Sayat Nova East Armenian

08/02/09

THIS RESTUARANT IS NOTHING ARMENIAN

by aREALArmenian at Citysearch

THIS IS NOT AN ARMENIAN EATERY

THIS PLACE IS OWNED BY EYRABS

PLZ DONT CONFUSE EYRABS FOR REAL ARMENIANS

ARMENIANS ARE NOT MIDDLE EASTERN ANYTHING

NOR ARE WE ARABS

WE ARE CAUCASIANS

WE ARE FROM TRANS-CAUCASIA, ANATOLIA

ARMENIAN FOOD IS NOT EYRAB FOOD

WE HAVE OUR OWN FOODS/DISHES

WE SHARE NOTHING IN COMMON WITH EYRABS

THE SCAM LIARS WHO OWN THIS PLACE ARE EYABS USING ARMENIAN WORDS/NAME FOR THEIR PLACE OF BUISNESS. DONT BE FOOLED BY THESE KINDS OF SCAM EYABS WHO USE OTHER IDENTITIES SUCH AS: ARMENIAN, GREEK, ITALIANS, SERBIAN, SPANISH, ETC...

I HOPE THEY ARE SHUT DOWN

AND I HIGHLY RECOMMEND NEVER TO GO THERE

THEY ARE FRAUDULENT IN USING MY ARMENIAN IDENTITY FOR THEIR OWN GAIN, MANY EYABS DO THIS, THEY ARE FRAUD AND SCAM ARTISTS AND USE OTHER PPL'S IDENTITIES SO THAT KNOW ONE WILL BASH EYAB NAME WHEN THEY ARE VICTIM OF THEM

• Cons: THIS IS NOT AN ARMENIAN PLACE

02/25/09

One of Chicago's best kept secrets

by writeon1 at Citysearch

My family has been coming here for decades...for reasonably priced, highly authentic Armenian/Middle Eastern food, there is nothing better. It's almost like retreating into a private sanctuary when you duck off of Michigan Ave to eat here. Everything is fresh and delicious and I especially recommend the spinach pies and lentil soup. Yes, there are other Middle Eastern offerings in Chicago but none so convenient, authentic and well-priced.

• Pros: All aspects of this authentic Armenian restaurant
• Cons: I wish they were open later!

08/18/07

great alternative to touristy spots on michigan ave

by topchef_aj at Citysearch

My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this place on a saturday night. We started with the Armenian style thin crust pizza, which was suprisingly mediocre, as it came out more like a lamb filled quesadilla than a pizza. However, the rest of our meal was tasty and unique. The spinach and cheese boereg (spinach and cheese wrapped in a flaky phyllo crust) paved the way for our delicious entrees. My boyfriend loved his lamb couscous, and my scallops were cooked perfectly in a light, tomato sauce served with fresh vegetables and rice pilaf. The ambience was relaxed and casual, a nice european style alternative to the crazy, chaotic rush of many restaurants surrounding Michigan Avenue. Bottom line- If you want a 2 hour wait and a headache, go to Grand Lux or Bandera, but if you want a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere, go to Sayat Nova.

• Pros: Ambience

02/16/07

Beautiful restauarant, tasty food

by pjs2780 at Citysearch

My husband I enjoyed a delicious dinner at Sayat Nova on a Sunday evening. The decor is beautiful and I really liked the curved booth where we were seated. The food was great as well -- we started with the lebneh, which was creamy and tangy; delicious! For dinner, I had the Armenian Sampler (suffed grape leaves, phyllo-wrapped cheese, meatball, and eggplant with lamb); everything was perfectly seasoned; very very good. My husband got the kebab sampler which came with some of the best rice I have ever had; each of the kebabs had a different texture and flavor, which was great. The only downsides -- we were the only ones there, they were a little stingy with the pita bread, the music (French, interestingly) was a little loud, and the ladies restroom smelled like sewer. We would definitely go back, but maybe with more people so that we don't feel so lonely while eating such yummy food!

10/26/05

Stay Away!

by tyjohnson at Citysearch

Terrible customer service. If you are looking for frustration, I recommend going to this restaurant. If you are looking for a nice relaxing dinner, go anywhere else in the neighborhood.

• Cons: Service, Food, Ambience

10/10/05

Different non-chain atmosphere

by chgolvr at Citysearch

If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind place that's different from the normal Michigan Ave fair, this is it. The kabobs were flavorful and tender, and the stuffed grape leaves were wonderful! The atmosphere is cozy and private and the staff are unobtrusive. I've taken many different people here and they always find something good on the menu.

• Pros: Not a chain, Convenient Location, Atmosphere

06/30/04

Not up to par

by brian_ax at Citysearch

I ordered the lamb kababs. The lamb was gamey, and the rice tasted just like the boxed kind at the store.

The mezza was paltry. The hummus was bland, as was the babaganoush. Not enough bread.

Service was sort of friendly, but I had the feeling they couldn't have cared less if I was there. I tried really hard to be friendly, which was always met with a smile, but reserved. That's fine, but we had to keep asking for more water.

• Pros: Nice atmosphere

05/15/02

Delicious Mediterranean Flavors

by peter_behle at Citysearch

This little restaurant a welcome retreat from the bustling shops and restaurants on Michigan Avenue. The dining room is small, but tables are comfortably spaced and the service is friendly and prompt. It's a great, casual little place for dinner after shopping or a movie. The appetizers are wonderful--tangy cheese and spinach pies, little dumplings bursting with flavor. The lamb kabobs are some of the most tender and flavorful I have ever tried.

• Pros: Excellent food
• Cons: Off the beaten path