Nestled in the vibrant heart of Chicago, Shawarma Inn has carved out a delicious niche among the city’s diverse culinary offerings. Known for its authentic Middle Eastern flavors, the restaurant has become a cornerstone for locals and visitors seeking genuine shawarma and much more.
Whether you’re craving a quick, satisfying lunch or planning a feast with friends, the Shawarma Inn menu delivers both variety and quality. Each dish reflects a deep respect for tradition, using fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes to transport diners straight to the bustling streets of the Levant.
What truly sets Shawarma Inn apart is its commitment to hospitality and culinary excellence. The aroma of sizzling meats, the inviting warmth of fresh-baked pita, and the burst of herbs and spices create an experience that lingers well beyond the last bite.
For those new to Middle Eastern cuisine, the menu offers a guided tour of flavors—from robust shawarma wraps to vibrant vegetarian plates and rich, comforting desserts. Meanwhile, seasoned fans of Mediterranean fare will find all their favorites, executed with precision and heart.
Choosing what to order can be a delightful challenge, thanks to the abundance of options and the generous portions. Whether you’re a devoted carnivore, a vegetarian, or someone simply seeking a memorable meal, Shawarma Inn’s menu promises a satisfying adventure.
Let’s explore the highlights, discover what makes each dish special, and see why this Chicago institution continues to win over taste buds year after year.
Shawarma: The Star Attraction
At Shawarma Inn, shawarma isn’t just a dish—it’s a culinary performance. Tender slices of marinated meat are slowly roasted on a vertical spit, then carved to order and served piping hot.
The restaurant’s shawarma is famous for its perfectly balanced flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it the undisputed centerpiece of the menu.
Guests can choose between classic chicken shawarma, beef shawarma, or a combination of both. Each variety is seasoned with a unique blend of spices, ensuring a distinct profile that keeps patrons coming back for more.
The shawarma is available in wraps, platters, or even as part of mixed grill feasts, allowing diners to customize their experience.
The wraps are a popular lunch option—generous portions of meat wrapped in fresh pita with crisp vegetables and creamy tahini or garlic sauce. For a heartier meal, the shawarma platters offer a full spread, complete with rice, salad, and sides.
Every bite is a harmonious balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic flavors.
Shawarma Inn’s dedication to authenticity has made its namesake dish a local legend. The slow-roasting method ensures that each slice is juicy and infused with the essence of Middle Eastern spices.
- Chicken Shawarma Wrap: Marinated chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, and garlic sauce in warm pita
- Beef Shawarma Platter: Sliced beef, seasoned rice, salad, pita, and tahini sauce
- Combo Shawarma: A generous mix of chicken and beef shawarma with all the fixings
“The shawarma here rivals anything I’ve tasted in the Middle East. It’s the real deal—juicy, flavorful, and perfectly spiced.” — Local Food Critic
Appetizers and Small Plates: The Perfect Start
Before diving into the main courses, Shawarma Inn invites diners to sample a range of appetizers that set the tone for an exceptional meal. The restaurant’s selection of mezze—small plates meant for sharing—offers a taste of the Mediterranean’s most beloved flavors.
From creamy dips to crisp pastries, the appetizer menu is crafted to awaken the palate and encourage conversation. Many regulars recommend starting with a trio of spreads—hummus, baba ghanoush, and labneh—served with warm, fluffy pita bread.
Each dip offers a unique texture and flavor, from the earthy richness of roasted eggplant to the tangy freshness of strained yogurt.
Crispy falafel is another staple, made with ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, then fried to golden perfection. Served with tahini and pickled vegetables, it’s both satisfying and light.
The stuffed grape leaves (dolma) are filled with seasoned rice, pine nuts, and a hint of lemon, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the heartier dishes that follow.
- Hummus: Silky blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic
- Baba Ghanoush: Roasted eggplant, tahini, olive oil, and spices
- Falafel: Crispy, herb-laced fritters served with tahini
- Stuffed Grape Leaves: Rice, herbs, and spices wrapped in tender grape leaves
“Sharing mezze is the best way to start your meal at Shawarma Inn. Each bite is a celebration of tradition and community.”
Grill Specialties: Beyond Shawarma
While shawarma takes center stage, the grill menu at Shawarma Inn showcases the restaurant’s broader expertise with fire and spice. The grill section features skewers, kebabs, and mixed platters that highlight the rich diversity of Middle Eastern grilling traditions.
Guests can choose from shish tawook—succulent, marinated chicken cubes skewered and grilled to perfection—or classic beef and lamb kebabs, which offer a smoky, savory depth. Each skewer is accompanied by traditional sides, such as rice pilaf, salads, and grilled vegetables, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
For those looking to sample multiple flavors, the mixed grill platters are a popular option. These generous plates feature a variety of meats, allowing diners to experience the full range of Shawarma Inn’s grilling prowess.
The meats are always cooked to order, ensuring freshness and optimal taste.
| Grill Item | Main Protein | Seasoning Profile |
| Shish Tawook | Chicken | Garlic, lemon, paprika, herbs |
| Kofta Kebab | Beef/Lamb | Parsley, onion, cumin, allspice |
| Mixed Grill Platter | Chicken, Beef, Lamb | Varied, house spice blends |
Each grilled item is marinated for hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat. The result is consistently juicy, aromatic, and unforgettable.
- Shish Tawook: Tender chicken skewers, grilled vegetables, and garlic sauce
- Kofta Kebab: Minced beef and lamb skewers with rice and salad
- Mixed Grill Platter: A selection of chicken, beef, and lamb kebabs with all the trimmings
Vegetarian Delights: More Than Just Sides
Shawarma Inn proves that Middle Eastern cuisine offers much more than meat-centric dishes. The vegetarian menu is robust, colorful, and satisfying, catering to both vegetarians and those seeking lighter, plant-based options.
From rich, creamy spreads to hearty vegetable stews, the selection is designed to delight and nourish. The mujaddara—a comforting dish of lentils and rice topped with caramelized onions—stands out for its earthy flavors and satisfying texture.
It’s a favorite among regulars seeking a wholesome, protein-packed meal.
Another highlight is the vegetarian platter, which brings together an array of mezze, fresh salads, and falafel. This combination allows diners to sample a variety of tastes and textures, all while enjoying a balanced, nutrient-rich meal.
Even staunch meat-eaters are often surprised by the depth and complexity of these vegetarian offerings.
“I never thought I’d crave a vegetarian meal until I tried their mujaddara. It’s comfort food at its finest, full of flavor and history.”
- Mujaddara: Lentils, rice, caramelized onions, and spices
- Vegetarian Platter: Hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, falafel, and salad
- Stuffed Eggplant: Roasted eggplant filled with rice, pine nuts, and herbs
The vegetarian dishes at Shawarma Inn are not afterthoughts—they’re crafted with the same care and attention to detail as every item on the menu.
Signature Sides and Fresh Salads
A great meal is built on thoughtful accompaniments, and Shawarma Inn excels in this area. The menu features a range of signature sides and salads that provide both nutrition and vibrant contrast to the main courses.
Salads: Crisp and Refreshing
Diners rave about the fattoush salad, a medley of crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and toasted pita chips, all tossed in a tangy sumac vinaigrette. The tabbouleh, made with finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur, is another crowd-pleaser, bursting with freshness and lemony brightness.
- Fattoush: Mixed greens, vegetables, pita chips, sumac dressing
- Tabbouleh: Parsley, tomatoes, bulgur, lemon, olive oil
- Greek Salad: Tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, olives, oregano
Signature Sides
To round out any meal, Shawarma Inn offers classic sides such as seasoned rice pilaf, crisp fries, and house-made pickles. These sides are the perfect way to balance out the bold flavors of the main dishes.
Attention to detail is evident in every element, from the careful seasoning of the rice to the house-made dressings that elevate the salads.
“A meal here isn’t complete without a side of fattoush. It’s bright, crunchy, and the perfect palate cleanser.”
House-Made Sauces and Condiments
No Middle Eastern meal would be complete without an array of sauces and condiments, and Shawarma Inn delivers with a selection that enhances every bite. The restaurant’s garlic sauce—creamy, pungent, and utterly addictive—is a staple that pairs beautifully with chicken shawarma and grilled meats alike.
The tahini sauce, made from ground sesame seeds, is nutty and smooth, adding depth to falafel, salads, and vegetable dishes. For those who crave a bit of heat, the house-made spicy chili sauce provides a bold kick without overwhelming the palate.
These condiments are available upon request and are generously included with many menu items. Diners are encouraged to mix and match, discovering new flavor combinations with each meal.
| Sauce | Best Pairings | Flavor Profile |
| Garlic Sauce | Chicken Shawarma, Fries, Grilled Chicken | Creamy, bold, garlicky |
| Tahini Sauce | Falafel, Salads, Grilled Veggies | Nutty, smooth, slightly tangy |
| Spicy Chili Sauce | Beef Shawarma, Kabobs, Rice | Hot, vibrant, peppery |
Experimenting with different sauces can transform a familiar dish into something entirely new and exciting.
- Garlic Sauce: Signature blend, rich and creamy
- Tahini Sauce: Silky, nutty, traditional
- Spicy Chili Sauce: House-made, fiery and fresh
Decadent Desserts and Sweet Treats
Every memorable meal deserves a sweet ending, and Shawarma Inn offers a tempting array of desserts that capture the spirit of Middle Eastern hospitality. From flaky pastries to creamy puddings, the dessert menu is a testament to the region’s love of sweets.
The baklava is a must-try, featuring layers of paper-thin phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and honey syrup. Each piece is delicately crisp and satisfyingly rich, striking the perfect balance between sweetness and texture.
The rice pudding (roz bel laban) is another standout—creamy, lightly spiced, and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or pistachios.
For something truly unique, try the maamoul—date-filled cookies dusted with powdered sugar—or a cup of traditional mint tea to end your meal on a refreshing note. These desserts are more than just afterthoughts; they’re crafted with the same passion and care as every dish on the menu.
- Baklava: Phyllo, walnuts or pistachios, honey syrup
- Rice Pudding: Creamy, subtly sweet, topped with cinnamon
- Maamoul: Buttery cookies filled with dates or nuts
- Mint Tea: Fragrant, soothing, a perfect finish
“The baklava is perfection—crispy, not too sweet, and full of flavor. I always order extra to take home.”
Family Combos and Catering Options
Shawarma Inn understands that food is best enjoyed together. The menu includes a variety of family-style combos and catering options, making it easy to bring the flavors of the Middle East to any gathering or event.
The family platters are ideal for groups, offering generous portions of shawarma, kebabs, rice, salads, and sides. These combos are thoughtfully designed to provide something for everyone, ensuring all dietary preferences are met.
For larger gatherings, the catering menu features party trays of appetizers, main courses, and desserts.
Customers can customize their orders based on group size and preferences, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Shawarma Inn’s team is known for their attentive service, ensuring that every event is seamless and memorable.
| Combo | Serves | Includes |
| Shawarma Family Platter | 4-6 | Chicken & beef shawarma, rice, salad, pita, sauces |
| Mixed Grill Combo | 6-8 | Assorted kebabs, grilled veggies, rice, salads, dips |
| Vegetarian Party Tray | 8-10 | Falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, pita |
- Customizable Platters: Build your own feast with shawarma, kebabs, and sides
- Party Trays: Perfect for office lunches, family gatherings, and celebrations
- Special Requests: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available
Planning a special occasion is made easy with Shawarma Inn’s flexible catering services and attention to detail.
Conclusion: Why Shawarma Inn’s Menu Stands Out
Shawarma Inn’s menu is more than a simple list of dishes—it’s an invitation to explore the depth and richness of Middle Eastern cuisine. Every item reflects a commitment to quality, authenticity, and hospitality that has earned the restaurant a loyal following in Chicago’s competitive dining scene.
From the sizzling shawarma and expertly grilled kebabs to the vibrant salads and indulgent desserts, each dish is crafted with care and respect for tradition.
The variety on offer ensures that every diner, regardless of dietary preference, can find something to love. Vegetarians are treated to creative, satisfying options, while meat-lovers revel in succulent, perfectly spiced proteins.
Thoughtfully chosen sides, house-made sauces, and a welcoming atmosphere make every meal feel like a special occasion. Family-style platters and catering options demonstrate the restaurant’s understanding of food as a communal experience.
Above all, Shawarma Inn stands out for its unwavering dedication to flavor and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a neighborhood regular, the menu’s blend of classic favorites and inventive surprises guarantees a memorable dining experience.
In a city renowned for its food, Shawarma Inn continues to shine as a beacon of Middle Eastern culinary excellence.
