11 Best Mediterranean Restaurants In Illinois To Try In 2026
Illinois serves up some seriously delicious Mediterranean food that can make an ordinary day feel a little brighter. Across the state, chefs draw on family recipes, regional traditions, and years of hands-on experience to create meals that feel both comforting and vibrant.
Olive oil flows generously, herbs are used with confidence, and slow-grilled meats arrive deeply aromatic and full of character. Chicago anchors the scene with polished dining rooms and creative menus, while cities like Springfield and Peoria add their own personality through longtime neighborhood favorites and casual grill spots.
Each kitchen interprets Mediterranean cooking in its own way, some leaning traditional, others more modern, yet all share a commitment to freshness and bold flavor.
A plate of shawarma, a scoop of hummus, or a well-built gyro can deliver the same sense of warmth and satisfaction that defines the cuisine at its roots.
1. Aba – Chicago
Right in Chicago’s West Loop at 302 N Green St, Aba brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to life with a modern twist that’ll make your mouth water. Chef CJ Jacobson has created a menu that celebrates the cuisines of Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, and Israel with dishes that look almost too pretty to eat.
The charcoal-grilled meats arrive at your table still sizzling, and the smoky aroma alone is enough to make you forget about everything else.
Their crispy cauliflower has achieved legendary status among Chicago foodies, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why people can’t stop talking about it. The whipped feta dip is so creamy and flavorful that you might be tempted to eat it with a spoon instead of pita bread.
Every small plate on the menu is designed for sharing, which means you get to sample more of the incredible flavors.
The restaurant’s sleek, contemporary atmosphere makes it perfect for date nights or celebrations with friends who appreciate seriously good food.
2. Sinya Mediterranean – Chicago
At 3224 N Damen Ave in Chicago’s Roscoe Village neighborhood, Sinya Mediterranean has become the go-to spot for folks craving authentic Mediterranean flavors without the fancy restaurant fuss. This family-owned gem serves up generous portions that’ll leave you satisfied and probably with leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
The owners treat every customer like family, which creates a warm, welcoming vibe that keeps people coming back week after week.
Their chicken shawarma wrap is stuffed so full of perfectly spiced meat and fresh veggies that you’ll need both hands and maybe a few napkins to tackle it properly. The falafel comes out golden brown and crispy on the outside while staying fluffy on the inside, just like it should be.
Fresh ingredients shine in every dish, from the bright tomatoes in the tabbouleh to the smooth tahini drizzled over everything.
The casual atmosphere means you can show up in jeans and feel completely comfortable while enjoying food that tastes like it came from a Mediterranean grandmother’s kitchen.
3. Sila’s Mediterranean Restaurant – Chicago
Broadway Street in Andersonville hosts Sila’s Mediterranean Restaurant at 5236 N Broadway St, where the menu reads like a greatest hits collection of Mediterranean cooking. This neighborhood favorite has mastered the art of making traditional dishes that taste authentic while keeping prices reasonable enough for regular visits.
The generous portions mean you’re definitely getting your money’s worth, and the flavors are bold enough to make every bite exciting.
Their lamb dishes are tender and perfectly seasoned, falling apart at the gentlest touch of your fork. The mezze platters arrive loaded with hummus, baba ganoush, and other dips that pair beautifully with warm, fluffy pita bread.
Each dish showcases the fresh herbs and spices that make Mediterranean cuisine so distinctive and crave-worthy.
The staff takes pride in explaining menu items to newcomers and helping everyone find dishes they’ll absolutely love. Whether you’re a Mediterranean food expert or trying it for the first time, Sila’s makes the experience enjoyable and delicious from start to finish.
4. Haddad’s Restaurant – Peoria
Over on West Main Street at 1010 W Main St, Peoria, Haddad’s Restaurant has been serving up authentic Lebanese cuisine that keeps families coming back generation after generation. The recipes here have been passed down through the family, which means you’re tasting dishes that have been perfected over decades of cooking.
Walking through the door feels like being invited into someone’s home for a special meal, with aromas that immediately make your stomach rumble.
Their stuffed grape leaves are rolled by hand and filled with a savory mixture that bursts with flavor in every bite. The kibbeh, a traditional Lebanese dish of bulgur wheat and spiced meat, showcases the kind of authentic preparation you rarely find outside the Mediterranean region.
Fresh parsley, mint, and other herbs brighten up dishes and add layers of flavor that make each meal memorable.
The family atmosphere means kids are welcome and the staff goes out of their way to make everyone feel comfortable and well-fed with portions that never disappoint.
5. Chef Moussa – Peoria
Chef Moussa brings his culinary talents to 201 E Lake Ave in Peoria, creating Mediterranean dishes that blend traditional techniques with creative modern touches. The chef’s passion for fresh ingredients and authentic flavors shines through in every carefully prepared plate that leaves the kitchen.
His commitment to quality means sourcing the best produce, meats, and spices to create dishes that taste both familiar and excitingly new.
The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring you’re always getting ingredients at their peak freshness and flavor. Grilled meats arrive perfectly charred on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside, seasoned with spice blends that transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast.
The vegetarian options are so flavorful and satisfying that even dedicated meat-eaters find themselves ordering them repeatedly.
Small batch preparation means dishes are made to order rather than sitting under heat lamps, which makes a noticeable difference in taste and texture. The attention to detail and genuine love for Mediterranean cuisine make every visit to Chef Moussa feel special and delicious.
6. Jerusalem Restaurant – Peoria
At 2027 W. Farmington Rd in Peoria, Jerusalem Restaurant serves up Middle Eastern flavors that transport diners straight to the bustling markets and home kitchens of the Holy Land.
The authentic recipes here have been carefully preserved to maintain the traditional tastes that make this cuisine so special. Every dish tells a story of cultural heritage and culinary tradition that spans centuries of cooking wisdom.
Their hummus is impossibly smooth and topped with olive oil that adds richness to every scoop of warm pita bread. The shawarma is stacked high and slow-roasted until the edges get crispy while the inside stays moist and flavorful.
Fresh vegetables, tangy pickles, and creamy sauces come together in perfect harmony in every wrap and plate.
The welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to relax and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed or fancy. Prices stay reasonable despite the generous portions and high-quality ingredients, which means you can enjoy authentic Mediterranean food without breaking the bank or saving it only for special occasions.
7. Curly Shawarma – Peoria
Downtown Peoria’s Western Avenue at 831 N Western Ave, West Peoria, is home to Curly Shawarma, where fast-casual Mediterranean meets seriously delicious food that doesn’t sacrifice quality for speed. The open kitchen lets you watch your meal being prepared right before your eyes, which adds to the excitement and proves everything is made fresh to order.
The casual vibe means you can grab a quick lunch or settle in for a relaxed dinner without any stuffiness.
Their namesake shawarma features perfectly seasoned meat that’s been marinated for hours before hitting the rotating spit. The crispy edges combined with tender interior meat create a texture contrast that makes every bite interesting and satisfying.
Fresh toppings and house-made sauces add brightness and creaminess that balance the rich, savory meat beautifully.
The menu keeps things simple and focused, which means they’ve perfected each dish rather than spreading themselves too thin across dozens of options. Affordable prices and filling portions make this the perfect spot for students, families, or anyone who wants great Mediterranean food without the wait or the hefty bill.
8. Ugly Restaurant and Bar – Springfield
Don’t let the name fool you because there’s nothing ugly about the Mediterranean-inspired dishes served at 2312 Wabash Ave in Springfield. This local favorite has earned its reputation by serving creative takes on classic Mediterranean flavors that surprise and delight diners with every visit.
The eclectic atmosphere adds character and charm that makes dining here feel like an adventure rather than just another meal out.
Their Mediterranean-style appetizers showcase fresh ingredients and bold seasonings that wake up your taste buds right from the start. The fusion approach means you’ll find familiar Mediterranean flavors combined with unexpected twists that keep things interesting and exciting.
Generous portions ensure nobody leaves hungry, and the quality ingredients shine through in every carefully prepared dish.
The friendly staff creates a relaxed environment where you can enjoy good food without any pretension or formality. Regular customers know to save room for trying new seasonal specials that showcase the kitchen’s creativity and commitment to keeping the menu fresh and exciting throughout the year.
9. Yannis Gyros – Springfield
Springfield’s 814 Adlai Stevenson Dr hosts Yannis Gyros, where traditional Greek flavors take center stage in a casual setting that feels like a neighborhood hangout. The vertical rotisserie spinning with perfectly seasoned meat is visible from the street, drawing hungry customers in with the promise of authentic gyros made the right way.
Family recipes and traditional preparation methods ensure every dish tastes like it came straight from a taverna in Athens.
Their classic gyro sandwich is piled high with thinly sliced meat, fresh tomatoes, onions, and creamy tzatziki sauce that brings everything together beautifully. The pita bread is warm and soft, providing the perfect vessel for all those delicious fillings without falling apart halfway through your meal.
Greek salads feature crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and kalamata olives that add authentic Mediterranean flavors to every forkful.
The no-frills atmosphere keeps the focus where it belongs: on the delicious, authentic food that brings people back again and again for their Greek food fix.
10. PITA OR BOWL – Springfield
At 848 S Grand Ave E in Springfield, PITA OR BOWL offers a choose-your-own-adventure approach to Mediterranean dining that lets you build the perfect meal every single time. The assembly-line style means you can watch your food being prepared exactly how you want it, with control over every ingredient and topping.
This customizable format makes it easy to accommodate dietary preferences, picky eaters, or adventurous foodies looking to try new flavor combinations.
Fresh ingredients are prepped daily and displayed in an appealing setup that makes choosing your toppings almost as fun as eating them. The proteins are seasoned and grilled to perfection, whether you choose chicken, beef, falafel, or other Mediterranean favorites.
House-made sauces range from mild and creamy to spicy and tangy, allowing you to customize the heat level and flavor profile.
The fast-casual format means you get restaurant-quality food at prices that won’t shock your wallet, with service that’s quick enough for lunch breaks but relaxed enough for casual dinners with friends or family.
11. The Rock Restaurant – Normal
College Avenue in Normal at 203 W North St is home to The Rock Restaurant, where Mediterranean influences meet American favorites in a menu that offers something for everyone. The location near Illinois State University means a lively atmosphere filled with students, families, and locals who appreciate good food at reasonable prices.
The diverse menu ensures groups with different tastes can all find dishes they’ll enjoy without compromise.
Their Mediterranean-inspired dishes showcase fresh vegetables, quality proteins, and bold seasonings that bring authentic flavors to central Illinois. The gyros and Greek salads satisfy cravings for traditional Mediterranean fare, while other menu options ensure even picky eaters find something delicious.
Generous portions mean college students and budget-conscious diners get great value without sacrificing quality or taste.
The casual, comfortable atmosphere makes it perfect for study breaks, family dinners, or catching up with friends over good food. The combination of Mediterranean options alongside American classics creates a welcoming menu that brings different culinary traditions together under one roof for everyone’s enjoyment.