Taza Cafe

“Ordered their Falafel and Chicken Kabob combo and it was pretty damn good.”

Eva N

Jan 2026

“First place I go to whenever I want shawarma.”

First place I go to whenever I want shawarma. Loyal to Taza forever. Staff is amazing too.

Arsh Dhaliwal

Sep 2025

“Great food and spectacular service.”

Great food and spectacular service! I look forward to visiting again the next time I’m in Chicago. The chicken and gyro sandwiches were delicious. The baklava is also a must try.

S M

Sep 2025

“Taza Café, located at 176 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606, is a family-owned establishment that...”

Taza Café, located at 176 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606, is a family-owned establishment that brings the rich flavors of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine to the heart of the city. The name “Taza,” meaning “fresh,” reflects their commitment to serving freshly prepared dishes that cater to a variety of dietary preferences, including halal, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.  Culinary Delights The menu at Taza Café offers an array of traditional dishes crafted with care and authenticity. Signature items include the Falafel Sandwich, Chicken Shawarma, and Hummus, all praised for their genuine flavors and generous portions. Patrons have highlighted the Falafel Sandwich as particularly flavorful, with one reviewer noting its exceptional taste and quality.  Ambiance and Service The café exudes a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for both quick lunches and relaxed dining experiences. Customers frequently commend the friendly and welcoming staff, emphasizing the warm hospitality that enhances the dining experience. The straightforward and unpretentious setting further adds to its charm.  Customer Experiences Reviews consistently highlight Taza Café’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. One patron expressed their appreciation, stating, “My absolute FAVORITE lunch spot. This is the only place I’m a regular at. The owners and workers are so kind to me. The food smacks too.” Such testimonials reflect the café’s dedication to creating a welcoming environment coupled with delectable cuisine.  Visit Information Taza Café operates from Monday to Thursday between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM, and on Fridays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The café remains closed on Saturdays and Sundays. For those interested in catering services, Taza Café offers options suitable for events, parties, and office lunches, ensuring the same quality and freshness in larger quantities.  In summary, Taza Café stands out as a gem in Chicago’s culinary scene, offering authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes in a friendly and cozy setting. Whether you’re seeking a hearty meal or planning an event, Taza Café promises a delightful experience rooted in tradition and freshness. 

Elegance Salon & Barbershop

Apr 2025

“The service here was great.”

The service here was great! The food was beyond amazing! & the atmosphere was classic. I thought the chicken shawarma, gyro, Falafel, rice, salad and hummus was all so scrumptious. You can sit down and eat or just take it to go. I will definitely be coming back again and trying several other things from the menu.

Erik Gonzalez

Sep 2024

“A friend recommended Taza, so I tried it.”

A friend recommended Taza, so I tried it. So happy I did. Everything was fresh, vibrant and flavorful. Super friendly service too.I got the chicken/gyro combo plate and plenty of food. I will go back soon.

David Wilkinson

Aug 2024

“I cannot recommend Taza enough if you are a tourist or a local having lunch.”

I cannot recommend Taza enough if you are a tourist or a local having lunch. Vibrant service, super affordable and a lot for what you pay! Tip for tourist. Take out your lunch and enjoy on the River Walk!

Lorenzo Bryce

Aug 2024

“I got one of the shawarma sandwiches with chicken and falafel.”

I got one of the shawarma sandwiches with chicken and falafel. It was tremendous. The hot sauce added onto it made it even better. Amine (maybe spelled wrong) was great and even helped me know what else to go see/do/eat in Chicago. It is a great place for middle eastern food that is close to tourist areas.

Saeed Kuzmar

Jul 2024

“I ordered Tabouleh and Shawerma plate, which came with a small salad, pita bread, Flafel, and hummus.”

I ordered Tabouleh and Shawerma plate, which came with a small salad, pita bread, Flafel, and hummus. They were excellent!! The food was really good and filling + very clean!

razan fawaz

Jan 2024

“Searched for healthy food downtown.”

Searched for healthy food downtown. Very glad I found this. So good and great value. Chicken way better than almost all shawarma I’ve had. Grape leaves for $1 is unheard of, and they were good. Person working was very nice and hooked it up. A+

D J

Aug 2023

“The only spot in Chicago loop serves middle-eastern food, I like the falafel, hummus, stuffed olive...”

The only spot in Chicago loop serves middle-eastern food, I like the falafel, hummus, stuffed olive leaves and chicken shawarma here. They have a very delicious mamoul 🥰

Jay Fal

Mar 2023

“Best falafel I've had in Chicago hands down 🧆 @tazacafechicago 📍 The Loop, Chicago Made with so...”

Best falafel I've had in Chicago hands down 🧆 @tazacafechicago 📍 The Loop, Chicago Made with so much LOVEEE , this Mediterranean spot is super low key but been around for 13 years! Come in for platters , order catering for your office, group order with your office (sharing a 🔗), or even grab a quick dinner after work in the loop ❤️ All the food is made daily by Hamza (originally from Jordan). He gets in about 5-6am before the 10:30am lunch period begins. We got the below plates, all of their popular items that comes with fluffy dill basmati rice (so good!), Creamy Hummus + pita, and a cucumber tomato Mediterranean salad: ✔️ Taza Combo (Chicken Shawarma & Gyro) ✔️ Chicken Kabob & Falafel combo ✔️ Falafel salad Their falafels are the BEST I've had in Chicago so far. 🧆hamza makes 500-2000+ of them daily 🧆They're fried fresh so they're super crunchy 🧆 Packed with flavor with chickpeas, garlic, coriander, spices like cumin, s&p Make sure to get the assorted baklava. They're also made fresh in Chicago by a partner . They're so crispy, not too sweet, and filled with a variety of nuts! So dang good. They've started to extend their hours till 8pm and are closed Saturday and Sundays. Check it out! More videos and reviews on Instagram @midwestmunching (Sponsored)

Bessy Tam

Feb 2023