MEDI Kitchen + Cocktail
Chicago
At a glance
MEDI Kitchen + Cocktail is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant nestled in the vibrant Restaurant Row of Lincoln Park, Chicago. The venue offers a culinary journey that delves into traditional Lebanese flavors with a contemporary touch. Each dish pays homage to family recipes from Lebanon, expertly transforming familiar ingredients into shareable plates that are true to the Mediterranean tradition.
The interior of MEDI Kitchen + Cocktail blends Middle Eastern influences with modern design, creating a warm, inviting space that mirrors the region's cultural richness. The decor sets the stage for a dining experience that is both comforting and stylish, catering to a range of occasions from intimate date nights to casual gatherings with friends.
The drinks menu features carefully crafted cocktails that harmonize with the Mediterranean palette, alongside a curated selection of wines and beers that complement the cuisine. With its regional authenticity, the restaurant promises guests an immersive experience through both its food and ambiance.
Whether it's a special event or a simple evening out, MEDI Kitchen + Cocktail offers an environment brimming with hospitality and cultural pride, inviting diners to relax and enjoy the diversity of Mediterranean dining.
Reviews
Micah did a phenomenal job given they were way understaffed for the evening (maybe didn’t know the restaurant show was happening???). Only reason I even say service was 4 was because of that. She kept her calm when she could have truly melted down. Again - not enough staff. Fabulous food again. Atmosphere is fantastic. Wine list is phenomenal (small but mighty). I will keep bringing people here!!!
Great atmosphere, was greeted with roses for mother's day. Mica was our server and she had amazing suggestions and was really kind! Will come back and the food was amazing! Everything was tasty and came out in perfect timing. Watermelon feta salad was my favorite and the chicken shawarma was the best I've ever had! Definitely try the sticky toffee date dessert! Thank you!
If you’re looking for a scene that is "Saturday night packed" without the literal chaos of people dancing on tables or smashing plates, Medi is a solid bet. It’s loud, it’s bustling, and you’ll hear the occasional "Opa!" echoing from a large group doing shots, but it stays just on the right side of civilized. We rolled in during the 7:30 PM peak, and while the service was perfectly friendly, the pace was definitely on the "leisurely" side—though, to be fair, the staff was hustling to keep up with a room full of massive parties. The cocktail menu is a bit of a mixed bag. The Fairouz is clearly the popular choice and tastes great, but be warned that the tequila is far from shy in that glass. On the other end of the spectrum, the Dubai Chocolate Old Fashioned is a legitimate masterpiece—it’s unique, decadent, and honestly rich enough to pass for dessert. For the food, we started with the hummus, which was perfectly fine, though it felt like they were trying a bit too hard with all the extra accoutrements in the dip. The pita was good, but it arrived at room temperature; a little warmth would have gone a long way. If you’re eyeing the watermelon and feta salad, proceed with caution: it packs a serious spicy punch. It’s great if you want some heat, but if you were looking for something "refreshing" to cool down, this isn't it. The Beef Kabob was the star of the show—tender, flavorful, and exactly what you want. The chicken Shawarma was also juicy and tender, though, in a rare moment of kitchen-ego, I have to say our homemade version actually has a bit more seasoning than what they’re serving here.
Came here with a group of 10 on a super busy night, and even with a long line, the service was incredible. The staff was so attentive, but a special shoutout to our server—I believe her name was Mooney? She was a lovely lady and so incredibly nice; I’d go back just for her! We shared all the bites as a group. The Wagyu braised octopus is an absolute MUST and the hummus was delightful. Just a bit of constructive feedback on the meats: we found the red meat to be a tad dry—adding more fatty parts to the mix would really help make it more juicy and moist. Also, the chicken was a bit bland; a good brine would likely elevate the flavor and texture. Overall, a great experience thanks to the wonderful service. We’ll definitely be back!
Genesis was an amazing hostess and the food was so good. We enjoyed every dish more than the last and sampled just about everything. We had the chance to meet the chefs a husband and wife and they were so friendly. The flavor of the food was amazing and all the drinks were good as well. The decor was also beautiful. Highly recommend this place!
