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Nesh Mediterranean Grill
Category: Restaurants Mediterranean Mediterranean [Edit]
734 W Fullerton Pkwy(between Burling St & Childrens Plz)
Chicago, IL 60614
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
(773) 975-6374
- Nearest Transit:
-
Fullerton (Brown Line, Purple Line, Red Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 10 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
92 reviews for Nesh Mediterranean Grill
Review Highlights
"Lentil soup that tastes exactly the way it should."
(in 26 reviews)
"By far the best falafel I've ever had."
(in 37 reviews)
"The chicken shawarma was excellent."
(in 7 reviews)
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92 reviews in English
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Review from Dakota F.
Indianapolis, IN
11/28/2011 4 Check-ins Here
The workers aren't the friendliest, but hey I don't go here to socialize with them.
I come for the hummus which is insanely smooth and delicious!!!
The shawrma is greattttttt too. -
Review from Ashley P.
Chicago, IL
10/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
My fiancé and I love this place. The only reason it get 4 stars is because the seating is generally cramped and the food could use just a tad more seasoning.
However, don't be fooled by that, the falafel is delicious and if you choose properly, you'll stretch your dollar. If you're looking for something authentic and/or vegetarian to fill yer belly, I HIGHLY recommend the falafel plate: 6 falafel, a pita, hummus, tahini salata and red cabbage to fill you up for $7. Sweet deal for sure.
And try their baklava! Super good! -
Review from Victoria V.
Chicago, IL
9/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Decent food at a decent price. Good for vegetarians on the go. Sinbad's on Belmont is better and cheaper.
I had the wheat pita falafel and tried the lentil soup. Both good. -
Review from Melinda W.
Chicago, IL
1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Mmm Nesh! I was never into Mediterranean food until I moved to Chicago 4 years ago...since I've come to embrace the world of tzatzika sauce and shawarma. The chicken shawarma plate here is my general order...it's a ton of food between the heaping amounts of rice topped with freshly shaved chicken. Plus it comes with pita, salata, AND hummus. You won't leave hungry. The chicken is extremely tasty and always served warm. If you're in the mood for something sweet, check out the mint lemonade and refresh your palette!
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Review from Jessica S.
Chicago, IL
12/12/2011
What a great little gem - healthy, fresh, and decent prices. The hummus plate has so much hummus that you'll need to ask for an extra piece of pita! I carried out my meal for a carry out lunch and I appreciate that they packed it will enough so it wouldn't spill in my car.
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Review from Susan F.
9/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not as good as Roti...
That may be unfair, seeing as Roti has grown by multiple locations and popularity over the past 1.5 years in Chicago. But... the comparison of the food itself IS fair.
The goods:
- The inside is clean
- has lots of tables
- mini tvs at each table
- you can choose from a platter, pita wrap, bread wrap, or salad
The ehs:
-Seasonings weren't that robust or memorable
-Didn't have a lot of sauces
-The total for my salad with chicken shawarma was kinda hefty and just under $9, but, I did get a huge piece of wheat pita bread
-Shawarma chicken came out slowly, it wasn't cooked off a spitter (or whatever you call it)
- The chicken itself wasn't super juicy and didn't stay warm :(
I might come here again, only because it's a northside variety of my favorite loop medi place. But, I may not get chicken in my salad, or I might choose a different menu option... -
Review from Katarina X.
Chicago, IL
8/19/2011
Sheer, unadulterated lust for the fries the fries the fries... I realize some of you crave more "authentic" carbs such as the warm, fresh pita bread that they sell in mile-high toasty stacks... what you want is THE FRIES: hot, crinkle-cut, moist on the inside, crisp and golden on the outside with crumbled feta on top.
You must also have this yogurt sauce... not the sesame, but the yogurt. I can never remember which is which as Tahini and Tazikii sound so similar to my uninitiated ears. Yum.
You might just die of pleasure.Listed in: Lincoln Park Lunch without…
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Review from Valerie B.
Chicago, IL
12/14/2011
Easily the best middle eastern/mediterranean food in the Lincoln Park area. The food is fresh and when it comes to the falafel, I have only ever seen it made when there are orders for it. This is a big contrast to another Lincoln Park mediterranean eatery that has everything sitting for hours on a steam table.
The lentil soup is great, it tastes exactly as it should. I generally order the combo plate and find the shawarma well seasoned, the chicken kebab good and the hummus excellent. I don't agree with the reviewers who say this food is not spicy enough. The food is well spiced. Most food from this region is not super spicy anyway. If you want to add spice, ask for the spicy sauce.
Try the lemonade with mint sometime. It is very tasty and different from almost anything you have tasted in the lemonade world. -
Review from Kelly S.
8/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yummy falafel plate - a huge quantity of food for $7 consisting of 6 fried to order falafel over a bed of red cabbage salad, plus hummus and cuke/tomato salad and tahini dipping sauce.
The falafel was a little bland but the hummus and tahini evened it out for me. The hummus was very good - super smooth.
The mint lemonade looked awesome and I'll have to try that next time for sure. -
Review from Matt M.
Chicago, IL
11/22/2011
We had a large order from nesh today for a birthday party and it was fantastic! Especially the beef kabobs, tender and well seasoned cubes that were cooked a perfect medium despite being bite sized. And their sauces must be homemade because they were fresh and delicious. I'll be back and highly recommend it to others!
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Review from Dan N.
6/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love a good deal. Nesh has been consistently on Groupon Now! Therefore, I've eaten a LOT of Nesh lately. Overall, I LOVE the concept of Nesh....think Chipotle with Mediterranean food. I've gotten both the Shrock (wrap) and the pita sandwich, and I think I'd prefer the pita. The sandwiches here are OK, the Nesh fries are, eh, pretty good I guess. But the BEST thing here is the hummus! Do yourself a favor and get a small side of hummus with some pita bread. It's creamy and amazingly delicious.
If you want a quick lunch in LP, stop by Nesh for some solid food! -
Review from Michael L.
Warrenville, IL
11/3/2011
I had a shawarma here. I had never heard of a shawarma, but I enjoyed the shawarma.
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Review from Taylor P.
Chicago, IL
5/13/2011
Only place I have been for Mediterranean food and I am a fan.
I enjoy the kabob's and when you order the meal you get a very large portion of meat, hummus, veggies, etc for your dollar.
Great place to go if want to try something new. -
Review from Mandy S.
Chicago, IL
6/15/2011
Good, polite service, falafal balls made fresh to order and free lentil soup while you wait. A great option for carry out in the area if not a sit down traditional mediterraen meal. I went for the first time because I had the groupon even though I live nearby, but I will definitely be back.
Fresh, good food, great service, clean and friendly restaurant. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Chicago, IL
3/25/2011
I am never disappointed by this place. In fact - I crave it. After I found Sultan's Market to be a bit touch and go for my last couple of visits, I was thrilled when this place went in up the street from where I work. Their falafel must be laced with something illegal - I swear it's that good. Lentil soup that tastes exactly the way it should. And pitas that are fresh baked, warm and so delicious!
The only reason I'm knocking a star off is because they're an "a la carte" kinda place when it comes to extra toppings, so if you like your feta cheese or extra olives, you're going to pay a hefty price for it.
Otherwise - YUM!!! -
Review from Liz G.
1/2/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Nesh is great, everything is fresh and made to order. The combo platter is my favorite and gives you some of everything, chicken and steak shawarma, falafel, rice, hummus, tahini salata and pita. Its a great dinner with plenty left over for lunch the next day.
The lemonade with fresh mint is so refreshing on a hot day. I've heard great things about their lentil soup as well but have yet to try it myself.
Become a 'fan' of them on FB and you can get $5 pita and a drink deal on certain days.Comment from Rami K. of Nesh Mediterranean Grill 2/16/2011
Like us on Facebook for exclusive deals and specials! See… More » -
Review from Tom M.
Chicago, IL
1/24/2011
Been here for two years, just one block from my day job, and I've only now just been? Shame on me!
Excellent lentil soup. The pita was super fresh and perfect in texture and taste. Tahini was superb.Comment from Rami K. of Nesh Mediterranean Grill 2/16/2011
Join us on Facebook for exclusive deals and specials! See… More » -
Review from Annie W.
12/17/2010
Best lentil soup I've had in Chicago thus far (beats Sultan's and Chickpea). Comes with a huge piece of toasted pita (your choice of wheat or white). Hummus is really runny but a small size more than suffices for two people.
I'm not sure what the whole heating issue is but this past week when it's been really cold, the front of the store can get chilly and I see customers wearing their layers. If you want a warmer place to dine in, stay in the back. -
Review from Lorie M.
Chicago, IL
10/13/2011
Great food for take out, price. I had the steak kabob which I ordered rare/medium rare. It was medium rare when served. Next time I will order rare. Very flavorful. Falafel was great. Pita bread very fresh. Nice portions. Order a side of something else & you'll have leftovers for another meal.
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Review from Mark L.
Chicago, IL
4/21/2011
I just love this place and get excited every time I eat here! Favorite thing is the steak kabob. Marinated and grilled to perfection you can't go wrong. Smoothies are also awesome and the lentil soup is always good.
Like how they have such a variety of toppings. Olives, feta, onions, red cabbage, YUM! -
Review from Mat M.
Chicago, IL
2/2/2011
Nesh!
Wow, this has become one of my favorite places in Lincoln Park. The staff are always friendly, the food always good and hey, it's around the corner from where I work. How could you go wrong?
I have never tasted anything that I didn't like from Nesh. I love the schwarma's schrook style. Make sure to get all of the veggies inside too. The rice is good and hey, that ice tea dispenser is cool too.
I could eat here everyday, so I'd strongly suggest you check it out! -
Review from Sara B.
Chicago, IL
6/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
A little slow on the order line (they looked like a shift change). I had the chicken shwarma pita and it was awesome. Husband had a falafel pita and was pretty good too. Nice place to eat in with tvs at the tables. Have not tried the fresh lemonade but will be back to try it.
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Review from Andrew H.
Chicago, IL
9/9/2010
Chipotle meets middle eastern. Food does seem very fresh, and it is reasonably priced.
Chicken can be dry sometimes, but the steak schwarma has never dissappointed.
Be warned-if you ask for extra pita to go with that large hummus, they will charge you per pita. Just seems a little nickle-and-dime, and really they should just include some pita's in the cost of hummus, but ultimately, a minor gripe. -
Review from Rob L.
Chicago, IL
7/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
Is it authentic? Perhaps not. Is it tasty? Yes. Affordable? Yes. Plenty of options to fill that belly? Yep!
I met a friend yesterday to reconnect and catch up. She chose this place due to it being close to where she was picking up her son from summer school. I lucked out on finding parking, about two blocks away. If you don't know, parking in this area especially can be a big pain in the rear.
She got there early and had grabbed her lunch already so not to starve a pregnant woman, I quickly said hi and got up to the counter. Plenty of choices, but mainly sandwiches and salads. I was told go for their flat bread, good choice. We went down the line as to what I wanted in there and filled. I went with a couple of choices and topped it all off with tsziki sauce. My vegetables were crunchy and the fillings blended well together. The two of us split an order of their fries, (with oregano, feta and we opted for the balsamic on the side). Tasty, nothing remarkable, but good, crunchy crinkle fries.
The price tag wasn't bad and this place certainly got hopping as the lunch hour progressed. A few students but a lot of people from Children's Memorial Hospital, so beware if you walk in and there is a little bit of a line, however it seems to move on the quicker side.
A fast, easy lunch, that is not bad on the wallet and pretty tasty on the taste buds. -
Review from Devan P.
Chicago, IL
1/29/2011
Cute restaurant, but the food really wasn't great at all. They gave me a little cup of lentil soup while I waited, and it was reallyyy good, but what I ordered was definitely not. I got the combo plate and it was not worth the $10 I paid for it.
The salata was sub-par and I got the tiniest scoop - I got jipped. The hummus was drenched in olive oil and I had to try to suck it up with napkins because I was going to gag otherwise because there was so much oil. The chicken was alright, and I was cheated on the steak - just a bunch of super tiny pieces. The rice was okay, but was slimy with olive oil. The falafel was good, but that's about it.
Total disappointment. Go to Aladdin's on Diversey and Clark - it's phenomenal and cheaper. -
Review from Jennifer D.
Evanston, IL
9/30/2011
I thought this place was just ok. I like the concept of a Chipotle-esque pita place, where you can choose exactly what toppings you want in your wrap, but none of the toppings were that flavorful. I ordered a veggie pita on whole-wheat pita (yes they have whole-wheat, but it's more tortilla-y than pita-y). Their cucumber, tomato, and red onion mix was extremely bland and so was their feta cheese. He asked if I wanted hot sauce, to which I replied and emphatic "YES!" and of course I added hummus! I also got a side of tzatziki sauce and fries. I have to say that the hummus was the only flavorful thing on my wrap. I couldn't taste the "hot" sauce at all and wished I had asked for the tzatziki sauce in my wrap because that was delicious! The fries were also delicious and freshly made to order. Overall, this place is just ok, and if I do come back I would try the chicken wrap with the tzatziki sauce IN my wrap.
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Review from johnny b.
Chicago, IL
6/21/2011
Falafill in lakeview is way better(despite what silly yelp reviews avg say) but this is fine if in the neighborhood. Standard type place not bad but not great.
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Review from Richie D.
3/18/2009
***** So I had been holding back from trying Nesh due to all the low reviews it received after first opening... I try to not be influenced by other boldly opinionated Yelpers.
**** I had high hopes...
*** I wanted to like it...
**But now reflecting back on my gastronomical experience, the stars continue to further dwindle...
Being in the previous Planet Sub store, they made a few nice changes (exposed brick wall still present, little flatscreen TVs every 5 feet, a more pleasant wall color, etc). Also the employees were super friendly and gave little samples of the Lentil soup. Thumbs up to that!
When I sipped the taster cup of free soup, it was so yummy it made me hungrier...that's where they get ya! The Lentil Soup was practically the only good thing on their menu! Everything was fairly bland in taste and flat-out average (the one exception was the fair Chicken Schwarma but still over-priced at $8.99). Truly, what could I have expected for Caucasian-crammed Lincoln Park...well at least something a bit better for having ethnic owners! The most authentic thing about the place was the music playing on the surround-sound speakers--that's it!
In the end, if you come here, I recommend only purchasing the Lentil soup with pita for $2.99. If you're hungrier (and brave enough to not accept the tempting, salivating-worthy soup sample), take a trip a few blocks northeast to Sultan's Market on Clark Street. Yet, if you don't like too much flavor or authenticity, stay at Nesh.Listed in: DePaul Blue Demon Territory…
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Review from Ben K.
7/10/2009
Tasty stuff!
While Nesh! doesn't hold a candle to Roti or Sultan's, it puts together a pretty tasty mediterranean pita or flatbread at fairly reasonable prices. For about $6.50, I got a chicken shawarma wrap (they call it "flatbread" but it's really a wrap) with well flavored chicken, tasty hommus, tahini/jerusalem salad, red onion and tabbouli. No complaints. I'm not going out of my way to go here, but I will totally come back and try the falafel next time I'm at Fullerton and Halsted and in need of a tasty pita.Listed in: ChicagoFalafel
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Review from Minna A.
11/20/2009
FALAFEL SHROCK!!!!
Peach mango pineapple!!!
I went here for the first time last night with my roommates, which is strange since I only live a short two and a half blocks away. The staff was super friendly and super nice and even gave me samples of the lentil soup (UH-mazin') and the peach mango pineapple smoothie (SO DELICIOUS!) I know it's the dead of winter, but there's no way I'm going there next time without getting one of those smoothies! Being here reminded me of the "Star Kabob" stand I'd always visit when I was living in Budapest!
Amidst all the Lincoln Park junk food (aka fatty corner at Belden and Lincoln; Chipotle, America's Dog, etc) this place is a refreshing change, offering food that's a lot lighter and healthier (seemingly).
The decor is clean and even on one of Chicago's cold nights, the wall of windows didn't make the place cold or drafty. Rather it was warm and cozy!
ps. WIFI -
Review from Karyn K.
Chicago, IL
5/22/2009
I had the hummus plate with chicken; it was a LOT of food!
It came with three pieces falafel, a piece of pita, a tomato salad, and a bunch of chicken on top of hummus. Overall, it was very good and filling. The chicken was probably my favorite part of the meal. The falafel was good, but very crisp... more crisp than I like.
The service was amazing and very friendly. At one point the wind took a napkin of mine and before I could get to it, it had been picked up and thrown away. I'm glad I tried Nesh and I plan on going back! -
Review from J G.
Chicago, IL
9/30/2009
Oh Nesh, you make my mouth water.
This place is clean and fresh. Their hummus rocks.
I got a falafel and I was sort of surprised that it took awhile because they were frying the falafel balls fresh - wait what? Maybe because the other restaurants I've gotten falafels are hole-in-the-wall places known for falafel and they just keep their them on hand since that's all that anyone orders. (did that sentence even make sense?) But it was nice seeing that they made everything fresh! I ordered the Nesh fries as well, with feta cheese and balsamic vinegar...mmmmm! The serving was pretty big!
I took a bite of my bf's schwarma and it was delish as well!
I just wish it was closer to where I live so i could go more often! -
Review from Kelly S.
Palos Heights, IL
9/20/2010
After contemplating trying this place, I finally took the plunge and made it to Nesh!.
I'm always up for trying new things, and falafel is one that I like to try from everywhere when possible.
I ordered the falafel plate, which in my opinion is a whole heck of a lot of food. But then again, I eat like a bird but I digress. It came with 6 falafel, which are some of the best I've ever had. I like that the outside had a good crunch (not to the point of burnt or unpleasant) and then inside was super moist. absolutely perfect!
It also came with "Tahini Salata" unfortunately I didn't like this, it seemed a bit watery to me with no real flavor, just some cucumbers and tomatoes thrown with, well bland watered down sauce.
Their hummus is pretty good, I like that they throw a couple whole chickpeas on there, livens it up a bit and makes it tasty.
Their pita is also really good, I've never had pita bread so thick before, but it's great for dippin' in some hummus!
Service was great, the guys behind the counter chatted it up and made the time go by while the falafel was being fried to order (yes, fried to order!)
I'll definitely be back! -
Review from Nessie V.
12/8/2009
I am a picky felafel snob, and despite being starving I was still trepidatious. They mixed the cuke and tomatoes beforehand, which I don't prefer as I like my felafel sandwich with cucumbers and no tomatoes. They also didn't "gooderize" the wrap after making it: That is, it wasn't put in a hot press. That really prickled me.
However, despite all the strikes against it, it was a damned good felafel, and I daresay one of the best I've had in quite a while.
They have free wifi. -
Review from Whitney J.
Chicago, IL
2/23/2009
I went last night for the first time. The lentil soup was DIVINE, but the falafels were a little lackluster. I think they need more spice of SOME kind in there. I like the ones over at Sultan's a bit better. The side salads and sauces that came with my falafel platter were bland and watery. I really wasn't all that impressed.
However, that being said, the home made pitas really were awesome. Next time I stop into nesh (because there definitely WILL be a next time) I'll stick ot the soup with maybe one falafel and a side of pita bread.
The staff behind the counter were nice and pretty helpful. I just think they need to fine tune a few of their recipes. -
Review from Rick H.
Chicago, IL
2/6/2009
LOVE this place
Also had my fair share of Mediterranean and i can say without a doubt, BEST AROUND!!! So much better than Sultan's, and priced nearly identically.
They bake their own pitas and bread at the store which of course means FRESH!
I've tried both the Pitas and the Shrocks, despite Shrocks being larger I find the Pita more filling, probably because of the wonderful-fresh-baked-in-house-pita!
I have ordered from them four times in two weeks since i first tried, Sultan's would only get me going about once every other month! -
Review from Tim M.
Brookfield, IL
6/8/2011
nesh? More like not FRESH!!!!
I'd rather have a shwarma bees in my mouth than that pitabomination of a neshwarma. This place is bad! Good Lentil soup though. -
Review from Brian G.
Chicago, IL
8/15/2009
There was a time in my life where the fact that Nesh is a Mediterranean spot would have granted it five stars and a tattoo on my lower back. But not anymore! I have grown up, see? And I'm not going to get ink for any restaurant that doesn't set my world on fire.
Let's be clear: Nesh definitely did not set my world on fire. I ordered the chicken schwarma plate, and added a mint lemonade to boot. The dinner was...meh. The rice had long since seen its glory days, and the chicken lacked all semblance of flavor. It felt like I was eating re-heated leftovers while paying for something much better. The mint lemonade is a great idea, but the execution left a lot to be desired. My guess is that the lemonade is not freshly made, and who knows when or where the mint came from. It didn't live up to its price tag. Same goes for the meal. Ho hum. -
Review from Kara B.
Chicago, IL
7/6/2009
Nesh is a solid, if uninspired, Mediterranean fast food shop. Their food is very fresh, well prepared and served up by a friendly staff that prepared your meal to order. They make their own pita bread (which I am not sure is an improvement since it tastes exactly the same as everywhere else) as well as this special type of flat bread called Sholck (sp?).
I like this place, it just doesn't have enough going for it for me to rave about it.Listed in: Delivery!
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Review from Megan C.
Chicago, IL
5/4/2011
I love this place! I live fairly close to it, and tend to stop on my way home from the train when I don't feel like cooking. They offer you a free sample of lentil soup, take it...even if you think you don' t like it, try it. Aside from the soup, the rest of the food is good as well. I tend to either get chicken or falafel but have never had any complaints with either option. The staff is super friendly and the atmosphere is cozy, perfect for studying or eating out with friends.
