Naf Naf Grill

Before I go into this review, I need to set the stage. I am anaphylactic to sesame seeds, tree nuts, beans (not lentils or chickpeas). So, these are so pretty serious allergies, and sometimes limit my menu items, especially middle eastern restaurants. I did check out the online Allergy Alert page for Naf Naf, and it is clearly marked. Bravo, Naf Naf. Wish ALL restaurants would offer type of this. So, off to grab my lunch, only a short walk for me. I have passed Naf Naf many times, but never stopped in. Lemme tell you, I WILL be stopping in now! Oh mon dieu! I was greeted by Hanna, the GM of this location. I asked about allergies, she showed me the sign (same as online) they clearly display for customers. SUPER SMART! Kind Hanna told me exactly what had sesame (all desserts are out...all have sesame). Clearly, hummus has it too, except the one I make at home, I just leave it out and it's STILL delish. I got a lentil soup, 3 side falafels, a pita sandwich with falafels, red cabbage, an onion mixture of some sort, and some sort of cucumber mixture. I refused the pickles and all sauces as add-ons, though. The soup first. Lentil soup! Holy moly. YUMMY!!! Flavorful! It was so delish I wanna haul my butt back there and get more!! Winner! Chickpea falafel balls... I had not had falafel in years, and that's no joke. So, I thought because the sandwich I had yet to taste was soooooo big, I might skip those and save for later. But I could not resist. I took ONE small bite and photographed it. After I took the photo, my willpower was gone. I gobbled down ALL 3! WINNER! Now the sandwich. I am stuffed from the soup and falafel, but for you, my trusting reader of my reviews, I took a bite. Hmmm...let me try a second. Hmmmm...a third. Okay, I need to stop and throw myself on my couch cuz I'm so full. 🙃 The pita fresh as heck, the veggies were beautiful and also extremely fresh tasting, the falafel, well we already know how I have professed my undying love for these. Seriously, so much food that I could not finish the sandwich. I wrapped it up the remainder, and I will finish tonight or tomorrow. But it WILL be eaten. My plan is to add Naf Naf to my list of "where to eat" locations. And honestly, it's now in my top 3 of quick bites to grab, I cannot lie. There is a dining area, I walked around it (see my pics) and it was spotless. I get grossed out by dirty restaurants, but this place seemed pretty darned clean. Kudos to the management. And a TIP for you: Naf Naf does offer a rewards program app, so if interested, download it and start collecting points before you go! Merci beaucoup, Naf Naf!! I guess I can say, it was love at first bite!! J'adore!

It's pretty hidden but pretty good for it's portions !! Biggest highlight was the falafel - really crispy Got the bowl with steak + mix of rice & salad topped with eggplant spread & hummus Added all the toppings (cabbage, onions, jalapeno, middle eastern salad (tomato & cucumber) Lots of sauce to choose from, got the mild spicy sauce + garlic sauce (super GARLICKY) Included a side of pita & added naf naf chips too (they fry them fresh) + unsweetened tea (could've gotten sodas etc , but I'm happy they had this option as well as minute maid light lemonade) Baklava was the size of maybe half my palm, with a good chew & lots of nuts - might get their box next time

I have heard my best friend (Chicago resident) talk about Naf Naf for years, so on my most recent visit, she finally took me to try it out! I wish I would’ve had it sooner, as this is one of my new downtown Chicago favorites! I had her order for me, and boy was I blown away! All the ingredients were hot and fresh, and full of flavor. The staff (mostly young men) were very friendly and kept things running smoothly! Can’t wait to visit again!

Came here the second time, but it was one hour before closing. However, they decided to close the dinning area but did not tell when I placed the order. I got Chicken Shawarma Baba Ghanoush Bowl that came with a pita bread which unfortunately it's a bit difficult to eat without sitting down. Would have ordered a sandwich if I have knew the information. Luckily I was able to cross the bridge to the plaza to sit down. View was great but it's cold and so is food.

We went to the downtown location of Naf Naf for a quick lunch and were pleasantly surprised. The portions are fair, as are the prices for fresh ingredients. I appreciate that it is fast food, but doesn’t feel like fast food (read: heavy, fried, starchy). The hubs and I shared a pick 2 plate with Chicken Shawarma and falafel. We loved the pickled red cabbage (so good!), the fresh salad, and flavorful rice. Both the falafel and chicken were good as well. It actually reminded me of the late night shawarma and chip places in Europe, with flavors that blended well and were a perfect topping to their super airy and light pita! And the garlic sauce - mannnnnn!! It has a rich sour cream tasting base, and is creamy and delicious with all the food. We also shared a steak shawarma bowl. Next time we’ll skip the steak. The flavors tasted more Latin than middle eastern, which was a turn off, cuz it didn’t really mesh well with the other food. The bowl with just the veggies, couscous, and garlic sauce would probably have been better.