan. If you're planning a date night in Uptown, this is a great place to start the evening, then head across the street to the Green Mill for live jazz and cocktails. It makes for a fun night out!

I love Ethiopian food and this is one of the small number of well-known Ethiopian restaurants in…read moreChicago. Need anything more really be said about it? The spicing is not shy, the meats are good, but as is so often true the vegetables are the star. The yellow lentils and the collard greens are probably my favorites. The spiced tea is good too. The service was adequate but neglectful, the QR-ification of the menus annoys me. And if we were in Washington DC or something we could have nice debates about how this place rates against many excellent competitors, but in Chicago I will just say that it is good, and if you like Ethiopian food you will come here sometimes.

I've come to Cairo Kebab, an Egyptian restaurant, a few times for lunch and dinner. Below are some…read morethoughts. Mezza [Combo platter including Baba Ghanoush, Hummus, Ta'ameya(falafel), Tabboula(salad): Our favorite was the Banana Ghanoush, as it was one of the most flavorful baba ghanoush I have had and contained a very good char. The hummus was a little more on the sour side, and the texture of the salad was refreshing. The bread was also made fresh and was refillable as well, which we appreciated. My friend liked the falafel, but I think it was a little too dry, and I wish they could increase the intensity of the spices to make it pop out more. The chili sauce helped a lot though. Cairo Platter (Kofta, Chicken, Beef): The Kofta is my favorite-seasoned, soft and tender. Out of the two times I got this, the chicken and the beef were not as moist/juicy-they were okay. Overall I wish they gave us more Kofta though, since there wasn't much of it, and the platter was on the pricier side. Shawarma Plate: The shawarma was tasty and the portions were good. I personally liked adding the chili sauce on top. Macorrona Bechamel: Our favorite dish. It tasted like Mac and cheese but the flavors are even more nuanced and complex. Very delicious and honestly we wished we ordered one per person . Overall I really like the restaurant, and I think some of the dishes were really well made, you just need to find them :). I hope the quality is more consistent as we will visit again.

We went here for lunch. It was a very nice location and very attractive restaurant. The food was…read moredelicious I had the chicken kabob sandwich which came with fries. It was made-to-order fresh and hot. I also had a Minty Mint beverage I'd never heard of before. My friend is vegan and he did find something he could eat. Our waitress was very pleasant and efficient. It was fun!

I had a really good experience at Zayna Mediterranean Grill. We ordered the chicken shawarma…read moreplatters along with hummus, pita, falafel and baklava. The chicken shawarma was definitely the standout for me -- it was very well seasoned, flavorful and they give you a generous portion. The hummus was smooth and creamy, and I loved having the different sauces to add to the shawarma and pita. We also tried the falafel, and finished with baklava, which was a nice way to end the meal. I actually saw them putting fresh baklava into the display while we were there. The restaurant itself is casual and laid-back, and I also like that they're BYOB and open late, which is always good to know in Chicago. Overall, a solid neighborhood option when you're craving Mediterranean food, and I would definitely order the chicken shawarma again.

This place was actually good! I'd describe it as Mediterranean fast food, nothing fancy, just…read morequick, affordable, and good food. The restaurant was clean, the service was fast and efficient, and our food came out pretty quickly. It's a great option when you don't feel like cooking, but also don't want to sit down at a fancy restaurant or go to one of the big fast food chains. Prices are reasonable, portions are good, and the food does the job. No complaints!

Fantastic and authentic West African food right here in Chicago. The owners are friendly and happy…read moreto guide newcomers, so no one should feel intimidated. I had, and thoroughly enjoyed, the spicy goat appetizer and then the Egusi with goat and beef as an entree, which was fun to eat by hand. The puff puff was perfect, too. With a very comfortable vibe and a great R&B playlist, it creates an atmosphere where you could sit and chat for hours.

My son wanted to try Nigerian food, so I looked for a place in his neighborhood. I met him here…read morearound 4 pm on a weekday. We were greeted and seated immediately. We asked the server for a few recommendations on what to order. This was our first time trying Nigerian food. For this visit, we tried: Jollof rice- it was good Meat Pie- the crust was delicious. It could use a little more meat filling. Puff Puff- this was just dense dough, a little sweet on the outside. Suya Beef- this is like beef jerky, with spices Asun- this is excellent. The goat is very tender, the sauce is flavorful, and it is very spicy. This experience was good. Our favorite dishes are the Asun and the meat pie. Our server was helpful and efficient. The place is clean, and it's street parking only. Thank you for representing Nigerian cuisine well:)

I stopped by BenjYehuda for lunch during work after a friend recommended it as a must-try spot in…read morethe Loop and she was absolutely right! The setup is similar to Chipotle, where you customize your order with bowls, pitas, and salads. I went with the Chicken Shawarma bowl on a bed of rice, and it did not disappoint. I added hummus, a few veggies (corn, red cabbage, red onions), and the Mediterranean pickles, which were by far my favorite topping. If you're going to get one topping, get the pickles some of the best pickles I've ever had not exaggerating... To finish it off, I topped everything with the garlic white sauce. The bowl was delicious and came with a free pita on the side, which was a nice surprise. Normally, I get double chicken at Chipotle, but a single serving here was more than enough. The chicken was flavorful and perfectly cooked--not dry at all, which is always a big plus for me. While seating is limited, I was lucky to find a spot, so I'd recommend avoiding the lunch rush if you plan to dine in. The staff was friendly and super helpful, making the whole experience even better for my first time. I'll definitely be back next time I'm craving a quick, delicious Mediterranean lunch!

A great place for a quick and filling bite! I visited during the lunch hour along with the crowd…read moretaking their lunch break here and the service was very fast! There are several places to sit and eat, but it was quite loud from chatting and the music, so I just did pick up. The food provided large portions and pretty tasty, there was a bit much sauce for my preference, but now I know to ask for less next time!

We ordered two entrées for a party of 18 at our office. All of the food was amazing and hot and…read moredelivered by a great delivery person.. we were provided with the complementary dessert as a thank you. I really like this company. It's a great restaurant.

Stopped in for a quick lunch! Cute little shop with the nicest of employees!!! I got the gyro plate…read moreand I feel like it's such a good bang for your buck! $14 and you get sides, meet, rice and delicious pita!! Will definitely be a go to for me for work lunches! Their hot sauce isn't too hot either

This is a WONDERFUL warm friendly restaurant with absolutely DELICIOUS classic Greek dishes!!! The…read moredim lights and classic look is special. GREAT GREAT GREAT FOOD!

Their service is so good! I'm always treated so well, and I always go for dessert! I really enjoy…read moretheir baklava cheesecake, it's hard to top. I especially enjoy going during the spring weather with the restaurant windows opens it really sets a pleasant atmosphere.

If it weren't for a Yelp event, I'd have never known how out-of-this-world awesome LaShuk is…read more I've had mediocre falafel, I've had good falafel, but here, I had mind-blowing falafel. LaShuk is truly next level. The flavors and textures are all dead on. The herbs and spices within bestow tremendous flavor, which is to say nothing of its texture. The exterior is crisp, and the interior is so soft, it's almost pillowy! Everything is fresh, too; these didn't at all feel like they'd come from a hotel pan. Let me also talk to the hummus! While, to be fair, hummus is not my favorite thing in the world, this is something LaShuk executes amazingly nonetheless. It was silky smooth, and had great flavor. In a world where it seems once can either choose fried calories or diet conscious rabbit foot, LaShuk stands as a bastion of deliciousness. It is both a healthier option, but also one that absolutely SLAPS in terms of all around flavors and textures.

Can't speak higher about LaShuk. Everyone in my office LOVES it, especially me!!!…read more Their falafel - 10/10. Chicken shawarma - 10/10. Israeli salad - 10/10. Hummus - 10/10. I always get either their chicken shawarma or falafel rice platter. I also tried their mushroom and caramelized onions hummus bowl and I was legit in heaven. I cannot rave more about the food here it's simply to-die-for. Their staff is very friendly as well! I wish they had another place instead of just being inside of Sterling Hall. If they had their own place I would go probably once a week. Just go here. You won't be disappointed!