Habibi In Mediterranean Grill-Evanston

Great service, great food, not the best shawarma wraps! I was in Evanston and decided to give this place a try as I was craving shawarma. Immediately I noticed the amazing customer service and hospitality and bustling customers made up of all types of people including many college students having a good old time. The food came out hot and cooked to order. We got the beef shwarma wraps, veggie platter, lamb chops and falafel sandwiches. The food was pretty good especially the lamb chop dish though lamb chops were a bit more well done than I like. The veggie platter was amazing and full of flavor. The disappointing part was the shwarma wrap.. it had barely any flavor or seasoning.. i was so shocked.. there was however a good amount of meat and the meat was tender. However my meal was kinda ruined due to the lacklust shwarma wraps. No idea what happened: idk if they dont season them well due to the demographic of people in that area or maybe the cook forgot to add seasoning? No idea but I wish i spoke up . I think i waa jus so hungry i didnt bother to say anything…

An incredible restaurant to have amazing Mediterranean cuisine! The interior is designed with care, and all the workers were happy to help with any questions. I had the gyro and chicken platter over rice, which came with a huge portion of meat and other ingredients. You can’t go wrong with any protein here, and I highly recommend the falafel and hummus as well. The food comes out very quick, and it is always cooked fresh. Make sure to try Habibi In if you’re in Evanston!

I’ve heard about this restaurant from my niece for quite some time—she’s been dining here for over a year and always spoke highly of it. I finally had the chance to experience it myself, and now I understand why she kept recommending it. From the moment I walked in, the warm and welcoming atmosphere set the tone. The highlight of my visit was the chicken kefta dinner, which was nothing short of mouthwatering. The meat was perfectly seasoned, tender, and juicy, with flavors that blended beautifully with the sides. Every bite felt thoughtfully prepared and authentic. Equally impressive was the service. Mohammed, our server, went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. His attentiveness, friendliness, and genuine care added so much to the overall dining experience. Honestly, the kind of service he provided is rare these days—he deserves five stars on his own. Overall, this restaurant exceeded my expectations in both food and hospitality. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back, not just for the dishes but for the people who make the experience so enjoyable. If you haven’t been yet, do yourself a favor and give it a try—you’ll see why it has such loyal regulars.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING – A MUST-VISIT GEM! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 My friend and his niece recommended Habibi Mediterranean Grill in Evanston, IL, so we decided to check it out—and I am genuinely grateful we did. This turned out to be one of the best dinners of my entire life. I ordered the Chicken Kofta Kabob over Rice, but instead of getting two chicken skewers, I swapped one for a beef skewer so I could try both meats. If you’re reading this, do the same. You will not regret it. The rice and salad were delicious, fresh, and full of flavor. But the bread… WOW. It was so soft, warm, and perfectly made that I don’t even have the words to describe it. I eat a lot of Mediterranean, Pakistani, and Indian food—where bread plays a huge role—so when I say I’d take this bread 10 out of 10 times, that should speak volumes. And now, the star of the show: the meat. Juicy, tender, perfectly seasoned, and cooked to absolute perfection. Every bite made my mouth water for more. I could genuinely eat this meal multiple times a week—and I’m not someone who usually goes to the same restaurant that often. That alone tells you how exceptional this place is. The sauces were the perfect compliment to the meal, enhancing every flavor without overpowering anything. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, filled with genuine hospitality. A special shoutout to Mohammed, who provided truly above-and-beyond service. He was kind, attentive, and incredibly honest. We tipped him personally, and he shared the tip with his coworkers—that alone shows what an amazing person and employee he is. Hats off to him for making the experience even better. If you visit—and you absolutely should—I can fully guarantee you will not be disappointed. This restaurant is exceptional in every sense. I will definitely be coming back as often as possible. Habibi Mediterranean Grill, you’ve earned a Lifelong Customer.

Absolutely Delicious!! A casual and quick spot for some amazing Mediterranean food in the heart of Evanston. The lentil soup is an absolute must order and any of the entree plates offer enough food for leftovers!

There are so many things calling themselves inflation fighters. But in my view, there is nothing more qualified than the lunch special in Habibi In. Been a loyal customer for past five years and I knew they have been very fair in pricing. But dude, the lunch special is at next level. I'm even concerned that they'd go bankrupt with this offer. Regarding the food, always amazing, if not more. I'd even go one step further and say, if you have to choose what to eat for workday lunch, it needs to be this lunch special.

Excellent counter service Mediterranean food. The food is very delicious and has very large portion sizes. Staff is exceptionally friendly. Highly recommended.

Awesome food! We ordered Habibi plate and it was delicious and enough for two people! Servers are polite and they have good amount of seating. I will recommend this place!

Came here because it was my nephew's recommendation and I was thoroughly impressed by the wide selection and great quality of Mediterranean food. This place is great for small or large parties and serves generous portions that are shareable for whatever your party size. This was a pleasant spot to dine in, at the spur of the moment. I only regret not taking photos.

Came in for late dinner on a Friday. Busy but not packed. Place had cool mood lighting, pretty neat and clean. Was 2nd in line to order. Staff was friendly and helpful to pick our meal items. You pay after ordering. They took our name and within 10 min or so, got the food delivered to our table. Food was freshly cooked and attractive. Got the Habibi plate, gyro mix with chicken, and strawberry date shake. Habibi plate and gyro plate gave a lot of overlap, so if you want more variety pick a more different 2nd item. Food quality was good. Taste was very appetizing, cooked and presented well. Enjoyed everything, but would probably not suggest the strawberry date shake. All they had was strawberry icecream left when we visited. Quality of the shake was good but could have been more enjoyable with a different flavor combo. Would come back again to try different menu items.

Stopped in for dinner and WOW! Delicious food and fast service! The beef shawarma wrap was delicious and I appreciate a well wrapped wrap! The gyro meat here is also well seasoned and tender! They have big tables for larger parties but I think they could fit in a few smaller ones especially with how popular they are.

Decided to try something new and randomly decided on Mediterranean today. I hit a home run on this spot AND they were still having their lunch special. When I asked what their most popular plate was the immediate response was 'get the number 4'. Ok lol. So I got it and was legitimately shocked as to how tender the chicken shawarma and the gyro were. They were also so packed with flavor but not overpowering at all. This lunch special also came with a little salad with a delightful dressing. A really cozy place as well. This used to be the old Dixie Kitchen location in Church Street so I was already familiar with the inside but never had the food. But that's going to change for sure now lol. I'll definitely be back! So glad I found another healthy, chill sit down spot in downtown Evanston!!

We had the Habibi plate. Everything on the plate was amazing! The service was great too friendly and helpful staff. We will definitely come back.

We came to eat dinner and I got the falafel plate and it was delicious. I also got hummus and baba ganoush and it was amazing!!! My sister got the habibi plate and she enjoyed everything. We will definitely be coming back. Everyone was supper friendly and knowledgeable about the items on the menu.

Lived up to the hype. After hearing such great things, I finally dropped in to try them out. The food was out of this world. Giant portions. Exceptional flavors. The new chicken kofta was juicy and my favorite out of the two. My girlfriend got the chicken kebabs which were chunks of chicken cooked on a grill lightly charred. It was also delicious. Both plates came with generous serving of rice, salad and sauces. The spicy sauce has a kick. The white sauce I would bathe in. It went so good on everything! Service was impeccable. They greeted us the moment we walked in. Answered questions. And we're so nice overall! Good takes about 15 mins to cook and they are upfront about that wait time which is great to set the expectation. Will make the drive up here again when the cravings kick in.

We ordered fries, a beef shawarma, and a chicken shawarma wrap. First of all the shawarmas came in a pita not in their authentic wrap so it was such a disappointment. The filling of the shawarmas were not proper nor did it taste good. The chicken tasted like masala and the beef shawarma was cold. The service was pretty quick and we got our food within 10 minutes but the ambience of the place was just not right. They've decorated nicely but there were a lot of flies, mosquitoes, and spiders there. It made the experience even worse. Overall: it's a no for me and they have a guarantee that people will be back but I certainly will NOT be back.

Solid, reliable lunch or dinner. Fast food atmosphere, but much better! Counter service from friendly folks, then just enjoy the Mediterranean meal!

Habibi In is a local favorite of students, staff and faculty of Northwestern University as well as Evanston residents. It's no surprise as they have delicious food for a good value, friendly staff, a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of life! Highly recommend the gyro platter with a side pita ! FYI portions are incredibly generous and most of their platters could probably serve you for 2 meals. Make sure to ask for pita though they mostly remember to give you. Very friendly staff and a laid back vibe . I've been here on my own and with a large group . #campuslife #supportlocal

Nice place. It had a lot of students in it. But pretty solid food and good size portions. Friendly staff and exotic drinks. I had the chicken shawarma wrap and it was very nice with a few pickled vegetables on the side. Also had a weird drink called Vimto that is popular in the Middle East but actually comes from Manchester. Overall definitely recommend.

This is the best Mediterranean food I've had in Chicago. This is our go to place when we want great food for a great price. I'm a chef this place has great techniques, perfect presentation and generous portion sizes. Get the Habbi plate and get everything you need for a Mediterranean meal. They have warm and friendly service and always happy to see us! I recommend this place to all my customers.

Their shish tawook wrap is great. It's grilled marinated chicken, with a different spice blend than the usual shawarma or gyros. It's huge too. Mid afternoon, and the place is jumping. Definitely on my list when I come back to Evanston. The fries are gloriously crisp too.

Absolutely delicious. The staff is very friendly. I am traveling and found this restaurant by accident. Truly loved it!

Best Mediterranean in Chicago--Period. I've tried all the top-rated spots in the city, and Habibi blows them all away. Juicy grilled meats, fresh tabbouleh, rich baba ghanoush, and crispy falafel done to perfection. Every bite is bold, balanced, and unforgettable. Authentic, flavorful, and worth every penny. This is the real deal.

I've only eaten food from here once, but it was incredible. We ordered delivery to work. The family meals are a ton of food, and all of it is delicious. The staff even laid it all out on the table for us. Great service!

Stopped by this place after visiting Northwestern, if I went to Northwestern, I'd stop by this place often. Big portion and food is great. Nice service.

There were so many options and so many flavors! So happy to finds great meditation spot in evanston!

Amazing food. Very large portions. Consider sharing a meal. They will even give you 2 plates. Very nice staff and quick service. Will definitely come back.

Excellent Middle Eastern food in downtown Evanston. We chose this place because we wanted something casual after a long day in Chicago and on the Northwestern campus, and this was just the sort of place we were looking for. You order at the counter and pick it up when it's ready, but when the workers in the kitchen noticed that we had some elderly people in our group with mobility issues, they offered to take the food to our table. They were very helpful in answering our questions about specific dishes and any recommendations they had. It was nice that there is an option to substitute the rice for a salad for their plates, for those of us trying to keep our triglyceride levels in check. We tried a variety of dishes. The portions are enormous; each entree could have easily fed two of us. We all left with takeout boxes for a midnight snack or lunch the next day. Among the items we had were: Falafel on a salad - this came with six fairly large falafels on a bed of salad, generous portions of baba ganoush and hummus, and a pita. The falafels were crispy but not overcooked and hot in the center. Kofta kebab on a salad - seasoned ground beef formed into "logs" and grilled. These were just a little red in the center, which is the way we prefer it, but still cooked to a safe temperature. It was moist and the flavors were very good. Gyros on a salad - this was my dish, and I liked it quite a bit. Most of the gyros pieces were thick and soft, but of course there are a few small pieces that get a little more thoroughly cooked. I enjoyed the salad but it came with an awful lot of olives, and I'm just not an olive guy. Other people in our group got the chicken kebab and the beef shawarma, which I didn't try, but they had positive comments. So, this was a satisfying and enjoyable experience and highly recommended. Great food, relaxed atmosphere, and outstanding service.

Evanston (and Chicago) has many great Middle Eastern restaurants. But Habibi is the best. Just had lamb gyros there-the best gyros sandwich I've ever had. Fries (side order) are great. Hummus, baba ganoush, and red cabbage all great sides too. Owner is a mensch. I have been here perhaps 5 times since it opened and look forward to 50 more.

Great selection, great service, cafe setting, great food and large portions. I've eaten here 4 times now and never been disappointed. The prices are competitive for Evanston, the cost of doing business in Evanston is high - but these prices are right in the zone and reasonable. I highly recommend the restaurant for casual dining and outstanding food.

Generous portions. Attentive staff. Delicious food. What more could you ask. It was such a great experience. I had enough food for a full lunch the next day. Give it a try if you haven't yet. If you're spice intolerant then ask for just all regular rice.

Staff was extremely kind and friendly. Service was great, portions were huge, and the food was so good. Everything we ordered was amazing and we will definitely come back when in Evanston!

The nicest people work in this excellent place. Freshly prepared every time with great care. The $9.99 lunch special is tough to beat.

GUYS. I took this picture after I had my fill, they give so much food! Fresh and tasteful! Thanks for being so kind! Excellent, affordable, insanely good food.

The food was fucking dank but my bike was getting stolen and they wouldn't let me go stop the guy! Damn capitalism!

Honestly some of the best Mediterranean food I've ever had. It is incredibly flavorful, service is quick and friendly. Fantastic value and absolutely delicious! What more could you want?

We needed a quick meal between events and didn't want to sacrifice quality. Habibi offers high quality Mediterranean food on a fast casual space. I ordered the falafel entree served over a bed of rice, plus a side of pita. It's nearly $13 for the platter but it's a lot of food. The falafel was on point. The overall ambiance/vibe is alright. Tables are tightly arranged in a bright dining area. Our food was prepared quickly though, giving us plenty of time to enjoy our food before heading to the next event. I definitely recommend this place if you have a craving for Mediterranean!

Loved this place. Gyro was world class. A great place to eat in Evanston. We will be back soon

Solid falafels and I'm also a fan of the shredded chicken. On the platters, I recommend substituting salad for the rice as you get sort of a Mezze that varies from week to week but could consist of lettuce salad, pickled radish, carrots and jalapeños, hummus, baba ganoush, chickpeas, or some different combination of the above items. The rice is good too but I love the variety. Hot sauce is hot.

Best Mediterranean food in Evanston! The restaurant itself is nothing fancy, you order and get your food yourself but for the price, it is worth it. The gyro was delicious and the powder they put on the fries is so addicting. It is a little sweet. Would recommend this place if you're craving some Mediterranean food!

Great place for Mediterranean. Food is fresh. Has been occasionally too salty but usually very flavorful and delish. The hummus is good. They're falafel is amazing.

Yelpers know their Mediterranean food. I'll add my high marks after a visit here from out of town. The space is simple and offers takeout or sit down at about a dozen tables. It's clean and tasteful. Tasteful, too, is the food rolling out of the kitchen. Gyro Mix with chicken over basmati rice and lightly sauced to perfection. The three falafels on an app were very good. Like moist Mediterranean hush puppies.... The chicken shawarma wrap is packed with ingredients and flavor and served with a side of fries. We also ordered a shareable tabouli salad. Delicious. Easy to find, make it a must-stop when you're in Evanston.

Some of the best Mediterranean food I've had in the area! I was very pleasantly surprised. I ordered takeout and my order was ready really fast. The restaurant had lots of open tables and it seemed like most people were getting food for take-out. I ordered the falafel wrap and the gyro over rice, and was very happy with both! Falafel wrap: falafel was nice and crisp on the outside even though I ate it probably 20 minutes after it was done being prepared. The sauce was amazing, and the pickled veggies in it were great too. It was a really generous size with a ton packed in, bigger than falafel wraps I've gotten at other places. Gyro over rice: huge portions! The gyro meat is spiced amazingly and very flavorful. The salad was just mediocre though and it came with a lot of rice. A little expensive for takeout food, but I will still be returning!

Amazing service and food. I go here all the time and always have a good time. The servings are very large, so prices are not too high when taking this into consideration.

So many great things about this place. First, the staff were incredibly friendly. Of course, the food was a great too. The Habibi platter was enormous. Could easily feed two. Terrific vegetarian options. Falafel, humus, pita, fries, and lentil soup were terrific. I was a going to order additional Tzaziki and the staff told me my order already came with it. I appreciated not being encouraged to order more than I needed. Some of the food may take a little while to prepare. It's worth the wait!

So I grew up with Pita Inn as the only joint to get decent Levantine fast food. Then I moved away and when I came back, it was no longer the fantastic "joint" but a full restaurant and the food was not the same. Enter Habibi In. Yes! They are my favorite when it comes to SWANA regional flavors. The best is the chicken kabob over rice. First of all the chicken is so moist and flavorful...not over seasoned but just right. The dish comes with both red and yellow rice and a fresh salad with veggies and dressing. Other foods that I have had include their falafel and beef kofta meals, hummus plate and lentil soup. The falafel is perfectly fried not to hard or greasy which is rare. Their meals are more than enough for two people and everyone I have introduced to Habibi loves them and return. The service is always polite and friendly. They just replaced the furniture and there always seems to be just enough room for their customers which, appears often to be families as well as NU students. The lunch deal price can't be beat! They also offer packaged sweet treats from the region inclusive of the popular Dubai chocolate. I give them a 5 out of 5 as they provide great food, comfortable environment and friendly service. What else can you ask for?

Tasty dishes and top quality service. Great option for Mediterranean in Evanston. Don't miss out.

One of my favorite places to go in Evanston for a good bit of food. The portions are pretty big which is great since I always have leftovers for a second meal, making it a good deal (for me). The people working there are always really nice and friendly and welcoming. The vibe in the restaurant is exactly what I'd want and need. I really enjoy going to Habibi In, it's just good, legit food.

Had the number 4 and it was not that good to be honest. The chicken shawarma had chunks of hard fat on it and appeared to be made on a grill but wasn't at a hot temperature at all. The gyro was also warm. Both meats sat above plain room temperature rice which were seasoned more Indian style than middle eastern. The salad was all leaves and a couple bell pepper slices. Super mid food and very expensive too. Evanston is easily impressed it seems like.

Very good and great amount of flavor! Comparable to Pita Inn but a little more exotic and pricey. Friendly service and cool decor.

Food 10/10 Went there twice. YES, the food is that good. While me and my partner are exploring Chicago's restaurants we went to this place twice! we ordered the HABIBI Plate It came with Beef Kofta, Beef shwarma, Chicken Kebab, Roasted Jalapeno, tomato, onion, regular/spicey rice, and hummus. The platter was good for 2 adults and 2 children. The kebabs were perfectly cooked and made. Everything had its own flavor and taste. Staff and Ambiance 10/10 Staffs are really nice, Ambiance is also good. The place is nice & clean. I would like if they provide silverware for dine-in. Overall the experience was good.

Consistently great food and very friendly service. I've been there many times. Best Med. food I have had.

So I've had Mediterranean food, especially Shawarma from dozens of restaurants throughout Chicago. This Habibi plate is spectacular. The flavors are really good and the grilled flavor comes through on the vegetables and meat.

Loved the food. The shawarma is one of the best I've tasted in Chicagoland. The quantities are massive. Highly recommend!

The first thing I noticed upon entering Habibi In was the beautiful photography lining the walls followed closely by the cozy atmosphere. We came in about an hour before closing and the staff was friendly, patient and helpful. I love Mediterranean food and am always looking for new restaurants to add to my roster, but honestly, after absolutely gorging on The Kabab Plate (with spicy rice of course), an order of Falafel, and a side of Hummus, I'm not sure I'll be able to be as satisfied anywhere else. I will forever be comparing Mediterranean restaurants to the amazing flavour party I experienced from the very first bite throughout the entire meal and to the very last morsel I could manage to fit in my belly. I tend to properly portion my meals, but this for was so delicious I simply couldn't help myself. Of course we had plenty of leftovers to bring home after our feast and will absolutely be returning, and recommending, Habib In in the future. Just... *chef's kiss* Wonderful. *Also, they use sturdy yet compostable cutlery, which is always a plus for me.

We ordered take out. It was fast and accurate. The chicken is amazing and we also like the dolmas and olive salad.

Absolutely one of my favorite places in Evanston. Their mild rice and white sauce are to die for. The people who work here are also some of the most pleasant people you will ever meet. If it's your first time here, get the gyro and chicken mix rice plate. It comes with a soft and pillowy pita that works great with the white sauce. The red sauce is super spicy but is quite flavorful if you're able to handle it.