Top 18 baklava in Chicago
Baklava, a beloved pastry made of layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and sweet syrup, can be found in Chicago at various Middle Eastern and Mediterranean bakeries and restaurants. This delicious treat, with its flaky texture and unique flavors, offers a taste of tradition and cultural heritage in the heart of the Windy City. Baklava in Chicago is a must-try for foodies and visitors alike.
- 1. Nazareth Sweets
- 2. Feyrous Pastries & Groceries
- 3. Middle East Bakery & Grocery
- 4. Antepli Mediterranean Grill,Baklava&Kunafa
- 5. Sultan's Market
- 6. Hellas Pastry Shop
- 7. Cafe Istanbul
- 8. Sultan's Market
- 9. Zorba's Pastry Shop
- 10. The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen
- 11. Sanabel Bakery & Grocery
- 12. Baba Pita - Middle Eastern Scratch Kitchen and Bakery
- 13. Cedar Palace
- 14. Noon O Kabab Chicago
- 15. Tahoora Sweets & Bakery
- 16. Artopolis Bakery, Cafe & Agora
- 17. Taste of Lebanon Restaurant
- 18. Taza Cafe
1. Nazareth Sweets
Generational family recipes, high-quality ingredients

A delicious and popular dessert, baklava is known for its sweet taste and flaky crust. It consists of layers of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with honey or syrup. Recently, someone brought baklava to a office location, providing an opportunity to taste this delightful treat.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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2. Feyrous Pastries & Groceries
Family-owned business with a wide selection of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern products

The bakery and its staff go out of their way to help customers, creating a personable and hospitable atmosphere. The pastries, such as baklava and kunafa, are excellent, and during Ramadan, they offer katayef. The coffee is always available, and you can have it ground with cardamom, which adds a delightful aroma. Even though the speaker now lives far away, they still enjoy going to the bakery and are happy with its service.
The bakery has been serving its customers for two decades and has become an expert in its pastries. The sweets, including baklava and kunafa, taste great, and their katayef during Ramadan is a must-try. The coffee selection is impressive, and the option to add cardamom makes it even better. The reasonable cost and excellent service have made this bakery a go-to place for the speaker, who continues to visit despite living far away.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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3. Middle East Bakery & Grocery
Family-owned business, Authentic Middle Eastern ingredients, Baklava baking classes available

Middle East Bakery & Grocery is renowned for its exceptional baklava. The city's residents highly recommend trying it. This dessert is a must-try, distinguished by its delightful taste and freshness.
The baklava at this establishment is truly delicious. Its appeal lies in its consistent freshness and the harmonious balance between its sweetness and crunchy texture. It is a standout dessert that always leaves a satisfying impression on those who try it.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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4. Antepli Mediterranean Grill,Baklava&Kunafa
Authentic Turkish cuisine, cozy atmosphere, family-owned and operated

After finishing our meal, we visited the bakery counter located at the front of the restaurant. We decided to take home some delicious house-made baklava. During our visit to the counter, we had the pleasure of speaking with the co-owners, who are delightful brothers.
This restaurant is known for its exceptional kunefe and impressive baklava selection. The brothers who co-own the establishment take great pride in their ability to create these delicious desserts in-house. Their dedication to quality and taste is evident in every bite.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
5. Sultan's Market
Family-owned Middle Eastern restaurant with vegan and vegetarian options

The first paragraph will focus on the salad bar and items ordered from the Middle Eastern restaurant. The salad bar is stocked with a wide variety of options, providing a vast selection for customers. The falafel offered by the restaurant is particularly noteworthy, standing out as a delicious choice. In addition to the salad bar, there are also other offerings available, such as sandwiches and baklava.
The second paragraph will describe the baklava in more detail. Baklava is a popular Middle Eastern dessert, and the restaurant offers this sweet treat as one of their menu options. Although it is not part of the salad bar, it can still be ordered as an additional item. With the variety of choices and the notable quality of their falafel and baklava, the restaurant has much to offer for those looking to explore Middle Eastern cuisine.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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6. Hellas Pastry Shop
Family-owned business operating since 1971, Authentic Greek recipes

The baklava offered is truly exceptional. Its layers are crispy and deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite. The syrup that accompanies it is perfectly balanced, not too sweet and not too thick. This results in a harmonious combination of flavors and textures that make it a standout.
If you have the opportunity to try their baklava, it is highly recommended. The freshness of the ingredients is apparent in each bite, elevating the overall taste. The flavor is robust and satisfying, making for a truly enjoyable dessert experience. You will not be disappointed with this choice.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
7. Cafe Istanbul
Offers hookah and belly dancing shows on weekends

Authentic Turkish cuisine is a must-try, featuring grilled lamb, chicken, and squid dishes that are best enjoyed with a group, sharing dishes family style. Make sure to save room for dessert and Turkish coffee, specifically the baklava which is a standout. The freshly made baklava is exceptional and considered the best in the USA.
The overall dining experience is excellent, with food that is undeniably and traditionally Turkish. The meal left a lasting impression, leading to a high recommendation for those seeking authenticity and flavor. The intention is to return for another taste of the remarkable Turkish dishes offered.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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8. Sultan's Market
Family-owned and operated for over 20 years

The reader expresses their delight after having dinner from Sultan's Market, having ordered the lamb shawarma platter and two baklavas. They describe the quantity of food as substantial and note that the total cost was $20. Among all the components of the platter, the curry rice stood out as their favorite.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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9. Zorba's Pastry Shop

TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
10. The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen
Family-owned and operated, Halal meat options, Vegetarian and vegan-friendly

The baklava served as the perfect ending to our meal, offering a delightful and memorable experience. It was not overly sweet and featured crisp, flaky layers that melted in our mouths. The lightness of the pastry was a pleasant surprise, making for a satisfying finish without overwhelming our taste buds.
The establishment's take on baklava is known for its subtle sweetness and delicate texture. The phyllo pastry is masterfully prepared, resulting in a light and airy confection. This version is a clear standout, even for those who may not typically enjoy traditional baklava due to its often heavy and overly sweet nature.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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11. Sanabel Bakery & Grocery
Family-owned Middle Eastern bakery and grocery with fresh, homemade goods

The baklava in question is a standout dessert that has gained recognition for its delightful taste and texture. Its perfect sweetness and flaky consistency are worth highlighting, making it a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
In Chicago, this particular baklava has been hailed as the best in the city. Its crisp layers and well-balanced filling have earned it this distinction. The dessert's quality is unmatched, making it a top recommendation for anyone seeking a delicious treat in the area.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
12. Baba Pita - Middle Eastern Scratch Kitchen and Bakery
Family-owned business serving authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with a modern twist

The baklava on offer is truly delightful. Its combination of sweet and flaky textures makes it a standout. This dessert strikes the right balance between indulgence and refinement. Each bite offers a burst of flavor that is incredibly satisfying.
Freshness is a key factor in the quality of this baklava. Its taste is heightened by the obvious care taken in preparing it. This dessert is an excellent choice for those looking to finish a meal on a high note. The satisfaction it brings is a testament to its quality.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
13. Cedar Palace
Family-owned business with a passionate staff, dedicated to providing exceptional Mediterranean cuisine and excellent customer service.

The Baklava served by the restaurant was delightful, particularly as part of their recent one-year anniversary celebration. Its exquisite balance of sweetness and flakiness made it a standout, leaving a memorable impression. The quality of the Baklava alone inspires confidence in the dinner menu, making it a likely return destination for us to explore further culinary delights.
It's worth noting that the restaurant's Baklava is highly recommended for anyone with a sweet tooth. Its delicious combination of sweet and flaky textures makes it a true delight. This dessert is a must-try for anyone looking to treat themselves to something special and tasty.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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14. Noon O Kabab Chicago
Family-owned restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere

The baklava offered at this establishment is truly delicious, providing a satisfying end to a meal. It is prepared in a way that showcases the traditional flavors and textures of this popular Middle Eastern dessert. The quality of the baklava here is top-notch, with a flaky, crispy outer crust and a gooey, sweet filling made from chopped nuts and honey.
For those looking to try some of the best baklava in Chicago, this place is a must-visit. The baklava stands out for its exceptional taste and texture, making it a memorable dessert option. The combination of the delicate, buttery layers of phyllo dough, the crunchy nuts, and the sticky, sweet syrup creates a delightful sensory experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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15. Tahoora Sweets & Bakery
Offers custom cake designs, caters to various dietary restrictions, and has a cozy atmosphere.

Tahoora Sweets & Bakery is known for its delicious baklava. The pastry is always fresh and has the perfect level of sweetness. It is widely considered to be some of the best baklava in Chicago due to its consistent freshness and flavor.
I have had the pleasure of trying the baklava at Tahoora Sweets & Bakery on multiple occasions. Each time, I have been impressed by the freshness and taste of the pastry. The balance of sweetness is particularly noteworthy, making it a standout option for those with a sweet tooth. Whether you are a Chicago local or just visiting, Tahoora Sweets & Bakery's baklava is not to be missed.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
16. Artopolis Bakery, Cafe & Agora
Family-owned since 1994, offering Greek pastries, coffee, and meals

Crain's Chicago Business reviewed a Greektown restaurant, with mixed feedback on their Melomakarona cookies, which were deemed tasty with a good honey and nut combination, and their baklava, which was criticized for lacking enough walnuts, vanilla, and cinnamon. The establishment is popular, with a charming atmosphere, and offers Greek items for purchase. It is a favorite spot for the reviewer, who has had positive experiences with dinner, lunch, and coffee there, admiring the young and lively crowd.
The same Greektown restaurant offers a variety of Greek items for purchase, and has a lively, young crowd that provides good people-watching opportunities. According to the reviewer, dinner, lunch, and coffee experiences have all been enjoyable, indicating consistent quality service. The Melomakarona cookies were a highlight with their honey and nut combination, although the baklava fell short of expectations, due to insufficient walnuts, vanilla, and cinnamon. Nonetheless, the atmosphere and overall dining experience remain positive factors for the reviewer.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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17. Taste of Lebanon Restaurant
Family-owned restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere

Baklava, a popular Middle Eastern dessert, was enjoyed and found to be delicious, with its ingredients consisting of pistachios and prepared in the traditional Lebanese way. The baklava was made with high-quality pistachios, giving it a unique and delightful taste. Surprisingly, the prices for this delicious treat were quite low, making it an excellent value for the money.
Couples or loved ones are encouraged to share the experience of tasting this delicious baklava together. The opportunity to savor the rich and nutty flavors of this traditional Lebanese dessert is one that should not be missed, and it is an experience that will be made even more enjoyable when shared with someone special. Overall, the delicious taste and low prices make this baklava a must-try for anyone who loves Middle Eastern desserts.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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18. Taza Cafe
Family-owned and operated, using traditional recipes and techniques

The baklava at Taza Cafe is a standout, known for its delightful combination of sweetness and flakiness. This dessert is a must-try for anyone visiting the cafe. The Baklava Sweets Sampler Platter is a particularly enjoyable way to experience this treat.
The Baklava Sweets Sampler Platter at Taza Cafe is the perfect ending to a meal. It offers a variety of flavors and textures, all packed into one delicious platter of baklava. The platter is a great way to sample the different types of baklava that the cafe has to offer.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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