Semiramis
4639 North Kedzie Avenue, Chicago IL; Phone 773-279-8900
Date of Review: December, 2007
This quaint, romantic Lebanese restaurant is a great BYOB with healthy portions of innovative Lebanese cuisine at reasonable prices. The entrance features the carry out area of the restaurant which has a relaxing waiting area with cushions that fit the traditional Lebanese décor of the restaurant. In the adjoining room, there are 12 tables, exposed duct work, Lebanese paintings and wall hangings. The music is just loud enough to hear but doesn’t interrupt with whatever you may be doing (talking to your companion or reading). The lights are dim making for an intimate and romantic dining environment.
I have eaten at Semiramis on many occasions (dine in and carry out) and have tried a variety of different dishes. All have been solid, if not excellent.
As a complimentary snack, they offer marinated turnips and olives. Both are full of flavor and are nice to nibble on while you wait for your meal. For appetizers, the creamy hummus goes well with the wheat (and white) warm pita bread that it is accompanied by. Feel free to add a bit of the flavorful and complex spicy sauce (complimentary, but must be requested) to your hummus or other appetizer. The fattoush salad is also a good way to start a meal. This refreshing salad has cucumbers, tomatoes, green onions, green peppers, radishes, mint and toasted pita bread, mixed with olive oil and lemon juice.
The hummus and chicken shawarma is a filling entrée that hits the spot. Chicken shawarma is served on top of a bed of hummus and is topped with onions, pickle spears and tomatoes. There is a bit of yogurt sauce on top of the chicken that is a nice twist. The chicken is the real highlight as it isn’t the typical chicken shawarma I am used to. While I do like the typical shawarma meat, Semirami’s version is better as the slices of roasted chicken are fresh, well seasoned and tasty.
On another occasion, I had the whole chicken which is a large chicken wrapped in lavash (thin Lebanese style bread) and is served with rice or salad and garlic sauce. The chicken is very good and the portion is large enough for two. The rice and lentils with caramelized onions is a good vegetarian option. This dish is excellent with lots of flavor and is served with a house salad making for quite a feast.
The service is excellent. I have had the same server each time and she is warm, friendly and passionate about the food. Her passion is obvious in the way she describes the specials. While I haven’t tried the specials, everything she has described to me has really sounded fantastic.
The appetizers range from $3 to $6, sandwiches $5 to $6 and entrees $8 to 14$. On my last visit, I had the chicken shawarma and hummus entrée and my total bill was $11.74 including tax but not tip.
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