Yasemi, A Modern Mediterranean Restaurant — Restaurant in Chicago

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Yasemi: Good Intentions, Mixed Execution

Yasemi is one of those places that clearly tries hard—sometimes a little too hard. The service is incredibly attentive, almost to the point of feeling over-eager. There’s a fine line between being welcoming and making diners feel rushed, and unfortunately, this place leans toward the latter.

The menu itself is a mixed bag. Some dishes hit the mark, while others felt slightly off. The avgolemono soup, for example, was decent but had an unexpected creaminess that made me wonder if it had dairy in it—unusual for a dish that traditionally gets its texture from eggs alone. The heirloom tomato salad was fresh and well-balanced, but nothing particularly memorable. On the other hand, the beef kofta stood out as one of the better offerings—juicy, flavorful, and well-seasoned.

One small gripe was the upselling. While recommendations are always welcome, the enthusiasm felt more like a sales pitch than a genuine suggestion.

For mains, the chicken kebab was well-prepared and paired nicely with a tzatziki-avocado sauce, and the cauliflower bravas had good flavor, though it's hard to get overly excited about cauliflower as a centerpiece.

Dessert was the biggest letdown—no baklava, no traditional Greek sweets, just a rice pudding that was unfortunately forgettable.

Overall, Yasemi has potential, but the experience felt a bit too polished in ways that didn’t necessarily enhance the meal. If you’re in the area, it’s a fine option, but for more authentic and less fussy Greek food, there are likely...

Went out to dinner with another couple and were seated at 7pm. The server was non existent. We didn’t place an order for drinks until after 7:30. We had a pregnant woman in our group that ordered a mocktail and one person that doesn’t drink order another mocktail. The names of their mocktails are the same as the alcoholic versions, but alas we all got alcoholic drinks. Not great! Especially with a pregnant woman. Upon asking if they were alcoholic they then realized their mistake and replaced them but still charged us for the alcoholic drinks too despite telling us it would be taken off the bill.

The food was fine, nothing special. Honestly bland. They forgot to bring pita for a dish that included it. When they brought out the chicken kabobs the server struggled very hard to rip the chicken off the skewers making everyone very nervous while the unprofessional took a knife to the top of the skewer and tried to pull the chicken off with a fork. He ended up breaking up the chicken into the dish. It was very strange and not great presentation at all. The portions were pretty small.

When we asked to get the bill adjusted for the mistake, they came back and said they had reduced the price but not taken it off. We then had to ask again to please take the alcoholic drinks off the bill.

The service was bad, took forever, not friendly, nor helpful in the slightest. Will...

From the moment I stepped into your restaurant, I was immediately enveloped in the calming, bohemian-inspired atmosphere you've so thoughtfully created. The soft lighting, plush seating, and earthy tones set the perfect tone for a relaxing, memorable dining experience. The food was absolutely outstanding. Every dish I tried was a masterpiece, brimming with fresh, vibrant flavors that truly capture the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. From the delicious pita, to the perfectly grilled octopus and the delectable mezze spread, each bite reflected the care and attention to detail you put into your dishes. The quality of the ingredients was evident, and the portions were generous without ever feeling overwhelming. And those plates were love at first sight.

What really stood out, however, was the bar service. The team was incredibly professional, yet warm and caring, making me feel not only well-cared for but also genuinely valued. The thoughtful recommendations and attentive service elevated the entire experience, ensuring that every need was met with warmth and consideration. In every way, dining at your restaurant was an exceptional experience, and I can't wait to return. Your perfect blend of ambiance, food, and service makes this a place I will undoubtedly recommend to others. Thank you for such a wonderful experience! Happy Holidays,...