ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Loop
Best Greek in Loop
Best Romantic Restaurants in Loop
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Loop
Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Loop
Best Trendy Restaurants in Loop
Best Happy Hour in Loop
Master Critic Review
Avli on The Park
8.4
A contemporary Greek dining room that leans into shareable mezze, seafood-forward mains, and a lively, group-friendly pace. Order best when you build a progression—spreads and small plates first, then one whole-fish or lamb centerpiece—so the table stays coherent instead of scattered.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole red snapper, Kataifi shrimp, Flaming saganaki
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Greek mezze-to-mains progression in a lively, polished room.
Who should go: Celebrations, dates, and groups sharing plates.
When to visit: Weeknights for smoother service and pacing.
What to order: Whole red snapper, kataifi shrimp, flaming saganaki.
Insider tip: Start with spreads; add one main after mezze lands.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garage parking throughout Lakeshore East; closest options are the Lakeshore East Garage and Millennium Park garages. Street parking is very limited and unreliable after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Nice jeans work, but most diners lean polished—think date-night or celebration attire.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a conversation, but it’s energetic during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or 10–15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – strong mezze options including spreads, vegetable small plates, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited but workable – several vegetable mezze and salads can be ordered without dairy if you flag it.
Gluten-free options: Yes – many grilled meats, seafood, and mezze are naturally gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you like sharing food. The lively energy helps avoid awkward silences, and mezze ordering creates natural conversation moments.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or earlier evenings, but weekends are tough. Bar seating is often the best walk-in option if you’re flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids who enjoy shared plates. It’s more celebration-focused than family-oriented, with higher noise and pacing.
Best For
Better for: Lively Greek dining with a modern, social vibe—stronger for group energy, shareable mezze, and a see-and-be-seen atmosphere than quieter neighborhood Greek spots.
Skip if: Skip if you want a quiet, intimate dinner or very traditional, old-school Greek cooking—there are calmer, more classic options in the city.