Avli Taverna

Overview

Avli Taverna is a must-visit gem nestled in the heart of Chicago, located at 1335 W Wrightwood Ave STE 1. If you're looking for a dining experience that combines Mediterranean flavors with a cozy, inviting atmosphere, this spot has everything you need. Whether you're popping in for a quick lunch or planning a special evening out, you'll find something to love about this trendy and vibrant eatery.

The moment you walk through the doors of Avli Taverna, you're immediately greeted by a warm and lively ambiance. The space is a blend of modern design and classic Mediterranean charm, featuring rustic wooden tables and an open kitchen where you can see the chefs working their magic. It’s the kind of place that feels both upscale and laid-back at the same time, making it ideal for any occasion, from casual meals to celebratory dinners.

One of the highlights of dining at Avli Taverna is their menu, which is packed with fresh, flavorful dishes inspired by Greek cuisine. From the moment you glance at the menu, it’s clear that each dish is crafted with care and attention to detail. The starters are perfect for sharing, and the Greek spreads, such as tzatziki and hummus, will transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Each bite is a burst of flavor that leaves you wanting more.

For those with a craving for grilled meats, you won’t be disappointed. The lamb chops at Avli Taverna are a standout, perfectly seared with a smoky char and served with a side of savory roasted vegetables. If lamb isn’t your thing, the grilled octopus is another favorite. Tender and lightly charred, it’s cooked to perfection, and its smoky flavor pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon dressing.

Vegetarians are equally well taken care of here. The roasted eggplant and zucchini are served with a creamy yogurt sauce that complements the sweetness of the vegetables perfectly. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try their Greek salad, a refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, dressed in olive oil and lemon juice. It’s simple yet satisfying, showcasing the beauty of fresh ingredients.

No Mediterranean meal is complete without a little indulgence, and Avli Taverna doesn’t disappoint. Their dessert menu is a perfect way to wrap up your meal. The baklava is flaky, sweet, and rich in flavor, with just the right amount of honey to satisfy your sweet tooth. For something a bit different, try their Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts - a refreshing and light end to an otherwise hearty meal.

In addition to its fantastic food, Avli Taverna also offers a carefully curated selection of wines, with a particular focus on Greek varieties. The knowledgeable staff is always happy to recommend a pairing that complements your meal perfectly. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a casual drinker, you’ll find something to suit your taste.

The service at Avli Taverna is another reason why diners keep coming back. The staff is friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the food they serve. They’re happy to share the story behind each dish and ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of fantastic.

If you're planning to visit, it’s a good idea to check out their location at 1335 W Wrightwood Ave, STE 1. Whether you’re a local or just passing through Chicago, it’s worth making a stop to experience the best of Greek cuisine in a relaxed and inviting setting. With its exceptional food, inviting atmosphere, and outstanding service, Avli Taverna is sure to become a favorite in no time.

So, if you’re craving authentic Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist, head over to Avli Taverna. You’ll enjoy delicious food, a great ambiance, and a dining experience that keeps you coming back for more.

Good to know

Service options

âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Delivery âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-in

Highlights

âś“ Fast service âś“ Great cocktails âś“ Great dessert âś“ Great wine list âś“ Serves local specialty

Popular for

âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo dining

Accessibility

âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toilet âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park

Offerings

âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Happy-hour drinks âś“ Healthy options âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ Vegetarian options âś“ Wine

Dining options

âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table service

Amenities

âś“ Bar on site âś“ Toilet

Atmosphere

âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ Romantic âś“ Trendy âś“ Upmarket

Crowd

âś“ Groups âś“ Tourists

Planning

âś“ Brunch reservations recommended âś“ Dinner reservations recommended âś“ Accepts reservations âś“ Usually a wait

Payments

âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cards

Children

âś“ High chairs

Parking

âś“ Free of charge street parking

Pets

âś“ Dogs allowed outside

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 630 reviews
Amazing 489
Great 104
Okay 35
Not Great 24
Terrible 30
Will Robson

Enthusiastically endorsed by my Greek girlfriend, Avli had a reputation to live up to. Hungry for happy hour, we found ourselves at the chic Mediterranean bar enjoying the friendly staff, seasonal drink menu, and neighborhood-famous appetizers. The star of the show - soutzoukakia - a hand shaped riff on the merely mediocre Italian meatball we’ve all grown used to. Surprisingly spiced and severely under portioned, the beef soutzoukakia held its own, thanks in part to the bold pepper sauce and generous topping of graviera cheese. To wash it down we went for the “teach me to dance”. This citrusy vodka cocktail was infused with Greek mountain tea and garnished with thyme. It tasted like Squirt soda in the best way possible. But a trip to Avli wouldn’t be complete without the Pita trio featuring hummus, tzatziki, and my new obsession - tirokafteri. This feta-meets-chili dip is worth doubling up on, and had us ordering another batch of pita just to prolong the enjoyment. Arrive with an appetite and an uber home because happy hour at Avli can quickly turn into a full-blown feast that lingers well past sunset. Thanks to Davonte for the stellar service. @wilba on Beli

Dr. Gabriel J Martinez-Diaz, MD

I had an exceptional dining experience tonight, and the true highlight was Nicole, hands down the best server at the bar. She was incredibly attentive, professional, and warm throughout the entire evening. Nicole anticipated everything I needed without ever being intrusive — a level of service that genuinely exceeded expectations. The food was delicious, the atmosphere inviting, and Nicole’s hospitality elevated the whole experience to a new level. Avli is lucky to have someone of her caliber on their team. I highly recommend sitting at the bar and asking for Nicole if you want flawless, thoughtful service. Will definitely return!

Zuzanna

Lovely outside patio!!! The solomos is a little dry but very well seasoned on a delicious celery puree… Hummus is nice, but it’s very hard to screw up.

Phil Pasteris

I would give Avli 6 stars! We stopped for lunch on a very rainy Tuesday and instantly felt we made the right choice. Order the lunch special! Three magnificent courses that easily shared by two. The pita bread and hummus were magic. The salad second course we crisp and tasty. The chicken on a skewer and Greek fries were perfect. Their olive oil is very special. I bought a bottle to test at home! Wow! We will be back for sure! We even got a gyro to go for the dinner at MDW!!!

Helen Karadsheh Levinson

Delicious cuisine, yummy cocktails and great place to sit outdoors for dinner. We ordered a few plates to share. Recommend the Greek salad, Meatballs, Calamari, Shrimp in Filo, Gyro Plate and Chicken Souvlaki. Would have ordered the lamb shank but one of our friends wasn’t a fan, so I’ll order next time as it looked absolutely delicious when served the next table over from us. For cocktails try the Watermelon margarita. So good! Also, the have happy hour before 5:30pm. Great stop for dinner and reasonably priced.

Jason Powell

This is an amazingly fire Greek spot that’s tucked into a quiet Lincoln park location. The service and vibes were professional but still relaxed and not uptight. All the dishes we had were excellent and every dish I saw people around me ordering looked amazing. Definitely check this spot out.

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