City Noor Kabab

So-so Middle-eastern cuisine, at above-average prices.  My wife had a problem the next morning, if you know what I mean; though I did not.  She won't eat here again for that reason; but, I would just say there are better places in the area with same food.

There are some more well-known and fancier Middle Eastern restaurants in the immediate vicinity, but I prefer City Noor. It is by far the most vegetarian-friendly Middle Eastern restaurant I've been to in Chicago. The okra and lentil soup are both to die for, and the falafel is simply perfect. Turkish coffee is made fresh and just right. There are plenty of vegetarian dishes, and any other dish can be ordered vegetarian. Sorry, can't comment on the comparative quality of dead animal items...

It's always nice to sit and chat with Noor, the Jordanian owner and chef. She prepares all meals to order in the open and visible kitchen (always a good sign for any restaurant!). Her polite, shy children occasionally help with service.

My only complaint is that the prices are a bit high. With around $10 for entrees, you'd expect a fairly classy place. Instead, the decor is rather fast-foodish. I'm stint and care more about the food, so I'd rather they keep the place dumpy and lower their prices! The interior design highlight (or drawback?) is an eleventy-billion inch TV screen on which you can watch Arab music videos in magnificent detail while you devour your okra.

After dinner, why not go south 2 blocks to Nazareth Sweets for fresh knafe for dessert? Mmmm, knafe.

I stop by here on the each trip home from the airport and pick up a falafel sandwich made, not with chick peas, but with fava beans.

The folks here are very nice, but I have done takeout every time.

If you are swinging by on Kedzie it is worth a stop, but likely not a special trip.