Best Lentil Soup in Chicago, Illinois

Address: 1433 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Falafel & Grill in Chicago, Illinois serves up authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a modern fast-casual setting that strikes the perfect balance between quality and convenience. The restaurant has earned a stellar reputation for its consistently fresh and flavorful offerings, including their standout falafel, tender shawarma, and house-made hummus that keeps locals coming back. The generous portions and reasonable prices make it an excellent value, while the clean, welcoming atmosphere and efficient service create an ideal spot for both quick lunches and casual dinners.

Address: 3011 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Yaba's Food & Middle Eastern Grill in Chicago, Illinois, is a welcoming family-owned establishment that serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a casual, bodega-style setting. The restaurant is particularly known for its freshly-made falafel, flavorful shawarma, and signature lentil soup, with many customers praising the generous portions and warm hospitality of the staff. While the atmosphere is modest with a small grocery section in front and limited seating in back, the quality of the food and exceptional customer service from the owner and his family have made this spot a beloved neighborhood gem.

Address: 730 W Maxwell St, Chicago, IL 60607

Located in Chicago, Illinois, Cairo Kebab serves up authentic Egyptian cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere with traditional Middle Eastern decor and music. The restaurant is known for its generous portions of classic dishes like koshary, shawarma platters, and mixed grills, all prepared with high-quality halal meats and fresh ingredients. The friendly staff provides attentive service while guests enjoy specialties like their Egyptian-style fava bean falafel, house-made hummus, and freshly baked pita bread served warm to the table.

Address: 1938 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Located in Elia Chicago in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, this Turkish-Mediterranean restaurant delivers an authentic dining experience with a modern twist. The menu features expertly prepared dishes including tender grilled meats, fresh mezze platters, and house-made bread that keeps regulars coming back for more. The welcoming atmosphere combined with attentive service creates an inviting space perfect for both intimate dinners and group celebrations, while the bar area offers creative cocktails in a sophisticated setting.

Address: 1962 W Peterson Ave, Chicago, IL 60660

Mr. Kabab in Chicago, Illinois, is a family-owned Mediterranean restaurant that has earned a reputation for serving generous portions of authentic halal cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. The establishment excels at their signature dishes including shawarma, gyros, and kabobs, all served with house-made sauces and fresh accompaniments like saffron rice and warm pita bread. The clean, unassuming storefront is managed by attentive staff who prioritize customer service, often treating guests to complimentary lentil soup and ensuring a comfortable dining experience.

Address: 705 S Seeley Ave, Chicago, IL 60612

Pita Pita Mediterranean Grill in Chicago, Illinois serves up authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a clean, casual environment with friendly staff and convenient parking. The restaurant is known for their perfectly seasoned mixed meat platters, crispy falafel, and fresh hummus, accompanied by warm fluffy pita bread and flavorful sauces. While portion sizes and quality can be inconsistent at times, the establishment remains popular among locals for its halal options and reasonable prices in the medical district area.

Address: 5701 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

Afghan Bamyan Kabob in Chicago, Illinois, offers an authentic dining experience with their expertly prepared Middle Eastern cuisine featuring tender, flavorful kabobs and aromatic rice dishes. The family-run establishment prides itself on generous portions and reasonable prices, serving everything from traditional lamb specialties to fresh-baked naan in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant earns praise for its attentive service and commitment to quality, with many customers highlighting their perfectly seasoned meats and house-made sauces that keep regulars coming back for more.

Address: 1814 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613

Located in Chicago, Illinois, iCafe Chicago serves up authentic Turkish and Central Asian cuisine in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with traditional decor. The menu features a variety of dishes including their popular lentil soup, fresh-baked breads, kebabs, and manty dumplings, all served in generous portions that won't break the bank. The family-owned establishment prides itself on offering comforting homestyle cooking alongside classic Turkish beverages like traditional tea and coffee, making it a gathering spot for both locals and those craving a taste of Turkish and Kyrgyz flavors.

Address: 1554 N Larrabee St, Chicago, IL 60610

Located in Chicago, Illinois, Kababish BBQ & Grill serves up authentic Pakistani and Indian cuisine in a casual, no-frills setting that feels like stepping into a cozy family kitchen. The restaurant is renowned for its expertly grilled meats, aromatic biryanis, and fresh naan bread made to order in their clay oven, with generous portions that offer excellent value for money. While the dining space may be simple and unassuming, the focus is clearly on delivering bold, home-style flavors in their extensive menu of curries, kababs, and rice dishes, complemented by convenient free parking and late-night hours that make it a reliable spot for satisfying cravings.

Address: 4702 N Kimball Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Arzan Cafe in Chicago, Illinois, serves up authentic Central Asian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu features a diverse selection of traditional dishes including tender lamb kebabs, flavorful shawarma, hand-pulled noodles, and their signature plov, all prepared with carefully selected halal ingredients. The restaurant combines excellent service with reasonable prices, making it a favorite spot for those seeking authentic Kyrgyz and Uzbek flavors in the heart of Chicago.

Address: 6404 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

Located in Chicago, Illinois, Halal Smash Burger and Phillies on Devon serves up a diverse menu of fresh-made halal favorites that draws late-night crowds seeking everything from smash burgers to spicy gyros. The casual eatery is known for its generous portions and complimentary extras like lentil soup, though the dining atmosphere remains simple and no-frills. While some patrons praise the juicy burgers and shawarma platters, others note inconsistent preparation, but the restaurant maintains its appeal as a reliable spot for halal comfort food at reasonable prices.

Address: 5523 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Located in Chicago, Illinois, Shawarma Inn is a bustling Middle Eastern establishment known for its generous portions of authentic halal cuisine, particularly their signature shawarma and kebab plates. The family-style restaurant offers a comprehensive menu featuring everything from hearty lentil soup to freshly made hummus, with combination platters that come complete with aromatic rice, salad, and warm pita bread. The no-frills eatery maintains a casual atmosphere while focusing on delivering flavorful dishes that keep locals coming back for their late-night cravings and comfort food fixes.

Address: 744 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Ameer Kabob Mediterranean Cuisine in Chicago, Illinois, has merged with Hummus Grill to offer a diverse menu of Middle Eastern dishes in a casual counter-service setting. The restaurant serves traditional favorites like shawarma, kabobs, and falafel, alongside fresh hummus and Mediterranean sides in a clean, welcoming environment with about 10 tables for dining in. While some customers praise the authentic flavors and friendly service, others note that portion sizes and consistency can vary, making it a spot that delivers a typical halal Mediterranean dining experience at moderate prices.

Address: 333 S Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606

Located in Chicago, Illinois, Bereket Turkish Mediterranean restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere with authentic Turkish cuisine in the heart of downtown. The menu features a diverse selection of traditional dishes including freshly-made kebabs, pides, and mezze platters served with warm house-made bread. The family-owned establishment prides itself on generous portions and friendly service, with the owner often personally greeting guests and checking on their dining experience.

Address: 1129 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607

IDOF - I Dream of Falafel in Chicago, Illinois, is a bustling Mediterranean spot near a college campus serving up fresh halal fare with generous portions. The casual eatery specializes in falafel, gyros, shawarma, and platters loaded with flavorful proteins and colorful vegetables served over rice or wrapped in soft pita bread. The spot draws both students and professionals alike with its quick service and affordable Mediterranean comfort food that consistently delivers authentic flavors in a laid-back atmosphere.