This may be my favorite restaurant on the North Shore! I've been eating here for years, and kept hearing how close it was to the food in Israel. Last year I was finally able to go to Israel myself. Let me tell you, there is NOT much difference! The best thing about Mizrahi that makes it so much like real Mediterranean is the quality of the pita - easily the best I've had anywhere this side of the Atlantic. So soft, thick, and fluffy! I usually go for the shawarma pita, and it has never let me down. Something especially delicious is they put their soft french fries in the pita so you get the nice mushy potato in the same bite as all the rest of the fix-ins. The hummus at Mizrahi is also fantastic, tasting completely the opposite of all the other packaged ones I might find at the grocery. If you get the platter, they serve it with olive oil in the center and more nice, warm pitas to dip. Also, when I take out, I always - without fail - order a bunch of extra pitas to take home and eat whenever my stomach permits. The restaurant itself is nothing to gawk at, but the pictures of Jerusalem lining the walls are nice, and the orthodox patrons who are always there almost serve as a justification that this place is the real deal. In terms of prices, it is not cheap, but also not overly expensive. Pretty reasonable for the amount of food I guess. So come with an empty stomach and come often, except on Shabbat when it is closed. The portions are large, and the food is unparalleled!
(5)
Jeff A.
Really wanted to like this place. My first visit. Ordered a laffa wrap with shawarma (I was starving and knew it was a lot of food), and a small hummus. The bread that comes with the hummus is great. Thick and fluffy (hopefully that's not what she said). The wrap was ok too. Until I got about half way. Somehow some plastic wrap made its way into my sandwich. At first I thought it was a bay leaf or something, but I pulled it out of my mouth and there it was. Needless to say I lost my appetite and desire to finish anything. The hummus is actually decent, but I still prefer Pita Inn. I might go back and try again to give them another chance. We will see. I'm not going to call them though. In this day and age, they know they have reviews on here. They should keep on top of it.
(2)
Len L.
Middle Eastern Restaurant's in the middle of shopping centers usually don't get my attention unless my senses such as my nose picked up the flavorful seasoned meat aromatics that filled the air which pulled me into Mizrahi Grill. They have a simple menu and usually get the specials which were listed on the black board on the wall, my nose picked the gyros and it was delicious. I've been coming into MG for the past month and tried almost everything on their menu. The service is impeccable, they will come by and ask you how was the food and refill your water. I highly recommend this place.
(4)
Helen M.
Great food and service. I ordered falafel pita. Very fast and friendly customer service. I would come back again.
(5)
Elina S.
Okay, so I've been here quite a few times now and I can't believe I never got around to writing a review since I come here on and off whenever I'm in the area and I'm craving their amazing falafel pita sandwich. The place is always busy whether I come for a weeknight dinner or a Sunday afternoon lunch which is a good indicator that they have good food here. When you arrive you order your food at the counter and pay for it and then they give you a number and bring you your food when it is ready. The wait usually isn't too long and your food is brought. I usually get my falafel in a pita sandwich which is sooo delicious. It comes with about 4 falafals in their tahini sauce, israeli salad, israeli pickles, some french fries (talk about light in calories) and all wrapped in a fresh pita. I gotta say that I don't love the actual pita but everything inside is superb. My husband usually gets their schwarma sandwich in a laffa which is more expensive and it looks like a huge burrito and I'm talking as big if not bigger than Chipotle. I feel like that one laffa can fit an army or if you're just starving. The same stuff as mine minus the falafal and when you come here you should definitely at least get the falafal appetizer if you're going to do some kind of meat and rice entree. The place is clean, has nice people working here, yummy Mediterranean food with decent prices so if you're in the area, you should definitely check it out. I can also say that their hummus and eggplant spreads are also fresh and tasty.
(4)
Alex G.
Good, very good, friendly, fast, and delicious. What is more to ask? Somehow, I've never been here...until today. Enjoyed shawarma on pita for lunch. It is not Pita Inn or even Roti, better. Will be back soon, hopefully!
(5)
Lance R.
Very good (kosher) middle eastern food. The typical dishes one would expect, but very fresh and made with what appears to be high end ingredients which I believe accounts for the higher prices it commands.
(4)
Kate K.
For the first time in my life, i feel let down by Yelp... (cue sad trombone) Per reviews and the menu, they put fries in the pitas. I had one half of one fry in mine. The white meat chicken was a mixture of dark and white. The other toppings were extremely minimal, so basically I ate a little bit of bread and a little bit of lettuce/tomato/cucumber for $18. Only positive is my order was ready to go at the specific time (I had called ahead). Price was higher for me than on their website, however. If you're wanting to eat in, I highly discourage you, as the place stunk terribly of smoke.
(2)
Christina S.
I tend to think of the Mizrahi Grill as pricey, but the food is good, no doubt. The laffa bread is so thick and fluffy, like pita on steroids. When you get a chicken (or other meat) laffa wrap, it's huge; around $16 I think but definitely filling! I usually get the salad combo for $11. I can not, not order the matbucha in that mix. Today, I ordered 2 sides of that in my salad combo, of which you get 4. The matbucha is like a fire-roasted tomato and pepper relish with a kick, and is served with laffa bread. It's delicious-- and healthy! The eggplant salad (IDF) is also yummy if you like eggplant, and IMO, the Israeli salad is perfect; always fresh, not over seasoned. As a matter of fact, that's how I feel about most dishes here. I never feel anything has been sitting around very long. It's always fresh and perfect. Other favorites include the falafel, Moroccan carrots (served cold, garlicky, spicy and with a hint of lemon) and dolma. For $1, add a dolma; they are small, but you can't beat that. Service, while friendly, can be really slow and staggered when they are busy. Almost painfully so. But I come back when in the area for the delicious and fresh food.
(4)
Sherwin C.
A little pricey but had a delicious falafel pita here. Fluffy pita with mildly flavored pickles, cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce helped to really provide a nice contrast of textures and colors without taking away from the excellently prepared falafel. The falafel was nice and crispy with a good full-bodied flavor and meaty texture. I also tried some of their shawarma but found it to be a little overseasoned and pieces cut a little too small for my liking.
(4)
Valerie W.
My boss treated me to lunch at Mizrahi Grill a few weeks ago - and I've been thinking about it ever since. Let me preface first by saying, I'm a Pita Inn girl. To me, their falafel is second to none. Pita Pita in Arlington Hts/Palatine is good. But I'm still a Pita Inn girl. That being said, I'm always willing to try something new. So, when he suggested Mizrahi and said they were great, I couldn't say no. Plus, this was like, week 1 of my job. You are absolutely paying a premium for Kosher items here. As long as you know this going in, you shouldn't be shocked by the price tag. I ordered a shawarma laffa. Sandwiches come stuffed with hummus, Israeli salad, cabbage salad, pickles, and French fries (yes, in the sandwich,) all topped with tahini. The laffa was the size of a large burrito. I can't believe I was able to eat the whole thing. I probably shouldn't have. I was a little bit nervous about the pickles and French fries. But, the flavors in this sandwich were amazing. The laffa was soft, but had also been seared on the grill, giving it a light crispness in just the right way. They also serve tahini and hot sauce at the table, both of which were excellent. The shawarma was spiced perfectly and the complimenting salads held up nicely. The meat-to-other fillings There is a check-in offer for a free falafel sampler - 4 falafels. I tried one - in that respect, I'm still a Pita Inn girl. The prices are hefty, for two of us for lunch (2 laffa sandwiches and a bottle of water) the price was over $30 after tax. Again, you are paying a premium here for certified Kosher food... so just keep that in mind. I'll definitely be back to Mizrahi - they are practically across the street from my office and a great option for something 'different' for lunch.
(4)
Marisa P.
The gyro I had was full of constant surprises. Loads of tasty falafel smothered in tzatziki. Then in the next bite some kind of tangy slaw mixed with French fries. I was already happily chowing down when the bottom housed a bed of hummus. Now back home in Texas I am dreaming of this gyro.
(5)
Yosef N.
Love it! Food is really great and so flavorful. The staff is really accommodating. One of the few kosher places in the north suburbs.
(4)
Tony P.
Very nice place, food is very flavourful, nice outdoor sitting area.
(5)
todd s.
Very authentic food. Service is fast and pleasant. Restaurant is kept very clean. I highly recommend Mizrahi Grill.
(5)
Nataliya A.
Have been coming here for years so I am not sure why I haven't left a review! Everybody should try Mizrahi Grill out, there is just no competition in the area. Yes there are Mediterranean restaurants, but this is more than just fast food Mediterranean, this is quality Israeli shawarma. mmmmm Mizrahi is down right delicious and absolutely authentic, and kosher! The pita alone is one of the things that consistently brings me in! It is made in house and you get it hot, soft and just absolutely delicious. I have ordered a few pitas just to take home, and you can eat them however you want. The shawarma is incredible, the flavors take me straight back to Israel. It tastes just like shawarma in Israel... if not better! The chicken is so tender and flavorful, the layers of potatoes, salad and humus are just sooo goood. I honestly have not tried anything here besides the pitas and the chicken shawarma, but in my opinion this is what Mizrahi is authentic for and is famous for. You can sit inside or outside. Inside it's very simple, but it's part of the experience. Just note if you sit inside or outside you're not allowed to bring food from outside because this is a certified kosher facility and can lose their license if someone brings nonkosher food. The service and owner is very friendly, and you get food very quickly.
(5)
Dani O.
Found this place randomly on a Sunday afternoon when my husband and I both suddenly realized we were starving while at the nearby mall. Oh man, did this place really hit the spot. I've never had shawarma with fries in it and it was freaking amazing!!! We don't live nearby, but will definitely return next time we are in the vicinity.
(5)
Richard R.
We have been here several times. The food, kosher, is always great and tasty. The menu is essentially Israeli fast food. They have the best falafel in town. Try it, you'll like it.
(4)
Elaine M.
Delicious lunch spot. Love the swarma pita sandwich! Just wish I didn't love it so much, then maybe I would venture to try something else. I've heard from other dining companions that the falafel sandwich is also outstanding!
(4)
Kimber S.
Stopped in for carryout hummus and cucumber/tomato salad. Great flavor on the hummus, nice, thick pita bread. The salad was very fresh and flavorful. Will definitely return to try more.
Typical middle-eastetrn food cooked fresh and served warm. I would have like to have been offered sauce as I sat down at the table, but overall everyone enjoyed their food and I was happy with my experience here.
(4)
Sam G.
I've tried quite a few things on the menu. They are all good! However, the chicken pita sandwich with the fries on the side is excellent.
(5)
Mark H.
The closest thing to Israel around, in my opinion. $6 for a falafel sandwich should be pretty expected, so I'm a bit confused by some of the comments. Other items are a bit more expensive, but pretty on par with other places. Clean, nice people, and great food. Definitely a favorite of mine. I suggest the schwarma.
(5)
C C.
Love this place for a lunch-time stop. GREAT falafel and pita wraps. Also totally Dairy-Free!
(5)
Bears B.
If you don't mind waiting over an hour for what should be quickly prepared food, then this place is for you. But don't forget to remind them about ur order, because they will forget and they will not tell you when ur order is ready. Our order ended up waiting on the counter for about an hour before the guy realized it was ours even though I asked him many times during that hour. Place is very unorganized and always always busy! Food was decent even tho it was cold by the time we took it home. Never going back!
(2)
Catherine S.
They put fries (chips) in the pita sandwiches!!! This was how I knew this place was the real deal. Ever since I visited Israel I have craved an amazing falafel pita sandwich that's authentic. I hadn't found a restaurant that made them well....falafels weren't that great, no fries inside, store-bought gross pita bread. Just as I was losing all hope I found Mizrahi Grill! Their falafel tastes amazing, I usually order the falafel appetizer and then a pita sandwich as well. I definitely recommend this place and I have not seen another Mediterranean restaurants in the area that live up to this standard. Everything is kosher and it has a nice atmosphere as well with large canvas prints of Israel up on the walls.
(5)
Alex B.
So, I go back and forth on how to rate Mizrahi. From a food perspective it is as good as many of the reviewers indicate. Love the Falafel - great pita and the spare nothing in terms of the toppings. Love the hot sauce! Shwarma is also an excellent choice. So here is my problem. It's basically just a little lunch place with particularly good falafel. No service, no ambiance, no nothing. But it's still charging a really big premium price. I struggle with prices this high for what it is (even if it is a superior falafel product, its still a falafel). I guess I come down on this one as a three, even though the food is probably a four. I always think twice about coming given the prices and in fact only come at the request of someone else. If I'm not willing to spend the $$$ then I can't rate it a 4.
(3)
Serg M.
A lil expensive but great Israeli kosher food, always fresh and made by order, even random stuff that not on menu! Great place to stop by once in a while
(5)
Gary C.
I eat here often, sometimes bringing my bicycle club for a post ride meal. The prices might be a bit higher, but this is a strictly kosher establishment. Their costs are legitimately higher. Today I brought a busniess friend here for lunch. The shawarma in pita were so stuffed we ate them with knife and fork! I have never had a bad meal here.
(5)
Stephen S.
The only reason I ended up at Mizrahi Grill was I needed a lunch place to hit up before heading over to the Chicago Botanical Gardens. Fate was smiling on me this day because Mizhari Grill is legit! I split a falafel laffa and a 4 salad sampler. The price was a little high but it was a ton of food and it was absolutely delicious. The sandwich had a nice mixture of fillings without anything being too overwhelming, I asked for hot sauce on the side and thought this made a big difference in the taste of the wrap. Of the salads I liked the matbucha (a spicy tomato spread) and the carrots the best. The pita served with the salads was super soft and fluffy. Really good place.
(4)
Bennett M.
Best falafel and shawarma in Chicago.
(5)
Michael W.
This is a mixed review. I would say their Falafel is about as good as it gets. Great pita, and excellent balance between the delicious falafel balls and the other ingredients. Recently we had an opportunity to return and taste a number of other items on the menu. Schama: I have had many versions of this all over the world. This was the most unappetizing i have tried, chicken sandwich- dry chicken- not fresh off the grill that you would expect. Hummus - tasteless and Baklava - tasted like a day old donut- i was expecting crispness of phyllo dough. Needless to say i was disappointed with the food.
(2)
Eric D.
Best and most authentic Middle Eastern food around. Period. Now to address some common concerns people have listed. 1. Fries in the sandwich. That's how it is done in Israel. Falafel and Shawarma is street food. You eat it while standing. You hold it. Take a bite, walk...take another. No plates, paper wrapper. Where are you going to put the fries? In the sandwich. It's delicious. They are happy to hold the fries if you ask them to. 2. The price. I'm willing to guess that all the people who are complaining about the cost are not Jewish. Here is why it matters: All of the food in the restaurant is certified kosher. Kosher meat must be sourced, prepared and butchered differently and they need to pay a rabbinical authority to come in periodically and inspect and certify that the food served is kosher, its preparation and storage is kosher, and that everything is done in a kosher way. That is expensive, it adds a lot to the overhead, and it makes kosher meat much more expensive for the same cuts of meat and poultry. It's just something we Jews have to live with, and since observant Jews are a major part of their customer base, Kosher it must be and pricey just goes with the territory. Ah, the joys of being a chosen people. Go to Taboun in Skokie (another Kosher restaurant that serves meat) and you'll run into the same thing. But you should go there. Get a sandwich, maybe a schnitzel, and some Israeli malt soda, and enjoy
(5)
Rebecca H.
The food here really is fresh, tasty, and filling. My little one loves their pita bread and requests to come here at least once a week after kindergarten lets out. It's a tad expensive, but the freshness of the ingredients makes that well worth it. The hummus is fab as are the pita sandwiches.
(4)
David W.
This is one of the best Israeli places in Chicago - food is fresh and fantastic - the scwarma and falafel are excellent -
(5)
Stephen F.
Don't be discouraged by the basic appearance and lack of aesthetic finesse... The food here is tasty, authentic, and great. I got the schwarma pita and was very pleased... My dad got the mamma's kebab in a laffa and he was kind enough to let me have a bite: it was practically life altering. Do give this place a shot: you'll definitely be pleased!
(4)
Angela S.
A place my hubby tends to have his man dates, I was honored to be his mandated 'plus one' on Friday at Mizrahi Grill. My husband isn't a big eater, and for those who know him he's also a picky one. But, like a scene out of When Harry Met Sally, I was shocked by the food-gasm I watched him experience first-hand as he went to town on a falafel pita sandwich, hearty hand cut fries, and a side of grilled vegetables. I'm honestly not surprised by his reaction. If you've never dined here before you couldn't possibly understand what I'm talking about, but if you've been to this boys club, you'll know what I mean when I mention the cornucopia of 100% kosher Mediterranean cuisine offerings here. Service is quick, friendly, and accommodating. We initially ordered a side of slaw, but we didn't like it at all, and they gladly traded a side of delicious grilled vegetables instead. Crispy Falafel with a side of sauce, seasoned shawarma, tangy kabobs, the best hand cut fries I've ever tasted, and if you have room for dessert who can go wrong with baklava?
(4)
R M.
Some of the best Jewish food I have had in a while. The friendly staff is helpful and hard working. I highly recommend the laffa bread. However, it is a large serving. This place missed a five star rating because of my wife's dinner. She ordered a shawarma pita sandwich. The pita will filled mostly with salad and the meat was dry. Not terrible, but could be a let down for some. The falafel was very delicious, and as already stated, the laffa bread was a great choice. Great kosher place that serves delicious and fresh food.
(4)
Allison M.
Absolutely delicious. Some of the best falafel I've ever had-- super filling but not too heavy. And they put french fries in the wrap, just like in Israel! Perk: they actually distribute the fillings throughout the pita, so you don't run out of falafel after eating a quarter of your lunch. Amazing!! Can't believe I didn't come here in the ten years I lived in HP!
(5)
Tracey M.
The food at Mizrahi Grill is REDONKULOUS!!! I left wanting more! Went to Highland Park Hospital to visit a friend of a friend and they recommended we catch a bite to eat at Mizrahi Grill. I'm sure glad they did. I had the Shawarma in a pita with humus and Israeli salad only. From bite one I couldn't get enough. Seriously! Even though I felt full halfway through my meal, I cleared my plate. Sure, I could have taken home my leftovers, but I couldn't stop chowing-down on my food. The pita was good quality and the humus was the best I've had in the states since I was in Israel over 10 years ago. Also, the meat was also very tasty and cooked perfectly. As I mentioned above, I left wanting more and will surely be back soon!
(5)
Ravi A.
We happen to be working in Highland Park, IL this week so we decided to check out Mizrahi Grill after reading some of the other reviews on here. This place is the kind of place where you order at the counter and they bring out the food. We walked in and and it seemed busy all the tables were full when we arrived but one quickly opened up and we took our seats after ordered. I ordered the chicken kabob pita with no sides. At first I was thinking to myself if this would be enough food to satisfy my hunger at that time. The pita was a good size so I felt confidant that this was going to be enough food to fill me up. The pita itself was very delicious it contained basically a Greek salad with hummus along with chicken kabobs in it. The kabobs were seasoned and cooked very well. Towards the end the pita bread started to break apart so I moved in with the fork method to finish off the rest. Overall I would recommend heading to this place for a quick healthy lunch!!
(4)
Grace D.
Freshest falafel in chicago! Bread dough flown in from Israel - feel a bit bad about my carbon foot print but yum! My friends tell me just like Israel. Don't love fries in the pita, but heck when in Rome! Love the owner so nice and got free falafel while waiting. Food cooked to order so you be patient its worth the wait!
(5)
Janet J.
Very unassuming place in a strip mall but the place was packed at lunchtime. I have no idea what it was I ate but it was very very good....haha...i posted pictures...the pita bread it came in was like none I have had before...fresh and tasty wrapped around a goodness of lamb/chicken ? sorta like a gyros only not...the cucumbers and veggies inside were crisp and added the perfect balance for the meat and bread. The chicken soup would cure any cold. I really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. The men working the line were helpful and pleasant.
(4)
Ty M.
Not sure how anyone could imagine giving this place less than 5 stars. Fresh. Delicious. Friendly.
(5)
Yana N.
Ok food and way overpriced for what it is. Always a ton of people during lunch! Probably won't return.
(3)
Zoe A.
Just went here for the first time after a regular recommended it. I had the Jerusalem Mixed Grill and the Shawarma - both were fantastic. The staff was warm and friendly. They gave us falafel on the house while we waited for our order. It was probably the best falafel I've had in both the burbs and entire Chicagoland area. It's a little pricey, but well worth it. Will definitely be coming here again.
(5)
Eitana N.
After living in Jerusalem for 8 years, I can vouch for the fact that this place tastes just like Israel. Their schwarma is lean and flavorful which is just the way i like it. Their Skirt steak is also quite tasty, but a bit pricey. Don't forget to get your sandwich in a laffa its much yummier than pita!!!
(5)
Ron B.
In town on business and was recommended this place. The food was delicious. I got the shwarma pita...which on the menu was the "smaller" of the three shwarma options available. All I can say is that it was a generous portion and I was very happy! The sandwich was very flavorful and was impressed with how fresh and soft the pita was. I would recommend Mizrahi Grill and plan on returning again....and again.
(5)
Erica G.
Love love love this place, delicious food and very friendly service. My family comes here all the time and are never disappointed!
(5)
Tanya A.
I came in for lunch and they were swamped! I asked what they would recommend and od course they said everything is good. I explained that I like chicken breast, so he suggested the pita pocket. It has hummus, Jerusalem salad, potatoes, grilled chicken, and tahini sauce. Strange combination right? It was delicious! If your in the area, you must stop by! Good service and great food. It will keep youu coming back for more!
(4)
Christian R.
First off their prices are very high! Food is not good. Who puts fries in a falafel sandwich? Weird! Sultans market is waaaay better. Stay away from this place it's a rip off!
(1)
Mary Ann S.
Please go there. It's delicious. I've lived in hp for awhile but never tried this place until over the summer. I honestly think I've been missing out. The quality of their food is amazing and that's why it's pretty pricey for the type of food they serve but it's totally worth it. The portions are huge. Try the Laffa. It's more than the pita but trust me, it's amazing. Ask them to add babaganosh in it too. Yumm. I'd have them cut it in half and wrap up the other to go or split it with a friend. It's huge.
(4)
Huifang H.
Pretty good falafel and pita sandwich, a lot of stuff in the sandwich
(4)
Elliott D.
By my estimation, this is probably the best Middle Eastern food in the suburbs, if not in the city as well. I have been back so many times and have always had the same quality of food and service no matter what day of the week or time of day. I would highly recommend Mizrahi to anyone who likes falafel, shwarma, hummus, whatever kind of Middle Eastern food you can imagine. My favorite is the shwarma in laffah. I get this almost every time and just love the flavors. The shwarma is bursting with flavor and served in generous portions. Along with the meat there is a healthy dose of fresh cut vegetables, salad, and delicious tahini. It also has the nice Israeli touch of putting french fries in the wrap which while it might sound odd, is actually quite wonderful. The laffah is so big that the sandwich itself would make more than enough of a meal. The falafel is equally appealing and is deliciously spiced with just the right combination of crispiness on the outside and softness on the inside. However, I suggest that you do not stop with just a sandwich or a plate. A great starter is either the hummus or the babaghanoush (excuse me if the spelling is wrong). The baba is a salad meant for eating with pita that is made from egg plant. It has a very smoky flavor. The hummus is honestly the best I've outside of Israel. It's incredibly creamy. Highly recommended.
(5)
Dmitry M.
Had lunch with my israeli friends. We ordered lamb shuvarma. Guess what, they put potatoes. You must be kidding me. The taste was awkward, did not like it at all. Service was good.
(3)
S-Guard M.
The pita sandwich was small and did not reflect the price. Their soup was good but nothing to write home about. The bottom line- This place is pricey, expect to be paying around $20 for an entree. the food is ok overall, again not worth what they charge.
(2)
Erin P.
Whenever my family is in the mood for Mediterranean food, I always recommend Mizrahi Grill. It is my go to grill for falafel because no one can beat it. Their falafel is amazing. It comes out nice and crunchy on the outside but soft in the middle. I always get it with roasted potatoes and grilled vegetables on the side which add to yumminess of the meal. Their service is very quick and you walk up to the counter to order, so they bring your food right to your table. They give you tons of food and the entrees also come with a side of Israeli salad. Their fries are nice and crispy and their pita is very soft. I really recommend this place if you are in the mood for falafel, gyros, or chicken schwarma.
(5)
Diana P.
Best falafels in the burbs, by far. Prices are a little higher than other places that offer similar dishes, however worth it. Kosher establishment. They put fries inside your wrap, that's right FRIES-genius! They did that for us in Greece so it brings back memories and my taste buds are happy.
(5)
A S.
I came here after reading really good reviews about the food. And I was blown away by how great it was! I had the Shawarma sandwich and it is by far the best I've ever had (and I've been to a LOT of middle eastern restaurants!) They bring the food out to your table and the servers are great, quick, and friendly. Definitely will be back often since I work nearby!
(5)
Seth F.
I love the Mizrahi Grill! Their flavors are amazing! I lived in Jerusalem when I was a kid and the Mizrahi Grill falafel is the closest thing to an Israeli falafel experience I've had outside of Jerusalem. Mizrahi grill loads their sandwich with Jerusalem salad, humus, pickles, cabbage salad, fresh (never pre made) crunchy on the outside, moist, hot and delicious on the inside falafel, and French fries - Israeli style. They will add any of their salads to your sandwich for free. I always get mine with the carrots, cooked with spices. A real culinary experience! Mizrahi Grill sandwiches are available in home baked pita or for the truly large appetite wrapped in laffa. Perfect for the vegetarian. Either way you will fall in love with this sandwich and Mizrahi Grill!
(5)
eric e.
Do not miss Fresh food to order Best hum is ever Soup -- mushroom barley was great Busy place All sandwiches looked great I had their special sandwich on pita --Mediterranean -- great
(5)
Veronica C.
YUM! I've been wanting to check this place out since beginning working in Northbrook, but never got around to it. Recently, their food trucks have been coming to our building for lunch and I was finally able to try them out! Although my 2 experiences with Mizrahi Grill have been amazing, I have only tried the chicken habob salad and chicken kabob pita sandwiches which are delish, however the pita bread was a little soggy. Probably since they are kosher, everything is prepped before hand and wrapped up ready to go. I'm sure it's better at the actual restaurant. Two thumbs up from me and I can't wait until these guys come back to our building! I also hope to visit them at their location soon! The falafel looks soo good in pictures, we'll see if they don't disappoint!
(4)
Cassie S.
Oh My God best falafel pita I have EVER had. Seriously. I got everything on it (not knowing when I ordered what "everything" consisted of) and there were french fries in my sandwich!! And it was amazing!! The added texture and saltiness and it perfectly complimented the delicious fried balls of yumminess. I went for lunch on a weekday. Table was easy to get but we did wait a little while for our food. But the wait was nothing compared to the craziness at certain other places (ahem... Pita Inn...) and the food was totally worth it. And now that I've written this down, I must block all memories of the amazingness of Mizrahi Grill before I gain 50 pounds.
(5)
Donald Yosef M.
I would say a little above average, it you have been to Irsael to compare. Naf Naf delievers a more fresh just bake pita with free condiments for your choosing. Mizrahi is a long awaited for Kosher restaurant that are very limited to find in the Chicago area ,so being kosher scores it a little higher than normal. Other than its Yeminate Chichen soup ,kabobs & other mediterrean dish's are all a litle above normal
(3)
Bob L.
With the beautiful weather yesterday, a friend suggested that we meet and have lunch outdoors at the Mizrahi Grill located in the Crossroads Shopping Center. I agreed and mentioned I had never been there or even heard much about the place other than it was a kosher restaurant. What a surprise and a delight! Mizrahi Grill offers at complete menu of Mediterranean Cuisine from appetizers, like Grandma's Kubeh (cracked wheat dumpling filled with ground beef and pine nuts and served with tehina), to salads, pita or laffa wrapped sandwiches, entrees, desserts and beverages. The entrees seem a bit pricey but are consistent with the high cost associated with kosher meats. My friend ordered the grilled chicken breast pita and I ordered the House Specialty - their shawarma sandwich. They asked if I wanted everything on my sandwich. I didn't realize that "everything" meant humus, Israeli salad (tomatoes and cucumbers), cabbage slaw, pickles, chips (homemade fried potatoes) and tehina. What a sandwich! My friend asked for everything to be separate on her plate and I had the chance to see what was in my sandwich. The pita is baked in their ovens and the best I've ever eaten. Afterwards I briefly chatted with the owners, Eli and Tamor Mizrahi. They've been in business for four years and I wondered why I never had been to their restaurant before. Knowing about Mizarhi Grill will make it a lot easier to get my Mediterranean food fix without going to Skokie, Wheeling and Des Plaines. Being a kosher restaurant, all of their meats are top grade and other ingredients are extremely fresh. As consumers become more aware of eating healthy foods, their offerings guarantee quality choices. As their website declares, "At Mizrahi Grill not only do you enjoy food that's good, but also food that's good for you!"
(5)
TJ G.
Really delicious food, the green beans are addictive! I've only ever eaten take out so I'm not sure what the service/ambiance is like in the restaurant, only that the food is great!
(5)
James L.
I bring clients here all of the time and now they ask me if we can go back again -- in fact some of them are going more than I do. I love it that they're CRC Kosher, but the food is great for anyone. In good weather you can sit out front and their chicken is the BEST, juiciest, of anywhere you can eat. OR try the mixed appetizer plate as an entree. Great place overall.
(5)
Lisa S.
Not better than Pita Inn, not better than Sultan's Market. I ordered the falafel and the falafel patties were pretty good. However, the Jerusalem salad inside the sandwich tasted very sour, making the entire sandwich taste sour. They put a few fries inside the pitas, those were a bit soggy. I did enjoy the whole wheat pita, i think they were homemade and seemed very fresh. My friend got the Mom's kebab sandwich and i tried a piece of the beef. It was full of fat and almost made me gag. I was 65% disappointed in this place.
(2)
Adele S.
Big improvement over my last visit. We went here for my daughter's birthday; you can bring in your own cake as long as it's pareve. The HP Jewel isn't far and they have a separate kosher bakery. Ordering was a bit tricky. In the past we had someone take our order because we'd come with a large party. This time, they were so busy, we had to write our own order, passing the ticket around the table. Some of the elderly guests didn't get it and didn't write down their orders, then didn't know why they weren't served. This time, the appetizers were fantastic, everything was flavorful, fresh out of the fryer. The kubeh were plump and full of meat, the cigars not dried out or chewy, falafel were fluffy inside, crispy outside. I had Mom's Kabob in a pita, two spicy ground beef/lamb "turds" in fluffy warm pita, topped with israeli salad, tahini and french fries-I'm still dreaming about it. Almost everyone else had the skirt steak on laffa, a huge foot long monstrosity that I hear was awesome. What made the whole experience unique was my husband & his brother have to say kaddish for their father and you can only do it if you have a gathering of at least 10 Jewish men..There was no way they could make it to their shul on time to pray, so they just did it in the back, the restaurant even had prayer books for them, so it must be a common thing. Prices are high but it's kosher meat, and portions are huge. Can't wait to go back for another kabob!
(5)
Moshe S.
Awesome food. Generous portions. Good prices. The restaurant is nice & the service is good. Can't be beat.
(5)
Matt R.
I guess I'll keep coming back here more than planned. It is indeed pricy and I agree with Guillaume that it is because it is actual kosher food. I forgot how expensive that is from a restaurant perspective (I feel it at home for sure). Taking that into consideration the prices are probably/actually pretty good. This place is now completely packed on lunch hours. We're talking a 10+ person line. It moves fast, but still! When I first came, it was quiet. However now, they are stocked up. In fact last time I had to educate a guy in what shawarma and falafel are; apparently his coworkers sent him to go but he didn't even know israeli food. I don't know what I can say. The food is true to Israeli food, both being kosher and the way it is made/ingredients. They even throw fries in the pita like any good/real restaurant Israeli restaurant would. I think I will take pictures and add them when I go today (yet again, 3rd time in 3 months total now?) so that you guys can see what it looks like.
(5)
Rachel S.
YUMMY.....I had the mom's kabob pita with a healthy amount of tahina, pickles, salad and schug, and my husband had the falafel pita...we split the cigars as an appetizer...Everything was fresh and delish!!!! The employees were helpful and the service was good! We will definitely go back!!! It IS pricey...but it's because it's kosher. Kosher meat is exorbitant and all the kosher meat restaurants are pricey..(in fact PRICIER, and you don't get NEARLY as much food....and the quality of those other places is meh)
(5)
Grace K.
The falafel sandwich is soooo good and the people who work here are so nice. Any the orders come out fast!
(5)
Melissa F.
I often get frustrated with Kosher restaurants, as I realize that they have a monopoly on some customers. This means that there isn't as much pressure to produce innovative, interesting cuisine for Jews who observe Kashrut inside and outside of the home (I am not one of these people, but I come here often with my friend who has a severe allergy to dairy; the restaurant is all meat). Of course, it's overpriced like whoa, but their ingredients are pricer, so of course some costs are passed onto the consumer. All right, enough ranting. More about Mizrahi Grill. It's a very clean, small space, with lots of pictures of Israel on the walls. You order from a relatively limited menu and pay tons of money. But the ingredients are expensive (as I've mentioned), being Kosher and all, and they are of a very high caliber. I'm a big fan of the schwarma, which they make just like they do in Israel, with french fries inside. :) The employees are always courteous, and more than a few are Israeli. They put up with my crappy Hebrew, which is just fantastic. When I say "Todah rabah!" (thank you) in my American accent, they smile back and say "bvakashah!" (you're welcome) with a patient smile. And then they charge me $25. Wah wah. Other highlights include the falafel and french fries. They serve a lot of popular sodas, as well as some beers like Stella Artois and Heineken. And the pitas are FABULOUS/drool-worthy! So fluffy.
(4)
Herbet P.
This was the only place I could find open that was close to my hotel and seemed somewhat decent.... It's basically a fast food spot for middle eastern food - specifically Israeli - but when it comes down to it, the differences between israeli and any other middle eastern cuisine is minute (atleast to me)... So the way this place works is you go to the counter, place your order and pay (they don't take AMEX!). Then they give you a number and you take your seat. I decided to get the shwarma pita will all fixings... For some reason in NY its hard to get a shwarma sandwich at a fast food spot with actual lamb - but here it was a mixture of lamb and beef - it still had a strong taste of lamb though, and the shwarma also had potato fries in it - which i thought was strange but it was still good... For a fast food middle eastern spot its decent, the people that work here are really friendly (or it could just be ive gotten used to people in NY being rude).. Even if i lived in the area I would rarely ever go back here unless it was my only option for middle eastern cuisine.
(3)
Bindi D.
Holy Pita Sandwich! This thing is the ultimate sandwich: hummus, pickles, tahini, salad, etc.. (I am sure there is more as the size of the sandwich was massive!) I decided on the shwarma. It was a little dry. Perhaps I will try something else next time. Great flavor, bring your appetite!
(3)
tracy f.
Unbelievably delicious falafel. Better than Pita Inn, better than Sultan's. It's filled with cucumber tahini salad, hummus and french fries (!!!) among other things. Best ever. Now, let's talk about the pita. It's so fluffy! Seriously luxurious stuff, almost pancake-like in consistency, and it pairs wonderfully with the super creamy hummus. I know that this place is a little pricey, but I really appreciate that the food is kosher and they do not use dairy on premises. The girl at the counter is quiet, but always sweet. Although I work down the street, this place is so good it's worth a drive out from the city to try for yourself.
(5)
Rimma A.
It's funny how just one bad experience out of many good ones can ruin your opinion of a once-beloved place forever. That's how I feel about Mizrahi Grill. I'd given this place a rave review before and now after eating there today, I have to recant and edit my entire previous review. My husband and I met up with our good friends for lunch here today. We brought along our infant son. We ordered our 'usual' (shawarma pitas for each of us) and while we waited for our food, we decided to feed our son his container of pureed vegetables from home. While we were feeding him, the owner came over to us and demanded to know if the food we were feeding him was kosher, because they only allow kosher food in their establishment. We told him we didn't know because we'd left the packaging at home. He then grabbed the food out of my husband's hand and started inspecting it, and wanted to know if there were any dairy products in it. I replied that the ingredients are printed on the side of the container and that it only contains sweet potatoes and corn. He then gave us back the food and walked away, apparently dissatisfied. I guess he thought we were somehow putting one over on him. I can respect him wanting to keep his restaurant kosher, but to come over to customers who are in the middle of feeding their baby and demand to inspect the food? He went too far. Is this any way to treat your repeat paying customers? If we hadn't already paid for our food, we would have gotten up and left right there, but we definitely won't be coming back again.
(2)
Shira G.
I really love this place! Having grown up on Israeli food, I have tried other places and they did not even come close to authentic. But this place is truly authentic... I eat here all the time. The staff also remembers you and are very welcoming.
(5)
Efrat A.
I read so many good reviews about this place and was excited to try it. I was very disappointed and so was my husband. The soup was lacking flavor, I can get better Hummus at Garden Fresh Market near by, the meat was bad quality and the rice was dry. Even the Pita bread was not good. Comparing to near by Taboun Grill, Manghal Grill or going further Naf Naf Grill in the west suburbs, this was the worst experience and I will never go back.
(1)
Lawrence B.
Just like being in Israel. The food is superb. It has FLAVOR. Note: It's just a tad expensive. There is a good reason. Kosher restaurants have higher costs and they are not open Friday night or Saturday, the busy times. So you pay a little bit more. Don't worry, the owner is not getting rich. This is my favorite restaurant in Chicago.
(5)
Lola K P.
Ok place, ok food, ok prices. Hubby really liked his falafel, but my shwarma was pretty dry and not that tasty. We just happened to be near here, there weren't that many choices for a quick lunch. If we're in the area again, we may visit again, but it doesn't merit a special drive.
(3)
John S.
Both me and my wife got sick. Only average tasting as well.
(1)
Cindy F.
Super excellent falafel !!!! Revised 10/28/12 - The falafel has been greasy and not as good lately. I'm not sure what has changed, but I am not going back.
(2)
E H.
We went with another friend and the kids there on Sunday. It was not packed. Now it is not cheap, but it is kosher. I have celiac and the owner knew what to serve and not. So I ordered Shwarma plate with grilled vegtables, fries on the side for the kid and Israeli salad. My friend ordered chiken niggets for the kids and for himself yemenite soup. Both the soup and the swarma was not good, very dry unlike last times. My guess is that this shwarma from Friday, that he is trying to sell. Really dry. The same for the soup. Overall we were dissapointed. They did not even give us tahini sauce, we had to ask for it. For $17 an entree, I will prefer taboun grill in Skokie or Mangal, or Pita Inn. My friend went and complained, but they just shrugged and said nothing. Since they are the only kosher restaurant in Highland Park, I guess they take their customers for granted and that is too sad. I would have given them lower ratings unless for the gluten free knowledge. Too bad they really messed up the shawarma.
(3)
Hollie D.
Had an urge to eat falafel today, so I popped over for lunch. Got the falafel pita to go. Service was quick, which was good, because one of the other patrons ordering was quite possibly the stupidest person I'd encountered all day, but obviously, that's besides the point. Back to my sandwich. What I was not expecting, was the fries on the sandwich. This was actually a good thing, except for the fact that the fries really weren't anything to write home about. That lacked the proper sogginess level that I enjoy, but this is not to say that they were crispy, because they weren't. I also gained no satisfaction from a properly salted fry, because this did not occur either. Other than that, it was a great sandwich. The falafel was decent and there were like 5 or 6 of them in the sandwich, whereas I was expecting there only to be like two or three, and I enjoyed the combination of the flavors from the Israeli salad and cabbage salads. The nice glob of hummus at the bottom of the pita also brought me joy. Did I mention the sandwich was really filling? I didn't think it would be, but it kept me from the ravenous hunger that I'm usually faced with on my commute from Northbrook to South Shore every evening.
(4)
Laura S.
My order everytime: Falafel pita sandwich, side of Jerusalem salad and green beans. The owner who takes my order is so friendly and personable. I have never gone in there without talking to him for at least 10-15 minutes! The waitstaff is also very friendly and attentive. My opinion is this is the best falafel in the north shore! There are not many (if any other) Kosher restaurants in the area, so I eat there often since my brother keeps Kosher. We always eat the entire meal on our plate! Other things my family has liked: chicken pita, Jerusalem mixed sandwich, Moroccan cigars, hummus, fries, and cabbage salad. All have 5 stars across the board. It is okay for large groups if you call ahead, so they can put tables together for you.
(5)
David W.
Absolutely delicious, friendly staff ownership. Best schwarma around!
(5)
Tom A.
I went in for a falafel - got the super sized one for $10. Most expensive falafel ever, but it was equal to close to 2 regular falafels, and it was rolled instead of stuffed -- a requisite for my falafel happiness. The sandwich was really solid. Good flavors and internal contrasts. They ask if you want "everything" on it, so I asked, and that included fries (on it) -- a concept I do not accept but recognize as something some people like. Unfortunately this place in in Highland Park. I'd never go there from Chicago, but if I am anywhere nearby I would certainly venture over. I might even try something else (though vegetarian stuff is a little spare), but I can wholly recommend the mega-leffe falafel.
(4)
Alene S.
Eli was extremely helpful and accommodating when we ordered an appetizer tray and side salads for a family pot luck we were attending. The presentation was very nice and the guests enjoyed the variety. We've always found the food to be terrific.
If you miss Israeli food this is hands down the best middle eastern food you will find in the burbs hummus, falafel, shawarma, everything is delicious definitely is like you are ordering in israel, Owner is awesome and extremely nice! =) love this place because it makes you feel like you are in Israel.
(5)
Ewa T.
I go in Christian, I leave a Jew! I'm kidding! But seriously, the almighty himself may have had a hand in making these lovely dishes. I've only had the shawarma, but when you've found what you're looking for, do you need to try anything else?! These shawarmas are wrapped in a pita that is a little stretchy, chewy, but oh so good! Then you have the Jerusalem salad and the fries that they throw in and you are taken to a place that is out of this world! Lots of taste that just hits the spot. What more could you ask for? Oh yeah..how about a little discount on the prices there. $8 per shawarma and if you want laffa (a larger version), it's $12. So not the most economical choice, but good none-the-same.
(4)
Avon B.
Finally made my first visit. I went with the Schnitzel on a pita with a can of coke. Turned out to be almost $14. With fries, that would be almost $17. The sandwich was a decent size and the chicken was tasty. Yet, one cannot justify $14 for a schnitzel (chicken) pita and a coke. This is not Manhattan. I understand that it is Kosher, yet, the prices might very well limit my future visits. This is definitely a place who could use a daily or weekly special. If money is no object, I would recommend a visit. Very authentic tasting and the pita is just right.
(3)
Alan R.
I've been here twice now. The entrees have not been memorable, but the sides have been amazing. Their Pita Bread, Hummus and Fries are the best in Chicago. I have had better Lafa. I had the Mixed Grill my first time there and the Skirt Steak Sandwich on my second trip. I might not be ordering the right thing. It's a bit pricey, but with Kosher that should be expected. The hummus alone is worth the trip. Don't forget, being a kosher restaurant, they are closed on Friday night and Saturday.
(4)
jason e.
I went for the first time last month and have been back three times. This sets a new record for my presence at any venue in Chicago-land shy of the Green Mill. The pita is fantastic- spongy and full of flavor. Combined with the typical Israeli falafel fillings- cabbage salad, hummus, israeli salad and YES french fries, this is the most magical chickpea experience I've had since Falafel's restaurant in Bloomington Indiana!!!!!! Everything I've had is excellent, the people are very nice, and from my experience the service takes a little longer... because everything is home made!!!! There are plenty of grab and go "middle eastern" places in Chicago, but speed= prefried fallafel= lower quality. This place even trumps Pita Inn, which is almost good enough to drive to Skokie for. Mizrahi has fresher ingredients, and the best Babba I've had in town... plus you don't have men screaming at you over an intercom. People. Quality takes time. Anyone who feels this is a long wait for a sandwich has neither worked in food service nor attempted to make this sort of food themselves! Waaaaah my food took 15 minutes. Make it at home! See you in two hours! Thanks for the awesome food. See you next Friday! J
(5)
E Z.
My family has been eating here since they opened. The wife loves the falafel in lafa. My boy loves the shawarma. I enjoy their soups and steak sandwich . Their food is always fresh . The falafel is probably one of the best I've had. It's casual , you order at the counter and servers bring food to table. The staff is friendly and the place is clean. Best of all the food is great. We eat Sunday lunch there at least once a month.
(5)
Cheryl G.
I don't see why so many people are writing such bad reviews about this place. I am from this area is this is probably some of the best middle eastern food that I have had in this area. The two owners started out with a small stand back home in israel. Now, they have brought it to the northern suburbs of Chicago. My favorite dishes on their menu are their falafel pitas with all the juicy fillings in the middle, the IDF salad and the Israeli salad. What's nice about many of their menu items is that a lot of the food can be shared between two to three people. I usually split one of their pitas and a salad with my mom. It is a very small restaurant, but Mizrahi has done suprisingly very well in this area. Keep up the good work!
(4)
Neil R.
Bland - Fatty - Dry Those are the only words that stick with me about my experience here. I tried it once last year based on positive reviews. It was awful. I drove back to the restaurant and returned my meal, barely eaten. Tonight several friends wanted to try it so I gave it another shot - I'm sorry I did. Easily the worst hummus I've ever eaten - no taste whatsoever. I'd list places with better hummus, but that would be everywhere. The chicken kebob pita sandwich was thrown away after a few bites of fatty, dried out chicken pieces. The felafel was so dry it was also inedible. With so many better options not so far away - Taboun, Pita Inn, Taboule - I'll never come back.
(1)
Jackson S.
I work by here so I eat lunch here often. Food=Best Falafel and Schwarma I have ever had! Everything is homemade. The guys that own/run the place brought these family recepies with them from Isreral. Pricey but worth it in terms of quality. Also it is 100% kosher if you are in need that. Service=Not great. Not the most freindly people you will ever buy food from. There kinda jerky at times even. That's the only reason why I won't give this place 5 stars.
(4)
Isabelle L.
OK if you come here expecting just a carbon copy of Pita Inn, don't bother. If on the other hand you are open to the same food concept but with a totally different execution, this place will amaze you with the good quality and the flavors provided. The pitas are enormous and the fillings are quite tasteful and juicy: the addition of hummus and fritters in the sandwich make quite a difference. Mint tea is with actual real leaves, a nice touch. Meats are tender and tasteful as well and so are the falafels. Nice experience overall.
(4)
Guillaume M.
This is a fair middle eastern restaurant. Was there for lunch and had the shawarma sandwich and thought it was pretty good. Shawarma was cut right off the spit for my sandwich -- couldn't have been fresher. Watch out for the spicy sauce -- it had very good flavor but the spiciness crept up on me until I realized I had drained my drink. My friend had the "Mom's Special Kabob" sandwich and the bite I tried was good as well. I have to agree with Matt and Carey that the prices are steep, but it is certified kosher, and that kosher meat is pricey. You're not going to find any better prices for the same product. Plus, the area needs a restaurant where you can run in and grab shawerma or kefta and some falafel without feeling like you are having a full sit-down "dining experience." I'm glad they opened, and I will be back.
(3)
Maria L.
3 stars only because of Moms kebob sandwich. Shwarma was not good, no flavor and a bit dry. Kebob sandwich had lots of flavor, but overall a bit pricy for just a quick lunch stop over.
(3)
Diana B.
This place serves AMAZING food. We love the schawarma sandwiches (we get ours without the cabbage and I get mine without french fries, btw). We also like the chicken schnitzel and their skirt steak meal is huge and delicious. Their grilled veggies are perfectly cooked, the Moroccan carrots are uniquely savory-sweet-spicy. Grandma's kubeh and zatar bread.... AND THE FALAFEL!!! We love this place and the people who work there are really kind. The portions are quite large, so go hungry!
(5)
Jacob S.
Totally agree, if you're looking for fresh and good Middle Eastern food in the suburbs of chicago Mizrachi Grill is it.
(4)
J C.
SO so so good!!! This is the best middle eastern food in Illinois. The falafel pita sandwich is by far the best I have had outside of Israel. Make sure to get some hot sauce to go with it. The drive from the city is so worth it! P.S, every time I come here I expect the owner to say " no falafel for you" Seinfeld style.
(5)
D K.
Long drive that's not worth it.Food is decent, prices are high moderate. Service is fair at best. Seating limited. I would go elsewhere unless I was driving into the area for other reasons.
(2)
A.J. M.
A charming Israeli place, with a nice atmosphere. I might have been the only gentile in the building at the time, but who cares? It was just interesting to observe. As for the food, I had the falafel sandwich. For starters, it was huge. And to make it all better, it was delicious. I could eat that everyday and be a happy man.
(4)
E F.
This place has the best falafel I have ever had in my life. It may seem pricey, but it is so huge that it's worth it and it's very filling. It's a good place for lunch, since it's quick service, yet it's definitely better than some fast food place. I've eaten here a few times and the people who work here are always very nice to me and helpful. They put up patiently with my obvious stupidity about some of the menu items. It is also very clean and tidy.
(4)
Anna S.
The food was good. I got a falafel sandwich and it was great, very Israeli and authentic. And while I understand that a glat kosher place will be more expensive, chick peas are kosher no matter what (unlike meat) and therefore, I think, shouldn't have such a jacked up price. I'll still be coming back every few months to settle my craving for 'real' falafel but it won't be much more often than that.
(4)
Jimmy G.
If you want amazing flavor...come to this place and order the Shawarma Pita. Get it spicy with everything. They put fries in the sandwich...enough said. The hummus is outstanding and the pita is made fresh every day. It's worth every penny and then some. They need to work on the process of order taking, checkout, etc. but it's worth that hassle too.
(5)
Abby K.
The best falaffel sandwich I've had!!! YUUUUUUM!
(5)
Michael H.
I went based on reviews on yelp and unfortunately have to say I will not return. If you don't need to eat kosher food, go to the much better (in every way) Pita Inn. It's worth the 15 minute drive on the Edens. And now to write a review that doesn't keep comparing this place to Pita Inn. I don't think the food was bad, it was generally pretty tasty. Large sized portions, we tried one schwarma entree, one chicken kabob entree, one of every salad choice and appetizer combo plate. That was more than enough food for four adults. Even though you are paying more, you generally get your money's worth. You order at the cash register, they give you a number and you wait at your table for them to bring out your food. I wasn't a big fan of the thick pita. The hummus was ok, but we found small chunks in some of it, so not blended well enough. Other salads, baba, etc. were all really good. Chicken was flavorful and the schwarma was good, but nothing amazing. Appetizers were fine and the falafel was tasty. I think the hot sauce was just Sriracha or at least very similar, so a disappointment for me. This place takes a big hit for several big service blunders. We waited about 15 minutes to get our salad plates. We were not provided any extra plates to eat on, had to go up and ask. Found it unusual we didn't get our appetizers yet, but patiently waited. Then another 10 minutes later our main entrees arrive, but no appetizers. At this point we ask them what happened, but we kind of realized it at this point when the table that arrived after us was already eating their appetizer combo plate. They apologize and say they will get it out right away. About 10 minutes later, still nothing, so I head up to the counter again. (a reoccurring theme here) I ask them to cancel the appetizer since we are getting close to finishing our meal, but no, can't do that now since they are bringing out the appetizers as I speak. The last straw was when we were eating from our pita basket, we found the cut off tip of a rubber glove. Luckily no fingertip, but still a little unappetizing. When we mention this, we get a "sorry" and that's it. I'm not one to make stink, so I let it go. But I'm surprised they didn't do anything at this point to make up for the constant service blunders. I think this place is busy since they are the only game in town, but I'll do my part to help make it less crowded.
(2)
Leon B.
I have been going to Mizrahi Grill for a while now. Though being Jewish i'm not particular about kosher food, but it's good to know that Mizrahi are kosher and work hard to keep it that way. I lived in Israel for about 15 years, and i can honestly say that Mizrahi's Shawarma is by far the closest to an original Israeli shawarma ! They make it exactly like they make in israel including the pita bread, the salads, humus, tahini, the french fries and the most important the meat, don't forget to take Falafel for appetizer. Definitely something everyone should try.
(5)
Carey Y.
Mizrahi grill took over the old Rosati's location in the strip mall on Skokie Valley Road. My past middle eastern food experiences are Pita Inn and Olive Branch. When I got there I was quite pleased with how clean and new the restuarant is. I looked at the menu and was shocked at how pricey the food is. I settled for Mom's Kebob Sand(which was described to me as beef and lamb or in other words a kefta kebob) and Baba Ganoush. The sandwich itself was $8 and Baba Ganoush is $6 for a small salad plate with two fluffy pita bread, Food: The baba ganoush was very good and creamy, but reminds me of Pita Inn's baba. The sandwich was really good, it was in a fluffier pita than I am used to, in between a pita inn pita and a gyro pita. In the pita was the Mom's kebob, cucumbers, pickles, tahini sauce, hot sauce and french fries. I was skeptical on how everything will taste and I was surprised. The meat had a stronger lamb flavor than kefta kebabs I am used to which is a good thing. There was alot of flavor working in the pita and the hot sauce always lingered in the back, nothing overpowering. The french fries added more body and mouth feel to the whole sandwich and countered the hot sauce at the right moments with its starchy texture. The food is very tasty and will come back but would love to see the prices a bit lower. $8 sandwich and a $6 baba resulted in a $14 lunch. You can also get the kebobs in a plate with two sides for anywhere from $18-22. My next time back will have to be when I'm not starving and settling for a sandwich only and no appetizer. The beef shararma looks very appetizing with a spit full of what looks to be something similar to skirt steaks unlike other shararma that looks like minced meat over at Pita Inn which warrants a few more trips to try the shararma and falafels. The food deserves 5 stars, but overall 4 stars due to pricey menu.
(4)
Philip P.
Rude service, very loud, and the food was nothing special.
(1)
Andrea R.
I ended up here while my car was being serviced at Fields across the street. This was the ultimate in serendipitous meals. I wasn't expecting much, and I got one of those meals I will always remember. It was lunch but it wasn't too crowded. I like everything on the menu so I asked the guy behind the counter what was the best, and he said the chicken kabob. He wasn't kidding. First of all, this might be the best pita bread I have ever eaten. It's like a pocket pita but thick, like what you would get with a gyro. They asked me if I wanted everything, and I said, "go for it". It had juicy, flavorful chicken, hummus, Jerusalem salad, cabbage, pickles and... fries! The fries were a complete surprise and so welcome - I love fries on a sandwich. The sandwich was huge so it was all I had. I hope someday I'll find myself in the neighborhood again!
(5)
Fran D.
I love this place. I am working my way through the menu, and I can vouch for pretty much every dish I have eaten. Starting with the starters (a very good place to start), the Morrocan cigars are always super-flavorful and crispy, with a cooling tahina dip on the side. The stuffing varies - sometimes potato, sometimes mushroom, maybe eggplant too? Don't worry about it - just order them. The Yemini chicken soup (offered on special) is spiced with clove or cinnamon and is very good. A bowl is pretty much a meal. As for the sandwiches, my favorites have been the lamb kebab (not always offered), mother's special (kind of a ground beef/lamb kebab) and the shwarma. Sandwiches are made Israeli-style, with fries stuffed in the bottom, then hummous, meat, and various salads (cabbage, Israeli) layered on top. Hot sauce is a good extra for a spicy kick. I prefer the fries on the side, but hey, it's your sandwich do as you want. Get the sandwich on pita -- do not take the French bread option. The pitas are wonderful, and you will thank me. The shwarma is a lamb/turkey combination, something I hear is pretty common is Israeli but not so much around here. It is made fresh and cooked fresh, and is a different but delicious spin on the typical Middle Eastern schwarma you can get at Arab places. Entrees get pricey, but they can feed you several meals. I have had the lamb chops (can you tell I love lamb) and they are fantastic. I enjoy the chicken schnitzel too. Do not miss the salads - I particularly like the Morrocan carrot, and the green bean. The only downside to this place is the crowds. We came on a Sunday night at 6 pm, and every family with their bubbe and zade (OK we were with bubbe and zade) and many kids were there, making the place quite loud. My mother ate with her hands over her ears. Go before 6 pm, or after 8 pm on Sundays to miss the family hours. The service is quite friendly and relatively prompt even during lunch/dinner rush. This is a kosher place that I would strongly recommend to the non-Kosher, and I definitely make it a point to come here at least once a month.
(5)
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Address :215 Skokie Valley Rd
Highland Park, IL, 60035
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Jake L.
This may be my favorite restaurant on the North Shore! I've been eating here for years, and kept hearing how close it was to the food in Israel. Last year I was finally able to go to Israel myself. Let me tell you, there is NOT much difference! The best thing about Mizrahi that makes it so much like real Mediterranean is the quality of the pita - easily the best I've had anywhere this side of the Atlantic. So soft, thick, and fluffy! I usually go for the shawarma pita, and it has never let me down. Something especially delicious is they put their soft french fries in the pita so you get the nice mushy potato in the same bite as all the rest of the fix-ins. The hummus at Mizrahi is also fantastic, tasting completely the opposite of all the other packaged ones I might find at the grocery. If you get the platter, they serve it with olive oil in the center and more nice, warm pitas to dip. Also, when I take out, I always - without fail - order a bunch of extra pitas to take home and eat whenever my stomach permits. The restaurant itself is nothing to gawk at, but the pictures of Jerusalem lining the walls are nice, and the orthodox patrons who are always there almost serve as a justification that this place is the real deal. In terms of prices, it is not cheap, but also not overly expensive. Pretty reasonable for the amount of food I guess. So come with an empty stomach and come often, except on Shabbat when it is closed. The portions are large, and the food is unparalleled!
(5)Jeff A.
Really wanted to like this place. My first visit. Ordered a laffa wrap with shawarma (I was starving and knew it was a lot of food), and a small hummus. The bread that comes with the hummus is great. Thick and fluffy (hopefully that's not what she said). The wrap was ok too. Until I got about half way. Somehow some plastic wrap made its way into my sandwich. At first I thought it was a bay leaf or something, but I pulled it out of my mouth and there it was. Needless to say I lost my appetite and desire to finish anything. The hummus is actually decent, but I still prefer Pita Inn. I might go back and try again to give them another chance. We will see. I'm not going to call them though. In this day and age, they know they have reviews on here. They should keep on top of it.
(2)Len L.
Middle Eastern Restaurant's in the middle of shopping centers usually don't get my attention unless my senses such as my nose picked up the flavorful seasoned meat aromatics that filled the air which pulled me into Mizrahi Grill. They have a simple menu and usually get the specials which were listed on the black board on the wall, my nose picked the gyros and it was delicious. I've been coming into MG for the past month and tried almost everything on their menu. The service is impeccable, they will come by and ask you how was the food and refill your water. I highly recommend this place.
(4)Helen M.
Great food and service. I ordered falafel pita. Very fast and friendly customer service. I would come back again.
(5)Elina S.
Okay, so I've been here quite a few times now and I can't believe I never got around to writing a review since I come here on and off whenever I'm in the area and I'm craving their amazing falafel pita sandwich. The place is always busy whether I come for a weeknight dinner or a Sunday afternoon lunch which is a good indicator that they have good food here. When you arrive you order your food at the counter and pay for it and then they give you a number and bring you your food when it is ready. The wait usually isn't too long and your food is brought. I usually get my falafel in a pita sandwich which is sooo delicious. It comes with about 4 falafals in their tahini sauce, israeli salad, israeli pickles, some french fries (talk about light in calories) and all wrapped in a fresh pita. I gotta say that I don't love the actual pita but everything inside is superb. My husband usually gets their schwarma sandwich in a laffa which is more expensive and it looks like a huge burrito and I'm talking as big if not bigger than Chipotle. I feel like that one laffa can fit an army or if you're just starving. The same stuff as mine minus the falafal and when you come here you should definitely at least get the falafal appetizer if you're going to do some kind of meat and rice entree. The place is clean, has nice people working here, yummy Mediterranean food with decent prices so if you're in the area, you should definitely check it out. I can also say that their hummus and eggplant spreads are also fresh and tasty.
(4)Alex G.
Good, very good, friendly, fast, and delicious. What is more to ask? Somehow, I've never been here...until today. Enjoyed shawarma on pita for lunch. It is not Pita Inn or even Roti, better. Will be back soon, hopefully!
(5)Lance R.
Very good (kosher) middle eastern food. The typical dishes one would expect, but very fresh and made with what appears to be high end ingredients which I believe accounts for the higher prices it commands.
(4)Kate K.
For the first time in my life, i feel let down by Yelp... (cue sad trombone) Per reviews and the menu, they put fries in the pitas. I had one half of one fry in mine. The white meat chicken was a mixture of dark and white. The other toppings were extremely minimal, so basically I ate a little bit of bread and a little bit of lettuce/tomato/cucumber for $18. Only positive is my order was ready to go at the specific time (I had called ahead). Price was higher for me than on their website, however. If you're wanting to eat in, I highly discourage you, as the place stunk terribly of smoke.
(2)Christina S.
I tend to think of the Mizrahi Grill as pricey, but the food is good, no doubt. The laffa bread is so thick and fluffy, like pita on steroids. When you get a chicken (or other meat) laffa wrap, it's huge; around $16 I think but definitely filling! I usually get the salad combo for $11. I can not, not order the matbucha in that mix. Today, I ordered 2 sides of that in my salad combo, of which you get 4. The matbucha is like a fire-roasted tomato and pepper relish with a kick, and is served with laffa bread. It's delicious-- and healthy! The eggplant salad (IDF) is also yummy if you like eggplant, and IMO, the Israeli salad is perfect; always fresh, not over seasoned. As a matter of fact, that's how I feel about most dishes here. I never feel anything has been sitting around very long. It's always fresh and perfect. Other favorites include the falafel, Moroccan carrots (served cold, garlicky, spicy and with a hint of lemon) and dolma. For $1, add a dolma; they are small, but you can't beat that. Service, while friendly, can be really slow and staggered when they are busy. Almost painfully so. But I come back when in the area for the delicious and fresh food.
(4)Sherwin C.
A little pricey but had a delicious falafel pita here. Fluffy pita with mildly flavored pickles, cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce helped to really provide a nice contrast of textures and colors without taking away from the excellently prepared falafel. The falafel was nice and crispy with a good full-bodied flavor and meaty texture. I also tried some of their shawarma but found it to be a little overseasoned and pieces cut a little too small for my liking.
(4)Valerie W.
My boss treated me to lunch at Mizrahi Grill a few weeks ago - and I've been thinking about it ever since. Let me preface first by saying, I'm a Pita Inn girl. To me, their falafel is second to none. Pita Pita in Arlington Hts/Palatine is good. But I'm still a Pita Inn girl. That being said, I'm always willing to try something new. So, when he suggested Mizrahi and said they were great, I couldn't say no. Plus, this was like, week 1 of my job. You are absolutely paying a premium for Kosher items here. As long as you know this going in, you shouldn't be shocked by the price tag. I ordered a shawarma laffa. Sandwiches come stuffed with hummus, Israeli salad, cabbage salad, pickles, and French fries (yes, in the sandwich,) all topped with tahini. The laffa was the size of a large burrito. I can't believe I was able to eat the whole thing. I probably shouldn't have. I was a little bit nervous about the pickles and French fries. But, the flavors in this sandwich were amazing. The laffa was soft, but had also been seared on the grill, giving it a light crispness in just the right way. They also serve tahini and hot sauce at the table, both of which were excellent. The shawarma was spiced perfectly and the complimenting salads held up nicely. The meat-to-other fillings There is a check-in offer for a free falafel sampler - 4 falafels. I tried one - in that respect, I'm still a Pita Inn girl. The prices are hefty, for two of us for lunch (2 laffa sandwiches and a bottle of water) the price was over $30 after tax. Again, you are paying a premium here for certified Kosher food... so just keep that in mind. I'll definitely be back to Mizrahi - they are practically across the street from my office and a great option for something 'different' for lunch.
(4)Marisa P.
The gyro I had was full of constant surprises. Loads of tasty falafel smothered in tzatziki. Then in the next bite some kind of tangy slaw mixed with French fries. I was already happily chowing down when the bottom housed a bed of hummus. Now back home in Texas I am dreaming of this gyro.
(5)Yosef N.
Love it! Food is really great and so flavorful. The staff is really accommodating. One of the few kosher places in the north suburbs.
(4)Tony P.
Very nice place, food is very flavourful, nice outdoor sitting area.
(5)todd s.
Very authentic food. Service is fast and pleasant. Restaurant is kept very clean. I highly recommend Mizrahi Grill.
(5)Nataliya A.
Have been coming here for years so I am not sure why I haven't left a review! Everybody should try Mizrahi Grill out, there is just no competition in the area. Yes there are Mediterranean restaurants, but this is more than just fast food Mediterranean, this is quality Israeli shawarma. mmmmm Mizrahi is down right delicious and absolutely authentic, and kosher! The pita alone is one of the things that consistently brings me in! It is made in house and you get it hot, soft and just absolutely delicious. I have ordered a few pitas just to take home, and you can eat them however you want. The shawarma is incredible, the flavors take me straight back to Israel. It tastes just like shawarma in Israel... if not better! The chicken is so tender and flavorful, the layers of potatoes, salad and humus are just sooo goood. I honestly have not tried anything here besides the pitas and the chicken shawarma, but in my opinion this is what Mizrahi is authentic for and is famous for. You can sit inside or outside. Inside it's very simple, but it's part of the experience. Just note if you sit inside or outside you're not allowed to bring food from outside because this is a certified kosher facility and can lose their license if someone brings nonkosher food. The service and owner is very friendly, and you get food very quickly.
(5)Dani O.
Found this place randomly on a Sunday afternoon when my husband and I both suddenly realized we were starving while at the nearby mall. Oh man, did this place really hit the spot. I've never had shawarma with fries in it and it was freaking amazing!!! We don't live nearby, but will definitely return next time we are in the vicinity.
(5)Richard R.
We have been here several times. The food, kosher, is always great and tasty. The menu is essentially Israeli fast food. They have the best falafel in town. Try it, you'll like it.
(4)Elaine M.
Delicious lunch spot. Love the swarma pita sandwich! Just wish I didn't love it so much, then maybe I would venture to try something else. I've heard from other dining companions that the falafel sandwich is also outstanding!
(4)Kimber S.
Stopped in for carryout hummus and cucumber/tomato salad. Great flavor on the hummus, nice, thick pita bread. The salad was very fresh and flavorful. Will definitely return to try more.
(4)Carl F.
I came here for lunch and was not disappointed. The menu is simple and straight forward, so no need to sit there and ponder all the options. The cleanliness of the restraint is impeccable and the decor was nice as well. I especially liked the outdoor seating and to my surprise the server out there was outstanding and extremely tentative. The food prep area is clearly visible and you can watch them make your sandwich, fresh. For appetizers we got the falafels and hummus. Out mean was outstanding ! I was a little worried that the sandwich would not satisfy my hunger, but it came out bulging and very satisfying. The falafels and hummus were outstanding as well. The only down side that I feel about Mizrahi Grill is the prices. The sandwich portion was a good price, but I found the entrée to be a little steep at $11. Not sure if the entree is a larger portion... will have to try this next round. Overall, I was extremely pleased and we'll be sure to come back here again !
(4)Elisha G.
Typical middle-eastetrn food cooked fresh and served warm. I would have like to have been offered sauce as I sat down at the table, but overall everyone enjoyed their food and I was happy with my experience here.
(4)Sam G.
I've tried quite a few things on the menu. They are all good! However, the chicken pita sandwich with the fries on the side is excellent.
(5)Mark H.
The closest thing to Israel around, in my opinion. $6 for a falafel sandwich should be pretty expected, so I'm a bit confused by some of the comments. Other items are a bit more expensive, but pretty on par with other places. Clean, nice people, and great food. Definitely a favorite of mine. I suggest the schwarma.
(5)C C.
Love this place for a lunch-time stop. GREAT falafel and pita wraps. Also totally Dairy-Free!
(5)Bears B.
If you don't mind waiting over an hour for what should be quickly prepared food, then this place is for you. But don't forget to remind them about ur order, because they will forget and they will not tell you when ur order is ready. Our order ended up waiting on the counter for about an hour before the guy realized it was ours even though I asked him many times during that hour. Place is very unorganized and always always busy! Food was decent even tho it was cold by the time we took it home. Never going back!
(2)Catherine S.
They put fries (chips) in the pita sandwiches!!! This was how I knew this place was the real deal. Ever since I visited Israel I have craved an amazing falafel pita sandwich that's authentic. I hadn't found a restaurant that made them well....falafels weren't that great, no fries inside, store-bought gross pita bread. Just as I was losing all hope I found Mizrahi Grill! Their falafel tastes amazing, I usually order the falafel appetizer and then a pita sandwich as well. I definitely recommend this place and I have not seen another Mediterranean restaurants in the area that live up to this standard. Everything is kosher and it has a nice atmosphere as well with large canvas prints of Israel up on the walls.
(5)Alex B.
So, I go back and forth on how to rate Mizrahi. From a food perspective it is as good as many of the reviewers indicate. Love the Falafel - great pita and the spare nothing in terms of the toppings. Love the hot sauce! Shwarma is also an excellent choice. So here is my problem. It's basically just a little lunch place with particularly good falafel. No service, no ambiance, no nothing. But it's still charging a really big premium price. I struggle with prices this high for what it is (even if it is a superior falafel product, its still a falafel). I guess I come down on this one as a three, even though the food is probably a four. I always think twice about coming given the prices and in fact only come at the request of someone else. If I'm not willing to spend the $$$ then I can't rate it a 4.
(3)Serg M.
A lil expensive but great Israeli kosher food, always fresh and made by order, even random stuff that not on menu! Great place to stop by once in a while
(5)Gary C.
I eat here often, sometimes bringing my bicycle club for a post ride meal. The prices might be a bit higher, but this is a strictly kosher establishment. Their costs are legitimately higher. Today I brought a busniess friend here for lunch. The shawarma in pita were so stuffed we ate them with knife and fork! I have never had a bad meal here.
(5)Stephen S.
The only reason I ended up at Mizrahi Grill was I needed a lunch place to hit up before heading over to the Chicago Botanical Gardens. Fate was smiling on me this day because Mizhari Grill is legit! I split a falafel laffa and a 4 salad sampler. The price was a little high but it was a ton of food and it was absolutely delicious. The sandwich had a nice mixture of fillings without anything being too overwhelming, I asked for hot sauce on the side and thought this made a big difference in the taste of the wrap. Of the salads I liked the matbucha (a spicy tomato spread) and the carrots the best. The pita served with the salads was super soft and fluffy. Really good place.
(4)Bennett M.
Best falafel and shawarma in Chicago.
(5)Michael W.
This is a mixed review. I would say their Falafel is about as good as it gets. Great pita, and excellent balance between the delicious falafel balls and the other ingredients. Recently we had an opportunity to return and taste a number of other items on the menu. Schama: I have had many versions of this all over the world. This was the most unappetizing i have tried, chicken sandwich- dry chicken- not fresh off the grill that you would expect. Hummus - tasteless and Baklava - tasted like a day old donut- i was expecting crispness of phyllo dough. Needless to say i was disappointed with the food.
(2)Eric D.
Best and most authentic Middle Eastern food around. Period. Now to address some common concerns people have listed. 1. Fries in the sandwich. That's how it is done in Israel. Falafel and Shawarma is street food. You eat it while standing. You hold it. Take a bite, walk...take another. No plates, paper wrapper. Where are you going to put the fries? In the sandwich. It's delicious. They are happy to hold the fries if you ask them to. 2. The price. I'm willing to guess that all the people who are complaining about the cost are not Jewish. Here is why it matters: All of the food in the restaurant is certified kosher. Kosher meat must be sourced, prepared and butchered differently and they need to pay a rabbinical authority to come in periodically and inspect and certify that the food served is kosher, its preparation and storage is kosher, and that everything is done in a kosher way. That is expensive, it adds a lot to the overhead, and it makes kosher meat much more expensive for the same cuts of meat and poultry. It's just something we Jews have to live with, and since observant Jews are a major part of their customer base, Kosher it must be and pricey just goes with the territory. Ah, the joys of being a chosen people. Go to Taboun in Skokie (another Kosher restaurant that serves meat) and you'll run into the same thing. But you should go there. Get a sandwich, maybe a schnitzel, and some Israeli malt soda, and enjoy
(5)Rebecca H.
The food here really is fresh, tasty, and filling. My little one loves their pita bread and requests to come here at least once a week after kindergarten lets out. It's a tad expensive, but the freshness of the ingredients makes that well worth it. The hummus is fab as are the pita sandwiches.
(4)David W.
This is one of the best Israeli places in Chicago - food is fresh and fantastic - the scwarma and falafel are excellent -
(5)Stephen F.
Don't be discouraged by the basic appearance and lack of aesthetic finesse... The food here is tasty, authentic, and great. I got the schwarma pita and was very pleased... My dad got the mamma's kebab in a laffa and he was kind enough to let me have a bite: it was practically life altering. Do give this place a shot: you'll definitely be pleased!
(4)Angela S.
A place my hubby tends to have his man dates, I was honored to be his mandated 'plus one' on Friday at Mizrahi Grill. My husband isn't a big eater, and for those who know him he's also a picky one. But, like a scene out of When Harry Met Sally, I was shocked by the food-gasm I watched him experience first-hand as he went to town on a falafel pita sandwich, hearty hand cut fries, and a side of grilled vegetables. I'm honestly not surprised by his reaction. If you've never dined here before you couldn't possibly understand what I'm talking about, but if you've been to this boys club, you'll know what I mean when I mention the cornucopia of 100% kosher Mediterranean cuisine offerings here. Service is quick, friendly, and accommodating. We initially ordered a side of slaw, but we didn't like it at all, and they gladly traded a side of delicious grilled vegetables instead. Crispy Falafel with a side of sauce, seasoned shawarma, tangy kabobs, the best hand cut fries I've ever tasted, and if you have room for dessert who can go wrong with baklava?
(4)R M.
Some of the best Jewish food I have had in a while. The friendly staff is helpful and hard working. I highly recommend the laffa bread. However, it is a large serving. This place missed a five star rating because of my wife's dinner. She ordered a shawarma pita sandwich. The pita will filled mostly with salad and the meat was dry. Not terrible, but could be a let down for some. The falafel was very delicious, and as already stated, the laffa bread was a great choice. Great kosher place that serves delicious and fresh food.
(4)Allison M.
Absolutely delicious. Some of the best falafel I've ever had-- super filling but not too heavy. And they put french fries in the wrap, just like in Israel! Perk: they actually distribute the fillings throughout the pita, so you don't run out of falafel after eating a quarter of your lunch. Amazing!! Can't believe I didn't come here in the ten years I lived in HP!
(5)Tracey M.
The food at Mizrahi Grill is REDONKULOUS!!! I left wanting more! Went to Highland Park Hospital to visit a friend of a friend and they recommended we catch a bite to eat at Mizrahi Grill. I'm sure glad they did. I had the Shawarma in a pita with humus and Israeli salad only. From bite one I couldn't get enough. Seriously! Even though I felt full halfway through my meal, I cleared my plate. Sure, I could have taken home my leftovers, but I couldn't stop chowing-down on my food. The pita was good quality and the humus was the best I've had in the states since I was in Israel over 10 years ago. Also, the meat was also very tasty and cooked perfectly. As I mentioned above, I left wanting more and will surely be back soon!
(5)Ravi A.
We happen to be working in Highland Park, IL this week so we decided to check out Mizrahi Grill after reading some of the other reviews on here. This place is the kind of place where you order at the counter and they bring out the food. We walked in and and it seemed busy all the tables were full when we arrived but one quickly opened up and we took our seats after ordered. I ordered the chicken kabob pita with no sides. At first I was thinking to myself if this would be enough food to satisfy my hunger at that time. The pita was a good size so I felt confidant that this was going to be enough food to fill me up. The pita itself was very delicious it contained basically a Greek salad with hummus along with chicken kabobs in it. The kabobs were seasoned and cooked very well. Towards the end the pita bread started to break apart so I moved in with the fork method to finish off the rest. Overall I would recommend heading to this place for a quick healthy lunch!!
(4)Grace D.
Freshest falafel in chicago! Bread dough flown in from Israel - feel a bit bad about my carbon foot print but yum! My friends tell me just like Israel. Don't love fries in the pita, but heck when in Rome! Love the owner so nice and got free falafel while waiting. Food cooked to order so you be patient its worth the wait!
(5)Janet J.
Very unassuming place in a strip mall but the place was packed at lunchtime. I have no idea what it was I ate but it was very very good....haha...i posted pictures...the pita bread it came in was like none I have had before...fresh and tasty wrapped around a goodness of lamb/chicken ? sorta like a gyros only not...the cucumbers and veggies inside were crisp and added the perfect balance for the meat and bread. The chicken soup would cure any cold. I really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. The men working the line were helpful and pleasant.
(4)Ty M.
Not sure how anyone could imagine giving this place less than 5 stars. Fresh. Delicious. Friendly.
(5)Yana N.
Ok food and way overpriced for what it is. Always a ton of people during lunch! Probably won't return.
(3)Zoe A.
Just went here for the first time after a regular recommended it. I had the Jerusalem Mixed Grill and the Shawarma - both were fantastic. The staff was warm and friendly. They gave us falafel on the house while we waited for our order. It was probably the best falafel I've had in both the burbs and entire Chicagoland area. It's a little pricey, but well worth it. Will definitely be coming here again.
(5)Eitana N.
After living in Jerusalem for 8 years, I can vouch for the fact that this place tastes just like Israel. Their schwarma is lean and flavorful which is just the way i like it. Their Skirt steak is also quite tasty, but a bit pricey. Don't forget to get your sandwich in a laffa its much yummier than pita!!!
(5)Ron B.
In town on business and was recommended this place. The food was delicious. I got the shwarma pita...which on the menu was the "smaller" of the three shwarma options available. All I can say is that it was a generous portion and I was very happy! The sandwich was very flavorful and was impressed with how fresh and soft the pita was. I would recommend Mizrahi Grill and plan on returning again....and again.
(5)Erica G.
Love love love this place, delicious food and very friendly service. My family comes here all the time and are never disappointed!
(5)Tanya A.
I came in for lunch and they were swamped! I asked what they would recommend and od course they said everything is good. I explained that I like chicken breast, so he suggested the pita pocket. It has hummus, Jerusalem salad, potatoes, grilled chicken, and tahini sauce. Strange combination right? It was delicious! If your in the area, you must stop by! Good service and great food. It will keep youu coming back for more!
(4)Christian R.
First off their prices are very high! Food is not good. Who puts fries in a falafel sandwich? Weird! Sultans market is waaaay better. Stay away from this place it's a rip off!
(1)Mary Ann S.
Please go there. It's delicious. I've lived in hp for awhile but never tried this place until over the summer. I honestly think I've been missing out. The quality of their food is amazing and that's why it's pretty pricey for the type of food they serve but it's totally worth it. The portions are huge. Try the Laffa. It's more than the pita but trust me, it's amazing. Ask them to add babaganosh in it too. Yumm. I'd have them cut it in half and wrap up the other to go or split it with a friend. It's huge.
(4)Huifang H.
Pretty good falafel and pita sandwich, a lot of stuff in the sandwich
(4)Elliott D.
By my estimation, this is probably the best Middle Eastern food in the suburbs, if not in the city as well. I have been back so many times and have always had the same quality of food and service no matter what day of the week or time of day. I would highly recommend Mizrahi to anyone who likes falafel, shwarma, hummus, whatever kind of Middle Eastern food you can imagine. My favorite is the shwarma in laffah. I get this almost every time and just love the flavors. The shwarma is bursting with flavor and served in generous portions. Along with the meat there is a healthy dose of fresh cut vegetables, salad, and delicious tahini. It also has the nice Israeli touch of putting french fries in the wrap which while it might sound odd, is actually quite wonderful. The laffah is so big that the sandwich itself would make more than enough of a meal. The falafel is equally appealing and is deliciously spiced with just the right combination of crispiness on the outside and softness on the inside. However, I suggest that you do not stop with just a sandwich or a plate. A great starter is either the hummus or the babaghanoush (excuse me if the spelling is wrong). The baba is a salad meant for eating with pita that is made from egg plant. It has a very smoky flavor. The hummus is honestly the best I've outside of Israel. It's incredibly creamy. Highly recommended.
(5)Dmitry M.
Had lunch with my israeli friends. We ordered lamb shuvarma. Guess what, they put potatoes. You must be kidding me. The taste was awkward, did not like it at all. Service was good.
(3)S-Guard M.
The pita sandwich was small and did not reflect the price. Their soup was good but nothing to write home about. The bottom line- This place is pricey, expect to be paying around $20 for an entree. the food is ok overall, again not worth what they charge.
(2)Erin P.
Whenever my family is in the mood for Mediterranean food, I always recommend Mizrahi Grill. It is my go to grill for falafel because no one can beat it. Their falafel is amazing. It comes out nice and crunchy on the outside but soft in the middle. I always get it with roasted potatoes and grilled vegetables on the side which add to yumminess of the meal. Their service is very quick and you walk up to the counter to order, so they bring your food right to your table. They give you tons of food and the entrees also come with a side of Israeli salad. Their fries are nice and crispy and their pita is very soft. I really recommend this place if you are in the mood for falafel, gyros, or chicken schwarma.
(5)Diana P.
Best falafels in the burbs, by far. Prices are a little higher than other places that offer similar dishes, however worth it. Kosher establishment. They put fries inside your wrap, that's right FRIES-genius! They did that for us in Greece so it brings back memories and my taste buds are happy.
(5)A S.
I came here after reading really good reviews about the food. And I was blown away by how great it was! I had the Shawarma sandwich and it is by far the best I've ever had (and I've been to a LOT of middle eastern restaurants!) They bring the food out to your table and the servers are great, quick, and friendly. Definitely will be back often since I work nearby!
(5)Seth F.
I love the Mizrahi Grill! Their flavors are amazing! I lived in Jerusalem when I was a kid and the Mizrahi Grill falafel is the closest thing to an Israeli falafel experience I've had outside of Jerusalem. Mizrahi grill loads their sandwich with Jerusalem salad, humus, pickles, cabbage salad, fresh (never pre made) crunchy on the outside, moist, hot and delicious on the inside falafel, and French fries - Israeli style. They will add any of their salads to your sandwich for free. I always get mine with the carrots, cooked with spices. A real culinary experience! Mizrahi Grill sandwiches are available in home baked pita or for the truly large appetite wrapped in laffa. Perfect for the vegetarian. Either way you will fall in love with this sandwich and Mizrahi Grill!
(5)eric e.
Do not miss Fresh food to order Best hum is ever Soup -- mushroom barley was great Busy place All sandwiches looked great I had their special sandwich on pita --Mediterranean -- great
(5)Veronica C.
YUM! I've been wanting to check this place out since beginning working in Northbrook, but never got around to it. Recently, their food trucks have been coming to our building for lunch and I was finally able to try them out! Although my 2 experiences with Mizrahi Grill have been amazing, I have only tried the chicken habob salad and chicken kabob pita sandwiches which are delish, however the pita bread was a little soggy. Probably since they are kosher, everything is prepped before hand and wrapped up ready to go. I'm sure it's better at the actual restaurant. Two thumbs up from me and I can't wait until these guys come back to our building! I also hope to visit them at their location soon! The falafel looks soo good in pictures, we'll see if they don't disappoint!
(4)Cassie S.
Oh My God best falafel pita I have EVER had. Seriously. I got everything on it (not knowing when I ordered what "everything" consisted of) and there were french fries in my sandwich!! And it was amazing!! The added texture and saltiness and it perfectly complimented the delicious fried balls of yumminess. I went for lunch on a weekday. Table was easy to get but we did wait a little while for our food. But the wait was nothing compared to the craziness at certain other places (ahem... Pita Inn...) and the food was totally worth it. And now that I've written this down, I must block all memories of the amazingness of Mizrahi Grill before I gain 50 pounds.
(5)Donald Yosef M.
I would say a little above average, it you have been to Irsael to compare. Naf Naf delievers a more fresh just bake pita with free condiments for your choosing. Mizrahi is a long awaited for Kosher restaurant that are very limited to find in the Chicago area ,so being kosher scores it a little higher than normal. Other than its Yeminate Chichen soup ,kabobs & other mediterrean dish's are all a litle above normal
(3)Bob L.
With the beautiful weather yesterday, a friend suggested that we meet and have lunch outdoors at the Mizrahi Grill located in the Crossroads Shopping Center. I agreed and mentioned I had never been there or even heard much about the place other than it was a kosher restaurant. What a surprise and a delight! Mizrahi Grill offers at complete menu of Mediterranean Cuisine from appetizers, like Grandma's Kubeh (cracked wheat dumpling filled with ground beef and pine nuts and served with tehina), to salads, pita or laffa wrapped sandwiches, entrees, desserts and beverages. The entrees seem a bit pricey but are consistent with the high cost associated with kosher meats. My friend ordered the grilled chicken breast pita and I ordered the House Specialty - their shawarma sandwich. They asked if I wanted everything on my sandwich. I didn't realize that "everything" meant humus, Israeli salad (tomatoes and cucumbers), cabbage slaw, pickles, chips (homemade fried potatoes) and tehina. What a sandwich! My friend asked for everything to be separate on her plate and I had the chance to see what was in my sandwich. The pita is baked in their ovens and the best I've ever eaten. Afterwards I briefly chatted with the owners, Eli and Tamor Mizrahi. They've been in business for four years and I wondered why I never had been to their restaurant before. Knowing about Mizarhi Grill will make it a lot easier to get my Mediterranean food fix without going to Skokie, Wheeling and Des Plaines. Being a kosher restaurant, all of their meats are top grade and other ingredients are extremely fresh. As consumers become more aware of eating healthy foods, their offerings guarantee quality choices. As their website declares, "At Mizrahi Grill not only do you enjoy food that's good, but also food that's good for you!"
(5)TJ G.
Really delicious food, the green beans are addictive! I've only ever eaten take out so I'm not sure what the service/ambiance is like in the restaurant, only that the food is great!
(5)James L.
I bring clients here all of the time and now they ask me if we can go back again -- in fact some of them are going more than I do. I love it that they're CRC Kosher, but the food is great for anyone. In good weather you can sit out front and their chicken is the BEST, juiciest, of anywhere you can eat. OR try the mixed appetizer plate as an entree. Great place overall.
(5)Lisa S.
Not better than Pita Inn, not better than Sultan's Market. I ordered the falafel and the falafel patties were pretty good. However, the Jerusalem salad inside the sandwich tasted very sour, making the entire sandwich taste sour. They put a few fries inside the pitas, those were a bit soggy. I did enjoy the whole wheat pita, i think they were homemade and seemed very fresh. My friend got the Mom's kebab sandwich and i tried a piece of the beef. It was full of fat and almost made me gag. I was 65% disappointed in this place.
(2)Adele S.
Big improvement over my last visit. We went here for my daughter's birthday; you can bring in your own cake as long as it's pareve. The HP Jewel isn't far and they have a separate kosher bakery. Ordering was a bit tricky. In the past we had someone take our order because we'd come with a large party. This time, they were so busy, we had to write our own order, passing the ticket around the table. Some of the elderly guests didn't get it and didn't write down their orders, then didn't know why they weren't served. This time, the appetizers were fantastic, everything was flavorful, fresh out of the fryer. The kubeh were plump and full of meat, the cigars not dried out or chewy, falafel were fluffy inside, crispy outside. I had Mom's Kabob in a pita, two spicy ground beef/lamb "turds" in fluffy warm pita, topped with israeli salad, tahini and french fries-I'm still dreaming about it. Almost everyone else had the skirt steak on laffa, a huge foot long monstrosity that I hear was awesome. What made the whole experience unique was my husband & his brother have to say kaddish for their father and you can only do it if you have a gathering of at least 10 Jewish men..There was no way they could make it to their shul on time to pray, so they just did it in the back, the restaurant even had prayer books for them, so it must be a common thing. Prices are high but it's kosher meat, and portions are huge. Can't wait to go back for another kabob!
(5)Moshe S.
Awesome food. Generous portions. Good prices. The restaurant is nice & the service is good. Can't be beat.
(5)Matt R.
I guess I'll keep coming back here more than planned. It is indeed pricy and I agree with Guillaume that it is because it is actual kosher food. I forgot how expensive that is from a restaurant perspective (I feel it at home for sure). Taking that into consideration the prices are probably/actually pretty good. This place is now completely packed on lunch hours. We're talking a 10+ person line. It moves fast, but still! When I first came, it was quiet. However now, they are stocked up. In fact last time I had to educate a guy in what shawarma and falafel are; apparently his coworkers sent him to go but he didn't even know israeli food. I don't know what I can say. The food is true to Israeli food, both being kosher and the way it is made/ingredients. They even throw fries in the pita like any good/real restaurant Israeli restaurant would. I think I will take pictures and add them when I go today (yet again, 3rd time in 3 months total now?) so that you guys can see what it looks like.
(5)Rachel S.
YUMMY.....I had the mom's kabob pita with a healthy amount of tahina, pickles, salad and schug, and my husband had the falafel pita...we split the cigars as an appetizer...Everything was fresh and delish!!!! The employees were helpful and the service was good! We will definitely go back!!! It IS pricey...but it's because it's kosher. Kosher meat is exorbitant and all the kosher meat restaurants are pricey..(in fact PRICIER, and you don't get NEARLY as much food....and the quality of those other places is meh)
(5)Grace K.
The falafel sandwich is soooo good and the people who work here are so nice. Any the orders come out fast!
(5)Melissa F.
I often get frustrated with Kosher restaurants, as I realize that they have a monopoly on some customers. This means that there isn't as much pressure to produce innovative, interesting cuisine for Jews who observe Kashrut inside and outside of the home (I am not one of these people, but I come here often with my friend who has a severe allergy to dairy; the restaurant is all meat). Of course, it's overpriced like whoa, but their ingredients are pricer, so of course some costs are passed onto the consumer. All right, enough ranting. More about Mizrahi Grill. It's a very clean, small space, with lots of pictures of Israel on the walls. You order from a relatively limited menu and pay tons of money. But the ingredients are expensive (as I've mentioned), being Kosher and all, and they are of a very high caliber. I'm a big fan of the schwarma, which they make just like they do in Israel, with french fries inside. :) The employees are always courteous, and more than a few are Israeli. They put up with my crappy Hebrew, which is just fantastic. When I say "Todah rabah!" (thank you) in my American accent, they smile back and say "bvakashah!" (you're welcome) with a patient smile. And then they charge me $25. Wah wah. Other highlights include the falafel and french fries. They serve a lot of popular sodas, as well as some beers like Stella Artois and Heineken. And the pitas are FABULOUS/drool-worthy! So fluffy.
(4)Herbet P.
This was the only place I could find open that was close to my hotel and seemed somewhat decent.... It's basically a fast food spot for middle eastern food - specifically Israeli - but when it comes down to it, the differences between israeli and any other middle eastern cuisine is minute (atleast to me)... So the way this place works is you go to the counter, place your order and pay (they don't take AMEX!). Then they give you a number and you take your seat. I decided to get the shwarma pita will all fixings... For some reason in NY its hard to get a shwarma sandwich at a fast food spot with actual lamb - but here it was a mixture of lamb and beef - it still had a strong taste of lamb though, and the shwarma also had potato fries in it - which i thought was strange but it was still good... For a fast food middle eastern spot its decent, the people that work here are really friendly (or it could just be ive gotten used to people in NY being rude).. Even if i lived in the area I would rarely ever go back here unless it was my only option for middle eastern cuisine.
(3)Bindi D.
Holy Pita Sandwich! This thing is the ultimate sandwich: hummus, pickles, tahini, salad, etc.. (I am sure there is more as the size of the sandwich was massive!) I decided on the shwarma. It was a little dry. Perhaps I will try something else next time. Great flavor, bring your appetite!
(3)tracy f.
Unbelievably delicious falafel. Better than Pita Inn, better than Sultan's. It's filled with cucumber tahini salad, hummus and french fries (!!!) among other things. Best ever. Now, let's talk about the pita. It's so fluffy! Seriously luxurious stuff, almost pancake-like in consistency, and it pairs wonderfully with the super creamy hummus. I know that this place is a little pricey, but I really appreciate that the food is kosher and they do not use dairy on premises. The girl at the counter is quiet, but always sweet. Although I work down the street, this place is so good it's worth a drive out from the city to try for yourself.
(5)Rimma A.
It's funny how just one bad experience out of many good ones can ruin your opinion of a once-beloved place forever. That's how I feel about Mizrahi Grill. I'd given this place a rave review before and now after eating there today, I have to recant and edit my entire previous review. My husband and I met up with our good friends for lunch here today. We brought along our infant son. We ordered our 'usual' (shawarma pitas for each of us) and while we waited for our food, we decided to feed our son his container of pureed vegetables from home. While we were feeding him, the owner came over to us and demanded to know if the food we were feeding him was kosher, because they only allow kosher food in their establishment. We told him we didn't know because we'd left the packaging at home. He then grabbed the food out of my husband's hand and started inspecting it, and wanted to know if there were any dairy products in it. I replied that the ingredients are printed on the side of the container and that it only contains sweet potatoes and corn. He then gave us back the food and walked away, apparently dissatisfied. I guess he thought we were somehow putting one over on him. I can respect him wanting to keep his restaurant kosher, but to come over to customers who are in the middle of feeding their baby and demand to inspect the food? He went too far. Is this any way to treat your repeat paying customers? If we hadn't already paid for our food, we would have gotten up and left right there, but we definitely won't be coming back again.
(2)Shira G.
I really love this place! Having grown up on Israeli food, I have tried other places and they did not even come close to authentic. But this place is truly authentic... I eat here all the time. The staff also remembers you and are very welcoming.
(5)Efrat A.
I read so many good reviews about this place and was excited to try it. I was very disappointed and so was my husband. The soup was lacking flavor, I can get better Hummus at Garden Fresh Market near by, the meat was bad quality and the rice was dry. Even the Pita bread was not good. Comparing to near by Taboun Grill, Manghal Grill or going further Naf Naf Grill in the west suburbs, this was the worst experience and I will never go back.
(1)Lawrence B.
Just like being in Israel. The food is superb. It has FLAVOR. Note: It's just a tad expensive. There is a good reason. Kosher restaurants have higher costs and they are not open Friday night or Saturday, the busy times. So you pay a little bit more. Don't worry, the owner is not getting rich. This is my favorite restaurant in Chicago.
(5)Lola K P.
Ok place, ok food, ok prices. Hubby really liked his falafel, but my shwarma was pretty dry and not that tasty. We just happened to be near here, there weren't that many choices for a quick lunch. If we're in the area again, we may visit again, but it doesn't merit a special drive.
(3)John S.
Both me and my wife got sick. Only average tasting as well.
(1)Cindy F.
Super excellent falafel !!!! Revised 10/28/12 - The falafel has been greasy and not as good lately. I'm not sure what has changed, but I am not going back.
(2)E H.
We went with another friend and the kids there on Sunday. It was not packed. Now it is not cheap, but it is kosher. I have celiac and the owner knew what to serve and not. So I ordered Shwarma plate with grilled vegtables, fries on the side for the kid and Israeli salad. My friend ordered chiken niggets for the kids and for himself yemenite soup. Both the soup and the swarma was not good, very dry unlike last times. My guess is that this shwarma from Friday, that he is trying to sell. Really dry. The same for the soup. Overall we were dissapointed. They did not even give us tahini sauce, we had to ask for it. For $17 an entree, I will prefer taboun grill in Skokie or Mangal, or Pita Inn. My friend went and complained, but they just shrugged and said nothing. Since they are the only kosher restaurant in Highland Park, I guess they take their customers for granted and that is too sad. I would have given them lower ratings unless for the gluten free knowledge. Too bad they really messed up the shawarma.
(3)Hollie D.
Had an urge to eat falafel today, so I popped over for lunch. Got the falafel pita to go. Service was quick, which was good, because one of the other patrons ordering was quite possibly the stupidest person I'd encountered all day, but obviously, that's besides the point. Back to my sandwich. What I was not expecting, was the fries on the sandwich. This was actually a good thing, except for the fact that the fries really weren't anything to write home about. That lacked the proper sogginess level that I enjoy, but this is not to say that they were crispy, because they weren't. I also gained no satisfaction from a properly salted fry, because this did not occur either. Other than that, it was a great sandwich. The falafel was decent and there were like 5 or 6 of them in the sandwich, whereas I was expecting there only to be like two or three, and I enjoyed the combination of the flavors from the Israeli salad and cabbage salads. The nice glob of hummus at the bottom of the pita also brought me joy. Did I mention the sandwich was really filling? I didn't think it would be, but it kept me from the ravenous hunger that I'm usually faced with on my commute from Northbrook to South Shore every evening.
(4)Laura S.
My order everytime: Falafel pita sandwich, side of Jerusalem salad and green beans. The owner who takes my order is so friendly and personable. I have never gone in there without talking to him for at least 10-15 minutes! The waitstaff is also very friendly and attentive. My opinion is this is the best falafel in the north shore! There are not many (if any other) Kosher restaurants in the area, so I eat there often since my brother keeps Kosher. We always eat the entire meal on our plate! Other things my family has liked: chicken pita, Jerusalem mixed sandwich, Moroccan cigars, hummus, fries, and cabbage salad. All have 5 stars across the board. It is okay for large groups if you call ahead, so they can put tables together for you.
(5)David W.
Absolutely delicious, friendly staff ownership. Best schwarma around!
(5)Tom A.
I went in for a falafel - got the super sized one for $10. Most expensive falafel ever, but it was equal to close to 2 regular falafels, and it was rolled instead of stuffed -- a requisite for my falafel happiness. The sandwich was really solid. Good flavors and internal contrasts. They ask if you want "everything" on it, so I asked, and that included fries (on it) -- a concept I do not accept but recognize as something some people like. Unfortunately this place in in Highland Park. I'd never go there from Chicago, but if I am anywhere nearby I would certainly venture over. I might even try something else (though vegetarian stuff is a little spare), but I can wholly recommend the mega-leffe falafel.
(4)Alene S.
Eli was extremely helpful and accommodating when we ordered an appetizer tray and side salads for a family pot luck we were attending. The presentation was very nice and the guests enjoyed the variety. We've always found the food to be terrific.
(5)Brad C.
This is a very good restaurant--for Highland Park. (Take that, low expectations!) Given the paucity of sensible dining options in my stomping grounds--sorry, Fuddruckers--I, preeminent Yelp hater, must relent: this is a welcome, albeit overpriced, treat for semi-authentic Levant foodstuffs. The pitch is the falafel, and it is good. Coarse, nutty, and with a fine chew--with my old age I'm starting sound like Pat Bruno, yeesh--the balls (~!) are of much greater complexity than the hushpuppy-cum-falafel that everyone knows and loves about Pita Inn. (Yes, if you always wanted to know what makes PI so good, it's because of three ingredients: falafel, cum, and hushpuppy. And the suburbs. (That's the umami.)). The Falafel Delivery System is a particularly soft and chewy pita that has the consistency of Wonder Bread and tastes, now that I think about, remarkably similar to the pita used at Taxim--that is, it's note are of, well, air...but it doesn't interfere with the spreads. Salads are nice--nice in the way Sharon Stone says "nice" in Basic Instinct nice. But also inconsistent, like in the way Sharon Stone says "inconsistent" in, say, Sliver. The IDF is a cold eggplant salad with a subtle tang from the vinaigrette and added sharp notes from flecks of pepper. The Matbucha is surprisingly taut tomato "salad," though more of a gazpacho puree than anything; a mélange of spices--unidentified, for now--hits at the end, providing some welcome heat to the somewhat creamy/fat texture canvas of this culinary idiom. Skip the hummus, coarse like the falafel and not in a good way, and the baba, which has the texture of tsatziki sauce. The grilled meats are fine, as is the shawerma, but the prices are exorbitant: $22-30 for a plate (sandwiches are half). Granted, it's a lot of food--and it looks like they're throwing in a side now; they weren't before--but it's also utterly bonkers that a quick-service restaurant with cheap plastic plates and minimal table service is charging this much; Mizrahi may have some of the higher entrée courses in town right now. The food is good alright, but it's not better than the better restaurants of the Kedzie family, certainly not with the 30%-50% premium in cost. Then again, there's free dessert: eavesdropping on conversations about ISRAEL. AS A METAPHOR. (They're referring, of course, to the upcoming dance revue, "ISRAEL: THE METAPHOR, W/DAVID BEN GURION AS ABRAHAM." Lots of good press on this one. And it's playing at the North Shore Center for Performing Arts, so we can hit the new Holocaust Museum right afterwards~!) Context--it's EVERYTHING.
(3)Jessica K.
If you miss Israeli food this is hands down the best middle eastern food you will find in the burbs hummus, falafel, shawarma, everything is delicious definitely is like you are ordering in israel, Owner is awesome and extremely nice! =) love this place because it makes you feel like you are in Israel.
(5)Ewa T.
I go in Christian, I leave a Jew! I'm kidding! But seriously, the almighty himself may have had a hand in making these lovely dishes. I've only had the shawarma, but when you've found what you're looking for, do you need to try anything else?! These shawarmas are wrapped in a pita that is a little stretchy, chewy, but oh so good! Then you have the Jerusalem salad and the fries that they throw in and you are taken to a place that is out of this world! Lots of taste that just hits the spot. What more could you ask for? Oh yeah..how about a little discount on the prices there. $8 per shawarma and if you want laffa (a larger version), it's $12. So not the most economical choice, but good none-the-same.
(4)Avon B.
Finally made my first visit. I went with the Schnitzel on a pita with a can of coke. Turned out to be almost $14. With fries, that would be almost $17. The sandwich was a decent size and the chicken was tasty. Yet, one cannot justify $14 for a schnitzel (chicken) pita and a coke. This is not Manhattan. I understand that it is Kosher, yet, the prices might very well limit my future visits. This is definitely a place who could use a daily or weekly special. If money is no object, I would recommend a visit. Very authentic tasting and the pita is just right.
(3)Alan R.
I've been here twice now. The entrees have not been memorable, but the sides have been amazing. Their Pita Bread, Hummus and Fries are the best in Chicago. I have had better Lafa. I had the Mixed Grill my first time there and the Skirt Steak Sandwich on my second trip. I might not be ordering the right thing. It's a bit pricey, but with Kosher that should be expected. The hummus alone is worth the trip. Don't forget, being a kosher restaurant, they are closed on Friday night and Saturday.
(4)jason e.
I went for the first time last month and have been back three times. This sets a new record for my presence at any venue in Chicago-land shy of the Green Mill. The pita is fantastic- spongy and full of flavor. Combined with the typical Israeli falafel fillings- cabbage salad, hummus, israeli salad and YES french fries, this is the most magical chickpea experience I've had since Falafel's restaurant in Bloomington Indiana!!!!!! Everything I've had is excellent, the people are very nice, and from my experience the service takes a little longer... because everything is home made!!!! There are plenty of grab and go "middle eastern" places in Chicago, but speed= prefried fallafel= lower quality. This place even trumps Pita Inn, which is almost good enough to drive to Skokie for. Mizrahi has fresher ingredients, and the best Babba I've had in town... plus you don't have men screaming at you over an intercom. People. Quality takes time. Anyone who feels this is a long wait for a sandwich has neither worked in food service nor attempted to make this sort of food themselves! Waaaaah my food took 15 minutes. Make it at home! See you in two hours! Thanks for the awesome food. See you next Friday! J
(5)E Z.
My family has been eating here since they opened. The wife loves the falafel in lafa. My boy loves the shawarma. I enjoy their soups and steak sandwich . Their food is always fresh . The falafel is probably one of the best I've had. It's casual , you order at the counter and servers bring food to table. The staff is friendly and the place is clean. Best of all the food is great. We eat Sunday lunch there at least once a month.
(5)Cheryl G.
I don't see why so many people are writing such bad reviews about this place. I am from this area is this is probably some of the best middle eastern food that I have had in this area. The two owners started out with a small stand back home in israel. Now, they have brought it to the northern suburbs of Chicago. My favorite dishes on their menu are their falafel pitas with all the juicy fillings in the middle, the IDF salad and the Israeli salad. What's nice about many of their menu items is that a lot of the food can be shared between two to three people. I usually split one of their pitas and a salad with my mom. It is a very small restaurant, but Mizrahi has done suprisingly very well in this area. Keep up the good work!
(4)Neil R.
Bland - Fatty - Dry Those are the only words that stick with me about my experience here. I tried it once last year based on positive reviews. It was awful. I drove back to the restaurant and returned my meal, barely eaten. Tonight several friends wanted to try it so I gave it another shot - I'm sorry I did. Easily the worst hummus I've ever eaten - no taste whatsoever. I'd list places with better hummus, but that would be everywhere. The chicken kebob pita sandwich was thrown away after a few bites of fatty, dried out chicken pieces. The felafel was so dry it was also inedible. With so many better options not so far away - Taboun, Pita Inn, Taboule - I'll never come back.
(1)Jackson S.
I work by here so I eat lunch here often. Food=Best Falafel and Schwarma I have ever had! Everything is homemade. The guys that own/run the place brought these family recepies with them from Isreral. Pricey but worth it in terms of quality. Also it is 100% kosher if you are in need that. Service=Not great. Not the most freindly people you will ever buy food from. There kinda jerky at times even. That's the only reason why I won't give this place 5 stars.
(4)Isabelle L.
OK if you come here expecting just a carbon copy of Pita Inn, don't bother. If on the other hand you are open to the same food concept but with a totally different execution, this place will amaze you with the good quality and the flavors provided. The pitas are enormous and the fillings are quite tasteful and juicy: the addition of hummus and fritters in the sandwich make quite a difference. Mint tea is with actual real leaves, a nice touch. Meats are tender and tasteful as well and so are the falafels. Nice experience overall.
(4)Guillaume M.
This is a fair middle eastern restaurant. Was there for lunch and had the shawarma sandwich and thought it was pretty good. Shawarma was cut right off the spit for my sandwich -- couldn't have been fresher. Watch out for the spicy sauce -- it had very good flavor but the spiciness crept up on me until I realized I had drained my drink. My friend had the "Mom's Special Kabob" sandwich and the bite I tried was good as well. I have to agree with Matt and Carey that the prices are steep, but it is certified kosher, and that kosher meat is pricey. You're not going to find any better prices for the same product. Plus, the area needs a restaurant where you can run in and grab shawerma or kefta and some falafel without feeling like you are having a full sit-down "dining experience." I'm glad they opened, and I will be back.
(3)Maria L.
3 stars only because of Moms kebob sandwich. Shwarma was not good, no flavor and a bit dry. Kebob sandwich had lots of flavor, but overall a bit pricy for just a quick lunch stop over.
(3)Diana B.
This place serves AMAZING food. We love the schawarma sandwiches (we get ours without the cabbage and I get mine without french fries, btw). We also like the chicken schnitzel and their skirt steak meal is huge and delicious. Their grilled veggies are perfectly cooked, the Moroccan carrots are uniquely savory-sweet-spicy. Grandma's kubeh and zatar bread.... AND THE FALAFEL!!! We love this place and the people who work there are really kind. The portions are quite large, so go hungry!
(5)Jacob S.
Totally agree, if you're looking for fresh and good Middle Eastern food in the suburbs of chicago Mizrachi Grill is it.
(4)J C.
SO so so good!!! This is the best middle eastern food in Illinois. The falafel pita sandwich is by far the best I have had outside of Israel. Make sure to get some hot sauce to go with it. The drive from the city is so worth it! P.S, every time I come here I expect the owner to say " no falafel for you" Seinfeld style.
(5)D K.
Long drive that's not worth it.Food is decent, prices are high moderate. Service is fair at best. Seating limited. I would go elsewhere unless I was driving into the area for other reasons.
(2)A.J. M.
A charming Israeli place, with a nice atmosphere. I might have been the only gentile in the building at the time, but who cares? It was just interesting to observe. As for the food, I had the falafel sandwich. For starters, it was huge. And to make it all better, it was delicious. I could eat that everyday and be a happy man.
(4)E F.
This place has the best falafel I have ever had in my life. It may seem pricey, but it is so huge that it's worth it and it's very filling. It's a good place for lunch, since it's quick service, yet it's definitely better than some fast food place. I've eaten here a few times and the people who work here are always very nice to me and helpful. They put up patiently with my obvious stupidity about some of the menu items. It is also very clean and tidy.
(4)Anna S.
The food was good. I got a falafel sandwich and it was great, very Israeli and authentic. And while I understand that a glat kosher place will be more expensive, chick peas are kosher no matter what (unlike meat) and therefore, I think, shouldn't have such a jacked up price. I'll still be coming back every few months to settle my craving for 'real' falafel but it won't be much more often than that.
(4)Jimmy G.
If you want amazing flavor...come to this place and order the Shawarma Pita. Get it spicy with everything. They put fries in the sandwich...enough said. The hummus is outstanding and the pita is made fresh every day. It's worth every penny and then some. They need to work on the process of order taking, checkout, etc. but it's worth that hassle too.
(5)Abby K.
The best falaffel sandwich I've had!!! YUUUUUUM!
(5)Michael H.
I went based on reviews on yelp and unfortunately have to say I will not return. If you don't need to eat kosher food, go to the much better (in every way) Pita Inn. It's worth the 15 minute drive on the Edens. And now to write a review that doesn't keep comparing this place to Pita Inn. I don't think the food was bad, it was generally pretty tasty. Large sized portions, we tried one schwarma entree, one chicken kabob entree, one of every salad choice and appetizer combo plate. That was more than enough food for four adults. Even though you are paying more, you generally get your money's worth. You order at the cash register, they give you a number and you wait at your table for them to bring out your food. I wasn't a big fan of the thick pita. The hummus was ok, but we found small chunks in some of it, so not blended well enough. Other salads, baba, etc. were all really good. Chicken was flavorful and the schwarma was good, but nothing amazing. Appetizers were fine and the falafel was tasty. I think the hot sauce was just Sriracha or at least very similar, so a disappointment for me. This place takes a big hit for several big service blunders. We waited about 15 minutes to get our salad plates. We were not provided any extra plates to eat on, had to go up and ask. Found it unusual we didn't get our appetizers yet, but patiently waited. Then another 10 minutes later our main entrees arrive, but no appetizers. At this point we ask them what happened, but we kind of realized it at this point when the table that arrived after us was already eating their appetizer combo plate. They apologize and say they will get it out right away. About 10 minutes later, still nothing, so I head up to the counter again. (a reoccurring theme here) I ask them to cancel the appetizer since we are getting close to finishing our meal, but no, can't do that now since they are bringing out the appetizers as I speak. The last straw was when we were eating from our pita basket, we found the cut off tip of a rubber glove. Luckily no fingertip, but still a little unappetizing. When we mention this, we get a "sorry" and that's it. I'm not one to make stink, so I let it go. But I'm surprised they didn't do anything at this point to make up for the constant service blunders. I think this place is busy since they are the only game in town, but I'll do my part to help make it less crowded.
(2)Leon B.
I have been going to Mizrahi Grill for a while now. Though being Jewish i'm not particular about kosher food, but it's good to know that Mizrahi are kosher and work hard to keep it that way. I lived in Israel for about 15 years, and i can honestly say that Mizrahi's Shawarma is by far the closest to an original Israeli shawarma ! They make it exactly like they make in israel including the pita bread, the salads, humus, tahini, the french fries and the most important the meat, don't forget to take Falafel for appetizer. Definitely something everyone should try.
(5)Carey Y.
Mizrahi grill took over the old Rosati's location in the strip mall on Skokie Valley Road. My past middle eastern food experiences are Pita Inn and Olive Branch. When I got there I was quite pleased with how clean and new the restuarant is. I looked at the menu and was shocked at how pricey the food is. I settled for Mom's Kebob Sand(which was described to me as beef and lamb or in other words a kefta kebob) and Baba Ganoush. The sandwich itself was $8 and Baba Ganoush is $6 for a small salad plate with two fluffy pita bread, Food: The baba ganoush was very good and creamy, but reminds me of Pita Inn's baba. The sandwich was really good, it was in a fluffier pita than I am used to, in between a pita inn pita and a gyro pita. In the pita was the Mom's kebob, cucumbers, pickles, tahini sauce, hot sauce and french fries. I was skeptical on how everything will taste and I was surprised. The meat had a stronger lamb flavor than kefta kebabs I am used to which is a good thing. There was alot of flavor working in the pita and the hot sauce always lingered in the back, nothing overpowering. The french fries added more body and mouth feel to the whole sandwich and countered the hot sauce at the right moments with its starchy texture. The food is very tasty and will come back but would love to see the prices a bit lower. $8 sandwich and a $6 baba resulted in a $14 lunch. You can also get the kebobs in a plate with two sides for anywhere from $18-22. My next time back will have to be when I'm not starving and settling for a sandwich only and no appetizer. The beef shararma looks very appetizing with a spit full of what looks to be something similar to skirt steaks unlike other shararma that looks like minced meat over at Pita Inn which warrants a few more trips to try the shararma and falafels. The food deserves 5 stars, but overall 4 stars due to pricey menu.
(4)Philip P.
Rude service, very loud, and the food was nothing special.
(1)Andrea R.
I ended up here while my car was being serviced at Fields across the street. This was the ultimate in serendipitous meals. I wasn't expecting much, and I got one of those meals I will always remember. It was lunch but it wasn't too crowded. I like everything on the menu so I asked the guy behind the counter what was the best, and he said the chicken kabob. He wasn't kidding. First of all, this might be the best pita bread I have ever eaten. It's like a pocket pita but thick, like what you would get with a gyro. They asked me if I wanted everything, and I said, "go for it". It had juicy, flavorful chicken, hummus, Jerusalem salad, cabbage, pickles and... fries! The fries were a complete surprise and so welcome - I love fries on a sandwich. The sandwich was huge so it was all I had. I hope someday I'll find myself in the neighborhood again!
(5)Fran D.
I love this place. I am working my way through the menu, and I can vouch for pretty much every dish I have eaten. Starting with the starters (a very good place to start), the Morrocan cigars are always super-flavorful and crispy, with a cooling tahina dip on the side. The stuffing varies - sometimes potato, sometimes mushroom, maybe eggplant too? Don't worry about it - just order them. The Yemini chicken soup (offered on special) is spiced with clove or cinnamon and is very good. A bowl is pretty much a meal. As for the sandwiches, my favorites have been the lamb kebab (not always offered), mother's special (kind of a ground beef/lamb kebab) and the shwarma. Sandwiches are made Israeli-style, with fries stuffed in the bottom, then hummous, meat, and various salads (cabbage, Israeli) layered on top. Hot sauce is a good extra for a spicy kick. I prefer the fries on the side, but hey, it's your sandwich do as you want. Get the sandwich on pita -- do not take the French bread option. The pitas are wonderful, and you will thank me. The shwarma is a lamb/turkey combination, something I hear is pretty common is Israeli but not so much around here. It is made fresh and cooked fresh, and is a different but delicious spin on the typical Middle Eastern schwarma you can get at Arab places. Entrees get pricey, but they can feed you several meals. I have had the lamb chops (can you tell I love lamb) and they are fantastic. I enjoy the chicken schnitzel too. Do not miss the salads - I particularly like the Morrocan carrot, and the green bean. The only downside to this place is the crowds. We came on a Sunday night at 6 pm, and every family with their bubbe and zade (OK we were with bubbe and zade) and many kids were there, making the place quite loud. My mother ate with her hands over her ears. Go before 6 pm, or after 8 pm on Sundays to miss the family hours. The service is quite friendly and relatively prompt even during lunch/dinner rush. This is a kosher place that I would strongly recommend to the non-Kosher, and I definitely make it a point to come here at least once a month.
(5)