ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Lincoln Square
Best Middle Eastern in Lincoln Square
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Lincoln Square
Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in Lincoln Square
Best Cheap Eats in Lincoln Square
Master Critic Review
Kabobi - Persian and Mediterranean Grill
8.6
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
A high-volume Persian/Mediterranean anchor where the grill lane stays dependable—juicy koobideh, well-seasoned chicken, and rice that holds up even on busy nights. Order with restraint: one signature skewer set plus a bright dip spread, and let the smoke-and-saffron flavors carry the meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Koobideh (ground beef) kabob, Chicken koobideh or chicken barg, Dill rice with grilled meats combo
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Massive, sustained local validation for Persian grill classics done reliably at scale.
Who should go: Kabob-first diners and groups
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for smoother pacing
What to order: Koobideh, chicken skewer, hummus and salad
Insider tip: Upgrade rice once and keep sides minimal—quality shows best on the skewers.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking on nearby residential blocks; generally manageable on weekdays, tighter on weekend evenings.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; jeans and sweaters are common and perfectly acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy at lunch, slightly louder during peak dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait; lines move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—falafel plates, salads, hummus, baba ghanoush, and rice-based combinations.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—falafel, vegetable sides, salads, and dips if you skip dairy sauces.
Gluten-free options: Partial—most grilled meats and rice are gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible in a high-volume kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a low-pressure, casual first date than a quiet, romantic one—the food impresses, but the room can get busy and energetic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays or earlier in the evening; expect a short wait on weekends but turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly atmosphere with familiar grilled options and generous portions that are easy to share.
Best For
Better for: Reliable Persian/Mediterranean grill execution at scale, fast pacing, and consistent skewer quality even during rushes.
Skip if: You want an intimate, quiet dining room or a chef-driven, small-plate experience—this is about volume, comfort, and dependable classics.