Maza: User Reviews

Great find
By abschim from Lakeview, May 3, 2009

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The one and only waiter, who I believe was the owner, was diligent, didn't hover needlessly, but wanted to make sure we had a good experience. He was concerned that we wanted to order an entree that we had never tried before and recommended that we order it as an appetizer instead. The lamb with rice and toasted almonds was excellent. If it's on the specials menu, I highly recommend it! The orange rice pudding with pistaccios was unique and refreshing - kinda like a rice pudding creamcicle :) and the baklava was not cloyingly sweet like many are. The wine was apparently only available either in Lebanon or at this restaurant. But the owner will overnight UPS them to you if you ask. A good find if you have the quarters for the meter.

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Sub par food, BAD service
By Kristin from Roscoe Village, March 15, 2009

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After dinner, I mentioned I had a gift certificate and our server/ the owner yelled that it's only for 4 or more. The certificate doesn't say this. I offered to order another entree, but he kept yelling, "No!" over and over. I wouldn't treat another human being so rudely, let alone a paying, new customer. I was humiliated and just asked if we could have the bill. We waited while the whole restaurant sat in unease. He took the gift certificate off, but we had to pay ($60+ after the gift certificate) in cash, with gratuity (though I was close to tears, we tipped.) Not enough cash for a tip, so my boyfriend had to run across the street (while the owner waited and could've offered to let us use a credit card anytime). Our experience at Maza ruined our day. The lamb was overcooked, gray and tough and everything was salty & vinegary.I will never go back and not only will I not recommend Maza, but I will warn against coming and having such a traumatic, awful experience.

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Great value for amazing food.
By McBaldy25 from McBaldy25, December 14, 2008

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I have frequented many Lebanese restaurants and I believe this to be the best in the city. Not only that, it is very reasonably priced. My wife and I ate there and drank a bottle of wine for under $60. Hard to beat. It is "European" style dining so service is slower and less invasive but we weren't rushed although it was a busy night. Not a place to go in a hurry.

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Best Lebanese Food in Town
By ABUCOA from west loop, October 5, 2008

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As a native Lebanese, it is hard to find great Lebanese food outside of your mom's kitchen, but Maza truly is one of a kind. Delicious food, chill atmosphere, and great service.

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Soooo tasty.
By ukrainianducky from bucktown, July 15, 2008

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Fantastic food, great value, and a great space. First of all, the space is wonderful. Perfect for a romantic date night or just dinner with friends. Plus, the service actually from the owner (and cook!). The food is so yummy and fresh that you can't believe this place is in Lincoln Park. It is truly a hidden gem. The lentil soup that you get at the start of your meal is amazing. The cheese in the filo dough is a great appetizer, as well. Try the special of the night and I doubt you will be disappointed. Plus, the prices are extremely reasonable. You can't go wrong.

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pleasantly surprised
By halfwhit from wicker park, April 15, 2008

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I noticed the reviews currently listed here were lower than I would typically like to see but I gave it a shot anyway....I loved it. I tried three different entrees and they were just fabulous. i highly recommend going there!!!

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Great Food; Poor Service
By Dr.Pasta from West Loop, February 8, 2008

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This is excellent food, but quite honestly, the service is too slow to really enjoy the experience. The owner is super busy running around doing everything himself. This would be a great place if he just hired some help to make the experience better.

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Authentic Lebanese
By Worldgirl from Gold Coast, November 30, 2007

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Fabulous food, romantic atmostphere, small, comfortable. I really enjoy eating at Maza because having Middle Eastern/Mediterreanean heritage myself it is good to taste authentic Lebanese food. Many reviews I have read were complaining that the owner seats people, the service is a bit slow, etc. Well this is authentic Lebanese, take it or leave it really. In areas outside the U.S. people take their time cooking, serving, and greeting guests. I find that refreshing to see. There are dozens of "Lebanese" restaurants in town that might get you in and out very shortly if you are in a hurry but have food that is not authentic and rather stale. I recommend this place if you are wanting to take your time and relax, a perfect date spot.

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Very leisurely service but fabulous...
By Lisa Likestoeatout from Chicago, IL, April 16, 2007

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Very leisurely service but fabulous food. The owner does handle the service, and it is slow, although I certainly didn't feel like our food was sitting around getting cold at any point. It just takes him awhile to get to the table. I had the mixed grill -- yum. My husband had the lamb special and proclaimed it the most flavorful dish he's ever had at a restaurant. He was kind of stingy with the sharing, but his was excellent. We made a reservation which was honored in a reasonable fashion. We will be going back and recommending it regularly. Outstanding value.

The story here is the...
By John from Chicago, IL, April 13, 2007

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The story here is the food is outstanding and very affordable, but the owner cannot delegate (he seats the customers, takes the orders, serves the dishes, etc.), so service suffers when they are busy. Solution: Do not plan on Maza for weekends. As many people have indiated, reservations are meaningless, so unless you don't mind waiting (BTW: no room to stand) make it on of your Sun-Thurs options.