MEDITERRANEAN DINING AT CHICAGO'S BEST RESTAURANTS

 avec

According to the New York Times, “the Mediterranean diet really is good for you.” Even in a city like Chicago, where meat and potatoes sometimes seem to rule, there are many restaurants that serve more veg- and fish-forward Mediterranean cuisine; here are ten of them.

avec, since the day it opened, has specialized in small plates with a Mediterranean flair, like their potato/salted cod brandade and marinated kale salad.

Andros Taverna serves the food of Greece, with Mediterranean favorites like eggplant moussaka and phyllo spanakopita.

Cedars Mediterranean Restaurant in Hyde Park, as the name implies, specializes in the lighter options from the Mediterranean.

Eataly gives you the options offered by an entire food court serving the cuisine of Italy and some of the heartier Mediterranean dishes you’ll find in Chicago.

 Le Sud

Le Sud serves Mediterranean food with a French twist, like mussels Provencal and seared scallops with spring pea puree.

Roti, the “Chipotle of Mediterranean food,” shows us that fast casual can be healthy and delicious…and quite reasonably priced.

Lyra serves a great steak, some of the best veg-forward Mediterranean cuisine in Chicago and a killer selection of Greek wine.

Ada Street 

Ada Street serves Mediterranean cuisine paired with a spectacular cocktail list; for pairing with veggies, we’d recommend Lucky Star (pink peppercorn pisco, yuzu, Aperol, and strawberry).

Ema in the Park Hyatt River North thrills diners with Mediterranean cuisine with a Southern California vibe; think pan-roasted Romanesque cauliflower and hamachi with watermelon.

Andies Restaurant serves hearty pastas and lots of veggies, with sauces and dips made in house.