SemSem Mediterranean — Restaurant in Palos Township

A Hidden Gem That Feels Like Home – Our Family Experience at Semsem Mediterranean

There are restaurants you visit once, and then there are places like Semsem Mediterranean, where the moment you walk through the door, something shifts—you feel at ease, welcomed, and taken care of like family. Our recent visit was nothing short of memorable, and I can confidently say this was one of the most enjoyable dining experiences our family has had in a long time.

We discovered Semsem Mediterranean by chance while looking for a spot that could accommodate our whole family, including a few picky eaters and one person with dietary restrictions. From the moment we stepped inside, we were warmly greeted by the staff. It didn’t feel like the typical transactional hello—it was genuine. They smiled with their eyes, took time to ask how we were doing, and immediately offered to find us a comfortable spot for our group. It felt more like we were being welcomed into someone’s home than seated at a restaurant.

The atmosphere was warm, clean, and beautifully decorated in a way that captures the rich culture of the Mediterranean without feeling overdone. The lighting was soft, and the music in the background was just the right volume—it created a vibe that was both cozy and upbeat, perfect for a relaxed family dinner.

Now to the food—oh my goodness, the food! Every single thing we ordered was bursting with flavor. We started with a round of appetizers: creamy hummus that was velvety smooth and perfectly seasoned, warm fresh-baked pita that was fluffy on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside, and a tabbouleh salad that was so fresh, it almost danced on your tongue. Even our kids, who usually shy away from anything green, kept reaching for more.

For the main course, we ordered a variety of dishes to share—shawarma platters, falafel wraps, lamb kebabs, grilled chicken, and one vegetarian bowl for our niece. Each dish arrived hot and beautifully plated. The lamb was tender and juicy, grilled to perfection with that rich, smoky flavor you only get from a real grill. The chicken had a perfect char and was marinated so well that every bite was infused with flavor. And the falafel—crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside—was easily some of the best we’ve ever had.

What really stood out to us was the attention to detail. Everything tasted homemade, like the recipes had been passed down for generations. You could tell the kitchen took pride in what they served. Even the sides—rice, garlic sauce, pickles, grilled vegetables—were thoughtful and flavorful, not just filler on the plate.

But what truly elevated the whole experience was the people. The staff at Semsem were so incredibly kind. Throughout the meal, they checked in on us just enough—not too much, never overbearing, but always making sure we were enjoying ourselves. They chatted with us like old friends, made us laugh, and even brought out a small dessert on the house when they found out it was my dad’s birthday. That small act of kindness meant so much to us. It wasn’t something flashy or over-the-top—it was thoughtful, sincere, and heartfelt. That’s rare these days.

By the end of the evening, we found ourselves lingering at the table, just enjoying the moment. No one rushed us out. In fact, one of the staff members brought us mint tea and said, “Stay as long as you’d like. You’re part of the family now.” And I’ll be honest, it almost brought tears to my eyes. It’s that kind of warmth and hospitality that stays with you long after the meal is over.

So if you’re looking for a place to eat that serves authentic, flavorful Mediterranean food with heart, Semsem Mediterranean is where you want to be. Whether you’re going out for a quick bite, a special family dinner, or just craving food that feels good for the soul, this place delivers on every level. And the people—they are the kind of kind-hearted, welcoming individuals that make you want to come back not just for the food, but for the feeling of being seen, appreciated, and cared for.

We’ll definitely...

I recently visited SemSem, and it was a wonderful experience! The place was clean and had a cozy atmosphere. The staff were very friendly and greeted us with smiles as soon as we arrived. They were attentive and quick to take our orders.

The food was amazing! I tried the shawrma wrap and it was fresh and full of flavor. My friends also enjoyed their meals, especially the shawrma wraps. The portions were generous, and everything was served hot. The drinks were also refreshing and paired well with the food.

The restaurant’s location is convenient, and there is plenty of parking available. The prices are reasonable for the quality of the food and service. I think it’s a great spot for families, friends, or even a night out.

I highly recommend SemSem to anyone looking for a delicious meal and a pleasant dining experience. I can’t wait to come back and try more items...

After so many unfortunate failed restaurants at this location I can honestly say this one is likely here to stay! They offer dine-in & drive-thru. I was in a bit of a hurry so I did the drive-thru. Ordering was easy as the menu is simple and easy to read. The employee over the speak was clean and loud enough to hear.

I ordered the chicken Bowl and wow did it not disappoint! I was immediately hit with amazing flavor. The serving size is very generous with all the Mediterranean toppings one could ask for. The Persian cucumbers are so delicious! The serving of chicken is perfect! You literally have a piece or more per bite throughout the entire bowl!

I would definitely recommend this restaurant and will be...