Sayat Nova Reviews

The food was great. I am Armenian from Virginia on business trip and haven't had real Armenian food in more than 10 years. This brought back memories of my partners cooking I highly recommend this restaurant

We went to Sayat Nova for an early dinner. We started with drinks and the appetizer sampler. We enjoyed the appetizers. The hummus was good. We were told that the appetizers we chose were all gluten free, but the hummus and eggplant dip were served with a bread that I doubt was gluten free so I just had to eat them with my fork which was ok. We both enjoyed our kebabs although the beef was a little tough. My husband liked the rice that came with his kebabs and he normally doesn't like rice. Overall, it was a good meal and nice to try a different cuisine.

Sayat Nova is an authentic Armenian restaurant, with friendly and efficient service and good food. We enjoyed some interesting appetizers, such as Labneh cheese, which is hard to come by. Their main dishes, particularly lamb in different form were excellent, but their fish was also quite good. The wine and drinks are less sophisticated, but quite decent as well, perhaps a bit overpriced. Most people used to inexpensive Mideastern restaurants, so this may be a drawback, as this is more of a mid-range palce, likely due to their prime location in the hart of downtown. That said, they seem to have quite a few locals who frequent this place as well, in addition to tourists.

The pluses: intimate uniquely arranged setting. Each booth is surrounded by a semi circle enclosure that creates an intimate atmosphere. Our server was very attentive and quick to recommend items according to our desires since this was our first experience with Armenian cuisine. Tried the cheese pastries for appetizer. Flaky and buttery tasting but not much filling. Really liked the lentil soup. Daughter has lamb and rice. Mild not spicy offering. She said it was good and she likes t he rice flavor. I had the Armenian sampler. Bland flavors. Eggplant was mushy. The grape leafed entree had taste as did the lamb meatball. Daughter had an armini martini made with rum and pomegranate wine. Strong! And interesting. We were disappointed in the meal especially with the rave reviews. Ok pricing for Chicago.

Great Middleeastern reataurant! Very authentic armenian food, good bar! Great for families and late night visits.

Went to this place because it was near our hotel and wanted to try Armenian food. Really good yet different from Mediterranean food. Chicken kebab was my favorite. Fun to try new things.

the food was good and service friendly, but it was very dark and loud and the food didn't really stand out as anything special. it seemed like middle eastern food.

I was in Chicago for a business trip and my best friend came along with me. We stumbled on this Armenian Restaurant since my friend wanted to try something new. The inside was beautiful, quaint with a lively atmosphere. Really good hummus, baba ghannouj, Sharma and fresh taboule salad. Pita bread was fresh. Kebab Combo was delicious. Perfectly grilled, flavorful, moist and seasoned to perfection. Half Off bottle of wine on Tuesday. We both enjoyed everything! It was a very memorable dinner in Chicago. Our server was very friendly, attentive and welcoming. Looking forward to going back.

I enjoyed a mixed vegetarian appetizer plate. It was served with warm pita. That alone, was so very satisfying. To top it off, I enjoyed a portion of Paklava for dessert. I stand by my five stars, yet there was one disturbing element to the dining experience. There was a party being held. The participants were raucous and loud. It was not pleasant to enjoy my food when this was occurring. I would go back on my next visit to Chicago.

my husband and i ate at this restaurant with great anticipation of good Armenian food. What we got was a great disappointment as the food was neither Armenian nor even edible ! Most of the food is Arab, Greek or Persian (Kibbe, Spanakopita, Kufta, etc). I ordered a mixed Vegetarian plate which turned out to be completely tasteless and mostly cold food. My husband ordered a mixed plate (with meat) which was almost as bad as mine. When i complained to the waitress, she just said sorry and brought the bill. Decor is good. Not a single staff member spoke Armenian.

Sayat Nova has been on Ohio Street for decades--a family owned Armenian restaurant and a Chicago tradition. If you are looking for something different from the usual noisy Chicago restaurant, check out this overlooked gem of a place tucked away just off Michigan Avenue. Outstanding Mediterranean food and great drinks. Try the Effen cucumber martini or cocktail--and don't pass by the lamb chops (best in town) or the trout--but it's all great; you can't go wrong.

Excellent Armenian food. If you enjoy Middle East cuisine, go to Sayat Nova. The ambience is also what you'd expect: warm and inviting. We have never had a bad meal in the past 25 years.

Wife and I were spending a couple nights on the mag mile. She commented on lack on middle eastern restaurants in area. I was looking forward to Italian. Found Sayat-Nova. What a great place. It bills itself as an Armenian restaurant, yet is a cross for middle eastern dining. We started with a sampler platter of appetizers you can pick 3 out of ten selections. The lentil soup is a must. Wife ordered the chicken kabobs, chicken was moist and rice very tender. I had the lamb chops which were worth the price. Finished off with desert, a raspberry cheesecake with the raspberries blended into the cheesecake. A benefit of going on Tuesday night is a jazz performance adding to the atmosphere. Small place yet pleasant atmosphere. Great service, with no one rushing you thru the dining experience.

I've been to Middle Eastern (Turkish, Lebanese) and Greek restaurants, but never Armenian, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Sayat Nova was similar to both of these genres but with a little flair. I had their sangria (made from pomegranate wine) and my husband had an Armenian beer. We had baba ganouj and red lentil soup, followed by sautéed lamb and the Armenian sampler. It was phenomenal. Our service was great (our waittress Sandra was very sweet, and very helpful in answering questions). It was my birthday, so they brought knafi for me, but I'm a baklava fan, so we also got that to go (they call is paklava). I recommend this restaurant. If we lived in Chicago, we would come here often!

Some colleagues of my husband recommended this restaurant with the statement..."If you want good Armenian food..." so we decided to give it a try. I made reservations online for 2 at 7pm. When we got there we were greeted by a gentleman who only said "Booth ok?" to which I replied "Hello, yes a booth is good". He brought us to our table in the back and as he started walking away I told him we had reservations and gave him our last name and he said "ok" and walked away. Not friendly at all for the host/greeter. The atmosphere was quaint and nicely decorated but holy cow it was HOT and HUMID in there. No air flow or cool air whatsoever. Our server came over and poured water for the table and asked if we wanted anything else to drink. My husband asked for his recommendation on red wine and he gave his thoughts and offered to bring a sample which my husband accepted. He ended up liking the wine and ordered a glass which came out promptly. We then ordered the Mezza Sampler for an appetizer which you get to pick three items from their list so we chose the labneh, taboule and sarma. It came out timely and well presented. The pita bread was great. While my husband has more of a meat and potatoes pallet, he didn't really enjoy any of it but ate it because he will always try anything once. I on the other hand love new things and really enjoyed the sarma and taboule. Both were flavorful and delicious. The labneh was ok...not very flavorful but it was a nice creamy break from the acid taboule and rich sarma. We then ordered our entrees. To start I ordered the side house salad and my husband ordered the red lentil soup. The salad had a mint vinaigrette dressing but I didn't really detect any mint. The dressing was good and flavorful but I definitely wouldn't have guessed there was mint if I hadn't read it. It also had these thin strips of marinated cabbage which I couldn't get enough of. They made the salad for sure. My husband had never had lentil soup before so he was surprised by the "grainy" texture. It was very good and flavorful but the temperature was very low for it being a soup. Would have liked it to be warmer. Oddly this was the trend with our entrees as well. While all of the other food came out fairly timely and in proper rotation, our entrees took a bit which didn't bother us as we were on a date and had all the time in the world. The part that struck me as odd is the place was nearly empty, the food took a while and when it did come out it was just...warm...not hot to a point where it seemed like it was just freshly prepared and cooked hot off the stove or from the oven. More like it was prepared, cooked and then sat on a counter for a bit before being brought out. Nonetheless, the lamb chops I ordered (medium rare) were flavorful, tender and juicy. The rice pilaf that came with it was flavorful as well. My husband ordered the beef kebabs medium and said they were good in his opinion but I think they would have been better if he had ordered them medium rare. He too had the rice pilaf and liked it. This restaurant was a good place to go for our first Armenia food experience. The restaurant needed to be cooler and the food needed to be warmer but overall it was a decent meal. Our total with tip came in a little over $100.00 which wasn't bad. Our server, another server and the bartender were very friendly but the host/greeter was not. Everyone but him said thank you and goodbye to us and for the person that is representing the front of the restaurant, I am not sure this is how you want your customers to be greeted and thanked. However, I am not naive to the fact that everyone has bad days and maybe this was one of those days for him. Buck up little camper, things will get better.

This restaurant on Ohio Street is just a small restaurant - almost a hole in the wall. The atmosphere feels warm, service is the same. The menu is simple. Armenian food shares characteristics with Mediterranean, Greek and Turkish food. Grilled meats, rices, salads - all freshly prepared. A very enjoyable food experience, nicely priced.

My overall experience here was just ok, nothing stands out. The food was not flavorful and nothing great.

My wife, daughter and I visited Chicago for the first time June 8-12, 2018 and we paid a visit to Sayat Nova . I am of Armenia descent, so I had always hoped to visit an authentic Armenian restaurant. When I found their website and read their reviews on Trip Advisor, I was eager to visit for lunch.The location was on Ohio Street just off the Magnificent Mile and was easy to find. We arrived around 1pm and had no trouble finding a table. The decor was unique and we enjoyed the design they chose. The staff was very courteous and made recommendations for us for both a meal and desserts. I did get a chance to talk with one of the owners about our heritage which was a good experience as well. Overall, the food we tried was very good as the three of us all ordered different things from the menu . The best compliment I can give is that once we returned back home, my 15 year old daughter commented how much she enjoyed her food. That is how I know it was a good meal! If we visit Chicago again, we will definitely plan to go back.

Off Michigan Avenue, venue, sidewalk level below Second Story bar. Known also for open mike with Chicago legendary performer, Mark Burnell, singer-pianist. His wonderful wife, Anne, sometimes also sings. They do great duets, etc., well known in Chicago entertainment circles. Sincerely recommended for visitors who enjoy good food and live music with a personal feeling of welcome.

We decided to try this place after noticing it while shopping on Michigan avenue. The menu looked great and we really tried to like this place. However everything seemed very bland. We only had the hummus and pita and the chicken kabob but both things were lacking much flavor.

It was a cold, wet evening with sleet coming down - this was just the warm, cozy, and inviting environment to step into. Colorful and interesting decor. Upbeat international music playing. I had a glass of wine and the lamb - delicious all around.

While in Chicago for the Cat Stevens (Yussef Islam) concert, my wife and I happened by Sayat Nova, which was just a few blocks from our hotel. We both love Turkish and Mediterranean style food, but have never had Armenian food before. So, we decided to give it a try. We were not disappointed. Indeed, it was excellent! The food was very similar to Turkish and Greek food. Both of us tried sampler plates (my wife opting for the vegetarian mix). Mine consisted of sarma (grape leaves), boereg (cheese pastry), kufta (spicy meatballs in mint yogurt soup) and eggplant, while my wife's vegetarian dish consisted of spinach boereg, taboule, rice, hot plaki and Armenian spinach. The food was so delicious that we left nothing behind! The atmosphere is also very nice, with semi-private round booths and romantic lighting. Just be careful how loud you speak, however, as the shape of the booth compartments makes voices travel! Service was top-notch. Next time we are in Chicago, we will definitely return to Sayat Nova.

This restaurant was recommend by the concierge at the Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile for both the quality of the food and their willingness to work with customers who have special food requirements. They were wonderful and the food was incredible. My friend who was with me got to dine completely off the regular menu and said it was fantastic. I had the grilled trout with the parsley lemon sauce and grilled vegetables. Very flavorful. Highly recommend.

The food does not taste good in this restaurant. However, the service is not too bad. I wont recommend it at all.

We wondered into this little Armenian spot and it was a joy! The food was fresh and delicious and the service was wonderful. It definitely had a quiet, romantic vibe to it.

Our mezze sampler to start had excellent flavors, especially the Baba Ghanouj and the Sarma. The kebabs were well flavoured and reminded me of many great Middle Eastern restaurants I've eaten at. The trout wasn't as flavoured with spices/herbs as I thought it would be. Stick to the kebabs. We were there on a Saturday night and it was unfortunate to see that it wasn't busier. But the service (drinks, apps, meal) was friendly, prompt and efficient.

It should have been a tipoff that Rick James' "Superfreak" was playing loudly in a mostly empty dining room on a weekday around Noon. But even so, this seemed like it would be worth trying -- after all, how often does one get to try Armenian food? While service was friendly and the atmosphere (other than the music, which segued to Earth Wind & Fire's "Getaway") was mostly pleasant, the food was just so-so -- perfectly okay, but relatively bland. The labneh was thick but hardly seasoned with any of the mint mentioned on the menu, while the smoked eggplant was okay but only mildly smoky and not overly tasty. If only as a change of pace, Sayat Nova might be worth a visit just off the Magnificent Mile. That said, if our experience was an indicator, it might not live up to expectations.

This was our first time trying Armenian food and it was great! The cous cous and kebab was good, but the Armenian specialties, esp the deserts were outstanding. Well worth trying! Service was very friendly and helpful! Location is short walk from Navy Pier and very comfortable and cozy. No crowds like at the pizza places. It was a great dinner!

We enjoyed the food, the music, and the cosy atmosphere of this place. I’d recommend this restaurant to anyone who likes Middle Eastern and Armenian cousins.

We were attracted to this restaurant because of a review in the Chicago Tribune. This invited us to a Tuesday evening of a jazz at a popular Arminian restaurant. The singer was Erin McDougald and the review was appealing. We agree she was a great singer supported by excellent jazz musicians but we have to say that the food was only of average quality. The bill was produced without us asking for it and the waiters seemed to enjoy throwing the dishes noisily into a dish cart when it would have been just as easy to quietly take them into the kitchen. Overall we were glad to have enjoyed the evening and the music but would not return for the food alone.

First time for Armenian food and loved it. True, it resembles Greek, but has its own unique flavors. Try the Armenian combination for great sampling

My daughter had previously eaten here when traveling with a school group. It was a nice change from the typical establishments. Low key, good food, comfortable atmosphere.

We went to this little place after reading the TA review. We ordered the cheese and olives which came with pita. It was a good appetizer. Followed that with a shish kabob (lamb) and a one combo with shrimp. Bother came with an unusual salad or lentil soup. Both good but my husband thought the salad was a little too "earthy" tasting. The kabobs were delicious and accompanied by rice pilaf. The atmosphere was nice and made the meal more ethnic. There was a jazz band that was very good but I would have enjoyed a bit more culturally appropriate music. It was busy and a little loud but still enjoyable. All in all it was fun and different, so I would recommend it for dinner.

This easy-to-miss (poor signage) restaurant in downtown Chicago is a pretty consistent bet with tasty food, a diverse menu, fair prices, a nice atmosphere, attentive service, and free jazz on Tuesday nights. Be careful when you make your way down the staircase to the restrooms, as the stairs are a bit steep, too thickly padded with carpeting, and kind of darkly lit.

I dined here in July 2016 with a friend who lives nearby. We both love Middle Eastern and were really looking forward to trying Armenian dishes (especially with the generally positive reviews this place gets). Unfortunately I found the place underwhelming for the flavours of the dishes. Our server was very friendly and gave us excellent table service but the food itself really wasn't that exciting. The hummus and babaghanoush tasted under seasoned. I was really excited to try the Boeregs (we had both cheese and spinach) and unfortunately they were very bland and had a small filling to pastry ratio. I could be unfairly comparing these to the Israeli Bourekas I'm more familiar with. I just found them to be bland. I would go back for a second chance, they had good variety on their cocktail menu, healthy choices for someone on the road a lot and the service was very good.

What a reasonably priced gem just off of high priced Michigan avenue. Excellent middle eastern kebabs, wines and liquors in cozy bistro setting across the street from Marriott hotel

Originally planned lunch here but found they aren't open for lunch on Sunday. Went back one evening for quick, light dinner on way to jazz concert at art museum. Lo and behold, they feature a jazz combo. Not sure which nights so you'll want to call ahead to check. Started with appetizer sampler which turned out to be quite enough for light dinner. Order the namesake cocktail for a treat or look over other featured libations. The atmosphere is comfortable and conducive to conversation. The jazz trio and singer were very entertaining so we lingered and considered our desire for local music fulfilled.

Late night dining. Walking Michigan Ave. and happened across this place a block or two from the Avenue. Excellent service and food was outstanding. Lucky our hotel room have refrigerator and a microwave as there was left overs. Will be back.

Unique cuisine and very tasty. The kabobs are amazing. There are a wide selection of appetizers. The cuisine is worth a try and fo different from mainstream American cuisine.

I very nice off the path place to meet for a drink and catch some music. The staff was very friendly and the food was very good. Kind of a throwback place with dim lighting, fun !

We had an amazing lunch at Sayat Nova when in town on business in April 2015. The food was excellent and the service even better. Considering the restaurant's location, prices were very reasonable. We had never experience Armenian food before dining and Sayat Nova and loved what we had. I would describe Armenian food as a cross between Turkish, Lebanese and Persian food. Everything we had was delicious (save for the pita bread which was clearly store-bought and noting special). The kebabs were simply wonderful. Succulent and full of flavor. Exquisite. The eggplant dishes were also outstanding, bursting with flavor. We very much look forward to returning soon. Sayat Nova is a hidden gem off the Miracle Mile.

Friday night. Armenian sounded interesting so we gave it a try. Choosing between lamb chops and lamb couscous, I went with the latter. It was OK. Not the flavor I was expecting and heavy on the veggies. Fiancé raved about chicken and shrimp kabobs! Lebanese wine was good. Reasonable prices. Service could have been much better.

We enjoyed our lunch and service. I had the Sauteed Lamb - which came with onion, peppers and tomatoes - plus rice pilaf. For dessert I thoroughly enjoyed the philo dish with the cream filling. Our waiter offered suggestions when asked. Others that we dined with enjoyed the kabobs - especially the tender chicken.

This was a wonderful meal. We went on a Tuesday night when they have a jazz band. The food was excellent, I had the kabob combo and my wife the chicken couscous, both were fantastic. Music was great, met both the singer and the owner, both were really nice. If in Chicago ago, the Sayat Nova will see us again.

I stopped in craving some good Armenian food. I thought the menu looked interesting and a real value. We ordered 5 mezze - stuffed eggplant, platki, steak tartar, whipped cheese, and lambajoun. I thought it was a good sampling. The steak tartar was interesting and tasty. The Eggplant was very blank. The platki was simple but very good. The shipped cheese was nice. The lambajoun was ok. Even though we had some good items, I was expecting to be blown away. The atmosphere is nice. Good bar. A singer was there the night we went.

The lamb kibee was great and I should have stopped there. The sarma dinner was disappointing but edible. It was bland and lacked the punch that makes middle eastern cuisine so inviting. A diner in my company could not eat hers. The meal was cold and even after a microwave blast it was not tasty . The service was good and the staff did try to accommodate and did not charge for the one meal.

We came here for a recent family dinner. The wait staff was attentive and provided good service. We ordered a variety of dishes off the menu. We started with hummus and baba ghanouj. The hummus and warm pita points were very tasty. The baba ghanouj had very little flavour. For the main dishes, we ordered the lamb chops, filet steak kebabs and the kebab sampler. The soup that came with the meal was very good- nice flavour. The salad, however, was terrible. No flavour at all. The lamb chops were very good (and very expensive- over 30 dollars for the plate). The steak kebabs were inconsistent. Some were very chewy and hard to eat, some were done to perfection. The sampler plate ok...the best item on the plate was the grilled chicken. Overall, not great food for a very high price.

My family is from eastern Europe, so the type of food served here (Armenian) is somewhat familiar. I had the smoked eggplant appetizer, followed by lam meatballs in a mint yoghurt soup. Flavors was delicate and the food was well-prepared. It wasn't very busy, so service was very quick and the pace could have been slowed down a bit. I had the appetizer within a few minutes, and the main course followed right on it's heels (the soup included with the main course came out before I was finished the appetizer). The food was excellent, it just would have been nice if dinner was longer than 30 minutes (from seating to paying the check).

Had the opportunity to have lunch there. Amazing food, inexpensive and the staff is very accommodation to special requests. Unfortunately easy to miss when walking around. I highly recommend it!

Sayat Nova has the perfect combination of great food, atmosphere, and location. Only a few steps from Chicago's famed Magnificent Mile, and available parking nearby. Wonderful Middle Eastern/Armenian cuisine is accented by a beautifully decorated space, with romantic, backlit booths. Live music a few nights per month is an added bonus!!

Not sure what everyone sees in the place. Ambiance was fine, but on a Friday evening at 7:00 pm......the restaurant was empty. Friday night on Magnificent Mile should have been packed. Locals know more than U.S. tourists. We should have changed our minds at the sight of an empty restaurant, but decided to give it a shot. A Mediterranean restaurant WITH OUT Fried Kibe.......only for lunch. A Mediterranean restaurant with out Kafta, only lunch on Wednesdays.........I have never heard of such a thing. Chicken Kabobs were fine, chix was juicy but rice was bland. Look for other Mediterranean places, there must be better near the magnificent mile !!!!!!! Service was friendly and competent, but not overly enthusiastic about helping select anything that might be a house specialty.

The title says it all. Been living in Chicago for two years, living close to this spot and never went here. Recently, we finally did so and we’re delighted we did. First, the atmosphere of our booth made us feel as if we were in Armenia - you’ll know what I mean when you visit. Our booth was the one at the end that seems to wrap around you. But it is the food that really takes you away to a wonderful part of the world. Our recommendations: Mezza Sample, Armenian Combo, Chicken Cous Cous, Armenian Coffee, accompanied by excellently prepared Gin Martinis, and a delightful Pinot Grigio. A wonderful meal, with good service, and a great atmosphere. We will return. Check it out and I think you’ll quickly discover how this 1970’s restaurant has remained successful in foodie town Chicago! Because it’s good! Really good!

I have written more than a few reviews for Trip Advisor. I often say about a restaurant that it is a hidden gem. Well, this place is a diamond in the rough! It's Armenian...very close to Greek food. Mid-range prices and everything is sooooo good. It's just off Michigan avenue at 157 East Ohio. Appetizers from their babbagannouch, kibbee, cous cous and hummous... are wonderful. Best lamb chops in Chicago. I usually order their chicken legs and thighs. Once ordered their trout but seemed they had to fish it out of Lake Michigan! A long wait. The owner, Arsen, passed away a few years ago. He was a sweetheart. His sons and granddaughters now run the place. I asked him once how he could serve up these meals at such moderate prices? He told me, "Les,I own this building!" Above the restaurant is a psychic. Above her is a gay bar. Well go have a fabulous meal. Get your fortune told. And, party the night away with some very fun gay guys! Chicago at its best!

Great food! Wonderful staff and amazing atmosphere! They kept your drinks full and the Hummos was sooooo good!

Our first time here and we really liked the atmosphere of the restaurant. Service was very good and helpful as well. We started with the mezza sampler and an order of hummus and thoroughly enjoyed them all. One of us had the Armenian combo and all of it was delicious--highly recommended. Two others had the chicken kebab which had great flavor but seemed just a bit dry. Overall a great experience and we'd go back the next time we're in town.

We wanted to expose our daughters and significant others to unique cuisine. This restaurant truly delivered!!amazing service great food. Great

Menu was interesting, food quality was good, atmosphere was cool. Our server was capable, but had too many tables to offer a personal touch. I had reserved a table online and modified my reservation to ask for a booth since it was our anniversary. They accommodated. But nothing else. The bartender and host had their cell phones out all night, while our waiter and the one other server ran back and forth between 20 or so tables. Don't get me wrong, everything was adequate and affordable. I just wouldn't go out of my way to return.

This is our go to place when at Michigan Ave. It’s small but high quality and decent customer service. Food is great with lots of options... Their Kebabs and veggie plates are great but hummus needs seasonings as it has none!

This is an Armenian restaurant. The service was good but the food was ordinary at best. The hummus was tasteless as was the eggplant appetizer. The kebabs were good, not great. Monday night wines were 50% off, but we would not return here.

Delicious Armenian and Middle Eastern cuisine, congenial setting and friendly service. They have full meals and small plates. One of the best restaurants I have found in Chicago. Be sure to try a glass of the Armenian brandy.

My husband and I dined there during a midweek business trip. There were only 2 servers working. A large party of 12 arrived after us and thereafter we were ignored. The food was amazing and abundant but the service was disappointing.

Seated quickly, food order taken quickly and served - incredibly quickly! I had the soup to start ,which was nice enough and then the kebab combo, which was tasty but the rice wasn't really hot enough Two courses and we were done in under 40 mins. It took longer to pay the bill than the gap between our starters and the main course! I wouldn't go back unless with a larger party, who seemed to be having a lot more fun and got the attention of the front of house staff

We had a business dinner with a very long table. The restaurant was a little crowded. The atmosphere was a little noisy. The menu was typical of an arminian food. The food taste was alright, but not wow. The portions of the food were a little small when compared with other restaurants. I recommend this restaurant, however I wouldn't go to it again

Reasonably decent middle eastern food. Pleasant decor. Good service. On the pricey side for what you get but it is downtown in the hotel area so not surprising in that sense. Worth a try if you are in the area but not worth going out of your way.

I had the mezze sampler and chose vegetarian dishes. All good and very fresh despite the food coming quickly. Service was also friendly and quick and prices reasonable. The decor is a bit dark but doesn’t detract from a good meal.

Lunch prices are great and their chicken was so tender. Decent FILO and very good stuffed grape leaves.

I visited three nights and each meal was good to excellent. Portions were just righ. Prices were a bit high, but that goes with the location. Staff was attentive without being bothersome. The dining room is quiet, which is a rare thing in restaurants these days. It’s a fine spot for a leasurely dinner with conversation. All in all, Syat Nova is worth a visit.

Just steps off of the Mag Mile is this small slightly rundown restaurant Don't let the decor dissuade you from entering. The menu is broad. Plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices. For those who don't know Armenian food, it is a close relative to Greek. Relatively inexpensive. Great with kids as food comes quickly. Everything is well prepared. Ample portions

Small, intimate restaurant. We were there at their Tuesday night Jazz time. The singer was quite good. The Armenian cuisine is similar to Middle Eastern, but has its own style. Tasty, reasonably priced.

Not far from North Michigan Avenue, Sayat Nova offers authentic Armenian cuisine. Our group of 3 had lunch there. The menu was fairly extensive, and we all had several dishes. Meat kebabs were tender and tasty, as were appetizers, salads and desserts. Portion sizes were generous, prices are quite reasonable and service was good.

I walked in for a late afternoon lunch after a busy day of shopping. It is nicely decorated and was a cozy place to get out of the cold and have a nice lunch. Many choices and all nicely prepared using fresh ingredients. Great service and enjoyed the Armenian coffee as a way to end the meal.

We had not been here since pre-pandemic days and we’re really looking forward to returning. It was a beautiful, warm, Saturday, Spring evening and so we made a 7:30 pm reservation through Open Table and we’re glad we did because the place was packed and folks were waiting in line, but we were immediately ushered to a wonderfully romantic booth as we were greeted warmly by the hostess. In spite of the crowd, our server Armando was attentive throughout our meal. We began with two perfect dry (reasonably priced) Hendricks Martinis. Followed by the Mezza Sampler (Hummus, Armenian Spinach, & Plaki - a white bean dish), Armenian Combo with Cheese Boereg, Kafta, and Eggplant accompanied with a glass of Tushpa red wine. Of course all this included excellent, warm Pita bread. We had a wonderful time. It is a lovely, comfortable setting offering delicious food served by friendly staff. I highly recommend Sayat Nova for their great Armenian cuisine.

Everything on the menu we tried was delicious. Congratulations for keeping an nice choice of authentic Armenian and middle eastern menu.

Sayat Nova is more than a "Persian" restaurant. Yes, their middle eastern selection is outstanding, authentic and diverse. But they go beyond humus. Their fish selection is fresh, there's plenty there for a vegetarian to choose from, and they even offer steaks for the traditionalist. White table cloths and napkins, an intimate setting and great service makes this a place just off Michigan Avenue worth checking out for lunch or dinner.

Looking for a lunch restaurant serving vegetarian and good food for picky eaters...this restaurant was excellent. Nice atmosphere... There were little shell shaped booths for our private conversation, and the staff served us attentively without interruption. Lunch portions of lamb with rice, grilled chicken in pita, red lentil soup and tabouli were generous and delicious. (My only mistake was not ordering a bowl of the red lentil soup, it was so good!). Three of us ate a delicious meal (and one of us had a glass of wine), all for less than $50. We were all impressed. I would highly recommend this restaurant!

My wife and I had a chance to spend a weekend night in the city, and decided to try Sayat Nova for Dinner. We knew about this place for almost two decades, just somehow never found our way in. Extensive Armenian menu, with enough traditional American/European entrees incase someone doesn't want to be too adventures. For those trying Armenian Cuisine for the first time I'd recommend the platters they offer for appetizers and entrees. These platters give a good sampling off 3-4 of the more popular menu items. We are familiar with Armenian food so we knew what we wanted. I had a Shrimp and Lamb Kabob that was excellent. My wife had a number of dips, Tabouleh salad, and Boureg as her entree. All very good. Decor makes one feel as if on is just off a Middle Eastern Bazaar. Staff is attentive (it was a very busy night), not quite as polished as in a Uber high end place. You immediately realize this is family run. No complaints. Most Entrees are under $24 which make Sayat Nova a great value. If it were possible I'd add a 1/4 or 1/2 star to my rating.

Food was good. Enjoyed the Armenian platter. The kufta was delicious. Sarma was pretty good, but not the best I've had. Lamb kebob was very good. Pilaf was average. Enjoyed hearing Armenian music while eating, including Harout Pamboukjian. I would eat here again and do recommend stopping in. Shad Hamov eh.

I'm so glad we decided to go into Sayat Nova for dinner. The decor is wonderful, and the food is outstanding. Will go back for sure

This place is opposite sides of the street from Under Armour(we kept missing it). It's a smaller but quaint establishment. We really enjoyed our Effen Martini's and olive string cheese appetizer. I ordered the shrimp & chicken kebab. It was fantastic. My husband really enjoyed his lamb sauté which he tends to order at Mediterranean dining experiences. Ladies bring a jacket because the AC is on full blast. My fingers were frozen. But service was great!!!

This Armenian restaurant is a gem with food, ambience, service and price in an area that's over priced, service at times horrible and portions tiny at many restaurants as they can get away with it. Well, the secret it out as this restaurant is awesome. Located steps east off Michigan Ave and Ohio, this restaurant has survived and endured in an area that must be strong to survive the outrageous rents of this high priced location, this says a lot. We had a wonderful mezza platter for an appetizer of tabouli, baba ganoush and red cabbage. There are lots of options, you choose three for the platter. A basket of hot pita bread comes to your table. We split one combo kebab platter between us as it was a large portion. Comes with three different meats, rice and the choice of salad of soup. We had salad with a die for mint vinaigrette dressing. Food delicious, ambience and music lovely, service amazing. I can't comment on desert of drinks as we didn't have either. I can't wait to go back to try something else tasty off that menu.

I now love Armenian Food! Great restaurant. I get the plates for sharing. Great location and value prices.

Great service, romantic atmosphere, excellent food and live music the night we were there. What's not to like in this place that feels like a neighborhood restaurant but located just off the Mag Mile.

Fantastically delicious food. Wonderful hot and cold appetizer options, so, easy to make a sort of “Armenian tapas” meal with everybody sharing everything (though they gave traditional entrees as well). Service is friendly but not intrusive. The space is cozy & soothing, a real escape from the hustle and bustle.

Sayat Nova is one of my favourites in Chicago and I never miss a visit when I'm in town. It is very close to the golden mile, the atmosphere is familiar and the service is informal but always with a smile. Armenian food, likewise all the food from the region (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijian), is a mix of Mediterranean and Middleeastern flavours, so don't be surprised if you come accross some dishes that may remind you of the Lebanese, the Balcanic or the Greek cuisine. I had some mixed appetizers (excellent the baba ganoush and the sarma) and then a Kebab Combo, tasty and perfectly cooked. Prices are definitely in line. I would absolutely recommend this place.

I was pleasantly surprised on all counts regarding this restaurant. I was in town on business and looking for something off the beaten track that has some character and was not packed. The food was good, not great, but for the price it was amazing. The staff was very friendly, but not always the most attentive (I would have had another drink had they noticed that my glass was empty). The decor was great, it was relatively easy to get a table and it was suitable to have a conversation. I would definitely come back.

This great Armenian restaurant is only half a block away from busy North Michigan Ave., but easy to miss. Please don't! It was my 5th or 6th time there and every time I know I get really tasty food! You can even make an entire meal out of a couple of appetizers. And don't miss the soup! And prices for the area are just excellent.

My friend who is a long time resident in this area took me here. I could tell immediately why it has been her favorite for many years. Service is quick and friendly. Food is very authentic with very fresh ingredients. I loved my spicy lamb with vegetables/peppers and rice. Location is very convenient and close to Michigan Ave stores. Will definitely return to try more dishes.

Located right off of Michigan Ave, Sayat Nova is a nice little cafe for both carnivores and vegetarians. We started with appetizers baba ghanoush and veggie eggplant. Dinner consisted of vegetarian combo plate, lamb couscous and a kebab dish. Desserts were awesome: knafeh, baklava and mahalbiya. Service was good, prices mid-range for apps and desserts, main dishes $18-$20.

I went to Sayat Nova largely due to very positive reviews and it did not live to my expectations. The mezza sampler was rather mediocre at best with pickled veggies being to vinegary as to have completely lost their taste. How 'Armenian Sangria" was any different from the regular Spanish sangria I failed to notice. All in all, it could be an interesting experience who has never tried Caucasus cuisine (Armenian, Georgian, etc.), but nothing more

I try to visit this restaurant whenever I'm in Chicago. The food is fresh and delicious. They served me the best Tabouli I've ever had, even better than my own, and I'm a really good cook. The kofta in yogurt sauce is a frequent craving, and the fresh trout with fine herbs is wonderful. The ambiance is relaxing and sophisticated, and the servers are very welcoming.

I enjoyed the chicken and coucous dish. This is a unique experience if you haven't had Armenian food.

It had been some time since we had been to one of our favorite restaurants in Chicago... homy, really nice people and above all - delicious Mediterranean cuisine - authentic, non pretentious and, from the sarma, to the delicious kebobs and most of all the knafeh! All of it... unbelievable - we just LOVE this place! Consistently delivering at the highest level... oh, and romantic too :-)

Place has been on the Gold Coast neighborhood in Chicago forever. Smaller, cozy, intimate restaurant serving Armenian food which is similar to Middle Eastern cuisine. Food is very good and features various types of Kebobs and of course lamb dishes cooked to perfection. Service wasattentive but not overbearing.

We love ethnic food and found this Armenian restaurant to be outstanding. Each dish we ordered was excellent. Service provided was quick, responsive and d friendly. Would definitely come back again the next time we are in Chicago!

We chanced upon this little Armenian restaurant near our hotel. The Lulla Kebab was just amazing!! Delicious combinatoon of minced beef and lamb on a skewer served with rice. Don't miss washing this down with Kilikia, their Armenian beer!

My wife and I randomly found this restaurant over a decade ago when it was snowing and we needed to get out of the snow. We're so glad we did, because every time we're in Chicago, we need to return. It seems like they had changed the menu a bit since our last visit (2019), removing one of my favorite dishes. But that's okay - we still had an amazing meal with delicious entrees, deserts, and drinks.

So many options in Chicago for dining and stumbled upon this gem on East Ohio Street. Very friendly wait staff who are very attentive. Water and drinks served promptly. We ordered a variety of different kebab dishes that were superb. Nicely spiced. Well portioned. Cheese boereg and lamajoun appetiser were tasty. If you are looking for something different, this is a great choice.

Visited this place on business with a friend. Got a chance to talk to the owner. They take their food seriously here, and aim to please. We had an interesting Armenian beer and pomegranate wine. I had the lamb couscous. There was plenty of hummus and pita to go around. It is worth the stop.

I've been to this place with a group of friends and all of us had the same impression: absolutely overpriced for what it serves. Almost $20 for a kebab and rice plate, seriously? Not that the food was bad, it was ok, but not really that different from one of those fast food places and so not worth the price, definitely.

Tried this for dinner in January, and the short version is: we'll be back. Appetizer of the cheese boereg (phyllo dough around melted cheese and ?, interesting contrast of textures) and sarma for Husband, kufta for me as entrees. While we're fond of the 'meat wrapped in grape leaves' class of dishes, our consensus was I won the 'best dinner' choice. The kufta was (don't laugh!) a shell of ground meat encasing a filling of meat and spinach--lamb, IIRC--in a lemon/mint yogurt sauce. Refreshing, and NOT overwhelmingly sauced or sized. I can't address the authenticity of the food--I'm not Armenian--though in fairness, I think the other reviewers are correct to call it more a Middle Eastern restaurant than a strictly Armenian one. That's not quite the problem for me as it might be for others, though! But I'll be back, and enjoy it!

Fine dining a few steps from Michigan Avenue. Lentil soup was very good, lamb with peppers and onions terrific. Green and Red hot sauce delicious. Service was attentive. Place was fairly empty and the music was a tad too loud for the empty room.

If you're ever in downtown Chicago, take some time to have a great meal at Sayat-Nova restaurant, an Armenian restaurant on Ohio street, a block or two from Michigan avenue. It's a small, family owned restaurant and has been there for over 25 years. They have some wonderful middle eastern dishes with an Armenian take to them and some dishes that I haven't seen since the 1970's in NYC. I had the mixed (beef, Chicken, and lamb) kebabs with rice and grilled vegetables cooked to perfection. It's a small, quiet restaurant in the middle of the block so we could easily carry on a conversation and on a Sunday night it wasn't too busy. If I lived in Chicago, I would eat there often.

A true gem and surprise. Food and service were excellent. The interior decor made it feel like you had come to a very special place.

It’s more of a poor version of Lebanese cuisine with mixture of Turkish fast-food. Any entree comes with lots of plain rice. Sarma is to be avoided at any cost! The kebab was undercooked. The kebab comes with a smallest possible sweet pepper and poorly fried onion. And again lots of plain, tasteless rice. Don’t expect any traditional, genuine, Armenian food. The ambiance is OK, cozy. In rest, it’s waste of money.

We stumbled across Sayat-Nova during our recent visit to Chicago. Having no plans for dinner, we wandered just off the Magnificent Mile to see what would strike our fancy. We had a long day of sight-seeing and were looking for something light and somewhere quiet. The menu offers numerous appetizers and that is what we went with - Baba Ghannouj, Spinach Boereg, Yalanchi Sarma, and the Red Lentil Soup. Perfect amount of food with a glass of wine each. The soup got high marks from us. The restaurant is on the smaller side and the noise level was muted. Our server was patient and made the evening pleasant. We had hoped to make a return visit before we left but, it will have to wait until or next visit.

We found this by accident. It's nearby our hotel and were walking by. The menu looked good, so we thought we'd give it a try and so glad we did. We got the combo kabobs, lentil soup and a side of hummus. The food was outstanding!! So good and good size potions. Highly recommend if you like Mediterranean food.

This place was small, but very pretty inside. The staff was wonderful. The food was very good. I had never had Armenian food before and it was great. Would highly recommend. The prices were good.

Amazing dinner, first time here. Appetizers of plaki, labneh, Jajic, with fresh pita. Kebab combo of beef, chicken and lulla. Armenian combo of eggplant, sarma, boereg, and kufta. Three star of the meal, we didn't bother taking a photo of, cause it was a side that came with the meal, was a red lentil soup. This place was great! Armando was very helpful!

We chanced upon this restaurant when looking for an evening meal- we were not disappointed. Despite not booking we were given a good table and the restaurant was pleasantly busy but not too much so. The food was served promptly (the mixed kebab is very good!) and having turned up with a toddler, the restaurant staff were accommodating. The mint tea is pretty good, as is the hummus. The photos don't do the place justice as it is nice and intimate, has a good atmosphere and is illuminated by ambient lighting.

Never having had Armenian food, I opted to try Sayat Nova during a recent trip to Chicago. They provided a comfortable, homelike atmosphere, friendly service and some great food! The menu is quite broad, with many daily specials. The appetizers were excellent--creamy hummos and absolutely delectable hot/flaky phyllo-wrapped spinach triangles. The mixed kebab combo was also great--an ample selection of grilled meats on rice pilaf, accompanied by a very nicely-dressed salad. Portions were more than generous, prices reasonable. Would definitely recommend, and hope to return.

I have been going to this restaurant for years. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is super cozy and quiet. You can almost always get a table without waiting which is unusual near the Mag Mile. The menu does not change a lot so if you find a favorite dish it will still be there when you return. I am a huge fan of the trout. This place is great for vegetarians - lots of different veggie options. Food is similar to Mediterranean cuisine. My husband loves the lamb.

I was hungry and ventured into this place -- I had good expectations and was really disappointed: the food was bland, edible but everything tasted the same. $20 USD for some pieces of mediocre lamb (not tender, not juicy) and rice is a steal. There are better options.

This was a perfect lunch destination during my recent Chicago visit. I've passed by this restaurant many times over the past 30 years, but never tried it before. The menu has something for everyone who likes Mediterranean or Middle-Eastern food, and it was deliciously prepared. I chose the Chicken Kebob Sandwich, which was served with a choice of three sauces: tahini, yogurt garlic, and a hot sauce. I would have expected Middle-Eastern music in the background, but surprisingly I heard retro Motown from the ceiling speakers! Al Green, Smokey Robinson, with a little Kenny G thrown in. The service was good. The prices were reasonable. I look forward to sampling other menu items the next time I return to downtown Chicago.

The atmosphere is alluring. Our server was very helpful in trying in recommending what to order. The food was tasty and unique. The serving sizes were ample. I will be back!

My daughter and I celebrated my birthday at Sayat Nova. I have lived in the Chicago area for 35 years and had never dined there! I will be back?? The Armenian restaurant restaurant has many Middle Eastern favorites with an Armenian flair. The food was excellent and the service friendly and prompt. The ambiance is quaint and cozy. There is also a nice bar area if arrive early or just want to stop in for a drink. I will definitely be back with my entire family.

Chicago, certainly along Michigan Avenue, can be expensive. This Armenian standby offers good food, friendly service and friendly prices. Don't be intimidated by unfamiliar category; everything on the menu is fairly basic and easy to enjoy. Which you will.

I had never had Armenian food before and was hoping they would not lean towards Russian on their food. I was happy to see the menu is a cross of familiar dishes from Turkey / Greece / Lebanon. I had a lentil soup (good and warm, the lentils were pureed with chunks fo celery and carrots), followed by an Armenian Combo (a savory philo dow pastryfilled with cheese - excellent!, stuffed grape leaves (Served warm - very good), a big lamb meat ball served with a cheese and fresh mint sauce (good but my least favorite) and an eggplant topped with lamb meet and green pepper (very good). So overall I was satisfied with my dish which was also reasonably priced. I had mint tea with my meal, which was served unsweetened (good for me, I drank it as is). My co-workers had a chicken dish (very good) and a beef dish that were served with rice pilaf which they enjoyed. I would recommend this to discover new cuisines.

Delectable cuisine, excellent service, lovely atmosphere. Can eat here small-plates style or traditional app-main approach. Marvelous choices for vegetarians and wide range for carnivores and omnivores. They seem genuinely happy to welcome you, and treat you with warmth throughout. And the food…savory, fresh, colorful, flavors both rich and subtle. It’s a sensual experience, not merely a meal. Worth a trip to Chicago on its own merits.

Restaurant is Armenian, slightly different twist on Mediterranean. Service was efficient. Ambience grows on you as you dine. Regulars at the bar, piano music in the background...nice. The Baba Ghannoush and Stuffed Eggplant were our appetizer selections. Dinner entrees were Kebaab Combo, Sautéed Lamb and stuffed Chicken with Spinach. The Chicken could have used more spinach but otherwise good. Not a restaurant for veggies as the selection was peppers, tomatoes, onions....the Lamb was full of flavor and a winner. Reasonable prices.

I would have given it 5 stars, except that I discovered after we left that we were overcharged. I ordered an assortment of 3 sides, explicitly pointing to the "Something on the side" section of the menu when ordering, but I was charged the 40% higher prices from the "Mezze" section of the menu instead, which left me feeling scammed. That said, the food was good, the server was very nice, and the wine was delicious.

I frequented this restaurant when I lived in Chicago in the 90’s and stop in whenever I’m back in town. Always a great meal. We especially enjoy the Cheese and Spinach Bourek and the Lahmajoun.

This Mideastern restaurant has excellent food and service - thank you, Sondra! Our server (Sondra) was incredibly accommodating to my needs for gluten free options, and she did not disappoint. I was there with two others, and we all enjoyed our dinners tremendously. Highly recommended!

On our recent visit to Chicago, my wife insisted on lunch at Sayat Nova, where she had eaten for many years working in downtown Chicago. Sayat Nova has been around for over 50 years and for very good reason. They serve excellent food at very reasonable prices. Amenian cuisine is not well known, so it is best to think of it as a variant of Turkish cuisine, such as hommos, baba ghannouj, stuffed grapes leaves, and of course kabobs. The menu is extensive and the food is excellent. We each tried a different sampler which included stuffed eggplant, the delightful cheese boereg (philo triangles stuffed with cheeses), tabbouleh, and the like. Every thing was fresh and well prepared. You will not leave hungry, but if you have a little room for dessert try the Knafi, which is shredded philo with a creamy custard filling. Divine!

We were a party of 5 for an early dinner. This place is an easy walk from Navy Pier and far superior to any dining option there. The sarma was excellent. Tender and full of lamb. The baba was very tasty and the piping hot pitas were a treat. My DH had the lulla kebab and finished his entire plate. I had the lamb couscous and had enough to take home for another meal. (Beware that the spicy sauce is hot. No worries as it comes on the side.) The interior is cool and the lighting unique. It feels exotic. Considering the location, prices are more than fair and we left satisfied. My only concern was the table service. They failed to clear dishes promptly and we were cramped for space.

This terrific little family run spot was full to capacity on a Thursday night and I see why. The food was amazing...wonderful subtle flavors combined with cozy purpose-built decor...not just another recofigured restaurant. Short wine list but our Malbec was delicious. Oh....the filo...if they don't make it on site I'd be surprised. I've never had better. We'll go back.

Ordered chicken kebab dinner which contained grilled chicken pieces and rice. It was ok--chicken was dry and hard to swallow. The dressing for the salad was awful. Perhaps other dishes are better but not going to take a chance.

This was a very good mediterranean type restaurant we discovered in Chicago. The appetizers Boeregs were quite delicious however they are a bit heavy so you might go light on them before your main dish. These are dishes were wrapped pastries Stuffed with either Spanish or cheese. The Shish kebabs were excellent And so was the spicy lamb. This restaurant was a lot of fun And would definitely consider coming back.

Wow my wife and I stumbled across this awesome Armenian restaurant by accident after leaving the Nike store. Great chicken kebab and deserts.

My husband and I have eaten at Sayat Nova on two separate occasions while visiting Chicago in December. The selection is wide. We had sampler platters both times to expose ourselves to Armenian food. Everything was hot and delicious and beautifuly served. The restaurant is located conveniently off the magnificent mile in downtown.We enjoyed live music both evenings.

A dinner here is similar to what one might expect on a Mediterranean cruise. Staff was helpful and tentative plus the entrees were excellent.

My mom and I took a girl's trip, and I convinced her to branch out and try some Armenian food. We ordered Raw Kibbee, sauteed lamb, and vegetable kebab. Everything was incredible.

This was truly an outstanding restaurant for the value. We were a dinner party of nine that ordered the Armenian beer, sampler appetizers, a variety of entrees and some of each dessert. We had great service and loved the atmosphere. Can't wait to return!

I looked at the reviews and noted that older reviews were negative so I disregarded. I was glad I did so because Sayat Nova was excellent. First time eating Armenian food and it was an epicurean delight. My family and I shared 2 appetizers, labneh (yogurt dip) and sarma (stuffed grape leaves). We also had kufta (meatballs in mint soup) that was fantastic. Sauteed lamb that was over the top paired with a superb rice pilaf. Armenian beer washed everything down.I only wish I lived closer.

I crave Sayat Nova each time I visit Chicago. There's something so comforting about a family owned restaurant that's been a Chicago institution for 50+ years. The juicy lulla kebabs are my favorite, an Armenian classic made of ground lamb and beef with fragrant spices. I always start with an assortment of mezza (appetizers). They're all delicious with plenty of vegetarian options too. If you eat meat, don't miss the raw kibbee, aka Armenian steak tartare. The lantern-filled restaurant got a makeover during Covid and looks gorgeous and romantic. There's even a speakeasy-style room downstairs for private events. Ask for a booth!

I returned to this restaurant after more than 15 years. I had told my wife about how wonderful a place it was and we decided to go out into the cold and give it a try. It was good and we enjoyed it, however, it was NOT as good as it has been in the past. The service was good, it was clean and kind of romantic, however, the food seemed to be lacking something. It did not help that they replaced the Armenian music with a piano-player signing bad arrangements of pop tunes. It might be another 15 years before I return!

Decided to try Armenian food, which overlaps greatly with Middle Eastern cuisine. Ordered a trio of appetizers, Hommos, (hummus), baba ghannouj (eggplant dip), yalanchi sarmi (vegetarian grape leaves stuffed with rice, white raisins, almonds, onions and tomatoes). Each were tasty and subdued in flavor. Red lentil soup was a mild but surprisingly complex assortment of flavors including citrus. Kufta dinner was Armenian style meatballs stuffed with tasty diced lamb and spice filling served in a hot yogurt mint soup. The presentation was charming with the appearance of three snowballs dusted with spices. The atmosphere was quiet calm and exotic. The corners of the main dining room have been rounded over to lend a cave like appearance to the room. Lining the wall are a series of small alcoves that would be perfect for couples seeking a romantic dinner. I enjoyed the setting and the food and I look forward to returning in the future.

So average food in a very hidden spot of Chicago The food was expensive regarding to quality When I paid the servant followed me yelling very loud in very rude languages where is my tip

How much can one expect of an Armenian restaurant deep in the high end shopping district of Chicago. For this neighborhood, Sayat had a cozy feel and some authenticity to it. That is a relative comparison. In terms of deeply nuanced regional fare, we found the food here to be pretty generic and blander than it should be. If you are in this neighborhood and looking for relief from chains and steakhouses it is worth it - if you are looking from transcendent foodie experience you will come up short. Service was good. I probably would not go back.

If anyone in your group is vegetarian and if you are a meat eater...Sayat Nova is the place that will bring satisfaction to all. A wide selection for everyone,,,lentils, beans and tabouli ...egg plant and spinach or cheese. for them . Tartar, lamb in every form and or chicken for me...plus so much more. For the honey lovers...Paklava. Not on is the food delicious, but it is a fun menu.

This is a very nice Armenian restaurant. My first and only time at an Armenian place so was surprised food was very similar to other middle eastern restaurants. The food was good and reasonably priced. Getting a reservation was painless on opentable.com. Would recommend to anyone in the neighborhood.

We eat here every time we are in Chicago and the food is usually outstanding. However, the last couple of times it has just been so-so and sort of bland. Maybe they have changed cooks. Still will give it another try when we are back in town.

Armenian food is similar to Turkish food: kebobs, stuffed grape leaves, etc. The restaurant is conveniently located just east of Michigan Avenue. Our meals were very good as was the service. We found it hard to talk in a normal tone of voice, because the place was rather noisy, which is the case at many Chicago restaurants. I should know; I'm a native Chicagoan.

If in Chicago and want something else besides the pizza and the dogs... you have got to visit SAYAT NOVA. Delicate flavours combined to create excellent dishes that can actually warm you up during those cold Chicago nights... and afternoon s. Not just healthy dishes but also healthy. An eggplant that was great and really unexpected with body, texture and lost of flavour. Lamb meatballs in a yogurt sauce than actually melted in your palate. ( and many other items that I can be here awhile trying to describe them) Last, but not least, a dessert that ,again, surprised us with its very delicate taste, warmth and portion. I am really glad to have visited SAYAT NOVA this time. Most certainly will in my next visit. If you go say hi to Sandra who took time to explain and describe dishes Thanks Sayat Nova.. see you soon

We got to the restaurant very close to closing, but the staff was really good in ensuring we enjoyed our experience. The food was great and very authentic. The service was attentive and accommodating to our big group. Really nice middle eastern style food.

We were in town for the evening and saw this restaurant on a side street while walking on Michigan Ave. towards the Bean in Millennium Park. I've lived in the former Soviet Union and I wanted anything food-wise that would remind me of living there. Generally, the food resembled Turkish or Middle-Eastern cuisine that I've had before (kabobs, rice, stuffed grape leaves, etc.) but there is a cold eggplant appetizer that took me right back to my time in Russia. (Eggplant, peppers and onions, grilled and marinated and DIVINELY DELICIOUS!) We loved the variety of foods that were served in the combo plates. The bean soup was also delicious! Great service, too!

If you're looking for a cozy, little restaurant with unique and delicious cuisine, this restaurant is for you. After getting drinks - Armenian sangria and Armenian beer (Kilikia), we ordered a cheese and olive appetizer. It was a great way to start our meal. We shared the Armenian combo dinner (we came late at night). Our meal included stuffed grape leaves, kufta, cheese boreg, and egg plant. Our dinner was very good, and it was fun trying something new. For dessert we shared knafi - which was really delicious (recommend). Overall, it's a perfect romantic getaway somewhat off the beaten path for diners who are looking for something just a little different.

I was staying at a rather chic hotel right on the lake off of Ontario St. and was looking for a great steak somewhere where I could walk to from the hotel. I searched on my iPhone for the closest restaurants with steak within walking distance and only a few came up. So, I started walking around looking for myself. After checking out a few very crowded and loud "pub" style restaurants, I came upon this little Armenian restaurant tucked away. Looked at the menu and it looked rather like Mediterranean food and included steak, so I though I'd try it. What a pleasant surprise. It was a little early for dinner (around 4:30 PM) so the place was rather empty. Candle-lit with some great Soul and R&B music playing, I settled into a rather comfortable round booth. The service was excellent and the food was very tasty. Possibly the best steak I had every had. They had prepared it perfectly and added some nice spices on top, served with grilled onion and green pepper - DELICIOUS !! Also, I had the hummos appetizer with warm pita bread, which was excellent as well. WELL RECOMMENDED - TRY IT !!

I've dined here off and on several times over the years. Food and service here continue to be very good. Prices are moderate, despite the restaurant's location right off the Magnificent Mile. Good selection of Armenian dishes (which are very similar to Turkish). Restaurant can be noisy at times, so you don't want to go for an intimate dinner. Still, it's a great place to go after shopping or really any time you happen to be in the neighborhood.

Went there for lunch and had the kibbee, it was excellent. Price was reasonable and the service good

Our family is of American Syrian descent so we're very used to Middle Eastern Food and cook it regularly. The appetizers at Sayat were a 7 out of 10, but in fairness, each region in the Middle East flavors things a little differently and we're used to Israeli and Syrian flavors. However, the Main Courses were excellent. The meat and lamb were well seasoned and very soft and the Shrimp were very large, fresh and perfectly done. I would recommend focusing on the main courses rather then the Mezza (appetizers) which is something we rarely do when we go to Middle Eastern restaurants. It's nice and casual and centrally located.

Sayat-Nova is a wonderful restaurant. The experience starts with a warm friendly welcome from their staff and being seated in a comfortable attractive Armenian setting. The menu is very varied with delicious cold and hot appetizers and excellent entrées including chicken, shrimp and lamb kebabs, delicious lamb pilaf dishes and other Armenian specialties. All the ingredients are exceptionally fresh and the cooking is homestyle and what a unique and flavorful taste it is! The prices are reasonable for the excellent quality you experience. Try a glass of Armenian Ararat cognac to top off your meal! And the desserts are amazing.

Very nice lamb and wonderful Armenian red wine along with great service. Enjoyable experience with the right amount of spice.

We had dinner at Sayat Nova on Saturday night! We were all really excited to try Armenian food and wasn't disappointed at all! We shared some hummus and boreg and I had the Armenian combo as a main dish! Although food is a bit overpriced, I recommend trying this place!

We chose this restaurant because we wanted a change from the usual Chicago steak or ribs experience. What a terrific choice! This place serves authentic and delicious Armenian food, accessible to all tastes and memorable in many ways. We started with their house-made tabouli, which came with delicate and warm pita bread, I wanted to know whether my tabouli was anything like authentic, and was amazed by what tabouli can be like. No more box mix for me. We moved on to their fresh red lentil soup, which was flavorful and rich. Scooping up every last bit, we remarked that we really need to seek out a good Armenian cookbook. Next we shared lamb couscous and a kufta dinner (lamb meatballs in a hot minty yogurt sauce), which were amazing! By now, we were quite full, but just had to try one of their tempting desserts. We chose what has to be the best one, a knafi, which is shredded and crispy filo pastry filled with a delicious sweet creamy custard. Oh my! You cannot go wrong choosing this lovely restaurant. The atmosphere is cozy and homey, the service is attentive and friendly, and the prices are quite reasonable. We will definitely eat here again next time we are in the Windy City.

This restaurant is simply wonderful and unique (see my previous review)...but did you know they have an amazing live vocal jazz quartet (melodic and rhythmic perfection) on Tuesday night!?! Simply the best middle eastern food AND live jazz...the singer was great Check it out!!!!!

We always treat ourselves to lunch here before we leave for home. Visit Chicago yearly and this is so much on our to-do list. You wont be sorry.

This restaurant has a wonderful ambiance. It immediately sweeps you away from the hustle going on outside. I also really enjoyed the food.

We stopped in to get a quick snack. We found the atmosphere welcoming the staff was great and treated us like family. The food was excellent and very authentic!

A nice spot right off Michigan Ave. Found this place from the Delta Dining for Miles application. Their lentil soup was out of this world and a great thing to have on a cold 5 degree day in the windy city!

Our party sampled several Armenian dishes from this charming restaurant conveniently located off of Michigan Avenue, and all were flavorful and well-prepared. A special treat was the pomegranate wine, which added the right note to the served dinner items. From appetizers to dessert, everything more than met our expectations.

This is my secret go to restaurant, it is half way between my office and my home. We usually eat there once a week. The food and service are great. The ambience like out of the 60s is unique. The reason I decided to write a review, even thoiugh I do not want people to go there, is they really surprised me this Tuesday. Do to other commitments I have not eatten there on Tuesday. It turns out they now have live jazz every Tuesday starting at 5:30. The accoustics in the room are perfect for the music and the band they have performing with a knock out singer is spectacular. So, great food, reasonable prices, perfect location and ambience make it hard for me not to sing out their praises.

We found this place while walking to another restaurant for dinner. Being of Armenian decent I wanted to try it but my family wanted to go to our initial choice. So...we decided to save it for desert. It did not disappoint. We had the phylo dough filled with cream which was awesome. We wanted to have an Armenian drink and tried to get suggestions from the obviously Armenian bartender. He wasn't very talkative and seemed as if we were bothering him with our questions. Sad since overall the reviews are quite positive! I suggest he find a job he enjoys or sell the place to someone who has the passion as the original owner was his father!

This is a little place on East Ohio, just east of Michigan Ave. It is dimly lit, with semi-booths, and has music in the background. We did a late-afternoon weekday take-out. The food was ready in 10 minutes, neatly packaged. The shrimps in the shrimp kebab were perfectly char-grilled. The side-salads were very fresh, and come with a delicious red vinaigrette. The cheese-filled filo-pastry triangles were toasted just right. The highlight was the raw beef kibbee, which was as tasty as any beef tartare served anywhere. A big disappointment, however, was the vegetarian couscous. There was not enough variety of vegetables, and the vegetables were soft and overcooked, removing their flavor. The food was all California-pricey. For these reasons, we awarded only three stars.

We've never had a bad meal here. Sometimes a little off but never bad. However, we went last night and there is a pop-up piano bar on Wednesday. As with any piano bar (we didn't know that they still existed) the drunks get up and sing their show-tunes and 1970s pop songs. We enjoyed our meal and left. We will go back for the food but not an overwhelmingly loud (and sloppy) piano bar.

My wife and I had a nice dinner here. The ambience is very nice and the service is very friendly. The food was good. We had not had Armenian food before but we have had Turkish, Greek and Middle Eastern. It was very similar. The Boeregs, however, were fantastic and we ordered seconds. The music playing was the oddest collection I've ever heard which in a way added to the fun. It ranged from rap to traditional to jazz standards. We are glad we ate here but as we are not from Chicago we would probably try a different international cuisine the next time we visit.