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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Des Plaines

Authentic salad spots

You want a salad that is prepared with traditional methods and real ingredients.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Karavan Restaurant image 1
Karavan Restaurant image 2
Karavan Restaurant image 3
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Restaurant blends Kyrgyz cultural design with cozy, warm atmosphere featuring both indoor and outdoor seating. Space feels spacious and colorful, inviting for family dinners or gatherings. Unique authentic cuisine stands out alongside a notable non-alcoholic bar and attentive service.

Beef pepper salad stands out with its zany and delicious flavor. The eggplant salad also appears as a recommended choice.

Cuisine captures regional flavors with strong authenticity. Decorations reflect an authentic atmosphere enhancing the dining experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and awesome."

"I found the food here to be truly authentic and reminded me of home."

"The eggplant salad was savory and crunchy."

Good to know

1

Karavan Restaurant is the only Kyrgyz restaurant in Chicago.

2

The restaurant claims to be 'Halal' but allows customers to bring their own alcohol.

3

I was charged $40 for the iftar buffet at Karavan Restaurant.

02
Sofia Grill image 1
Bulgarian restaurant

Small, no-frills restaurant offers authentic Bulgarian cuisine with standout dishes like kebapcheta sausage and tripe soup. Atmosphere feels homey and cozy despite limited seating and a corridor-like dining area. Lunch hours bring a crowded, lively vibe with mostly small groups dining.

Shopska Salad stands out as a popular side with fresh, crisp flavors. The potato salad features a strong dill taste and a smooth, mashed texture. The cabbage salad offers a distinct, enjoyable crunch.

Authentic Bulgarian flavors fill the menu, creating a cozy atmosphere that feels like a small dinner in Bulgaria. The food tastes genuine and very delicious.

People are saying

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

"I found the food to be authentic and very delicious."

"I found the cabbage salad to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Lunch prices average around $20 per person.

2

Parking is plentiful and available near the restaurant.

3

Daily specials are offered, providing variety for repeat visitors.

03
ARI Sushi Japanese Restaurant image 1

Small Japanese restaurant offers cozy, welcoming atmosphere with bright lighting and walls covered in dish photos. Space feels tight and intimate, suited for solo diners or small groups. Sushi quality stands out as fresh and delicious, paired with a notable sake selection.

Tuna and Avocado salad serves as a delicious starter. Ginger salad comes with the lunch special, which also includes 3 maki rolls and miso soup at an affordable price.

Service feels genuine and attentive. Sushi preparation shows traditional techniques and fresh ingredients.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was the best I've ever tasted."

"The ginger salad here is the best I've ever eaten."

"I considered this one of the best and most authentic sushi restaurants I had ever been to."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers lunch specials that are very good.

2

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm.

3

Quality fish and consistent service are hallmarks of the restaurant.

04
Balkanika Restaurant image 1
Bulgarian restaurant

Spacious restaurant with modern European design and detailed decor offers multiple rooms including private spaces and a large outdoor patio. Atmosphere shifts from lively and loud near the bar and dance floor to quieter adjoining rooms suited for conversation. Weekend DJ sets create an energetic vibe where people dance and enjoy music.

Freshness stands out with the shopska salad and crisp sides. Options include cabbage salad and other bright, fresh salads that complement grilled dishes well.

Dishes capture authentic Balkan flavors with rich, genuine taste. Bulgarian meats stand out as most authentic outside the Balkans. The food offers true Balkan comfort in every bite.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and freshly prepared."

"The authentic Balkan food here is packed with flavor."

"The shopska salad felt so fresh and bright."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a large lot behind the restaurant.

2

Reservations are recommended for large gatherings to ensure seating.

3

Salsa classes are held every Tuesday night at 7pm.

05
Pita Pita Mediterranean Grill image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers a clean, modern interior with spacious seating and cultural decorations that create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Outlets at every booth and a freestyle soda machine add convenience. The vibe suits quick lunches more than cozy, long meals.

Salads come fresh and crisp here with a noticeable quality. They pair well with dishes like chicken shawarma and bowls featuring hummus, rice, and beef, making for a great combination.

Food tastes incredibly fresh and flavorful with a clear sense of authenticity throughout the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"The salad here is really good and so fresh."

"The food here tastes so fresh and delicious, it's really authentic."

Good to know

1

Pita Pita Mediterranean Grill is certified halal.

2

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and well-presented dining area.

3

The portions are generous for the price paid.

06
VIA ROMA image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant offers a cozy, family-style atmosphere with loud, lively energy inside and a charming patio with umbrellas outside. Regulars frequent the space, creating a welcoming vibe, while the BYOB policy adds a relaxed, personal touch to dining.

Salads come in large portions with options like the buttery, light Asparagus Salad and a Caesar salad that is big but not necessarily more flavorful. The artichoke salad costs $19 but does not stand out in quality.

Authentic Italian cuisine shines with simple menu choices and deliciously prepared dishes. Portions are decent and the taste brings a genuine Italian feel.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and the portions large."

"I found the Italian food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I thought the salad was very good."

Good to know

1

VIA ROMA allows customers to bring their own beverages without a corkage fee.

2

VIA ROMA does not accept reservations.

3

Expect long wait times on weekends due to high demand.

07
Aladdin Kitchen and Market image 1
Turkish restaurant

Space combines authentic Turkish market with a modern, clean restaurant and an impressive bakery. Atmosphere feels family-friendly and cozy with warm lighting and lively conversations. Visitors find a high-quality, well-decorated environment that blends shopping and dining seamlessly.

Salads here are fresh and seasoned with a spicy blend of tomatoes and vegetables. The special salad and onion salad stand out as refreshing options.

Offers authentic Turkish cuisine with flavors that closely match those found in Turkey. Serves dรถner and other dishes at reasonable prices with a cozy atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The Turkish flavors at this grocery store are on point."

"The tomato salad was a wonderful spicy blend of tomatoes and vegetables."

Good to know

1

Expect a 3% fee for credit card transactions.

2

Dรถner may not be available at all times.

3

Quality food is offered at affordable prices.

08
Restaurant Mehanata image 1
Bulgarian restaurant

Cozy space with authentic Balkan decor and a homey, country style creates a relaxing, inviting atmosphere. Traditional Bulgarian music plays on weekends, enhancing the unique cultural vibe. Outdoor terrace offers a breathable setting, contrasting with a less inviting exterior.

Salads come fresh and crisp with a noticeable crunch. The Shopska salad stands out for its lightness and burst of flavor, often served alongside sizzling meats.

Bulgarian food comes in large portions with a wide range of regional flavors. The atmosphere feels like a home away from home with rustic dรฉcor and authentic Bulgarian music on weekends.

People are saying

"The food here is bold, delicious, and truly unforgettable."

"I found the Bulgarian food here to be very authentic and delicious."

"The Bulgarian salads here feel like a joyous village wedding."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for lunch and dinner on weekends due to high demand.

2

Parking can be challenging; avoid the first three rows to prevent towing.

3

The restaurant allows dancing on tables during Friday and Saturday night events.

09
Bison Burger (Zabiha Halal) image 1

Cozy restaurant with a casual, welcoming atmosphere and simple, authentic decor. The space suits quick meals and offers 100% Zabiha halal food. It draws those seeking authentic Central Asian flavors in a clean environment.

Salads include a beef salad and a Caesar shrimp salad. One salad features unripe tomatoes.

Every dish offers flavorful, well-prepared tastes that feel truly authentic. The interior keeps things simple but genuine, matching the food's vibe.

People are saying

"I found the food really delicious and halal."

"The food here is excellent, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned."

"The salads here are so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant serves 100% Zabiha halal food.

2

Portions are larger than average for the price.

3

The restaurant is clean and tidy.

10
Sultan Kebab & Shawerma image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Narrow, simple dining space offers casual, quiet atmosphere with outdoor seating under string lights. Friendly environment complements large portions of Mediterranean dishes. Clean but dated interior keeps the vibe unpretentious and comfortable.

Salads come fresh and vibrant, often paired with Chicken Shawarma or grilled chicken. Portions are huge and filling, adding depth with sides like rice and hummus.

Dishes feature authentic Middle Eastern flavors made from scratch. Arabic food like hummus and baba ganoush tastes genuine despite some decor and sauces not reflecting traditional Mediterranean style.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and made to order."

"The chicken and beef kebabs are tender and well-seasoned."

"I found the Middle Eastern food here to be so tasty and authentic."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available Monday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

2

Expect large portion sizes; the platter is very filling.

3

Prices for sandwiches start around $13, which some may find high.

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