This restaurant compared to Cedars is amazing! But compared to other restaurants "so so." Again, another restaurant that claims to be "Mediterranean or Middle Eastern" and it has nothing to do with that kind of food. But hey, this is America, what do we know about real ethnic food, good for your guys, you are making money out of us thinking... oh they won't know what a real Falafel or Shawerma sandwich is ;) The funny thing is that those people who open such restaurants, do they really don't know the absolute basics of Middle Eastern Food. Since when the Chicken Shawerma comes with Tahini sauce and not garlic sauce!!!! Since when the Chicken Shawerma comes with tomatoes and not pickles!! Anyway, what ever this kind of food is (NOT Middle Eastern), it is not bad and I will give you 3 stars for it. read more

Super great. You get a lot for your money, be sure to check out the sandwiches on the back if you're on a tight budget. It's super high quality and flavorful. Ask forbears tahini or hot sauce if you want because it's not included. Carry out was ready super fast too. Highly recommended. read more

I've had this a few times now delivered for different group and meeting functions and every time I've had it, I have left full and happy. The room always smells so good and the smell of falaffel wafting down the hall will make your whole building or floor hungry too which is always a good thing. That said, nothing is packed with a ton of flavor but they do bring you a large variety of food when ordering for a group. Their falaffel is probably the best thing they do here, and for that I will continue to order from them for sure. Their spicy chilli pepper paste is also a great topper for the falaffel and they bring you an obscene amount of pita bread for you to make your own pitas of fun. Their hummus and tahini are so so but their chicken shawarma is also pretty good and here is another order where they give you a ton of chicken. I wish they actually packed for falaffel balls into their large orders since I find our groups always end up with that awkward stare down over who will be the person to take the few falaffel or who would be the nice one to offer to split one with someone else...you know how those food wars go, and it is all for the falaffel here! read more

I ordered delivery and the chicken shawarma sandwich was amazing. It was flavorful, the right amount of salty, oniony, and filling. It also came with fresh chips. Highly recommended if you got home too late to cook and are starving. read more

I'd like to rate the Nile 5 stars, but their customer service is abysmal! The folks behind the counter are rude and inconsiderate, and they are like that every time I come here. I will say that their food is amazing though - if it wasn't strictly for the freshness and flavor of their food, this place would be a no-go. There were also a few times where I received the wrong items when I ordered delivery - they were courteous enough to fix that with no problem, which I appreciated. read more

New location, new building, and new staffers - the Nile is no longer as homey as the one of my college days but the same server who used to staff the smaller storefront by herself is still here and the lentil soup is as smooth and flavorful as I like it. My friend and I shared the Maklouba with lamb rib meat. This was a new dish for both of us and I was impressed by how evenly cooked the rice was while dotted with bits of tender lamb and vegetables. read more

Nile Restaurant Hyde Park - Lamb Maklouba - Middle Eastern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was happy to find this classy-looking Middle-Eastern restaurant for a pre-theater dinner the other night. We weren't rushed, so we ordered appetizers of hummus (smooth but bland), lentil soup (also well-executed but the flavor wasn't very deep), spinach pie (excellent flavors and textures, not phyllo dough based, with a bit of kick to the spinach-onion filling), and Jerusalem salad (way overdressed, almost soupy, difficult to like). To follow, we had maklouba ("upside down" rice casserole) with chicken, which would have been excellent if the vegetables hadn't been overcooked to mush, and shish barrak, a large bowl with a few doughy dumplings swimming in a yogurt broth thickened substantially by flour and dotted with small chunks of what I think was lamb from a shank. The shish barrak, which I assume is comfort food in someone's home, was very hearty, but forgettably bland, or perhaps just an acquired taste. The maklouba, on the other hand, had the makings of greatness, and as it seems to be offered as a veggie-only dish or with different meats, would be worth trying again. The rest of the menu looks pretty standard Levantine (baba ganoush, falafel, kifta, kebabs, etc.), and given the comments here is likely worth exploring (although I am spoiled for life by the chicken shawarma at Naf Naf and I don't expect Nile to meet that standard). No alcohol served, but you can BYO or walk a few doors east to Jimmy's and pick up a 6-pack. read more

Value: 3 Food: 3.5 Service: 4 Red lentil soup: very good. I really liked its simple richness; it does what its supposed to. The salmon kabob was surprisingly fresh, a 7/10, considering we're in Chicago. It wasn't seasoned, just lightly seared. The pinkness was darker than what fresh salmon looks like. Ordered the Shish Barrak, $17 however the beef was not in dumplings but rather boiled and very tender, came apart nicely with the fork. Over rice, the seasoning was subtle, the yogurt helped add some depth but the dish was definitely not worth that much. read more

Simply amazing. Had the large hummus and a lamb shawarma sandwich. The large hummus was generous in size, smooth and with a perfect tangy tahini flavor. The sandwich, though, was the real star of the meal. $7 and the pita was FILLED with huge slices of lamb. Easily one of the best shawarma sandwiches I've ever had. And I've had a lot. 5 stars. read more

Ambiance: Dined in for two on a Thursday evening around 8pm. It wasn't busy at all. It was quiet with dim lighting ideal for a casual and intimate setting. Service: Considering it wasn't busy, service was fairly slow and it took a while for our food to come out. Food: I ordered the sharan chicken sandwich. It was full of chicken and delicious. Sides are very generous so you may want to consider sharing with your guests. Price: Great value for money - $10 for my meal excluding drinks.... and I had left overs! Overall - Good food for a great price, i will be back again. read more

The place is awesome! I tried the lamp/beef shawarma and hummus and was really really good. read more

Nile Restaurant Hyde Park - Lamb/beef shawarma and hummus - Middle Eastern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We experienced good service, and the restaurant has a flavor profile unique to its chef(s). We had falafel (beautifully crispy outside and moist tender center) with pita (very nicely done, fresh) and baba ganough and hummus. The last two items were okay - if only because they were spicy (hot peppers?) and perhaps a bit small-portioned. The stuffed grape leaves were beautiful. My tabouli salad tasted like they used bottled synthetic lemon juice, and the greens were very tough to chew. My vegan maklouba (was hugely portioned and delicious, yay!), but they didn't put toasted pine nuts on top, which they should have acknowledged. For 14 dollars a plate, I would have gladly had half of it and also had half the cost, and I still would have went home with leftovers. I have had better middle eastern food at a better price. read more

I stopped here because my mother wanted to try it. I don't really feel any type of way about this place. I do not dislike it or like it but the food was actually good. The only downside was that the to go portions where smaller then what I expected. Still the food was worth it and I will stop by soon to update my review read more

The Nile recently catered our wedding reception for about 130 guests on their back patio, as we were also using the space next door (The Revival) for our wedding. The Nile was very easy to work with, gave us lots of food options and were very flexible with any changes or questions. The food was amazing and our guests from all over the country are still raving about it! The service was also great. Everything was perfect and helped make our day even better! Highly recommend for catering! read more

Tried their food for delivery once, had the three meat sample, which was a huge portion and very decent price. The meat sampler was okay, the meats were a bit dry even though I asked for medium but tasted pretty good, however the rice was below average. The salad and soup was not very below par, as it looked strange and tasted just as strange. I might try this place again, depending if there are no other grubhub options available. read more

Out of all the restaurants in Hyde Park, this one is my favorite. I love their lamb/beef shwarma and their falafel. I love their hummus. I love their stuffed grape leaves. I love it all. I love it all so much that instead of going somewhere fancy to celebrate my college graduation, I ordered the Nile for delivery to my apartment so that my parents could enjoy my favorite restaurant. I could write more about how excellent this place is, but really everything would sum up as: I love everything I've had on the menu and that I will miss this restaurant dearly. read more

So yummy. They are quick and friendly. Bread is warm. Food is just tasty. I eat here at least once a week. Downsides are that it's a bit pricy (although my 1 meal always gives me another 2-4 of leftovers), and there is never any parking : ( This 'new' location is crazy nicer than the old one when it was on east 55th. (Not that that one was bad... this one just has high ceilings, warm colors, way more seating) read more

Good shawarma! I had the lamb and beef shawarma entree and enjoyed it. The vegetables on the side were a little underdone but the star of the dish was well done. Not a bad place to stop for a quick lunch or dinner for some authentic Middle Eastern food. read more

Nile Restaurant Hyde Park - Lamb and beef schwarma - Middle Eastern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Crappy takeout experience. I got home and found that my order was wrong and a vegetarian entree was substituted with a chicken dish. Falafel was oily and cold. The red lentil soup was delicious, but had to be reheated. I've dined at the restaurant numerous times and have always been pleased. Both the food and the service during my visits were fantastic, and I always looked forward to coming back. I will happily dine in again, but no more takeaway for me. read more

This place has a very appealing atmosphere. It has a more upscale feel to it than many Middle Eastern restaurants I've been to. The wait staff were very friendly as well. I had the Maqloubeh. The meat isn't always the same. I was hoping for lamb but today they had chicken. It was excellent. It was to come with red lentil soup but I got a green lentil soup instead. It was still good. Unfortunately the pita tasted like it came from Jewel. That was unfortunate. The rice pudding was great, too. My server was nice and did come to make sure the food was ok but she never offered to refill my iced tea until the end of the meal but was still a good dining experience. I will probably go out of my way to come here again. The prices were very reasonable. read more

Nile Restaurant Hyde Park - Maqloubeh (sorry I took a couple of bites before I took the photo but I wanted you to see inside, too) - Middle Eastern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I have been here several times. I have never been disappointed, but at the same time, I have never left thinking "wow that was great." A few times I ordered pick-up it was very good, but I would have to say that the Nile is just average Middle Eastern food. It will fix my once-every-three-months craving for shawirma. The service is quick and friendly. read more

What an incredible place! Food is perfect.. reasonably priced. Friendly staff. Met the owner and thanked him for his generosity. We try to go to this heavenly place at least twice a month. read more

This place offers "homemade" recipes, good you'd only get in mommas kitchen, but without the real flavor. I've been here a couple times, both times I've been unimpressed. Food lacks the herbs spices of good Arabic food. It looks pretty on a plate, but the last is just not there. Staff isn't too friendly and food is overpriced for what they actually give you. Disappointing... read more

This has become the mid month switch it up go to spot. Not only is the food great, the service is to die for. I keep experimenting with the menu and can't find a bad dish. I only wish I lived in the delivery zone. However, they treat me so well when I get there it's worth the drive. read more

Great food! Nice people! Good price and great quantity. We enjoyed the food so much! Thank you!

I love The Nile Restaurant so much. My Dad loved their Chicken Shawarma dinner, so the Nile Restaurant Hyde Park is my favorite restaurant. They also have delicious food: not only is the Chicken Shawarma delicious, the Chicken Taouk, the Fattoush Salad with and without Chicken, and the Salmon Kabobs are my favorites. And I am ADDICTED to the Stuffed Grapevine Leaves. They always deliver as quickly as possible, depending on the order, and their drivers are always polite, kind, and professional. read more

Came here for (early) Dinner a few days ago around 4oclock, first time visiting. The restaurant was quiet when we got there, it was just me and one other, so we ordered a sharing appetizer plate, a combination platter (chicken and beef shawarma, kafta and shish touk was the combo). First we had the option of choosing a salad/soup, which I ordered Touboulleh, when it came out I was not impressed, the salad tasted as if the parsley had gone bad (I have made enough at home and ate out - to know how it is supp to taste) When I told the waitress she took it back and brought us a simple salad, which was a lot better. (I knock off a star for that) The sharing app platter was amazing, the falafels really are the tastiest I have ever had, as well as the hummus it came with. Loved it! The platter was great as well, lots of meats. After eating the variety of meats, I would prefer to have the Kafta kabab or Chicken Shwarama. The platters are huge portions, in which two ppl can share it Now when the bill came, I was pretty disappointed at being charged an extra dollar for a salad that tasted rotten and we didnt eat and sent back. I knocked off a star for that as well I had ordered side potatoes which cost an additional $5. Which seems really pricey for one roasted potato. All in all the food is pretty good, however it was a bit pricey. But if I ever have a craving for middle eastern food, this is the closest and much more satisfying then the middle eastern restaurants nearby. read more

I honestly didn't have very high hopes for this place, but it was the closest place that was open. I'm glad I was so wrong! The food was WONDERFUL. Flavorful, fresh, and large portions for a great price. Staff was great and attentive! I would have easily paid twice as much at a fancy, up-scale restaurant with food just as good as this place. Will definitely be coming back! read more

This place has been the best spot I think for lentil soup since the late 90's. I've been going there since I was 5 and hands down the best soup. The place is beautiful and the food is great. Authentic spice recipe on meats for sure. Not a fan of the waitress service but the food and place are still great. read more

The Nile is a great Mediterranean place and we have ordered from here quite a bit. Favorites are the falafel or shawarma wraps. Good rice too. read more

Ordered a carry out and was amazed at the quality and quantity of food I received. Salmon was very good as was the Lebanese salad, dolmades and vegetables. And the staff, Sophie, was so pleasant and friendly. read more

Nile Restaurant Hyde Park - Middle Eastern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The Nile has the best middle eastern food in this area, hands down, and you can't beat the service. We love to go to their restaurant, especially in their new location, but order out for delivery more often than not. Tonight, we ordered through a delivery site, and our order was messed up, through no fault of The Nile's. When I called there, I was told that, unfortunately, to get our missing item (hummus), we'd have to reorder and be charged a delivery fee. This was tough for me, as I have been living off of The Nile's yummy food since I had surgery a few months ago, and require a) high protein meals and b) mushy consistency foods. I understood their predicament, though, and thanked them for their time. Fifteen minutes later, our buzzer rang. It was the deliver person, with a container of hummus, and an apology for our inconvenience (again, NO FAULT of The Nile) from the owner of the restaurant. What a place! Thank you, so much. We are devotees, and will remain so, for so many reasons. read more

I've only been here once so I can only speak of the service and the quality of the food which were both ok. Nothing negative to say about either the place, the food or the service, and i'd gladly go back again. Maybe next time I'll try something else . Maybe a steak/lamb sandwich in a Pita wasn't the best way to appreciate everything they have to offer read more

I loved the shawrma ... good place to eat and the everything is fine and good prices too... I would recommend Nile Restaurant for anyone love Arabic food :) read more

This was my first time at Nile. I was going on a first date and needed to find a place in Hyde park. Of course, I wanted to dine at a place that was BYOB. I parked on the street in front of the restaurant and was greeted by a friendly staff within 30 secs of entering. I was sat right away and brought water. I had my bottle of wine so the waitress brought over a corkscrew. She also brought me a metal storage container full of ice for an ice bucket to keep my white wine chilled. My date and I were talking a lot and the waitress kept coming over to take our order but we weren't ready. Slightly felt rushed and decided to order the 3rd time she came over. I order the chicken shawarma and my date ordered the grilled shrimp. The food came out in about 20 mins looking delicious and smelling amazing. I order my deal with rice & veggies. Took one bite and was truly taken back by the powerful flavor of the dish. My date raved about the shrimp and was surprised when he tried my dish because the flavor was soooo good! After we ate, the waitress did come over a few times to see if we were ready. At this point we were feeling rushed but still happy because our food was amazing and the total was only $35! Over all, large portions, delicious food & cheap price. Only con is that we did feel rushed to order and rushed to leave but hey, I would still go there again! read more

This restaurant is the hidden gem in hydepark. They are serving the best musaka in chicago. Their homemade falafel is also top notch as well. You can combine with butter rice. It is melting in mouth. I am highly recommending!! read more

Dropped by to support the Nile and was disappointed with the amount of time it took to prepare a basic dinner for take out. There were virtually no patrons and yet it took over 40 minutes. read more

great looking place, not really much room for parking tho. it's really spacious but is rather loud and a little too dark for my taste. I've never been a fan of eating in low light. the service is ok, nothing fancy. as for the food, i have only tired their falafel which isn't even that good. i feel like they add more and more salt every time I order lol why do i go back? they are cheap and so am i. read more

We tried shish kabob beef/shish taouk combination was well as chicken shawarma and shish taouk combination. The shish taouk beef and chicken were very juice and tender. Great service and it's BYOB. It's a neighborhood diner that is great for a date night out or just hanging out with friends and family. read more

Great place. Renovated, clean, lots of space, but still has an intimate ambience. The service is good! The food is amazing. I got the chicken kebob and it was amazing. Large serving, clean, cooked perfectly. Looking forward to going back to this place! read more

Nile Restaurant Hyde Park - The shish taouk! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois