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Old Jerusalem Restaurant — well-regarded middle eastern in Old Town. No frills and no gimmicks, just a solid honest room. You can taste the generations behind this. Family-run, BYOB. "It’s made fresh here and was delicious and perfectly seasoned" — Tim Howe
Ian Mann
136 reviews
“The rice was moist and full of flavor and was a perfect complement to the large roasted tomato sat in the middle of it all”
No recurring complaints found across reviews.
1411 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
“We had an amazing experience.”
We had an amazing experience. The service was excellent, everyone was incredibly kind, and the food truly felt homemade. You can tell everything is made with care.
Felicitas Hernandez
Jan 2026
“Clean and fantastic food for a very reasonable price.”
Clean and fantastic food for a very reasonable price. The Shawirma Sandwich (their version of a gyro) with slow roasted lamb and beef can be had with a pita or in a wrap. I had the wrap it was SO good. Looking forward to having it again. The meat wasn’t the standard pre packaged Gyro meat I was expecting. It’s made fresh here and was delicious and perfectly seasoned. My wife and I had the same thing and agreed it’s the best we’ve had.
Tim Howe
Jul 2025
“This spot is a legit staple.”
This spot is a legit staple. Spent like $25—got the chicken shawarma plate, hummus, and mint tea. Portions were generous, everything was super fresh, and that garlic sauce? Unreal. The patio’s clutch in the summer, but inside’s cozy too. Service is fast and friendly, even when they’re slammed. No-frills, just fire Middle Eastern food that always hits. Been coming here for years—never disappoints.
Eva Rivera
May 2025
“There’s not many places like this left big portions reasonable price and friendly local small business owners.”
There’s not many places like this left big portions reasonable price and friendly local small business owners. The flavors are all the classics we love
Abdallah Al-Qudsi
Apr 2025
“AMAZING. Probably the greatest meal I have ever had in my life. I got the vegetarian combo. For...”
AMAZING. Probably the greatest meal I have ever had in my life. I got the vegetarian combo. For sure a hidden gem. Nicest staff. Could not recommend more.
meile roberts
Jan 2025
“We came here spontaneously on Christmas Eve and it is definitely top 10 meals of 2024!”
We came here spontaneously on Christmas Eve and it is definitely top 10 meals of 2024!! Maybe even top five meals. Service was outstanding, the food came out quick and it was all so delicious! Thank you chef!!
G B
Dec 2024
“Very comforting Mediterranean food in the heart of Old Town.”
Very comforting Mediterranean food in the heart of Old Town. The veggie combo plate was a great starter, featuring delicious baba ghanoush, falafel, and more. Their Greek salad with shawarma was refreshing with delicious lamb Shawarma pieces. The restaurant has a cozy, homey vibe that made for a very enjoyable dinner.
Bill
Jun 2024
“The food was absolutely delicious and the service was amazing.”
The food was absolutely delicious and the service was amazing! The lady serving us was so kind and helpful, she made us feel at home :) we got the hummus, lentil soup, chicken kababs, musaheb and baklava! Highly recommend, we will be back.
Laura Zwald
Mar 2024
“Solid place in Old Town for Mediterranean food.”
Solid place in Old Town for Mediterranean food. Ordered the hummus, baba, and kefta platter with a side of garlic sauce. While the hummus was slightly disappointing , everything else was fantastic and at a solid price point. The service was attentive and great.
Avi H
Nov 2023
“We were walking around just after 10 PM and needed a bite.”
We were walking around just after 10 PM and needed a bite. Two other places turned us away, kitchen’s just closed, but Old Jerusalem was a shining star in the distance. I had the Kefta Plate on recommendation from the waiter and it was delicious. Fresh herbs in the juicy tender meat lit up my mouth. The rice was moist and full of flavor and was a perfect complement to the large roasted tomato sat in the middle of it all. The food was superb and fresh. Perhaps it was just because it was late but I would have enjoyed some quiet background music in the restaurant.
Ian Mann
Aug 2023
“Family-run middle eastern restaurant with a variety of authentic dishes.”
Family-run middle eastern restaurant with a variety of authentic dishes. The restaurant itself is a little run-down and the waiters/waitresses are very kind. The hummus was tad too sour and so was the side of tahini. The other side was a sortof spicy sauce. The falafels were very crispy on the outside and incredibly tasty. The warm pita breads paired well with the hummus and greens as great for making falafel sandwiches. Great place if you’re a fan of middle eastern cuisine!
Dhruv Patel
Jul 2023
“We were at the Old Town Arts Fest and found this gem of a restaurant.”
We were at the Old Town Arts Fest and found this gem of a restaurant. They were able to seat our group of 11 inside. Everything tasted fresh. The servers made us feel part of their family. The Aramaic coffee was deliciously nutty and smooth. Large portions made it easy to share. I chose the vegetarian platter and tasted the Shawarma with rice. Hands down, I'll be back!
Jasmyn
Jun 2023
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