avec Restaurant

“17 years later I visit this spot for the very first time and I get it.”

17 years later I visit this spot for the very first time and I get it! The food is amazing! Loved their classic focaccia and prawns. Wine list is fantastic! It’s high energy and packed. They are participating in CRW and I can’t wait. Oh get their endive salad too

Pooja Naik

Jan 2026

“Was able to taste a ton of the great food here with my group - this place slaps.”

Was able to taste a ton of the great food here with my group - this place slaps. There were no misses on the dinner part. All 8 or so dishes we had were at worst great and at best spectacular. All very bold and punchy flavors if Mediterranean fare. My favorites were some of their specials - the bacon wrapped dates and the pork shoulder. Chicken shawarma was also an insanely good value option. We also loved the steak even though it was small. I love loved their hummus, but would actually go for the normal hummus over the short rib option - it’s less than half the price and better value. The only miss of dinner was the burnt honey chocolate pie dessert. I thought this was actively bad and definitely a bummer to end on when the rest of the food was so good! Cocktails in here were excellent as well. More focused on Mediterranean flavors of course - with some options having cumin and similar spices added. Fairly priced, but not a deal or overly expensive. Vibe in here is great - there are 2 floors. 1st floor is much better vibes, but second floor is okay too. Absolutely come here if you have the time and have the money to spend! My group of 5 paid about $80 a person with one drink each and that included tip. 4.5/5.

Eric Yeeger

Jan 2026

“Avec delivers a Mediterranean-focused dining experience that feels both lively and intimate, thanks...”

Avec delivers a Mediterranean-focused dining experience that feels both lively and intimate, thanks to a menu built around small and large tapas-style plates meant for sharing. It’s the kind of spot where eating family style isn’t just possible—it’s encouraged, and it makes the meal that much more fun. The space is warm and cozy with a minimalist design, and part of its charm comes from how seamlessly the kitchen blends into the dining area. Open to the dining area that as a mix of bench and countertop seating, it all contributes to the restaurant's dynamic, energetic feel. Large windows help the room feel more open than it really is, adding to its understated appeal. Service was top-notch—informal, friendly, and perfectly aligned with the restaurant’s relaxed, communal vibe. For anyone visiting Chicago, Avec is a must. It’s thoughtful, welcoming, and delivers a memorable meal built around simple dishes executed beautifully.

Nomadicus

Dec 2025

“Avec was such a great experience.”

Avec was such a great experience. The food was honestly top tier. Every dish we tried was packed with flavor, and the menu had so many things I wanted to order. The dessert was the real showstopper and genuinely left me speechless. Our waiter was incredible and made the whole night even better. He was attentive, friendly and really made us feel taken care of. The atmosphere was warm and lively, and the drinks were just as good as the food. Overall, an amazing spot. I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Jeremy Wood

Dec 2025

“There wasn't a plate we didn't love during our dinner at Avex.”

There wasn't a plate we didn't love during our dinner at Avex. The stuffed dates were AMAZING! I can't say enough about the hanger steak; it was cooked perfectly and was an explosion of flavor. My wife is still talking about the salmon she had. Services was outstanding and welcoming. Explained everything on the menu. We can't wait to go back again.

Clint F

Dec 2025

“Avec was a great experience!”

Avec was a great experience!! The food was amazing, the dates and the potato and cod brandade in particular were spectacular.

Yeison Andrés Álvarez Rivera

Nov 2025

“What an amazing treat.”

What an amazing treat! Enjoyed my evening at avec. Often times when I have to travel for business, I am treated as less than and only marginally cared for. Not the case at Avec! Everybody from the people tending to the water to the waiter to the manager, treated me as a guest and with amazing care! The food Outstanding and unique! The only problem is that I wish I had a larger stomach to try more of what was on the menu. If I return to Chicago, I plan to bring my wife and anyone I travel with.

Aaron Brinen

Nov 2025

“Lunch at avec on a Monday off from work - lovely.”

Lunch at avec on a Monday off from work - lovely! Great way to experience the amazing food and attentive service without paying a ton. Order several things and share with the table. Only negative is the uncomfortable seating and it's a bit dark during the day.

kristin hutson

Oct 2025

“First time here and the food left an impression.”

First time here and the food left an impression! Met up with some friends and the atmosphere was chill, unpretentious. The food was so flavorful and vibrant. Everything was a 10/10. Also the lemonade was great! Also excellent tea selection.

Chelsea M

Sep 2025

“The atmosphere at avec is warm and inviting, with a lively but comfortable energy.”

The atmosphere at avec is warm and inviting, with a lively but comfortable energy. The menu focuses on Mediterranean-inspired small plates, and everything we tried was fresh and full of flavor. The wine list has plenty of great options that pair nicely with the food. Service was friendly and attentive without feeling rushed. It’s a great place to relax, share dishes, and enjoy a meal with friends.

John Smith

Aug 2025

“Its small but its quaint with communal sitting and also outdoor seating.”

Its small but its quaint with communal sitting and also outdoor seating. Service was great and not over bearing. The bacon wrapped dates were phenomenal. Highly recommend. They are pretty filling on its own and having 1 does do its justice but you'll want another. The patatas Bravas were good as well but do wish they added more of the sauce onto the potatoes. We also got the shakshuka but it wasn't something id order again. It didnt hit my palate and the couscous threw it off. But still, great experience overall. Oh, the cold brew cocktail, so different and good!!!

Neena O

Aug 2025