Aba - Chicago

Aba in Chicago was absolutely incredible! Definitely one of the top restaurants I’ve ever enjoyed. We were a group of four and ordered about 10 dishes to share, and every single one was spot on. The garlic hummus, eggplant, potatoes, falafel, whipped feta, fries, brussels sprouts, scallops, pork belly, salmon, and steak were all bursting with flavor and tasted fresh and authentic. The standout for me was how balanced and thoughtfully prepared each dish was. The only thing that wasn’t my personal favorite was the added sweetness in the Brussels sprouts, I’m more of a savory girlie and prefer salty over sweet, but that’s just me. The ambiance was lovely, lively, and warm, with such a great vibe throughout the night. Between the food, service, and atmosphere, Aba truly lives up to the hype and is a must-visit spot in Chicago!!

Alright y'all. This was one of the best meals I've had in recent memory. The moment you step inside this place, you know you're in for something great. Every single thing we ordered was delicious. We went for happy hour and tried the dip trio (hummus/feta/eggplant) and each one was amazing. Believe it or not, they do a great margarita too. Also, if you like lamb, GET IT! perfectly cooked (medium rare for us) and the flavor was incredible. Service was 10/10. You will not be disappointed. There's a reason why this place has a near perfect score with 6,000+ reviews. Cheers.

The experience here was *chef kiss*. From thr service to the food, everything was hands down amazing. When my group of 3 girlfriends & I walked in, we were greeted with a warm smile & bright welcome. They were super accommodating for us even though we were running behind (we did call in to let them know we were running late). The servers were super knowledgeable about the menu from food to cocktails. This was my first experience in a Chicago restaurant & they made it so awesome. Can't wait to come back! ☺️

Every time I’ve gone to Aba, the service has been amazing. The staff is always welcoming and attentive, which makes the whole experience even better. They do take walk-ins, but I definitely recommend making a reservation if you don’t want to wait since it’s usually busy. The dips are the highlight here the garlic and classic hummus are delicious, but the charred eggplant dip is my absolute favorite. Paired with their fresh, warm pita, it’s perfection. I’ve also tried the falafel and crispy potatoes; both are decent (though the potatoes are a bit too chunky for my taste), but the dips are what truly stand out. The ambiance is beautiful inside and the patio is fantastic open year-round and always a great vibe. Add in a fun happy hour with good drinks and bites, and Aba easily becomes one of the best spots in the city.

Aba is one of the best dining experiences I had in Chicago. The food was delicious. I have a nut allergy, and the staff did a wonderful job making sure each dish we ordered was nut-free. Very communicative. Prompt service. Beautiful ambiance. I have nothing but high praise for this establishment.

We had a fantastic experience at Aba. The food was fantastic and the atmosphere was beautiful. Next time we come in we would definitely sit in the outdoor dining space. Most of the meals are designed for sharing so prepare to try a lot of variety. We paired our food with beer but the cocktails looked awesome as well. I look forward to coming back to try the other half of the menu!

Overall, Aba delivers the perfect mix of ambiance, creative drinks, and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dishes. A must-visit if you’re looking for a stylish spot with amazing energy, great service. The cocktails are as beautiful as they are delicious vibrant, fresh, and garnished with thoughtful touches like orchids, citrus, and strawberries. Each one feels like a work of art in a glass. The food was equally impressive: bold flavors, perfectly balanced, and made to be shared. The skillet dip with fresh bread was especially memorable, rich and flavorful to the very last bite.

Becca was amazing!! It’s my partners birthday and she asked Becca to pick a meal and pair a wine and she didn’t disappoint!! The shortrib hummus was fantasia, but the lamb chops stole the show. We will definitely be back!!

Gorgeous, lively atmosphere paired with fantastic food and cocktails made this spot unforgettable. The servers were warm and attentive, and even small details like the clean restrooms stood out. The dishes were beautifully presented — almost too pretty to eat — and tasted just as good as they looked. Our waiter was excellent, offering thoughtful recommendations that really elevated the meal. Compliments to both the chef and the entire staff for creating such a memorable dining experience.

Juwaan was amazing! And the food was perfect. It was my first time here, I’m visiting from Kentucky. I wouldn’t mind moving in to Aba’s, I’ll bring my own bed! Thank you all, for a wonderful experience.

Had a great experience at Aba. The food was so good. I ordered the braised beef and the hummus and falafel for appetizers and everything was delicious. The service was very nice and the restaurant was clean and beautiful. Would definitely come back.

Juwaan - he was awesome! Food was awesome as well! Don’t sleep on the Japanese sweet potato spread. It was fire! And the crudos were phenomenal!

Pros: beautiful both inside and out. Excellent food. Cons: service here is always mediocre. I’m surprised for a nicer establishment too. They have a great happy hour as well, but can be impossible to get into without a reservation. Brunch is solid as well.

Aba js always a great spot to go! Great Mediterranean cuisine! Service is great and the ambiance is one of the best in the city for a Cali-like vibe. You can dress it up or down! This time we came for brunch, got a nice salad and avocado spread which had the perfect mix of spice and sweetness. Drinks were bomb as always.

Delicious! Highly recommend dining here for a cute date or girls night! We had the crispy short rib hummus, crispy potato’s, chicken kebab and sticky date pudding

We came here for lunch and the food was amazing. My favorites were the smoky garlic hummus and the Brussels sprouts, and my husbands favorite was the halibut ceviche. We also got the chicken kebab. They recommend 4 dishes for 2 people, but we thought it was a lot of food and had leftovers to take home. Ambiance was great and food was delicious; would definitely come here again!

We had dinner at Aba and overall, it was a great experience. The crispy potatoes, Greek salad, muhammara, chicken kefta, and braised beef short rib were all fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Service was friendly and the atmosphere was vibrant, perfect for a night out. The only disappointment was the falafel — unfortunately, it was a 1/10 for us, lacking both flavor and texture. Other than that, everything else was excellent. Would definitely come back, just skipping the falafel next time.

Upscale Mediterranean cuisine in a very romantic set up with huge terrace . The food is delicious and beautifully presented, interest in cocktails and good wine selection. A perfect spot for a date night , just may need to book a table ahead

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fantastic Mediterranean Experience at Aba Chicago Dining at Aba was an absolute treat. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between lively and inviting, making it a great spot for both casual dining and special occasions. Overall, Aba Chicago delivers an exceptional Mediterranean dining experience with top-notch food, presentation, and hospitality. Highly recommend for anyone looking to enjoy vibrant flavors in a chic setting.

Food was delicious Service was amazing Please add some meat juice to the short rib plate, because though the pomegranate glaze was amazing it needed some help cutting through the polenta. But other than that, bomb.com.

The chocolate bobka French toast at brunch is AMAZING - it is probably the best French toast/chocolate French toast you will ever have!! We ordered a ton of the brunch menu but that one dish blew everything else away !! This is a one dish review for now until I can get back and try their full menu for dinner

Travis was an amazing server! We came in at 9:30 and one of our friends was running late. he was so accommodating and recommended the BEST dishes. Do not be afraid to sit outside we were so cozy.

If you're looking for a spot in Chicago that serves up vibes as smooth as its hummus, Aba is your place. From the moment we stepped in, the ambiance whispered “chic date night” with just enough greenery to make you forget you're in the middle of a city and not on a rooftop in Tel Aviv. We kicked things off with the smoky hummus—a creamy, flavorful spread that made us question if we ever really knew hummus before. The warm, pillowy bread kept coming like it had something to prove (and honestly, it did). We didn't complain. We just kept tearing and dipping like it was cardio. Next up, the pork belly, crispy potatoes, falafel, and chicken skewers. Each bite was like a group chat of flavor—no weak links. The falafel was crispy outside, fluffy inside (the falafel dream combo), and the chicken skewer was so juicy we suspect it might have been marinated in angel tears. Even the potatoes felt special, which says a lot about how this kitchen treats its carbs. Our waiter deserves a standing ovation—friendly, attentive, and knew just when to check in without hovering like a food guardian angel. Verdict? Aba delivers on both food and flair. Come hungry. Leave happy. Maybe with a little extra bread in your bag… for “later.”

Was my first time in Chicago. I was recommended Aba restaurant. My cousin and I absolutely loved it the food and atmosphere was beautiful. See pictures. Get the skirt steak for sure

Amazing tasting food. We loved the short rib hummus. It has tons of flavor and the pita that comes with it is fantastic. I'm not normally a fan of falafel, but Aba has crispy on the outside, while keeping the inside flavourful and moist. One of our favorites from the brunch menu was the Peach Biscuit. We ended up having to order another to go they were so good! The whipped cream and the sauce that came with the biscuit was out of this world. The price is high - but you should know this coming in. But the brunch is much less than the dinner and still a treat! They serve little flags on all the foods with allergens, which makes it easy to determine what you can, and cannot have if you have an allergen. Come check this place out!

Everything about Aba is excellent. The outdoor patio is beautiful with the rooftop, and the food (hummus and kebabs) is amazing for brunch.

Ordered the smoky garlic hummus - chili oil in that tasted so good Chicken kefta - very juicy and flavorful Grilled salmon - first time I had salmon kebab and it was char grilled to perfection

Was in town for a work conference and decided to try this spot. The vibe and atmosphere was incredible. Very attentive service and the food??? Somehow the food surpassed it all. That short rib hummus is to die for. What is that chocolate orange cremiux though?? Just wow

Brought my wife here for her birthday. It was fantastic. Great service and wonderful food.

Service was great, and food spectacular. The short rib hummus is my favorite I will come back just for it every time.

The food at Aba was so delicious, every dish was packed with flavor and beautifully presented. The outdoor seating is absolutely stunning with amazing views - such a peaceful and beautiful setting to enjoy a meal. The service was great. The bathrooms smelled like Le Labo fragrances - such a chic and luxurious touch. Everything about this place felt elevated and thoughtfully done. Highly recommend, loved it!

From the moment I walked in, everything felt polished and welcoming. The atmosphere was stylish yet comfortable, creating the perfect setting for an unforgettable meal. The food was exceptional — every dish was bursting with flavor, beautifully presented. The service was just as impressive, with staff who were friendly, attentive, and eager to make the experience special. Overall, this restaurant delivers excellence in every way: incredible food, outstanding service, and a fantastic ambiance. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-tier dining experience.

Great food, awesome outdoor patio! I loved the vibe. It's a shame that they're not dog friendly even on the patio. Interaction with the manager felt a bit uncomfortable and confrontational. The coffee is second class, should be improved.

The muhammara is the best—highly recommended! The shawarma meat is very tender, but most of the sauces are way too salty. The pita is extremely delicious. I get that the atmosphere is nice and some dishes are good, but the meat with sauces is too salty, which makes this place a bit overrated.

One of the most beautiful restaurants you will see this year. Ambience is perfect and the best decorations are the customers, this place was full and buzzing. Cocktails were underwhelming but the food was excellent. We had an unfortunate hold up with our food and waited about an hour for one dish, the rest of our party ate and some had left by the time we received it. Would return as I imagine this was a one off.

This is a phenomenal dining experience. Excellent place to celebrate special occasions and a very moody date night spot. Noise level is low, and it’s a very calming experience. Our server seemed very honest with us in terms of questions we had about portion sizes and flavor profiles. I will say - they say about 2-3 dishes shared will fill you up (they suggest more of a tapas style) but the dishes are so big you will be perfectly okay to just order one thing for yourself. Prices are pretty reasonable given the upscale dining experience they are going for. The classic hummus, believe it or not, was PHENOMENAL! The roasted chickpeas in it made for a great touch. One star off because the grilled cauliflower was completely flavorless, and I don’t recommend it. The cauliflower heavily lacked any salt and was not worth the price. The dates/caramelized onions that come with it are the only edible parts. However, with the hummus alone and the shared plate style we ordered I was still satisfied.

We visited Aba recently and overall had a great time. The food was mostly incredible — every dish we ordered was packed with flavor and beautifully presented. You can really taste the freshness and quality in everything, especially the dips, kebabs, and small plates. The Mediterranean flavors really came through and made the meal feel special. That said, I thought the Greek salad was just okay. I usually expect Mediterranean salads to be super vibrant and full of bold flavors, but this one felt a bit underwhelming in comparison to the rest of the meal. Not bad, just not as exciting as we’d hoped. The restaurant itself has a warm, lively vibe that’s perfect for a night out. We were hoping to sit on the patio — it looked beautiful and cozy — but unfortunately, we couldn’t get a table out there. That made things a bit tricky since we had our toddler with us, and the indoor space was a bit too dark for her. She got a little fussy, which added some stress to the evening. Still, the staff was kind and did what they could to help. We’d love to come back — hopefully next time we’ll get that patio table and try a few more dishes!

We wanted to visit this place as it was one of the highly rated restaurants on top of it serving Mediterranean style food. Coming from the Middle East, I found the muhammara to be impeccable! The keftas, however, not as big of a fan. We got the lamb-beef and the chicken kefta plates. The lamb-beef kefta is relying heavily on the meat flavor with minimal spices, whereas the chicken one was juicy and was delicious. The drinks were great the vegan carrot cake was decent. Portions were large, service was great, and ambiance was immaculate!

My first experience at Aba was fantastic—the ambiance, service, and food all impressed me enough to come back a second time. Unfortunately, my return visit didn’t live up to the same expectations. While I wanted to explore more of the menu, the dishes just weren’t as memorable this time around. In particular, the lamb chops were disappointing. For the price, the portion size felt very small, and the flavor didn’t quite justify the cost. Given Aba’s reputation and my great first visit, I was expecting much better consistency in both taste and value. Overall, I’d say Aba is worth trying at least once for the atmosphere and certain standout dishes, but the inconsistency between visits makes me hesitant to recommend it as a go-to spot.

Let’s start off with the good. The atmosphere is gorgeous. The city view was grand. The lighting and the foliage were beautiful. I’ve traveled to Chicago a handful of times, and I’ve enjoyed Aba in the past. Every time I visit I try to make an effort to come here and eat! It was THE first restaurant my best friend took me too, and I wanted to celebrate here for my birthday—however it was anything but nice. The hostess was welcoming. Our server acted like she didn’t want us there. It was far from being welcoming. She rarely checked up on us. It seemed as if us being there was trouble for her. This was not how past experiences was. For me going to a nice restaurant I highly judge the service. This was not it. However the people who ran the food were lovely and kind. The food was not as good or close to good as I remembered. Maybe they were having an off night. We had hummus with the short ribs it was not as tender or big in portion size as I remembered. The pita bread was STILL SO AMAZING! The chicken thigh had a sour taste, and I felt as if the profile of the dish did not complement one another. The salmon was good but it wasn’t special …the steak frites were def the best of what we ordered but like it wasn’t amazing … the shrimp dish that came like escargot needs to be reevaluated…the shrimp was over cooked and just didn’t understand the presentation. I also had a mocktail and I felt like they used to be better. I truly wanted to love eating here and have a special time due to it also being my birthday. It was disappointing. Aba vs girl and the goat (though different foods same price range) I would rather spend my money at girl and the goat.