Zimi's Pizza and Grill

So excited to find an Albanian place especially with owners from Kosove!! Best meal I’ve had in a long time everything was delicious. The calamari was so fresh and tender best I’ve had, the qebapa was even better than some places in Kosove, the grandma pizza was amazing we added beef pepperoni and it was 10/10!! Left so full and took pizza for later and it was just as good. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

I had the small mixed grill with two types of Balkan meat specialties and trimmings. It came with a large round loaf of fresh ethnic bread. I could not finish it. Leftovers for another meal and a snack. Garlic knots excellent, but make sure to share them. Wished for a robust red wine, but no alcohol here. Go early as the kitchen gets busy with take-out.

We have been ordering takeout here several times, and this review is past due. The food and service are really good. Above all, and the reason for this review, are Zimi’s love for and support of the community: A biannual International Festival took place at an elementary school nearby this weekend, and Zimi’s gladly donated a generous amount of qofte, nicely packed, and helped us proudly represent the Albanian culture, food, and traditions. We will continue to order from here, and his kind gesture was most appreciated. Thank you everyone at Zimi’s!!!

I had an amazing experience at Zimi’s Pizza and Grill! We ordered a mixed meat platter and a pleskavica filled with cheese — and let me tell you, it was hands down the best meal I’ve ever had. The bread was served hot and incredibly soft, like it had just come fresh out of the oven. The ajvar on the side was the perfect finishing touch — rich, flavorful, and full of depth. Everything was freshly prepared and came out quickly. A special shoutout to our server, Dito, who was exceptionally kind and helped me choose the perfect dish. Can’t wait to come back!

Enjoyed a really delicious and full meal here recently! The meat kebab was tasty and flavorful, though the beef steak was a little tough but still chewable. Also had the meat burek and a chicken shawarma. The portion size of each dish was generous, and I had to take my leftover portion to go, so you definitely get your money’s worth. Service was a little slow but the waitress was friendly and attentive. Would definitely go back again!

I really enjoyed this little spot. Had a cedar salad that wad huge & a veggie panini with fries. The panini could’ve had more filling & fries were a bit salty. Not bad though.

A little pricey...but still worth trying. I would definitely recommend eating it fresh, the crust is not rewarm friendly! Heads up...the veggie pizza has some type of pineapple base to it, not my favorite, but it was only like a pinch of it here and there. The toppings are placed majority in the center... definitely would have liked it to be more spread out. The selections are plenty and the service was amazing! Street parking only.

I tried something new today and I’m glad I did! Reasonable prices and good portions. The meat was tender and flavorful and paired well with the bread, tomatoes, and onions it was served with! Great family atmosphere.

The food is an excellent way to try the foods of Albania and the Balkan region. The sausages and veggie plates are awesome. The kids menu never fails. I suggest one tries the sample meat platter. The restaurant is very clean and the owner treats everyone like they are family

Love your pizza and other items of your menu. I have brought my family here and we always leave happily satisfied. Thank you.

Did the mixed meat platter and garlic knots with shepherds salad for delivery, which was prompt. The meat platter is a savory carnivore delight with umami mouth bombs in abundance. The shepherd salad's mix of goat cheese,krinkly greens,olives and assorted herbs served with frisbee-like garlic knots was very satisfying Next time we are going for Grandma's Pizza!

Good food but very poor customer service Every time I place an order they always get it wrong I always order pizza here but end up leaving with messed up order.

Casual yet classy is how this local pizza and grill is. It of course has pizza, but that's only part of the menu. Zimi's also has things like paninis and salads. Good prices for the portions. The food is better than expected for what it costs and you get a lot too. After looking for a pizza place neither of us had been to yet, we found out about this one on Western Avenue. It's located north of Devon Avenue past all those Indian restaurants. The food here happens to be Balkan and Italian, so an interesting combination there. Got a vegetable pizza that always about $14 for a medium. Then we also got a Veggie Panini. It's $9 for a pretty big one. This had balsamic vinegar glaze on lettuce, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini. Came with fries. This was as filling as pizza. Has lots to choose from. It's not just a place for pizza. Those looking for a place with Eastern European, Italian, and Middle Eastern food can come here and find lots of stuff.

Zimis was actually pretty great. We found it in instagram and got suckered in. So glad I was targeted ha! I ordered food to go for the bears game so I didn't go in and speak for the service. Frankly I was worried when I went in. Nobody was there during dinner time but I quickly realized that many people were actually getting take out. We had a dried beef pizza (without mushrooms), cevapi and qofte combo and a cheese burek. Everything was amazing. I was so impressed with the flavors. The cevapis were some of the best I have ever tasted and trust me I am Eastern European, I am well versed. The kajmak was great and so was the cabbage salad that came with it. The bread that came with it was heaven. It was home made and just so fluffy that it almost felt fake. The taste was out of this world. I liked the burek but it wasn't my favorite which is the reason why this review has 4 stars. Granted though, I was so satisfied with it, I am looking forward to go there again and stuff my face. Give this place a chance my fellow yelper, you wont be disappointed

Been Looking forward to being able to have a real 'Chicago Roast Beef' sandwich on my most recent trip. I have never been to "Zimi's Pizza and Grill' before. I ordered the Roast Beef Sandwich and was happy. It came with fries, which I was happy with. They have Coca-Cola canned products for sale. Street Parking. Plenty of tables with chairs. Clean Friendly they have TVs for viewing

We like to try local small businesses. We've seen this place pop up and heard good things and we were not disappointed. We had the Qebapa and it was delicious (tried to get a pic but was too hungry that I got a partial picture) next we got the grandma pizza, it was very yummy. We also got a margarita pizza but after eating the grandma pizza I would have just been satisfied with the grandma pizza. We definitely will be coming back to try the other food on the menu. Happy that we found this hidden gem.

Sooo good! the pizza is awesome, service was great, kid friendly - we had a great time.

Found this place while searching for more good food options near me and how did I not know this place existed sooner? Pizza AND Balkan food, a restaurant after my own heart. I'm kicking myself really. So I stopped in yesterday evening to grab a slice of pizza and cheese burek and while sitting outside on the lovely patio seating talked to a very nice gentleman who turned out to be the the owner! When I tell you this is the absolute best burek I've had in a very long time please know I'm not exaggerating. Burek was my favorite growing up and this one was perfect. It was cooked to perfection - not dry but also not rubbery. Just wonderful chewy, cheesy, flaky nostalgia. It may actually give my baba's a run for her money. Of course I got yogurt to go with it and that was delicious as well. The pizza was also very good (are you sensing a theme?) and I will definitely be back for both in the very near future and I'm excited to try everything else they have! As a first generation who grew up on this food and someone who worked in a pizzeria in college I take my burek and pizza very seriously so I am very very happy to have found such a wonderful place so close by, but even if it wasn't I would definitely make the drive. It's well worth it!

Tried their 18" NY Style with chicken. Made fresh to order. Took about 10 minutes. Served screaming hot. The crust was crispy on the outer edges and soft, easy to fold. Generous amount of Mixed blended cheeses. Their sauce was sublimely outstanding. Interesting seasoning with a hint of garlic. Could not taste the usual added sugar which is normally utilized to hide the lack of actual seasoning. The owner's son took our order and served myself and son. Very hospitable. It's obvious this establishment takes pride in their restaurant. Highly recommended. A GEM. We will be back. Thank you for a wonderful experience.

Great Roger's park gem! Just a few blocks away from us and decided to check it out for dinner one night. Friendly service makes you feel very welcomed. Order the garlic balls for appetizer and first time having them and simply amazing. We ordered the chicken ranch pizza and honestly I haven't had a pizza this good in a long time! The sauce the toppings and the dough just mixed in so perfectly. Definitely making this place one of my favorites! Give a try! Oh plus it's byob!

Great NY style pizza! Ordered their buffalo wings as well and that was good as well.

Zimi, you did it again! These pizzas blew my socks off. The aged purple meat pizza was very terrific and awesome because it combines two elements basic to life here on earth, jerky and pizza. Super-duper fresh crust was like Olympic style break dancing in my mouth! The mushroom pizza was just as dope, with the feeling of eating an entire forest! Other fare was also scrumptious and garlicky, so your blood will be purified and fortified against the creatures of the night. Eating there was fun as well, with five televisions all providing closed captions, so every literate member of your party can enjoy their program of choice. I struggled to focus on just one because a dog training show was up against a painting instruction show which was competing with tennis and an episode of Family Ties (the one where Skippy is in love with Mallory, oh wait, that is every episode isn't it?) . The crew there is wonderful! Very helpful and nice! Al fresco available as well.

Owners are there often and speak so kindly to customers and I feel like family there. Their pizza is amazing and I haven't tried anything else off the venue yet, but I will be going back. Love it. A hidden gem in rogers park

I don't get this, people write great reviews the you go to the restaurant and it is not good. It seem to be generated by locals who desperately want the restaurant to succeed however the food has to be good.

What a gem hidden in Chicago. This place offers a little bit of everything. Albanian food, pizza, paninis, salad, etc. We got the mixed meat plate to share and it was more than enough for 2 people and sooo good, along with a side of fries. To end the meal I got a macchiato which was very good. Go here, you won't be disappointed! P.S. it's BYOB.

Burek, where have you been all my life? These meat, cheese or spinach/cheese pies are so delicious: reminiscent of Greek spinach pies with a light and crispy yet soft and chewy pastry. New to the menu... a must try! My husband and I are still dreaming about them. My third visit to this place did not disappoint: particularly love the grilled ground meats (spicy and mild are both great) Casual, welcoming, no frills setting and service. A nice reward after a long walk around the picturesque Indian boundary park.

Lived in Rogers Park for a few years now and was so relieved to find this place nearby. Their food is ridiculously good, ESPECIALLY considering the prices. Wings, Garlic knots, pizza, fries, mozzarella sticks, salads.. I've eaten every one and it's all been delicious and affordable. Feels like a hidden gem! People are very nice too :)

Stopped in on a Sunday afternoon, it was very quiet. By the time we left about an hour later the place was filled. The qofte is completely delicious!! Get the larger one so you have leftovers. Trust me you will want more. Grandma's pizza is outstanding with a fluffy thin crust, fresh mozzarella and delicious sauce. The staff were very friendly and attentive, taking the time to explain qofte to us. HIGHLY, highly recommended!!

Great decor in this place. It was empty when we ate a 530pm dinner on a Tuesday night. Our waiter was helpful in explaining some of the items on the menu. We ordered the fried calamari, Grandma's pizza, and Qofte. The calamari was well fried but they were just rings which means frozen. The grandma pizza tasted great but that kind of pizza meant a lot of crust. Qofte was the one new thing I was able to try. It was surprisingly good: tasty meat with an odd texture. I'd come back and try more of the Balkan food.

If you are not their regular and you don't speak their language they won't even pay attention to you.

Delicious pizza near home! So excited to have this place nearby. I have some food allergies and they were really responsive/ took them seriously. Everyone was super sweet. We had the veggie pizza, no peppers, add olives and the white pizza. We also had the shepherds salad without peppers. All of our food was amazing. I am usually disappointed by gluten free crust but theirs is so freaking GOOD! Welcome to the neighborhood! We are so happy to have you.

Very pleasant atmosphere, super clean, great service and delicious food. I tried Quebapa and they were portioned perfectly with very tasteful plate presentation, taste was solid 10! My wife and son enjoyed pizza and it is hands down the best pizza you will find in Rogers Park/Evanston area. My honest recommendation to all looking for next favorite neighborhood spot!

Ordered the mixed grill for two and it's the best mixed grill I've ever had. The dish had a selection of meats and each had a great flavor. goes really well with their kabbage salad and I vote this place as a must try if you're withing 5 miles

Very good friendly clean One through this afternoon, the food was phenomenal. I think one of the best Eastern European restaurants out here.

Good food. Fair prices. I hope they stay around folr awhile. If you haven't been there you don't know what you're missing. Not 'just' a pizza joint.

This place is amazing! Cevapi is the best I've ever had! Very juicy, tender and flavorful! The burek was also fantastic! Do yourself a favor and come here!!!

Fresh, delicioud, crispy crusted, entirely house made pizzas, particularly the beef sausage and Grandma versions. A delicious, hefty, freshly hand-formed, char grilled cheeseburger. Good fries. Well balanced mix of greens lightly coated with Caesar dreasing. Strong and energizing expresso beverages. All this and traditional Balkan food is served within a warm, woody, clean, fresh, and very friendly environment hosted, owned and operated by Zimi, his lovely wife and their quite large extended family. Inexpensive- a bargain. BYOB! Do not hesitate. Go there right now!

The food, especially the Pizza and the Chicken wraps are so fresh and delicious and certainly worth the trip to the West Ridge neighborhood. The staff is friendly and welcoming. The restaurant atmosphere is nice and it's a perfect place for a meal with friends and coworkers or just a simple date night. Grandma Pizza

The thin crust pizza is excellent!!! Live across the street and didn't know this place had such good pizza.

Delicious Balkan food! We tried the mixed meat platter and it was a generous portion of chicken, qebapa (cevapi), qofte (kofta), steak, and beef sausage, all juicy and flavorful and red meats were medium rare. Didn't think to take a picture, but got the pleskavica next time (pictured) and it was delicious and mildly spicy. My daughter also recommends the hotdog and fries. Looking forward to trying the pizza. The menu doesn't show this, but you can also buy by the slice! A great addition to the neighborhood, across the street from Lickity Split and Always Lou's Florist. And we hear that alcohol & outdoor seating is in the works! We'll be back!

Great food and service! Been there a couple times and everyone always loves what they ordered. I think it's all good.

Great food, great service! Highly recommend the grandmas pizza, this is a good restaurant with a homey vibe. Great family business to support, qebapat kajmak, and the chicken panini sandwich is really good too, highly recommend it. Must visit if you are in the area.

Great customer service and very polite never had meal in such a comfortable good looking place

Really good, flavorful European style grilled meat. The pizzas are also pretty good. I just wish there was a little more european options on the menu.

Excellent food and service! Can't wait to come back!! The best qebapa, qofte and surprisingly the pizza!!!

Best pizza this side of Jimmy's. Nice people, great space. What a find. Get in here folks!

First off, the staff here is INCREDIBLY friendly!! They are constantly ensuring that the customers needs are met. The food is also AMAZING!! We got the qofte and byrek, 1000/10!! The qofte comes with bread and cabbage/onions, and the byrek comes with kajmak (we got cheese and meat byrek). Everything was freshly made and full of flavor, it was all delicious and perfect!! The environment was also welcoming and very clean. We will definitely be going back!! I highly recommend to anyone looking for Albanian food or just tasty food in general!

Absolutely charming little place -- great pizza, grilled items and Balkan delights in an elegant but comfortable space. The vibe from the Papraniku family who run the place is upbeat, neighborly and very welcoming. The pizza is really different. If you're looking for a heavy, doughy American style pizza heavy on sauce and cheese, this is not that. It's a lighter and airier crust but somehow also has a little spring to it. I had the popular "Grandma's" pizza. All the ingredients were fresh. Nothing overwhelmed the other flavors. I just loved it. I have also had the cheeseburger (big!) and fries (lots!), chicken kabob dinner and the shepherd's salad. All first rate. Oh! And try the arjan, a delicious creamy-but-not-heavy yogurt drink. Straight-up or on the rocks it's very refreshing. Have not yet tried the Balkan side of the menu but judging from the customers who did, it's done right. One family recommended the sausage platter. They are planning to put seating out front and will be serving beer and wine with food soon. A great date or family night -- dine here and walk over to Lickity Split for dessert if it's a weekend. Such a nice new addition to West Ridge.

Ordered via door dash 2 hours in advance and Zimi's cancelled the order after the Dasher arrived at the store. If you have to cancel, do it immediately. Feel bad for the Dasher. The food may be good, but I'll never try it. No apology. You can't treat customers that way.

Even though i did take out, staff was super friendly and welcoming. We got so much food (which tasted amazing) for such a good price! Definitely going back.

Have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by how good the pizza is here. I like trying new pizza places in the neighborhood and Zimi's is about 6 blocks from my house. I have my 'regular' pizza places that I continue to use, but I will now add Zimi's. The pizza is different than 'tavern style' I prefer, but still had a good, thin, crispy crust, delicious sauce and toppings and arrived hot! Well done!

I highly recommend the meat platter but be sure to be hungry. It could have easily feed 4 people. The staff was extremely friendly and the service was quick.

This restaurant is one of my favorite restaurant, always. U can find respekt , and service I need.Restaurant is clean , and organized.Yje food is delicious, made right what I want. I suggest anyone who reads this review go and try it and prove it by yourself.

Great find while in town to the Braves Cubs game at Wrigley. The meat platter was incredible. More food than we could eat. Service was great! Felt like we lucked into a true hidden gem!

Nicely decorated, great jazz music playing for ambiance. Had a delicious chicken panini sandwich with their thin French fries for dinner. Generous portions and I only ate half. BYOB! Must remember that for next time! They also serve traditional Balkan food and NY-style pizza, so lots to choose from! Reasonably priced.

The most delicious Balkan food, qenapas, burek, pizzas and more , I greatly. Recommend to go and try , to proved that I am right . Rmplyes are very friendlyy and fast

Amazing Albanian food. Tastes exactly like back in Kosova.