Welcome to Avaspi
At Avaspi, a Mediterranean gem nestled in the heart of Chicago, culinary passion meets an inviting atmosphere. Our story is rooted in the tradition of Anatolian flavors, brought to life through vibrant dishes that celebrate the best of Mediterranean dining. Enjoy an array of sizzling hot and cold tapas, from grilled halloumi to spicy calamari, designed to spark joy and connection. With an eclectic cocktail selection and warm service, Avaspi is the perfect spot for gatherings, romantic dinners, or a night out. Join us for an unforgettable culinary journey that blends rich heritage and contemporary flair. Welcome to Avaspi!
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1258 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 Hotline: (773) 720-1297
Welcome to Avaspi, a captivating Mediterranean culinary haven nestled in the heart of Chicago, at 1258 W Belmont Ave. This charming eatery seamlessly blends a lively cocktail bar vibe with a diverse menu inspired by the rich flavors of Anatolian cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Avaspi prides itself on its thoughtfully crafted dishes, offering an array of mouthwatering options that cater to both adventurous palates and those seeking comfort food. From the succulent Lamb Chops served with a refreshing salad and creamy potato puree, to the delicate Orange Salmon paired with asparagus, every main course reflects a meticulous attention to detail. Guests rave about the complexity and depth of flavors, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to authenticity.
- Lamb Delight: Grilled tenderloin with a choice of rice or bulgur - $29.95
- Green Beans Stew: A timeless Anatolian classic featuring fresh green beans and a medley of ingredients - $22.95
- Avaspi Tava: Sauteed beef with vibrant red bell peppers and seasoned to perfection - $29.95
The Hot Tapas and Cold Tapas selections are equally impressive. Diners have noted the perfection of dishes like the rich Mushroom Tava and the zesty Stuffed Dates, which offer a delightful taste experience. Not only are the flavors vibrant, but they also emphasize shareability, ideal for enjoying with friends or a significant other.
- Grilled Halloumi Meze: Savory halloumi served with olives and garlic bread - $16.50
- Calamari Meze: Tender baby calamari tossed with aromatic herbs and spices - $18.50
- Sarma: Homemade grape leaves filled with aromatic rice - $17.50
Avaspi's ambiance truly enhances the dining experience. With a modern yet cozy interior, adorned with unique decor and an inviting outdoor patio, the restaurant exudes warmth and charm. Patrons have expressed their appreciation for the attentive service, with many noting that the staff creates a welcoming environment, enhancing every visit.
Moreover, Avaspi offers a fine selection of cocktails and wines that harmonize beautifully with the bold flavors of the dishes. While some guests have suggested areas for improvement—like the occasional inconsistency in meat preparation—most reviews highlight the overall satisfaction with the food and service.
In conclusion, Avaspi stands out as a standout choice for those seeking to indulge in Mediterranean cuisine that celebrates both tradition and creativity. Whether you are stopping in for a casual cocktail or a grand meal, Avaspi promises to leave a lasting impression, beckoning you to return for another round of exquisite flavors. Don’t miss the chance to discover this gem on Belmont Avenue!
I can't believe this place isn't booked wall-to-wall every night. Very cool interior. The servers were very attentive and all the food we tried was out of this world. I've told everyone about this place
Wonderful atmosphere, great music, excellent service from the super nice guys there, and food was incredible! Also tried the Kurdish coffee and it was great. Look forward to many more times at Avaspi!
My husband brought me here last night to celebrate my birthday. We ordered the halloumi cheese, the BBQ platter for two, and kunafa. The halloumi and kunafa were definitely the highlights for me! The halloumi cheese was absolutely heavenly, and the kunafa had just the right balance of sweetness and texture. However, I was disappointed with the BBQ meat. It was undercooked, and the server didn't ask how we'd like it prepared. The flavor was also lacking, there was no seasoning or salt, which made it feel quite plain. On a positive note, the environment was lovely! The space was clean, beautifully decorated, and the Christmas decorations added a festive touch to the experience
Very attractive Mediterranean spot on Belmont. Food was delicious. Service was excellent. Music perfect for the setting. Give this 4-month old spot a try. Outdoor patio in nice weather.
This place has a great vibe! I came here with a party of 3 and we ordered some cocktails and 5 dishes: Haydari Ezme Babaganoush Calamari Meze Mushroom Tava Everything was really tasty! Our only mistake was that all of our dishes were best with bread/dipped, so we were quickly stuffed! However I'm excited to return to try other items from the menu.
We had a really good experience here! All the food was really good, drinks were just okay, but I'm giving them five stars anyway because they are a newer place. We got the stuffed dates, calamari meze, grilled halloumi meze, and icli kofte/ kutilk. All the dishes were so good, it's hard to pick a favorite but I might choose the halloumi. For the two of us we got four tapas plates and along with the bread it was enough to fill us but it wasn't heavy. I got the Anatolian Nights cocktail and it wasn't bad, but wasn't worth the price tag. Still, I would definitely return.
Really good food! A bit pricey but because service & food was great I gave them 5 stars. Mixed meze appetizer $25.95. Everything was yummy especially the babaganoush. They gave me some gluten free bread (toast) as well as the regular bread. The grilled halloumi meze had great flavor. The calamari meze was very tender & had a bit of a kick to it. The stuffed mushrooms in the tomato sauce were very good as well.
Drinks and food were yummy and the service was excellent. The mixed plate for 2 was so good - more than enough for two! So much space inside for date night or large groups.
I chose Avaspi because is located right across from the play that we were attending. I called for reservations since we were driving from the west burbs and explained we had limited time for a meal because of the play (and my friends taking their sweet time lol). Great choice! I scored. A burst of flavors in a great atmosphere, unique decor, and black walls with red accents looked great. Service was also great, they attended to us quickly knowing our time limitations. The food was fantastic. The perfect fusion of East and West in this Anatolian tapas concept with rich flavors. We tried multiple things: - tomato and goat cheese dish that was fantastic - Meat sampler for 2: tender lamb chops, chicken and beef - Hummus and Babaganoush - Grilled Halloumi Meze (I love Halloumi so I was happy to see it on the menu) I had an Old Fashioned, it was okay, but it would benefit from being served with one big ice cube instead of traditional little pieces. They have a respectable wine and cocktail selection as well as several beers. We all enjoyed the flood and our time at Avaspi. Sadly we did not have time for a sweet treat as we had to dash to the theater. I will definitely return!