Al Bawadi Grill
Middle Eastern restaurant · Bridgeview ·
Wood-grilled meats, seafood, traditional coffee, festive decor
![Al Bawadi Grill by Al Bawadi Grill [Official Photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70012546/al_bawadi_grill.0.jpg "Al Bawadi Grill by Al Bawadi Grill [Official Photo]")
Wood-grilled meats, seafood, traditional coffee, festive decor
"Al Bawadi means the Bedouins, a nomadic Arabic culture that is reflected in the decor (which mostly comes from Palestine) of patterned furs, embroidered tapestries, lamps, and keffiyehs everywhere. Al Bawadi is also one of the most beloved Arab restaurants in the area, most well-known for generously portioned grilled meat platters (get the quail platter or the popular mixed grill with shishkabob, kufta kabob, and chicken tawook kabob). But the shawarma sandwiches and mezze, including baba ghanouj, house-made pickles, muthawama (garlic and potato dip), and batata harra (spicy potatoes), are also favorites. The sayadieh (a seafood dish popular in Gaza) is also great and hearty here, with the surprising, but delicious, addition of fried fish instead of grilled. Top off your night with a dessert of knafeh with mint tea. A second location opened in 2019 in north suburban Niles and the new restaurant Al-Bahaar opened in Orland Park this year, with a focus on Palestinian seafood." - Nylah Iqbal Muhammad
"Head to Bridgeview for the finest Middle Eastern food in the area. The southwest suburb has many excellent restaurants, including Al Bawadi Grill. Feast on mezze, kibbeh, wood-grilled meats, shawarma, and much more. A second outpost is located in Niles. Online ordering is available here." - Eater Staff
"Bridgeview is a competitive place when it comes to cuisine from Middle Eastern countries, but Al Bawadi has carved out a seemingly unshakable niche as an icon in the area. From the traditional decor and impressive menu with a selection of mesquite-grilled kebabs, there’s a reason city dwellers make the trip." - Naomi Waxman
"There are several Middle Eastern restaurants in densely Arab-populated Bridgeview, but Al Bawadi stands above the others. Once guests step inside, they’re treated to Arabian décor, servers dressed in traditional outfits, and wood-fired meats and seafood. An added bonus: Every meal starts with complimentary eggplant dip. A second location is in Niles." - Naomi Waxman
"Al Bawadi is well-loved by the Palestinian, Syrian, and Jordanian community in Bridgeview, largely because the food and decor are reminiscent of home. The interiors are unapologetically Palestinian with the red patterned fabric that decorates the walls and upholstery which draws on Bedouin culture. The look has long been integrated into restaurants and cafes in Palestine and Jordan. Bawadi’s menu, curated by founders Kal Ismail and Khalied Baste, is extensive, with everything from classic mezze like batata harra (spicy potatoes), kibbeh, to kebab. If you get anything grab their chicken or beef shawarma (encased in thin but sturdy shrak bread) and all accompanied with excellent fries and house pickles. Bawadi’s even worth a stop if you just want dessert for its knafa pastries. Outdoor seating is available on the weekends in a tent attached to the building itself. A second location opened in 2019 in north suburban Niles." - N.A. Mansour
