Ah, Orland Park’s Mediterranean scene. Where would we be without you? You can find decent falafel and hummus in this suburb, but you deserve better than decent. From family-run tavernas and kebab institutions to spots serving standout mezze and baklava, these are the 14 Mediterranean restaurants we’re sending you to first.
Alrayes Catering
$ | (630) 656-2357 | WEBSITE
Sure, this guide is about Mediterranean restaurants, but we’d be remiss not to mention a caterer who serves incredible home-style meals. Alrayes specializes in traditional dishes like Msakhan, baked spinach pies, and shishbarak, all prepared by their talented chef Shaima. Our favorite is the chicken kabseh—tender, perfectly seasoned chicken over fragrant rice—but the chicken shawarma sandwiches are a close second. Get either with a side of their fresh tabbouleh and halawat al jibin for dessert.
Baba Saj
$ | (708) 952-4959 | WEBSITE
The next time you’re craving authentic Mediterranean flavors, a satisfying vegetarian meal, or just need a break from the ordinary, make your way to Baba Saj in Orland Park. They focus on fresh, delicious vegetarian options and can easily accommodate dietary restrictions. The menu is straightforward, but when you want that perfect combination of savory and crisp, go for the flavorful shawarma with those always-crispy fries.
And if you’re looking for something lighter, have no fear—their hummus is pure perfection, and the hot Sage tea is really good. You won’t regret stopping here.
Fattoush
$$ | (708) 671-9999 | WEBSITE
It turns out family gatherings and brunch go well with Middle Eastern flavors, especially because we could all use a break from predictable chain restaurants. The warm atmosphere and large portions make Orland Park’s Fattoush a good place to grab a meal or celebrate with loved ones. And they do an authentic Mediterranean menu loaded with appetizers and entrees like the lamb chops and seafood mix, beautifully presented with creamy hummus and crispy falafel.
Al Basha restaurant
$$ | (708) 671-1440 | WEBSITE
If you can’t imagine a meal without bold, authentic flavors, dining at a spot that feels like a family gathering is essential. Al Basha in Orland Park serves your classic Mediterranean staples like falafel and beef shawarma, along with combo plates, generous platters, and standout dishes like mansaf with rich yogurt sauce, tender lamb, crunchy almonds, and perfectly cooked rice, all available for hearty enjoyment.
The portions are large, with leftovers likely, and the service from staff like Hadeel is friendly, attentive, and personable, making you feel welcome and valued. Overall, it’s a great experience that leaves you eager to return, feeling like part of the family.
OPA! Modern Greek Cuisine
$$ | (815) 806-7303 | WEBSITE
This Frankfort spot is a hidden gem thanks to its delicious food, excellent service, and vibrant atmosphere that makes it a great choice for both dine-in and catering. But the real reason to go out of your way for OPA! is that it takes Greek cuisine as seriously as its attentive staff takes crafting fantastic drinks.
They make the best lamb shank in the area: it’s tender and perfectly portioned for sharing, alongside popular choices like the super tender Greek chicken or the unique rice pudding martini. The kind and helpful server Ariel provides warm service with huge portions that offer great value, though some note the saganaki can be rubbery if not fully melted. With refreshing options like the Clean Co.
Apple Vodka Mule and crowd-pleasers like the Grecian Egg Rolls and OPA Combo, this modern Greek restaurant delivers a consistently impressive experience.
Yummi Saj
$ | (708) 529-8880 | WEBSITE
Yummi Saj is a lot more than a Middle Eastern restaurant serving chicken and beef shawarma—it’s also a welcoming spot where you can watch fresh pita being made in-house while enjoying phenomenal salads like tabouli and Jerusalem salad with tahini. That makes it perfect anytime you want to treat yourself to authentic flavors by savoring all of the juicy, full-of-flavor shawarma and generous portions while appreciating the friendly, supportive service.
Crunchit grill
$ | (708) 880-4107 | WEBSITE
Crunchit Grill is one of the best spots to grab a chicken fillet burger and shawarma in Orland Park. There’s plenty of seating in the casual, bustling dining room, which makes it perfect for a quick lunch over fresh Mediterranean options, large portions, and delicious food. A huge plus: the staff is attentive here so you don’t have to worry about service while you’re enjoying your meal.
Pita Pita Mediterranean Grill
$ | (708) 981-7100 | WEBSITE
Sure, we love the bustling Mediterranean spots that dot Orland Park, but when we want to savor something truly fresh and satisfying without the fuss, we head to Pita Pita Mediterranean Grill. It’s welcoming, generous, and always full of friendly faces you’ll want to chat with while enjoying your beef kebab and creamy garlic sauce.
SemSem Mediterranean
$ | (708) 620-8820 | WEBSITE
SemSem Mediterranean is a Mediterranean multitasker. If you need a quick, satisfying lunch during a busy workday, their make-your-own bowl option is the perfect solution. Want a family-friendly dinner that pleases both kids and adults? Their generous portions and variety of proteins will do the trick. And when you’re craving fresh, high-quality falafel or shawarma, this is your spot. We usually get the falafel—it’s our favorite in town.
Hello Shawarma
$ | (708) 490-4444 | WEBSITE
Few spots can deliver authentic Mediterranean flavors in a compact setting. Hello Shawarma isn’t like most restaurants. The cozy Orland Park eatery serves generous portions of must-try dishes, like the lamb and beef Bashka with perfectly seasoned meat, or the tender Chicken Shawarma wrapped in fresh pita. And if you bring enough friends, order the big five-shawarma platter that feeds a crowd with juicy, flavorful meat.
They also offer delicious wraps and baguettes that we’re not nearly hungry enough to finish.
Mdakhan (Jabri – M’daKhan)
$ | (708) 229-8855 | WEBSITE
Mdakhan in Orland Park serves amazing Mediterranean food with excellent customer service. But the best thing about this Middle Eastern restaurant is that their grilled meat platter comes out quickly and stays tender the whole meal. So you can feel like you’re enjoying a traditional feast even when you’ve got a schedule full of daily errands. Settle at one of the clean, well-maintained tables here after ordering the fillet mignon kabab entrée, and some fresh baklava.
Char & Coal Mediterranean
$ | (708) 981-3196 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for the crown jewel of Mediterranean dining in Orland Park, Char & Coal Mediterranean is the reigning champion. They might not have multiple locations like some chains, but their Homer Glen spot is especially perfect for a satisfying, flavorful meal. They serve generous portions of fresh, high-quality dishes like the best falafel and Arayes in the area, along with plenty of tasty vegetarian options and grilled chicken plates.
The friendly staff and reasonably priced menu make it a highly recommended spot for delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
The Nile Restaurant
$ | (708) 237-0767 | WEBSITE
Mediterranean food lovers, listen up. You need to make your way to The Nile Restaurant, stat. The staff at this Orland Park spot are like family members welcoming you home. Whether you’re craving classic shawerma sandwiches, traditional Old School Style Arabic Breakfast, or authentic Palestinian flavors like wonderful falafel, hummus with beef, and foul, they’ve got it, and if you’re not sure what to order, they’ll help you choose.
Be warned—the tables might have some crumbs, and the outside area could use a cleaning, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying the generous portions and inexpensive prices.
Orland Market & Bakery
$$ | (708) 949-8890 | WEBSITE
Orland Market & Bakery has become the go-to spot in the southwest suburbs for authentic Middle Eastern groceries and food, but we love their restaurant side best for a truly satisfying meal. The clean, welcoming space feels both homey and vibrant, with the aroma of fresh bread baking each morning.
Add in the incredible hummus that puts all others to shame, perfectly spiced beef shawarma with that irresistible smoky flavor, and falafel that achieves the ideal balance of crunch and tenderness, and you’re in for a memorable dining experience. The experienced staff, including their dedicated baker who arrives at 4 a.m. daily for fresh pita and spinach pies, makes this hidden gem worth seeking out.
