ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Wicker Park & West Town
Best Greek in Wicker Park & West Town
Best Middle Eastern in Wicker Park & West Town
Best Happy Hour in Wicker Park & West Town
Master Critic Review
Elia
8.2
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Date Night Magic
Girls Night Out Approved
Group Dining Gatherings
Elia is a modern Mediterranean restaurant on Division where mezze, mixed grills, and seafood arrive in a candlelit room accented with deep reds and live-fire aromas. It’s used for birthday dinners and date nights when diners want an all-evening experience built around shared plates and a broader wine list.
Must-Try Dishes:
All-you-can-eat mezze and grill spread, Lamb chops, Baklava dessert
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Modern, music-forward Mediterranean room built for lingering celebrations.
Who should go: Small groups planning birthdays or longer celebratory dinners.
When to visit: Weekend evenings when the dining room feels fully energized.
What to order: Mezze spread, mixed grill platter, house baklava for sharing.
Insider tip: Come hungry on all-you-can-eat nights and pace the mezze.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Division and nearby side streets; can be competitive on weekends. Limited paid garages within a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for nights out.
Noise level: Lively — conversation is possible, but it can feel energetic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–60 minutes without a reservation during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though dinner fills faster than lunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — mezze and salads offer several solid options.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be made vegan, but menus skew toward dairy and grilled meats.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free dishes — ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the candlelit dining room, cocktails, and shareable plates create an easy, conversational vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays, but weekends book quickly — arrive early or plan for a wait if you walk in.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s more of an adult-leaning, evening restaurant — older kids and teens are fine, but it’s not designed for small children.
Best For
Better for: Celebrations, date nights, and groups who want a full-evening Mediterranean experience with atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, very casual dining, or a menu centered on strictly traditional Greek or Middle Eastern classics.