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Best of Loop

Lunch spots for Mediterranean food

A Mediterranean lunch that provides a substantial midday reset rather than just another quick bite at your desk.

Based on 801 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Pita Pita Mediterranean Grill image 1
Pita Pita Mediterranean Grill image 2
Pita Pita Mediterranean Grill image 3
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Mediterranean grill with clean, modern interior and cozy lighting sets a warm, inviting atmosphere. Music plays softly, creating a chill vibe suited for casual dining. Popular dishes include fresh falafel and flavorful shawarma bowls.

Offers quick, healthy lunch options with falafel and grape leaves. The mixed meat lunch combo stands out as a solid choice downtown.

Falafel stands out with its freshness and rich flavor. Chicken shawarma bowls offer generous portions of tender, juicy meat with a satisfying taste.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"I loved the flavorful chicken shawarma bowls and fresh falafel."

"This lunch spot has delicious food made fresh."

Good to know

1

There is no restroom available for customers at this location.

2

Lunch combo prices are around $13.25, offering good value.

3

Expect delays during lunch rush due to a single self-service kiosk.

02
Nesh Mediterranean Grill image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Roomy indoor space offers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere with a warm, welcoming vibe. Outdoor seating features lush plants like sunflowers and marigolds, adding natural charm. The place attracts those seeking friendly, affordable Mediterranean meals in a cozy setting.

Fast service and friendly staff make lunch here smooth even during busy times. Meals offer healthy, flavorful options at an affordable price for a quick downtown bite.

Fresh, flavorful dishes stand out with falafel, spicy hummus, and grilled vegetable skewers. Pita bread pairs well with hummus, and options like shawarma, kebabs, baba ghanouj, and lentil soup offer variety.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's flavorful food, like juicy meats and crunchy falafel, hits the spot."

"The shawarma here is fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned."

"I thought the Mediterranean food here was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Nesh Mediterranean Grill offers customizable meals similar to Chipotle's ordering system.

2

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating options available.

3

Nesh Mediterranean Grill is now open on Saturdays.

03
The Marq image 1
Restaurant

Stylish restaurant and bar with a modern interior and spacious, beautifully appointed rooms. Atmosphere balances classy and laid-back vibes with a pleasant, quiet bar area that encourages conversation. Features include off-sound televisions and a setup that supports group dining and socializing.

Quickly arranged boxed lunches come at a reasonable price. It suits business lunches well with consistent quality and options like a standout salad entree.

Hummus stands out as a popular appetizer here, often paired with other dishes. Falafel comes herb-filled and well dressed with fresh vegetables, serving as a solid vegetarian choice.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and creative."

"I really enjoyed the burger; it was solid and flavorful."

"The Mediterranean food, especially the falafel, is fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The Marq can host events for up to 100 people with excellent service.

2

Happy hour is available, making it a great spot for after-work gatherings.

3

Street parking is available around the corner on Dearborn.

04
LaShuk Street Food image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Space offers fresh Israeli food with high-quality ingredients and exceptional hummus that stands out in flavor and freshness. Atmosphere carries great vibes contributing to a pleasant dining experience. Portions tend to be small relative to price, but food arrives promptly and consistently.

A solid choice for weekday lunch with a steady crowd. The spot offers a reliable and familiar option for a midday meal downtown.

Smooth, creamy hummus with just the right amount of garlic stands out here. Crispy falafel with a fluffy inside pairs well with fresh veggies and a generous drizzle of tahini.

People are saying

"I loved the Mediterranean food, especially the delicious hummus."

"The falafel here is crispy outside, fluffy inside."

"This lunch spot's falafel is perfectly crisp and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The whole meal comes to about $15, which is a steal for the quality.

2

Only one pita is provided with five pieces of falafel, leaving an abundance of hummus.

3

The family style says it serves 5, but our family was stuffed and we had leftovers.

05
Halaleez NY Chicken & Gyro Rice Bowls image 1

Small fast food spot with a few counter stools offers authentic NYC halal street food featuring perfectly seasoned grilled meats and homemade sauces. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming despite limited dine-in space. Food quality stands out with tender, juicy meat and well-balanced spices.

Offers quick lunches with a clean, modern ambiance. Serves chicken and gyro rice bowls suitable for both lunch and dinner.

Falafel comes crispy on the outside and fluffy and herby on the inside with a nutty chickpea flavor. Tzatziki sauce stands out as especially good.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and flavorful."

"This Mediterranean food is saucy, drool-worthy, and tastes like NYC carts."

"This Lunch Spot's gyro meat is juicy and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

They offer a 10% discount for UIC students.

2

This place is mostly a takeout spot, but they have bar stools for 2-4 people.

3

Halaleez is the first place I found that sells authentic NYC halal platters in Chicago.

06
Bereket Turkish Mediterranean restaurant (Halal Certified) image 1

Space combines warm, earthy colors and authentic Turkish decor with a spacious patio for outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels calm and family-friendly, welcoming guests like a home with thoughtful, friendly energy. Music adds a relaxing vibe that complements the genuine cultural setting.

Offers speedy service and delicious food ideal for lunch. Suitable for casual office meals or birthday lunches.

Adana kebab stands out with its rich flavor and perfect spice. Plates often include mixed grill platters featuring juicy lamb, tender chicken, and flavorful kebabs, alongside authentic ฤฐskender Kebab and fresh meze starters.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fantastic."

"The Mediterranean food here is amazing, especially the kebabs."

"This lunch spot's food is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your own drinks.

2

A 20% service charge is added to all bills, regardless of group size.

3

Expect an additional 3% fee for credit card payments.

07
CAVA image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Dining area features warm tones and plants, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Energy stays professional and consistent with a steady flow of people during lunch hours. Menu offers varied choices for both vegetarians and meat eaters, making it a versatile spot for quick, healthy meals.

Unified team dynamic keeps the lunch rush moving smoothly. Clean space with comfy spots makes it easy to enjoy a break.

Garlic chicken Shawarma bowl stands out with customized spice levels and careful preparation. Friendly service includes quick replacement of dropped hummus cups, showing attention to detail.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and very fresh."

"The Mediterranean food here is great, and the staff is so friendly."

"This lunch spot's staff is so warm and welcoming."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during lunch hours, but they move quickly.

2

Online ordering can lead to delays; in-person ordering is faster.

3

The restaurant often runs out of chicken during busy times.

08
Greek Kitchen image 1
Greek restaurant

Casual Greek restaurant offers generous portions and affordable prices with a chill atmosphere and friendly staff. Meals feature flavorful options like falafel, lamb shawarma, and chicken rotisserie with fresh toppings. Lunchtime is typically calm with a quick-moving line, making it suitable for solo or quick meals.

Quick, casual meals with Greek flavors make this a solid choice for lunch. Options include vegetarian and healthier dishes, fitting well for a midday break in the city.

Rotisserie chicken comes with tzatziki, feta, and Greek fries that are crispy and cheesy. Kebabs arrive with skewers still attached, paired with pita, baba ganoush, and fresh sides like cucumber and tomato.

People are saying

"The chicken rotisserie plate at this Lunch Spot is juicy and flavorful."

"I loved the food; it was always fresh and flavorful."

"The Mediterranean food here is so juicy and flavorful, especially the chicken."

Good to know

1

The menu allows for custom meals by substituting items.

2

Prices for meals are around $12.50, making it affordable.

3

Lunchtime is not overcrowded, and the line moves quickly.

09
Naf Naf Grill image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Fast-paced Middle Eastern restaurant with plentiful seating and a clean, pleasant atmosphere. The line is often long, reflecting its popularity during lunch. Known for crispy falafel and freshly baked pita, it offers a solid quick-service experience downtown.

Lunch hours feature friendly staff who keep the front line stocked and clean even during the rush. This spot serves as a solid quick-service choice downtown.

Falafel stands out as the best in the city, crispy and fresh. Chicken schwarma comes with hummus available for an extra charge, and the Moroccan sauce adds a nice touch to falafel sandwiches.

People are saying

"The food here is plentiful and flavorful."

"The food at this lunch spot tasted great and fresh."

"I thought the Mediterranean food, especially the falafel, was perfect."

Good to know

1

Prices are reasonable for the portion sizes offered.

2

Halal options are available, but confirm before ordering.

3

Expect long lines during peak lunch hours.

10
BenjYehuda - La Salle image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Casual Mediterranean spot with a build-your-own topping line and generous portions draws a crowded lunch crowd. Atmosphere stays clean and relaxed despite the busy pace. Food leans heavily on Middle Eastern flavors with standout shawarma and falafel options.

Crowds build up during lunch hours, so setting aside enough time is important. It works well for eating alone or with friends and draws regular visits twice a week.

Chicken shawarma bowls come with generous portions and well-seasoned meat. Falafel is crispy and flavorful without being heavy. Sauces like baba ganoush have a distinct flavor that stands out.

People are saying

"The falafel here is fresh, flavorful, and perfectly crispy."

"The food portions here are huge, easily enough for two meals."

"The Mediterranean food's falafel and shawarma are savory and filling."

Good to know

1

The restaurant can get very crowded during lunch hours.

2

Expect generous portion sizes; come hungry.

3

Prices are fair for the quality and portion size.

11
Jimmy's Gyros & Grill image 1
Fast food restaurant

Tiny fast food spot blends Greek and American road culture with an open kitchen where staff prepare food in plain view. The atmosphere stays lively and welcoming, with chill music adding to the inviting vibe. Limited seating means most eat standing or take food to go.

Offers a fast and good lunch with an old-school Chicago lunch counter vibe. Serves straightforward, satisfying meals ideal for a quick midday stop.

Gyros come with authentic Mediterranean flavors and generous servings of tzatziki sauce that many find delicious. Some orders may arrive without tzatziki, so it varies.

People are saying

"I found the Greek food, especially the gyros, to be excellent."

"This lunch spot is quick and friendly."

"The Mediterranean food here has perfectly seasoned meat."

Good to know

1

Jimmy's Gyros & Grill offers a late night special.

2

The restaurant closes at 3am, making it a late-night option.

3

There is no bathroom available at the restaurant.

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