5255 N. Clark St
Chicago, IL
While most middle-eastern restaurants conjure up images of dark, tapestry-lined rooms with low tables and hookahs, Reza’s obliterates these stereotypes, with a bright, airy ambiance and exposed brick walls. Located in the heart of ever-eclectic Andersonville, Reza’s serves up a variety of delicious Persian dishes in a friendly atmosphere. The service is pleasant and on a typical night, the large restaurant is packed and buzzing. The menu is expansive and the portions are generous. Dinner entrees come with a cup of soup, a basket of pita bread and a plate of feta, parsley, onions and radishes as an appetizer. Even without this appetizer, the hearty dinners are big enough for two to share. Reza’s rice-heavy dishes may not be the most authentic or spicy, but they are certainly filling.
Particularly notable are Reza’s kebabs that come in seasoned ground beef, filet mignon, chicken and lamb varieties. Served over a bed of couscous (on request) or dill-spiced rice, these simple, hearty dishes will please even the pickiest eater. A wide variety of desserts (baklava, yum) and drinks (sangria and more) finish off the night well. However, if you are a tea snob beware that their Persian tea is usually steeped too long and is very bitter! All in all, Reza’s is definitely great for a crowd (which is the only way we have ever gone) – especially if you get a couple of the Vegetarian samplers, which include dolmeh, falafel, kashkeh bodemjan (eggplant dip), hummus, and tabbouli.
Eating The World 