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Maman Zari — Albany Park middle eastern that sets the standard. Intimate atmosphere suited for two. If you drink, start at the bar, and easy on the wallet. "The watermelon salad was fresh and perfectly balanced" — Jenbala Ya
mehrnoush soroush
129 reviews
“An excellent place for a memorable time with friends and family”
No recurring complaints found across reviews.
4639 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
“Went here for restaurant week and I was not disappointed.”
Went here for restaurant week and I was not disappointed! The service was impeccable from coat check and seating thru the end of the meal. The food was so flavorful. My favorite were the lamb lollipops and cucumber salad. Very intimate setting and perfect for a date night or special occasion.
Shafela (Fela)
Feb 2026
“Just got home from restaurant week dinner.”
Just got home from restaurant week dinner. Had been meaning to check out this place in my neighborhood. Was amazing! Really great food and really great wait staff and greeters. Will come back for sure. Please check them out!
Kristina Simanis-Laimins
Jan 2026
“Maman Zari — An Exceptional Dining Experience We celebrated a birthday dinner at Maman Zari with a...”
Maman Zari — An Exceptional Dining Experience We celebrated a birthday dinner at Maman Zari with a vegetarian tasting menu during their special Shab-e Yalda offering, and the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. From the outset, the level of thoughtfulness set the tone. The team presented a beautifully printed tasting menu card personalized for my birthday—an understated yet meaningful gesture. Even more impressive was a separate menu card created specifically to highlight my wife’s dietary restrictions. It’s a small detail, but one that speaks volumes about the restaurant’s customer-centric approach and operational excellence. Every course was meticulously conceived and executed. The dishes were not only exceptional in flavor but also visually harmonious—each plate thoughtfully composed, with colors and textures working together in a way that was both refined and inviting. The portions were perfectly judged, leaving us satisfied without excess, and each dish delivered a distinct, memorable flavor profile. Beyond the food, the experience felt immersive. The menu offered a beautiful introduction to Persian cuisine, thoughtfully woven with the cultural significance of the winter solstice. Learning about the traditions and stories behind the dishes added depth and context, elevating the meal beyond dining into something more meaningful. The ambiance was elegant and polished, evoking a sense of luxury without feeling pretentious. Service was impeccable: warm, attentive, and genuinely enthusiastic. The staff graciously answered our questions about the dishes and ingredients, enhancing the overall experience with knowledge and passion. Pacing was flawless throughout the evening—neither rushed nor drawn out—and every course arrived at the ideal temperature, underscoring the precision behind the service. Maman Zari delivers what truly defines an elite dining experience: thoughtful hospitality, cultural storytelling, and consistently exceptional execution. It was a memorable celebration and a restaurant that sets a very high standard for tasting-menu dining.
Mayur Dhaniwala
Jan 2026
“Absolutely exceptional Persian cuisine tasting; the food is not the typical Persian restaurant.”
Absolutely exceptional Persian cuisine tasting; the food is not the typical Persian restaurant. It's like going to an Iranian home, with mom-made food, and Iranian hospitality. The staff don't look like restaurant staff. They're all so friendly and interested that it feels like going to a friend's house. Also absolutely no rush. For fellow Iranians: it's is NOT your typical go-to-eat-kebob place. The price is very reasonable for the quality, experience, and the tranquility you get. An excellent place for a memorable time with friends and family. I wish the neighborhood was a bit more exciting. But that would have been not as affordable.
mehrnoush soroush
Dec 2025
“I don't even know where to begin.”
I don't even know where to begin! Everything was a absolutely delicious from start to finish.
Jennifer Tonge
Nov 2025
“Great food and excellent service, their deserts are must try, yum!”
M L.
Nov 2025
“Maman Zari offers an ejoyable dining experience.”
Maman Zari offers an ejoyable dining experience. The atmosphere here is great, and the dishes were playful and well thought out with various textures and flavors to explore in each. It was my first time trying Persian cuisine, and I left with the lingering taste pomegranate, apple, and saffron on tongue.
Tim
Nov 2025
“Food is great. They serve up scale Persian food in high quality with matching wine. The server gave...”
Food is great. They serve up scale Persian food in high quality with matching wine. The server gave good food recommendations. I will order again the kabob and yatimchen
ES
Oct 2025
“I’m Persian and live in southern CA where there are lots of good Persian restaurants but I was in...”
I’m Persian and live in southern CA where there are lots of good Persian restaurants but I was in Chicago for work and was craving some Persian food. I found this place based on the good reviews and it was just as good as everyone stated!! The food was delicious and so well presented. The owner and head chef are doing such a great job with the menu. I’m a vegetarian and got the ghormeh sabzi and it was excellent. I will surely be back the next time I’m in Chicago! Merci, I loved it!!
Mona Rowshan
Oct 2025
“I'm kicking myself for taking so long to check this restaurant out.”
I'm kicking myself for taking so long to check this restaurant out. Absolutely delicious and filling 9 course meal, lovely staff and service, very relaxing and impressive throughout.
rob fischer
Oct 2025
“My wife and I went back to Maman Zari last night for our 2nd visit and had a wonderful time.”
My wife and I went back to Maman Zari last night for our 2nd visit and had a wonderful time. Miriam is very friendly and diligently followed up about our dietary restrictions. Josh was enthusiastic and attentive through both food and wine service. The food was excellent! Kudos to the back of house team, who strike a satisfying balance between authenticity and creativity (not to mention, delicious and well-portioned). The tasting menu was great and I'll encourage friends to try it, and we'll visit for a non-occasion to try the a la carte menu too.
Daniel Charles
Aug 2025
“Went here with family and tried both the tasting menu and à la carte.”
Went here with family and tried both the tasting menu and à la carte. Food was excellent and service was great. It’s more of a food experience type of place, so the dishes come out at a slower pace — but worth the wait. Overall, very good and highly recommended!
ali koucheki
Aug 2025
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