Michelle Z.
Yelp
Avaspi on Belmont is, quite simply, a standout. From the moment we walked in, it struck that rare balance between upscale ambiance and warm, unpretentious hospitality. You feel welcomed, not watched--something a lot of "high end" places never quite master.
The food? Absolutely incredible. We started with the stuffed eggplant, and I'll say it plainly: it was out of this world. Rich, balanced, and deeply satisfying. Then came the calamari meze, and this dish deserves its own shoutout. I don't like calamari--at all--but somehow I couldn't stop eating this. There was an umami depth I couldn't quite name, but it hooked me. I've never been more pleasantly surprised by a plate.
Next was the halloumi salad. It's rare that a salad makes it into the highlight reel of a meal, but this one did. Fresh, vibrant, and anchored by perfectly grilled halloumi, it held its own against the heavier dishes.
The star of the show, though, was the Avaspi Mixed Plate for two. It came out sizzling and aromatic, and every bite of meat was shockingly juicy and packed with flavor. We kept exchanging looks like, How is this even real?
Service was top-tier--attentive without hovering, gracious without being stiff. Portions were generous, pricing felt more than fair, and we left already talking about when we'd be back.
If you're in Chicago and want a meal that hits every mark--food, service, atmosphere--Avaspi is your spot.