The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen Reviews

Food, service and atmosphere were great. Stuff very friendly and helpful. Kurdish tea and lamb shish are Strongly recommended!

Not so often that a restaurant gets everything right on the food. Party of 4. The the babaganoush and the lentil with goat cheese soup were better than any I've had before. Light, tasty, not fussy. Everyone was very happy with their mains as well. I had the lamb shank - best I've had and it is a favorite of mine. A couple at the next table were having Kurdish coffee. I decided to try it for a first time. It was very, very fine. Our party was lucky to get a table tucked into a back corner. It was the quietest of locations, I think. While the place was full, it was still a bit hard to hear the people across the table from me. When the crowd started to dwindle, it was much better. So the noise level is the only thing I'd knock. Then then it seems to be the fashion to have hard noise reflective surfaces in many restaurants these days. I will go back here. I look forward to going back here.

My wife and I came here to have dinner and we really enjoyed the experience. Tasteful food, nice atmosphere and good service. We are coming back next week to taste more plates!

Four of us had dinner at 7:00 on Saturday night. We made a reservation. There was someone at the door to greet us and show us to our seat. We ordered the appetizer sampler, one of us ordered the smothered white fish (soooo goood) one the stuffed Chicken, and 2 different Lamb dishes. The lamb was really tender and juicy. They have beer and wine on the menu. I will be going back again.

Fantastic breakfast or brunch. Kurdish breakfast has a variety of side dishes, fruits and veg, cheese, olives and jams, honey. Baklava crepes are a treat! Lovely service,

My expectations weren't high when I first stumbled into The Gundis alone... I'm a foodie and let's just say that I've "been around the block" on the north side of Chicago. However, within a few minutes I was blown away! The space enveloped me -- lovely, clean, and inviting. The staff was down-to-earth -- welcoming and charming. And then came the appetizer "Ezme & Walnuts" with a remarkable home made bread. I was infatuated! Then came the Lamb Shank and I wanted to move in on the first date! I've since returned to The Gundis many times and have enjoyed taking EVERY set of my out of town guests for brunch or dinner. I want to keep sharing this wonderful place -- so that each new initiate can have the same magical experience packed with unique spicing, traditional preparations, and clever presentations...

We enjoyed The Gundis on April 14th. Service was extremely friendly. Food was super tasty. We started with the appetizer sampler everything was good but the Ezme was fantastic. We then shared some salads. Favorite was the Beet salad but the Mountain Salad was also good. We tasted entrees. I had the Zaza Pasta Chicken & Goat Cheese which had a nice little spicy kick. My son had the octopus which was cooked right which is not always easy. Ny DIL had the Mezopotamia which also was flavorful with a spicy kick and my wife enjoyed the salmon. We were too full for dessert. If you enjoy flavorful food you cannot go wrong here. The staff was also very friendly and accommodating. I felt the prices were very reasonable.

We took to the streets because our hotel was being refurbished and didn't offer breakfast - this turned out to be a good thing! Breakfast was a soft scramble with tomato, peppers, cheese and sausage for me and a spiced spinach omelette for my wife. Both were excellent. The interior is simple, clean, and apparently recently remodeled. Service is a little cautious or slow by US standards, and getting the check took several asks.

Lovely food, good ingredients — best hummus I’ve ever had too! The service was attentive without being overbearing and they were happy to answer questions.

We were staying in the neighborhood and noticed how lovely the holiday decorations were and that this neighborhood Kurdish restaurant looked busy but not full. The hostess was very welcoming and seated us immediately without a reservation. The wait staff was great at explaining what each dish was. I had the Zaza Pasta Chicken and Goat cheese which was fabulous. The chicken was tender, the pasta was al dente and the sauce had just the right amount of spice to it. My son had the Mezopotamia which he claims was also excellent. The cider, Original Sin, is now my favorite. We went for the ambiance but will return for the food and excellent service.

We were curious, what kind of food would we eat at this Kurdish restaurant? Would it be typically Middle Eastern? We found food that was much more varied than we expected, including nice touches of what appeared to be Mediterranean flavors. These flavors were in fact based on just two basic spices, one was an Aleppo spice, therefore common in Syria and neighboring Mediterranean countries, and the other was a spice more more specific to the Kurds, that we could not catch the name. Amazing what these two spices did in providing wonderful tastes to the dishes. We loved especially the vegetarian pasta and the jumbo shrimp. The Baklawa, for dessert, was fantastic, softer than normal and very tasty. The ambiance is friendly, there is plenty of separation between tables, and little noise. The service is very good, with the staff quite willing to explain the dishes. All in all, a pleasurable experience, which will repeat.

I was impressed with both the hospitality and delicious Kurdish cuisine! You are warmly welcomed the minute you walk through the door. The warm welcome continues from the time you sit down until you are having your after meal coffee or tea. The meal...I cannot describe the party of flavors from the chicken meal I indulged in. The portion was enormous and so full of flavor. I will definitely return for another meal!

I arrived early in the evening. Based on the number of waiters who were milling about, I suspected Friday night would become a hot night for The Gundis, and by the time I finished my meal, there wasn't an empty table to be had. I wasn't very hungry, so I ordered the Halloumi Cheese Salad, comprised of mixed greens, halloumi, cherry tomatoes, parsley, cucumber, corn, roasted red bell pepper, sesame seeds & oregano dressing. It was delicious.

Nice to have the option of a new cuisine in town and The Gundis satisfies with good food and good service. We went on a very busy friday night and had to wait despite making a reservation, but the octopus dish was worth it! Great lamb shank too.

I went with a group of friends. We arrived about 5:00pm and there were a few tables filled already. We ordered their fries, grilled calamari, Mardin Stew, Whitefish, Beef Sac Tawa sand Patata and Eggplant. We shared all the dishes and they were great. For dessert we shared the Kurdish Baklawa. As we enjoyed the meal - many more customers were coming in so the restaurant was almost full by the time we left. The atmosphere was great. The restaurant was playing jazz music - which was very soft and mellow and was so relaxing. The service was great. We talked to several servers and even got to meet one of the owners - who answered all our questions. We definitely will be back.

I visited "The Gundis" Kurdish Kitchen for my sister's birthday this March.. We were pleasantly served very well by the friendly and helpful waiters. The atmosphere was very pleasant until the dining room got quite full when it became loud. I would not recommend coming here at peak times with people that dislike noise, elders, or children. The food.. was okay, it was not spectacular. I was disappointed with the Turkish Coffee.

We ate dinner out in Chicago at 3 different highly rated $$-$$$ restaurants. This was by far our favorite meal. We had the grilled octopus appetizer (amazing sauce - soaked up every drop with the bread), the lentil soup (may sound boring but it was heavenly), and shared the stuffed chicken (most flavorful, creamy, interesting sauce I've ever had). Everything at the nearby tables also looked delicious. Ended the meal with a Kurdish coffee - not to be missed (just ordered some online when we got home). We will always come back to this restaurant when visiting Chicago! Can't wait to check out their breakfast and lunch menus.

We enjoyed a unique and very delicious brunch at the Gundis Kurdish Kitchen in Chicago. From the moment we stepped in the door we received friendly and professional service. The menu was new to us so we welcomed the suggestions from our companions, who visit this restaurant as a special treat as often as possible. They ordered the Kurdish Breakfast with Soujouk scramble - a spicy beef, halal sausage and egg dish. But this entree is much more than eggs! It also includes delicious sides such as cheeses, butters, veggies, jams, and tasty Kurdish tea. It is a sight to behold. In addition we ordered wonderful fig and walnut pancakes and a delicious chicken shish wrap. We also were delighted with a dessert that I believe was coconut milk pudding. I was so stunned by the beauty of it that I missed the exact name but I did snap a picture! We will definitely ask to visit this restaurant when we are in town again.

I LOVED THIS MEAL (brunch). I was visiting Chicago this past weekend with family, and I needed a place to take my mom for Mother's Day brunch. My mom is vegan, and it can be quite difficult to find restaurants that offer both vegan items and non-vegan items that are all delicious. But our experience at the Gundis blew us all away. My brother and I shared the Kurdish Breakfast for Two, which was amazing. You choose one egg dish from six options; we went with soft scramble and lamb. That dish comes with a million yummy things: feta, fresh mozzarella, another Kurdish cheese, house jams (one of our was sour cherry which I loved), Kurdish sesame butter, butter, black olives, green olives, fries/potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes, fried cheese rolls, bread, and bottomless Kurdish tea. Everything was delicious. Seriously. The main dish was wonderful (lamb cooked well and tasty and tender - eggs not dry or overcooked), and the sides were delicious. It was amazing watching the Tetris game that happens on your table when you order the Kurdish breakfast. Our entire table was covered in plates! My mom got the spicy tofu scramble, which I tried and was very good. We also got some baba ganoush to share, and that was very tasty as well. Our family friend ordered the Gundi omelet (bell peppers, onion, feta, and soujouk - a dry, spicy sausage that I will now be looking for at the Kurdish markets near my house!), which was delicious. We also tried Kurdish coffee, which I am now totally obsessed with. Also called menengic coffee, Kurdish coffee is not caffeinated and is made from ground roasted terebinth beans (and made with milk). I had never had this before, and I found it to be completely delicious. (We ordered more at the end of the meal as well.) To me, it tasted like chocolate and chicory. Delicious. We also had some Turkish coffee (good, strong), and the tea that came with the Kurdish breakfast was wonderful as well. The restaurant is very nice inside, and the service was fantastic. We had several different waiters helping at our table, and everyone was wonderful. We asked a lot of questions, and they made it fun (making us guess ingredients in dishes). They gave all the mothers roses which was a sweet touch. This was a wonderful brunch. The food was fantastic, and the service was great. No complaints. Just check it out!

My wife and I went to this restaurant for dinner. We had Adana kebab, stuffed chicken, spicy lentil soup, milk pudding, tea with cookies and ayran, The soup, mains and ayran were wonderful. The deserts were OK. The service was very good. Prices were on the high side but in line with quality.

Apps-watermelon salad is a must. Hints of pepper added contrasting flavor with the watermelon and cheese. not the usual babaganoush. Octopus salad was amazing Don't miss out on the stuffed chicken, lamb kabob and eggplant and lamb special. Deserts- fabulous Kudos to the owner, chef and staff!! We will be back!!

We went to this restaurant with our son and daughter-in-law. The staff was friendly and attentive. Since we were not very familiar with "Kurdish" food, this was a bit of an adventure, but everything was quite good. The baba ghanoush was very good and had a bit of a kick to it. The small loafs of bread were very tasty. The lamb shank was succulent, tender, and served with a nice mixture of peppers, eggplant, etc. The stuffed chicken was also very tasty. And the bulgur was a nice complement to the rich rosemary flavoring of the lamb. But the best treat of the night was the Kurdish coffee, served in a lovely demitasse at the end of the meal. But it's not really coffee, it's a rich pistachio blend that is just a wonderful sweet end to an excellent meal. A nice touch is that the owners have placed foam rubber on the underside of their tables to help keep down the noise of a busy restaurant. A very friendly way to explore foods that might be new to you.

The 6 of us came for dinner on Saturday night. The food is fine but the restaurant is terribly noisy and extremely unpleasant for any discussion. They must work on their acoustics'. We will not go there again.

Twice we've eaten here and each time we were so happy. The presentation and quality of the food is outstanding. Service was impeccable and absolutely joyful. Our waiter made us feel at home. The chef accommodated food allergies and dietary restrictions. The sampler platter, is a great way to start. This is a moderately priced restaurant, and wine will add considerably to the bill. It was certainly worth it though and the only regret was not being able to try more things on this delicious menu.

Chicago's only Kurdish restaurant, tasteful décor, wonderful menu, from vegetarian stews, inventive salads, different and traditional ways of fixing meats; and *really* excellent preparation of fish in season. Western-style desserts as well as some traditional middle eastern ones. Turkish and Kurdish coffees. Wine list. Conversation noise level was high, so I would say not for intimate or crucial encounters.

The Gundis is awesome! The baklava crepes are incredible!!! I could eat these forever. The Turkish coffee is fantastic, and the Kurdish coffee is even better. Menu items are similar to other Middle Eastern dishes in some ways (e.g., dishes featuring lamb meat, grilled halloumi), but they're also quite unique in the spice combinations they feature. The service is incredibly friendly. Highly recommend!

This is clearly one of the best new restaurants in Chicago. Warm, inviting place. Fine service. But the standout is the food. Great interesting flavors. Had the haloumi, which was excellent, beef wrapped with eggplant, and served with two sauces,also excellent, and the calamari appetiser - very good. Nice wine selections. Modest prices. Looking forward to going back soon.

Great breakfast and unique coffee . Pleasant service and the soft scramble and spinach omelette was very nice

We recently had a wonderful time at Gundis. Each of us had a different dish and each was scrumptious. Our waiter was quite knowledgeable of the menu, accommodating to requested changes and very friendly He also told interesting stories of life in Turkey. We’ll definitely return.

I am really disappointed that they are advertising as Kurdish cuisine. It is ACTUAL and REAL TURKISH CUSINE. If you want to try Turkish food, go to a real one not to imitations

Friends invited us to meet them for dinner at a Kurdish Restaurant, the first we had ever been to. It was a great experience. It's located in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago. It's in a beautiful modern space. It was bustling but not too loud because there was enough space between tables. We tried three wines off a small but high quality wine list - they were all very good. Between the four of us, one had lamb, one fish, one a vegetarian dish, and I had a stuffed chicken breast. We shared the dishes. They were all great. The staff was very friendly. I highly recommend it.

I fell in love with the cuisine of Turkey on my visit there, and this Kurdish restaurant hits the spot.

I came to celebrate my mother's birthday and her friend's. The service is outstanding and the food was delicious. I highly recommend this place.

Cute, very open space. We started with the haloumi appetizer, which was pretty good (cheese, tomatoes, bread). I had the chicken shish, which was really good. The chicken was super tender, and the blend of spices was delicious. The rice and side salad were also good. `My husband had the stuffed chicken (sauce on the side), stuffed with goat cheese and spinach, which was also very good. Served with a huge side of vegetables and some rice. Servers were very friendly. One small complaint...there were a LOT of empty tables, but they sat us next to the loudest people in the restaurant. Couldn't hear each other or the server over the conversation at the next table. Luckily, they left by the time we had finished our appetizers.

A friend took me here for my birthday, and it was fabulous. There are many interesting dishes on the menu, and the food was delicious. The service was awesome. The restaurant is clean and attractive. And although My friend did not allow me to pay, it seemed the prices are reasonable. And for my birthday, they brought out a decadent dessert for the table to share, and more than a half dozen servers sang happy birthday. It was a very special evening. I highly recommended this restaurant.

Our friends live in the area so when we suggested meeting up for dinner while we were in Chicago for the weekend, The Gundis was their choice. Clean modern lines set the tone for the restaurant; the china and silverware followed suit. The cuisine here is Kurdish, good for meat lovers and vegetarians and vegans alike. All four of us enjoyed our simple dinner choices: spicy red lentil soup, red lentil & goat cheese soup, navy bean salad, and Yabo's Couscous. Plus a nice dry red wine. The food was incredible! Definitely will keep in mind for a future visit.

After so many months not being able to eat out, and wanting a new experience, this is an awesome option. We started with the sampler and the cheese then went with the beet salad. Any we loved it. Great bottle of wine, Old Vine, and we were ready for entrees. Had the martin special which is eggplant based, stuffed chicken and spicy shrimp. Everything busted with great flavors and the service was really good. A new favorite for me and my foodies.

We went for a midafternoon lunch on a weekday. The decor is clean, modern and warm, our waiter was gracious and attentive and the food was absolutely delicious. I had the Mountain Salad with chicken and my husband had kabobs. To top off the meal I ordered a Kurdish coffee, a slightly sweet creamy brew, which was served in an elegant silver dome. It was heavenly! We will be back each time we visit Chicago.

I've reviewed this restaurant before and I think it is so good that I wanted to review it again. The food is very tasty and the portions are generous. The atmosphere is very cozy and inviting. The owners and staff are very friendly and clearly take pride in their work. The Gundi's is a must and once you go once, you'll keep going back!!

A man on the train recommended Gundis and said he was a foodie and this restaurant was "exquisite". He was correct. The bread was fresh out of the oven and very flavorful. The lentil soup with goat cheese was a great starter. My Mountain Salad with grilled chicken was fabulous - the chicken was marinated and nicely flavored. The dried apricots and walnuts in the salad were great. The greens were fresh and flavorful. My companion's pasta with veggies and olives and a light tomato sauce was excellent.

So much fresh and delicious food! We had an amazing brunch. The Kurdish breakfast is a delight with amazing breads, spreads, cheeses and vegetables. We also loved the tofu scrambler and apple cinnamon pancake. If you never have had Kurdish coffee - you have to try it. It is my new favorite coffee, anywhere: rich, flavorful, with a taste of ground pistachios. And the atmosphere is wonderful, too - you feel like family and everyone is happy.

Great food and quality. I hope they are able to keep it up. Parking is a bit challenging wherein you have to park in the alley or the garage 400 ft away. Spot hero tickets don’t always work there. Small seating restaurant and close ambiance.

Hadn't tried Kurdish food to my knowledge until discovering this new restaurant. Love the ambiance, and we like to try new places and support new businesses, so we went for my birthday dinner. Service was wonderful - they even brought me flowers and a card that my boyfriend had dropped off before our dinner. (He's a keeper!). They were very helpful about recommending food, pairing with wine, and just friendly overall. Food was great - highly recommend the sampler platter to start.

Three of us had been to The Gundis before and had enjoyed the food. For an early dinner during the pandemic there were only a few diners and restaurant personnel wore masks, as did diners until seated. With one exception we ordered vegetarian food. The servers were friendly and accommodating. Our three appetizers, grilled halloumi, baba ghanoush and ezme were served with small loaves and were delicious. We ordered Two main course salads, one with seafood and two pasta dishes. An error was made and instead of pasta one diner was served a delicious couscous dish with lots of roasted vegetables and feta cheese. It was a fortunate error. To make up for it we were served a sweet rice pudding for dessert. This was a casual, friendly restaurant with good service and good food which also provided a couple of breakfast servings the next day.

Flavorful well seasoned middle eastern food. Lentil soup, lamb shank , lamb kafta kebabs, spicey shrimp, couscous, salad, and desserts of chocolate mousse eggs and rice pudding cake all delicious. Staff all helpful and welcoming. Definitely go back next time we are in Chicago.

Read about this on trip advisor. We were extremely pleased , one of our best meals ever. Started with the sampler platter and spicy lentil soup which were both very tasty. For entrees we had the stuffed chicken and the lamb in tomato sauce and yogurt; both were incredible. The service was very pleasant and not pushy. So glad we stumbled on this gem.

If you are looking for a unique, impressive, and delicious breakfast/brunch, then head over to The Gundis. Upon arrival, you are met with friendly faces who deliver the promise of a fantastic meal. The Kurdish breakfast is exceptional!! It's something you have never seen before served anywhere. Chicago has fabulous restaurants, but we have never loved anything as much as we loved their food. Top-of-the-line!

I went here for the third time since they opened. Still not 100% sure what Kurdish food is - other then delicious. For dinner had whitefish with creamy sauce with rice and peppers, my friend had stuffed chicken breast. I've also sampled several appetizers and a salad. Staff is warm and friendly and wants to be sure you're happy.

We went for brunch and had the Kurdish breakfast. Every detail was incredible. The service, the light atmosphere, the exploration of the Kurdish palate and the comfort we had dining with our children, one of whom had classic pancakes.

I took the lentil soup and a the Mesopotamian dish. Both dishes topped my expectation. The food is well-seasoned and combines different tastes of the Kurdish kitchen in a perfect way. The staff is professional and attentive. Try the self-made bred. Wish I lived in Chicago. A place were you should go at least once a month.

I recently had dinner here and had previously dined here for brunch. I really appreciate the diversity of their menu and the many vegetarian options. I also love the various dips and appetizers - they have all been excellent. It's been a little quiet both times we were there, so I don't think reservations are a must. I will definitely come back to Gundis!

We had a nice walk from The Wheelhouse Hotel (0.8 mile away). Though most establishments were closed Sunday at 9 am, we spotted interesting murals along the way. The food was great! They offer bottomless Kurdish tea with “Kurdish Breakfast”. It comes with lots of sides and you pick your eggs. We went with soft scramble & Soujouk (spicy beef halal sausage) at our server’s suggestion and it was fantastic! (The picture doesn’t include bread, cheese rolls and fries). Our daughter had Kurdish Baklawa crepes. It had crunchy texture with fig / pistachio filling. She enjoyed it. They did offer regular options such as classic pancakes, apple cinnamon pancakes, etc in case you are wondering if they offer something for kids who may want to have something familiar.

It may be the only Kurdish restaurant in Chicago. The atmosphere is comfortable and the folks are very kind and polite. For a place where the Executive Chef is named Juan Gonz'alez, it makes fantastic Kurdish food. It has mad the top ten of my favs in Chicago. The Red Lentil Soup with goat cheese is the best dish not made by my family that I have EVER had in Chicago. I also had had a soft drink, cucumber lemonade. It also was very different and refreshing. I had a wrap that seems to be a main Kurdish dish. It was very good, not as good as the soup but then what is. My family makes a string bean soup with dill that is the only soup I have ever had that was better. The Lentil soup was smooth, earthy and flavored gently but engrossing. If you have a chance and am not scheduled for vacation or surgery, go here, respond to my post. You will thank me. I wish I could give them 6 stars.

Took my husband there for a nice romantic meal. We had the sampler appetizer , incredible red lentil soup, and I had the stuffed chicken for my entree and he had the free. Oh what a delicious experience we had. Beautiful atmosphere great staff, wonderful wine list, and excellent fresh tasting food. My stuffed Chicken was one of the best meals I’ve had in years and the sauce was out of this world. I will be back with friends for one of their brunches. Great addition to the Lakeview neighborhood.

Everything was wonderful. We had the scrambled egg meal and everything that went with it. Almost more than we could eat. Service was great. Good price. You should try.

I was able to taste the wonderful cuisine of The Gundis and will be going back for more. This is a brand new restaurant on Chicago's dining scene, adding a new taste to our ethnic restaurant assortment. Never before has a specifically Kurdish restaurant opened in the city. The freshness of the ingredients and the care with which they are prepared is clearly evident. I specifically enjoyed the Kurdish Salad, the Halloumi and the spinach dish. The evening I was there, a musician was playing music on the saz, or Kurdish guitar. Truly a special addition to the Chicago restaurant scene.

This is a superb Kurdish Restaurant. Similar to Turkish. The Esme (a salad based on tomato’s and chilis) was excellent. Lamb star with eggplant was my wife’s choice and it too was first rate, as was the Mesopotamia. That featured tender pieces of lamb mixed with a finely seasoned rice. This was one of the best ethnic restaurants I have tried in quite a while. Many menu choices: seafood, chicken, lamb, vegetarian when my wife mentioned she was gluten free they brought out house made gluten-free bread. Service particularly efficient and friendly.

I stopped in between two movies at the nearby Landmark Cinema for a quick dinner on a Saturday evening. They quickly seated me and I had a wonderful red bean lentil soup, hummus and babaganoush. Service was friendly and swift. They happily packed what I could not finish in boxes to take home. They had me in and out in 20 minutes. Price very reasonable for the great quality. I love this place and will definitely be back. One of the best Middle Eastern restaurants I have been to.

Our son and his girlfriend brought us here and we were bowled over by everything: the food, the superb service, the spacious, clean setting and the menu. If you are more than two for brunch/breakfast, you don't need to order more than the breakfast for two, which can be eggs served up as a scramble with veggies, tofu, or lamb and comes with a staggering array of dishes including fried potatoes, bread with a tray of jellies, spreads, and olives, tomatoes and cucumbers, fried rolls stuffed with feta, cheeses and if I've left anything out, check the menu! Order a sweet, like the fabulous fig and walnut pancakes, and you're set for the rest of the day. Kurdish coffee is made with ground pistachios, tasting more like a pistachio latte and worth the price. The bottomless glass cup of tea has a fabulous tang and the blood orange juice is freshly squeezed. Service is friendly and efficient, as you'll see when it takes three servers to lay the table with your brunch order. It may seem pricey but if you figure that two or more can split the brunch for 2, it can be pretty reasonable. We'll definitely be back!

We went to The Gundis for breakfast and had a wonderfully authentic meal (the Kurdish breakfast for two). It is one of the best brunch experiences available in Chicago.

The atmosphere and the staff were so nice! Will definitely return on my next visit to Chicago, and highly recommend this to everyone who loves great food and great service.

I had heard about this new Kurdish restaurant. I made a reservation and was seated right away. Turned out to be quite busy as the night began. Service was top notch. Good selection of wine. I asked for advice on small plates and had a cheese plate with amazing breads and calamari which had a great amount of flavor and fresh off the grill. For dinner had stuffed chicken breast. Was again flavored well with spinach inside. I enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Staff is friendly and helpful. Dinner guests were all enjoying the night.

I split the veggie breakfast scramble for 2 - delightful! Great spices, fresh ingredients, tasty bread, very friendly staff. Friend had the octopus salad...also good!

As others have noted, this is a gem in Lakeview. The menu is varied and interesting, with a good array of starters and entrees. Hummus was smooth and smoky. There are several vegetarian selections, and the eggplant entree was excellent, very flavorful and artfully prepared. Octopus and mussels were delicious, as well. It is a good restaurant to visit with a group and share large and small dishes. Service was excellent. I would definitely return if I am back in the area.

Had a great dinner with family tonight. The food was very different from most other Turkish, Greek and Mediterranean places. Everything was well prepared. The seasonings were different and well balanced. We had a variety of dishes, chicken, lamb, salmon and beef. The sauces were different and fantastic. Very good service, and we never felt rushed. Dinner was excellent and relaxed.

I tried the zaza pasta and a couple of other items. The bread was okay-not great. I went there for lunch, but I heard going there for breakfast is even better. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants any introduction to food from the Kurdistan region of Turkey but also wants a high end restaurant in Chicago. The owners are friendly. The only thing I would change is include some food from the other Kurdistans every once in awhile, haha. But that's okay, it was delicious. Gelek spas!

This place was great! I saw that many people were in groups, socializing sharing plates as well as enjoying their own plates. Not much as far as decor, but I actually like the sparse background. The highlight should be one's company and the food and the food was delicious! The combo appetizer plate is truly delicious! The bread is tasty. I had the lamb shank and it was actually something, "to write home about!" It was tender and flavorful, juicy and served with really good mashed potatoes and a sauce akin to a gravy but waaaay better! more like a thickened au jus....my companion had a stuffed chicken dish which was also good. The service was a bit slow as it was very crowded but the server handled it well and did what she could to make us happy. They have a nice beer selection, I had a sweet orange something or other and loved it. The coffee was also very good; I'd never had Turkish coffee before but I will have it every chance I get now! It was served in charming cups and was the perfect end to our meal. The desserts are just okay, the cheese filled baklava were a bit of a disappointment and the pudding type desert was not bad. Overall, there is something here for everyone and it's worth a visit.

The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen is a lovely place, with great food and service. My son enjoyed the Grilled Calamari appetizer. For our main courses, we chose the Chicken Shish (which came with salad and bulgur), and the Spicy Jumbo Shrimp (which came with rice and roasted vegetables). The portions were ample, and we enjoyed every bite. Our server was helpful and friendly, but didn't hover. The restaurant itself is very attractive. We look forward to going back to The Gundis next time we're in Chicago.

I want to promote this place so much but the end result was just not pleasant. Cute little Kurdish restaurant with authentic staff and food deserves all it can get, but... Food - 4/1 The flavors and authenticity was wonderful. It’s an experience that you would not normally get. The bad score comes from what resulted. Everything went in well but for both of us it came out immediately, bad and with a vengeance. I will spare the details. Service - 4 Everyone was attentive, quick and assertive. There was humor in a good way and the cups were never dry. Atmosphere - 3 A cute small location. Only downfall was that since it was a little bit of an open space, sounds echoed so it got a little noisy. Want to return but the end results of the initial meal unfortunately scares me.

We had brunch at The Gundis this weekend, and we loved every second of it. I ordered the Turkish coffee to start, and my wife had the Kurdish coffee, and both were great. There were plenty of enticing options on the breakfast and lunch menus, and we decided to go with the Kurdish Breakfast, including scrambled eggs w/ veggies. The eggs were done extraordinarily well (my wife, who has also perfected the art of scrambling eggs, fully agrees), and the peppers, onions, and seasonings made it amazing. The array of foods included in this breakfast is breathtaking, and all were very good. The fried cheese sticks and toast with jams and butters were standouts; a couple of days later, and I'm craving the black sesame seed butter, fig jam, and cherry jam (individually and in combination), as well as the bottomless Kurdish tea. Service was fantastic, too. We'll definitely return when we're in the area.

Its been a while since I gave a Chicago restaurant 5 stars but I think this place deserves it. We went here last week on a Sat night for a 6 pm reservation party of 8 adults 2 kids and we were seated promptly. The place has this modern middle eastern feel which I really liked. Our server was Ela and I cannot be more happy with the service quality that she provided esp we were such a big group. I was not really expecting great service based on some of the reviews I read so I was pleasantly surprised. Having traveled to Istanbul, Dubai and Abu Dhabi I can say that I have a real appreciation for very good authentic middle eastern food. I really haven't found a middle eastern restaurant in Chicago that makes me want to go back over and over again until this one. We ordered the following Appetizers grilled calamari - ive tried so many grilled calamari and this is one of the best. baba ganoush - real authentic halloumi - good but a bit too salty for my taste red lentil soup - yummmyyyyyyy Mountain salad - so much flavors in every bite. Entree salmon -my favorite sea bass - light and tasty mezopotamia - i dont really eat lamb but when I tried this, it was melt in your mouth good. Dessert BAklava - its not your typical baklava, its one with a twist and it works pretty good. We ordered more dishes but these are the stand out ones in my gastronomy book. Needless to say, there was no dish that disappointed me and the entire group really liked this place. The entree prices are not cheap but the servings and quality make up for it. I hope they dont make the servings less as they become more successful as time goes by. Ive seen this in a lot of restaurants who become greedy for profits. I really recommend this place and will be back. Ill make my reservation through Mehmet (I hope you remember our password Mehmet:) and will always ask for Ela as my server. I also provided some feedback to the owners about how there are some challenges when making a reservation over the phone, hopefully they can address that. I would also recommend that they publish their entire menu online, I only see a subset online.

One of our favs, excellent flavors, attentive staff, healthy choices, very fresh…. For something different, we highly recommend!

What a great find! We tried The Gundis for brunch and thoroughly enjoyed the meal. The restaurant has a nice vibe, not so much an ethnic joint, but a more current decor suitable for the area. Our server was attentive and helped up understand some of the spices on the menu. For brunch, we enjoyed the Kurdish breakfast. The meal for two is served with eggs prepared with veggies or meat, fries, tomatoes/cucumber, 3 types of cheeses and a tray with an array of toppings and condiments (jams, honey, olives, butter, Kurdish butter). We asked for some bread and the meal came with Kurdish tea. If you want something more lunch like, there is a selection of chicken, lamb and meat items along with vegetarian options. In addition to coffee and tea, there is also wine and beer options at reasonable prices. The food was tasty and the warm atmosphere made a first Kurdish experience memorable. We plan to be back!

Went with my kids that love this restaurant. Although not my favorite type of food...really enjoyed it....small, intimate, tapas...great for sharing. Very nice wait staff....and very reasonable. Would definitely go back.

A friend and I happened upon this place when looking for a place to eat near the movie theater where we had been. We had no idea what Kurdish food was. What a pleasant suprise awaited us. The menu was full of interesting, strange and delicious foods,a wonderful beet salad, very interesting lamb and chicken dishes, some with pasta. The servings were huge. I have returned 3 times and recommended it to all my friends. The waiters are very helpful and very nice. It is a little noisy on Saturday nights, but what good restaurant is not?

We went with friends to try out Kurdish food. It did not disappoint at all. Quite tasty and good. Service was also extremely good.

We had a couples dinner that was rescheduled and the second time around the calendar we settled on Gundis. I heard we were heading for Kurdish food and felt a crushing sense of confusion. I’ll cut to the chase and say that this was a thoughtful menu with familiar flavors and on-point service. Nice wine and beer selection and a menu where you literally can’t go wrong. Color me a Kurdish food fanatic from this day forward.

This is my favorite restaurant in Chicago. The dining room is nicely decorated and comfortable, cosy. The food is delicious!! It's very fresh and tastes as though it was prepared especially for you. The wine list is nice. The people who own the restaurant are delightful!!!!!!!! Going to Gundis is an all around lovely experienced. Once you go once, you'll find yourself going back for more!

I’ve never had Kurdish food before, but on the basis of the food here, I’d definitely have it many more times. I had the stuffed chicken breast for my main, which came with some nice roasted veggies plus a creamy rice. It was great, but I enjoyed my soup starter even more. The spicy red lentil soup is delicious.

My husband and I had dinner last night at Gundis. When we walked in, we were immediately greeted by a beautiful hostess and seated with no wait. The space itself is quite minimalist with only two paintings on the wall, but it works well. We started with a bottle of malbec, affordable and delicious! The sampler plate was amazing. The baba ganoush is probably the best I've ever had. The hummus was creamy and smooth, and the octopus salad and spicy eggplant were also mouth-watering. I must say that being someone who cooks a lot at home, all of the slicing and dicing that goes into this sampler plate must be quite laborious. However, every red onion, pepper, etc. were all the same size. An amazing feat. We then moved onto the entrees. I had the jumbo shrimp and after eating about 1/4 of it, I was done. It was so rich and delicious, but I just couldn't finish. Today's lunch will be lovely with my leftovers though! My husband had the lamb sac tava and the fries on the side. His was definitely the winner. Spicy, but not too spicy, loads of lamb and tomatoes. He will not be having leftovers for lunch today. The fries were spiced with isot, a black pepper looking spice with hints of licorice, dark chocolate, hot peppers. We got a side of it just to taste it on its own. Fantastic. This spice covers much of their entrees and it's so unusual and addictive. Dessert. Remember when I said I couldn't eat anymore? Well, I lied. We ordered the cookies and unlimited tea. The cookies were crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. A perfect combination. We were surprised to also get the chef's latest creation: spicy chocolate rice pudding. I will repeat: spicy chocolate rice pudding. One of the best desserts I have ever eaten. I scraped the bowl with my finger. I hope that they put this on the permanent menu. Service: Ella was our waitress. She was attentive, helpful, and lovely. Our water glasses never got empty, nor our wine glasses. When talking with her, she was telling us all about the nationalities represented here. She is from Romania, the hostess from Nigeria, many of the cooks from Syria, Iran, Iraq, etc. A wonderful representation of global love. Denise, one of the owner's, stopped by our table to chat and encouraged us to visit for brunch some time. After our dinner last night, we already have it on the calendar. Bravo to all, from the chef to the waitstaff to the owners and on and on.

Not often one finds authentic Kurdish food with a staff from most of all the Kurdish regions, be it in Turkey, Syria, or Irak. The food is absolutely superb and it is like entering a different world and getting to know Kurdish culture through its food. Highly recommended. A little pricey though.

I stumbled upon this restaurant while I was out for a walk, and the meal I ate was delicious. I ordered the calamari and the Mezopotamia. The calamari was okay, but the lamb was utterly delicious!!! I thoroughly enjoyed my meal, and I will definitely eat here again whenever I'm in Chicago.

There aren’t enough words to describe my love for Gundis (I live in Chicago). If I lived closer I’d have brunch there every Saturday and Sunday. The staff and service is top notch! But let’s get into that food! The Kurish breakfast is incredible, I order this every time (sometimes veggie but mostly the Soujouk). It’s a traditional Kurdish breakfast that yes includes eggs but the “sides” that accompany it are out of the world. Think a fantastic variety of cheeses (lots of Kurdish, Turkish and Greek varieties), wonderful spreads, homemade bread and who can forget the Incredible house cut fries that have Urfa Biber on them. Ahhh, I could write a novel about this place. Just go there! You will not regret it.

We have visited this restaurant twice, and we were extraordinarily pleased both times! Food is consistently outstanding - fresh, colorful, well-prepared, nicely presented, and extremely flavorful. The menu offers a wide selection of unique dishes, as well as standard Middle Eastern fare and a number of meatless choices. The staff was very welcoming, friendly and attentive. The space is beautifully decorated. Overall, it was a very enjoyable and memorable experience!

Weekend travel to Chicago in Sep 2019 included local family members recommending Gundis for dinner. We were very pleased with our meal, service and cozy setting of this ethnic restaurant. From starters, to sides, to lamb to coffees and teas. This is as good or better than the usual restaurants we visit annually in River North or Streeterville. Go!