ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Best Middle Eastern in Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Best Romantic Restaurants in Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Master Critic Review
Avaspi
8.2
Avaspi brings an Anatolian slant to Lakeview with tapas-style mezze, charcoal-grilled kebabs, and a polished room of velvet seating and cocktails. It’s where locals upgrade a neighborhood dinner into something closer to a night out without leaving the zip code.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mixed meze appetizer, Grilled halloumi meze, Anatolian Breakfast for Two
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Design-forward Anatolian spot where mezze, cocktails, and brunch meet in a chic space.
Who should go: Couples or groups wanting an upscale but still relaxed night.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings or late brunch for fuller energy.
What to order: Mixed meze appetizer, grilled halloumi, Anatolian Breakfast for Two.
Insider tip: Build the meal around shared mezze first; mains are rich and filling.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on nearby side streets; availability tight during peak dinner hours. No regular valet reported.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine but most guests lean dressy for weekends.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is possible at smaller tables, louder during peak brunch and late evenings.
Weekend wait: Often 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during prime seating blocks.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait when open for daytime service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several mezze, salads, and cheese-focused plates can work well.
Vegan options: Limited — a few mezze can be adapted, but mains skew dairy- and grill-focused.
Gluten-free options: Some options available (grilled meats, salads, select mezze); confirm preparation with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished room, cocktails, and shareable mezze create an easy conversational pace without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — early evenings and late seats are your best bet; peak weekends generally require a reservation to avoid a long wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — older kids and early seatings are fine, but the space and menu skew more adult and evening-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Upscale-meets-neighborhood nights with strong cocktails, design-forward ambiance, and shareable mezze that work well for groups and dates.
Skip if: You’re seeking casual pricing, very quiet conversation, or a menu with broad vegan or allergy-specific coverage.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday4pm - 10pm
Wednesday4pm - 10pm
Thursday4pm - 10pm
Friday4pm - 10pm
Saturday10am - 10pm
Sunday10am - 10pm