When You're In The Mood For Lebanese: Semiramis
Running between both the front and back of the house, owner and chef Joseph (ZouZou) Abraham treats every guest like a member of his own family — right down to the authentic eats he whips up. Everything is made from scratch daily, and the cuts of meat used in dishes like the chawarmas are lean — not grisly and unidentifiable.

Chicago Magazine previously awarded the falafel for being the best in the city, which we prefer nestled in a sandwich with eggplant, red cabbage, cucumber pickles, tomatoes, hummus, tahini sauce, and harrisa for just $6. Despite the meat-heavy menu, the vegetarian platter (hummus, baba ghannouj, tabbouleh, falafel, and dolmas — pictured) satisfies on all levels, too. Don't leave without getting a cup of Arabic coffee with cardamom and a slice of gooey baklava.

Semiramis, 4639 North Kedzie Avenue (at Eastwood Avenue); 773-279-8900.

Photo: Courtesy of Semiramis