by Anne M.

2.5 stars for the unbearably loud atmosphere and so-so food.  It wasn't BAD, just wasn't special.  I had the lentils which were good, but salty and the chicken entree which was good, salty with minimal presentation (which is not to say bad at all).  We skipped dessert to escape the noise.  A little pricey too; 2 drinks, one cold appetizer and one entree for $65.00.  I hate to harp on this, but the noise made the place feel like a cheerleading squad just rolled in from a big win...couldn't wait to leave.

by Aivy N.

What. More. Can. I. Say. I am agreeing with all the below posts. Amazing Greek restaurant--although the decor had more of a Moroccan feel to it. I was a bit confused, but it was gorgeous nonetheless.The hummus dish was by far one of the best hummus dishes I have had. And I highly recommend getting the hot eggplant dish. Has just the perfect texture to it--not too soggy, nor to fried.Just a little forewarning, it gets super packed on the weekend. Making reservations is a must! it's been given 5 stars for a reason and the word has gotten out!

by Tom A.

I've gone twice in the last week, both times for lunch.  Food was utterly excellent.  Menu items are listed in Greek, which I can't remember by name... Haloumi-arugula salad is perfect.  Lentils, perfectly dressed in olive oil, vinegar and feta were perfect.  Eggplant dip solid.  Stuck with 'meza' style, several apps no entrees.  Stuffed phylo so good tasty.  Greek yogurt best I've had in US. Had a glass of wine of waiter's choice, since totally unfamiliar with Greek wines -- totally perfect.  Everything just seems right. Fresh, well done, not overly complicated.  It's like well done Italian -- fresh stuff, everything  in balance, elegant presentation.  I'm guessing I'd hate the scene at night (louder, fancier people, etc), but the food is so good and the staff so friendly I'll be a lunchtime regular.  They also have a "Greek yogurt bar" in the morning which I strive to visit.

by Erin M.

Oh Duck Gyros and Fava Beans.  I love you.Went on Sunday night, no problem getting in.  Started with a bottle of white and the fava beans.  Delicious.  Their Greek yogurt is ah-mazing.  The server was enthusiastic and had plenty of suggestions.  Although the menu is quite small (a good thing!) he still was able to recommend us to his and now our favorite dishes.Ended with the Duck Gyros - they were cooked perfectly and placed in the Greek Yogurt again (BONUS!) and I had to restrain myself from getting another order.Cute decor - fun atmosphere.  If crowded it could probably get noisy.  But if you're worried about that check it out on Sunday!

by Amanda S.

This place was good - went saturday night.At waiters suggestion tried the sea urchin - not a fan.Had the greek "hummus" which was good.The okra was amazing.The phyllo dough dish was amazing.Wasnt a huge fan of the lamb with fava beans dish, though my husband liked it.Cured greek olives - good.The greek wine was actually very good.and my favorite thing overall - the greek style lentil soup. FAN-TASTIC.Looking forward to the summer patio. The place had a good vibe. I liked it.

by Jill K.

We went there for a friends birthday dinner, and it seemed the minute we sat down there was a horrible attitude from our waiter, Chris/Kris.  We ordered our drinks, and asked about a few appetizer options.  In the middle of me asking about the chick pea appetizer, he cut me off mid sentence and told me that if I would let him explain, I would understand how it as prepared. I have to admit the food was good, but the service has put me off from ever going there again.

by Joscelyn M.

I went the first week it opened and was pleasantly surpised to see that there weren't any "kinks" that are associated with a restaurants first week.  We had a bunch of the hot and cold mezes and the lamb shank.  Everything was great and the wine list was filled with fun Greek wines that I remember drinking on my honeymoon.  I can't wait to go back!Only complaint: where's the website?

by Jordan R.

my biggest problem with this place is that it's not living up to its potential.  taxim has everything going for it: prime location, a smart interior, outdoor seating, and real live greek waiters.  what is needs now is consistency in terms of food and service.    here are some things you can do to maximimize your experience:(1) go for lunch, when it's less crowded and more reasonably priced(2) sit outside on milwaukee and people watch to your heart's content(3) order the frappe, a delicious whipped espresso and milk drink, and a few small dishes to share.  choose the salads, pureed chickpeas and anything wrapped in pastry.

by Steven S.

Are you kidding me?  Greektown this ain't!  I've been to Taxim twice in less than a week, which I never do. Yes, I'm crazy but this place will make you cray-zee for their food.  I even had the same dishes (hummus, ramp, chicken entree) both times. Just as good each time. Maybe I'm not crazy, actually. Now I went to Greece last year for two weeks and none of the food we had was as good as Taxim.  But Taxim is different so don't expect opa's,  flaming cheese or a salad full of tomatoes, onions and feta. They take traditional Greek dishes/ingredients/flavors and enhance them or turn them on their head, in a good way.  I've tasted the duck gyros and other dishes and have smiled with every bite.  The chicken entree' is TO DIE FOR. It's a cripsy, juicy, lemony, buttery party in your mouth (insert joke here). It looks unassuming when it comes out, but soon you'll be groaning with pleasure and slicing chunks off to share with everyone at your table.  The people that ordered the duck gyros will do the same. See, sharing can be fun! Decor/Experience: From the moment you enter and get a friendly welcome, you realize how nice the decor is. It's hard to tell from the outside what the inside is like.  Less is more there, which is just enough IMO.  Everyone I've dined with noted that they liked the decor and some felt they weren't eating on Milwaukee Ave.  Nice. Service: Spot-on. Friendly, quick but not annoying or in the way. I had the same server both times I've been there and she was friendly, knowledgeable about the Greek wines (get a free taste!) and even noted that they are getting known for their duck gyros (they must be reading this page).  Someone I was with had a special request (no potatoes) so they substituted those for a nice side salad on his chicken entree.  Again, frickin' spot on with no resistance.Summary:  Go there, get a reservation on the weekend.  Take your friends so they'll have a renewed respect for your dining recommendations. Take people from out of town, even if they haven't had "greek" food. There's something for every taste there.

by Elizabeth S.

Went to Taxim this past Saturday night.  The ambiance was decent, although the beautiful wooden benches are not all that comfortable after an hour of sitting.  The waitress was very knowledgeable and attentive. Based on the reviews, my friends and I were really looking forward to having dinner here.  Plus, I'm a pretty big fan of Greek food.  We ordered two entrees and most of the appetizers on the limited menu.  The food was okay, but that's about it.  I've definitely had much better in Greek Town for half the price.  Honestly, I would only return to Taxim if they revamped the recipes.

by Jessi L.

A rave. A RAVE review from me.  It's no secret that I love Greek food so when I heard that a Hellenic bite was moving to my block, I was already excited.  The biggest thing I walked away with after eating roughly 60% of the menu with 3 girlfriends: this place is not trying to be Greektown. This is Greek food translated for the neighborhood, not a replacement. The restaurant itself is beautiful with a collection of metal lanterns decoration archways.  I also liked that the main seating area was set back away from the busy of Milwaukee Ave.  Although that location makes it extra-accessible.Onto the food (finally right?): Started with peppers, olives, eggplant in yogurt sauce and some phyllo, green onion and dill deliciousness. All good but then there was the hummus.  Best I've had, tied with Semiramis I think. Crisp and creamy at the same time somehow.For dinner the four of us split the duck gyro and as Rob noted below, that's a must-order.  More great yogurt sauce for dipping and a nice balance between savory meat and sweet pomagranate marinade.  We also ordered the whole-roasted fish which Henry filleted for us.  moist, flavorful and light without feeling scant.  It was a tough choice though and I'm looking forward to trying the chicken on my return and hopefully a summer moussaka special!Dessert was tough because we were full but couldn't resist.  We went with the chocolate cardamom cake with chantilly cream.  It came with a full bowl of extra cream on the side after I made a few comments to Henry (seriously, the full wait staff seemed lovely but try to get into his section).  Then we were gifted with the other dessert choice because "You have to try it, you'll love it." Greek yogurt thinned out with honey and kumquats.  Even Eden had a SoupBox.  Throughout dinner we had a few different kinds of wine, all of which are Greek, all of which were tasty and none of with I remember beyond St. George.Bottom Line: It's been a while since I had such a complete experience from a brand new spot.  If this is what we're starting with, what shall we expect when they're ROOF DECK opens? Why did I just tell Yelp that? I meant to keep that part to myself...

by T.-A S.

We came here after bolting from another restaurant with a  line snaking around the corner (if we wanted to go to hot doug's, we would've gone to hot doug's). Since we came without a reservation on a Saturday -- and they were fully booked that night -- we had to make do with cafe seating on stools. The tables in the front are pressed right up to the glass -- try to avoid these seats if you can since it's really drafty up there. I was freezing!The service for the stools/tables was wanting. We felt pretty frustrated because we couldn't get our server's attention for the entirety of the two hours we spent there. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and expect that it would be better if seated at a "normal" table. Really, though, if you're gonna seat people there for dinner service, you really ought to provide...service.We had a cold roast eggplant mezze with toasted pine nuts. Delicious. We also ordered a pastry with ramps encrusted with nigella seeds and a slice of feta. Also delicious, but at $12, was too expensive for what was given. Our entrees were fantastic -- I had a braised lamb shank with faro and fennel salad. The faro was tossed with preserved lemon, which was the perfect counter to the rich lamb ($23).Friend had a "baby vegetables stuffed with lamb." Also quite good. Both dishes plated, and in the dark light, looked remarkably similar (stuff set on grain pilafs).We thought the two mezze were too expensive, but all told, 2 appetizers, 2 entrees and a dessert was $65. A decent value. And we were stuffed.It was too loud for my tastes on a Saturday night -- friend and I had to yell to talk. Not good. Go on a weeknight, get a table in the back, cross your fingers for better service, and everything will be well.A welcome addition to the (few, seriously lacking) eastern Mediterranean offerings in Chicago.

by Jessie B.

After eating at Taxim, not only was I helped to be rolled out of the restaurant, I felt as though I needed to attend an Overeaters Anonymous meeting. In fact, I almost made the 1-800 Hotline call. This is how it would have gone: "Hello? Hi. My name is Jessie B. After having the most delicious meal of my life at Taxim tonight, I felt as though I needed to be rolled out of the restaurant. I was also in deep fear because I actually rode my bike to dinner, and I didn't know how I was going to make it home on a bike. Do I seriously have a problem? Can you help me? Please?" Yeah. Seriously. This place is almost indescribable to me. From the moment I walked in the door [even though I passed it twice--is this the new Violet Hour?] I felt like I walked up to the stairs of heaven. Dimmed lit lanterns, comfy bench pillows, smooth music...I was greeted by some of my favorite Yelp people. I was meeting up with Miss Brett, Mr. Rob Angie M. This was going to be a good night, how could it go wrong? I'm in heaven after all! Let me go with saying--that this was the best meal I have ever had. I never say that. Never. But this place has made me into believer that one could say that. The lentil appetizer melted in my mouth the fava beans with goat cheese was my favorite. Perfectly cooked and seasoned. Could I have another? To myself?!? As for my entree the Duck Gyros served with a pomegranate reduction sauce melted in my mouth. I couldn't stop eating it. My stomach was aching for help at this point--but I ignored him. What does he know!?! I also tried some of Angie's chicken--simply divine. The chef also sent out goat kabobs. Oh man. My jeans were really hurting me now. The dessert was my favorite part of the meal. I hardly ever order dessert--but hey I was with Rob. So of course that wasn't an option for me. I had the house made Greek yogurt that was served with soft almonds that were drizzled in sweet honey. I couldn't stop. I couldn't say no. At some point during this course I heard Brett say, "I just want to take a bath in this--don't you!?" Oh yes Brett, I do. I do. The service was impeccable. No complaints, everything was perfect. I cannot wait until I come back. Honestly, I cannot wait. I've been dreaming of those almonds since. Maybe I should call OA again.

by Caroline A.

Hands Down - Five StarsI dined here with the gorgeous Brett D, Rob L. and Matt C. over the weekend and fell in love. I admit, I am not usually a big fan of Greek food as it can get very heavy, but my experience at Taxim will keep me coming back over and over again.I have to agree with the other Yelpers. This is a completely different concept/feel than all the restaurants in Greektown, but is still very much authentic. The decor is lovely - Brett and I LOVE the lanterns hanging from the ceiling, gorgeous chandelier type lanterns, large mirrors and the plush pillows that made us feel like we were sitting on clouds. The lighting is perfect for a date night. You know what I mean. The food... OMG. THE FOOD. I won't go into detail about the menu items, but they were all incredible. I especially loved the lentils, the chickpeas and okra, and the pita bread was baked to perfection.The phyllo dough dish was also another favorite, as was the roasted lamb. mmm... roasted lamb. It was so tender and flavorful, it almost falls apart in your mouth. I fully approve and will be back again and again.Lastly, Taxim's chef is too cute for words. I noted during dinner that Taxim is a model for how new restaurants should be - service was impeccable and incredibly friendly. I absolutely loved it. Bravo.

by Venetta L.

First of all, the ambiance is much different than you would expect from a Greek restaurant- and quite actually, so is the food. The decor is very Byzantine - not Moroccan as another yelper mentioned. The icons are traditionally Byzantine, the chandeliers are definitely a tad more Middle Eastern. I believe that Sayat Nova downtown has the same chandelier in the middle of their restaurant. For some reason, I was not as impressed by the food as I wanted to be. I got the kotopoulo (chicken), and it was good. Nothing extraordinary, it was just good. I tried my boyfriend's duck gyros, and for someone that has never tried duck before, it was very good. Overall, I really enjoyed the experience. For my liking and for what we ate, I did think it was incredibly overpriced.

by Angie M.

If I've learned one thing through Yelping, it's that when it comes to food, wine and champagne, always trust Rob L. He will NEVER steer you wrong. Another shining example of his food and wine prowess is finding Taxim. For this, Rob, I will be indebted to you for quite some time! I walked by Taxim twice before I finally found it. There's no sign outside and the store front on Milwaukee is pretty nondescript. But when you walk in you are treated to absolutely beautiful surroundings. It's small, but gorgeous. High ceilings, luxe chandeliers and copper-topped tables fill the space that's lined with booth seating and lots of comfy pillows. Definitely NOT your typical cheesy, Greektown decor. The food... oh my God... the food. It's just delicious. When you think Greek food, you think mousaka and pastitsio.  If you're looking for Saganaki, you're not going to find it.  Taxim takes Greek food to a seriously upscale place, so leave your preconceived notions at the door.We did a few appetizers and small plates to get started. The shining stars for me were the lentils with feta cheese and some kind of turnover served with sharp feta cheese. Your mama's lentils, these are not! They're so soft and flavorful and are served with just the right amount of cheese. The turnover was amazing as well. The crust was soft and the sharp, salty feta was the perfect accompaniment. Entrees were phenomenal, too. I ordered the 1/4 chicken, which came perfectly seared on the outside, so moist on the inside and just the right amount of lemony seasoning. Served with fingerling potatoes and roasted garlic cloves, it was heaven on a plate. We also sampled the roasted lamb on a skewer, which completely changed my mind about lamb. When lamb is well seasoned and cooked perfectly, it's a great protein. I'm glad I got to experience lamb the way it should be done! Desserts are nothing to scoff at, either. Our chocolate cake was wonderful, but my favorite was the Greek yogurt with honey and candied almonds. So unexpected, so light... the perfect finish to an amazing meal. The staff made us feel so welcome and the service was 100% on point. I could not have had a better dining experience. Taxim, you're tops!

by Peter F.

This place is fantastic!  The food is flavorful and the portions are just right.  I highly recommend the duck gyros or the minced goat-stuffed zucchini and eggplant.  Also, the hot and cold appetizers are a good size for sharing.  The feel of the place is more Moroccan than Greek, but the twists the chef makes with the cuisine makes all the flavors (Greek, Turkish, and Moroccan) compliment each other perfectly.The service was great and my fiance and I felt relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed our experience.  We will be back often!

by Carol K.

Bravo!   Taxim certainly hit a home run last night when our group of 5  descended on them. First the space- it has almost a Moroccan feel with little lanterns hanging from the high ceiling, copper topped tables and bar reflecting the light, huge copper platters lining the walls and lots and lots of velvety gold and burgandy pillows lining the settees. We had no idea what to order so we put ourselves into the helpful hands of our server , Chris, who didn't steer us wrong all night. First up- 6 of the small plates to share. The menu is broken into cold and hot small plates so we asked for 3 from each. All were delicious. My favorites were the peppers and cheese, the hummus and the pastry like thing served with some of the best feta cheese I have ever tasted. The others- fava beans, olives and okra were good as well- but if you order nothing else- go for the pastry like dish. I wanted it all to myself but I was good and shared. On to the entrees. We sampled 5 different ones. I had the duck gyros (unlike anything you could imagine- the pita is grilled and almost crunchy and the duck tender and moist. The sea bass (loup de mer) came with head and tail and they were quick to filet it and re-present it. We also had the lamb (two kinds one a shank and the other more of a kabob) Even the goat was a winner! There was no room for dessert but I will definitely check that out on my next visit. Service was great; friendly, attentive and quick with the drinks. The owner stopped by several times to see how we were doing which was also nice. Oh and I should note- they were very accommodating of our group- even pushing our reservation back a bit when we decided we wanted to have one more drink at the place we were at beforehand. I love when the guest comes first! Mediterranean food in a beautiful setting? Stellar service? A place that cares about your business? Even if this is not your favorite kind of food you need to check this place out. It is so good it may change your mind about Mediterranean food forever. I know it did mine.

by Kristina S.

I really appreciate that someone actually took the time to think about what type of cuisine Wicker Park was lacking, and didn't just open another lame sports bar with 50 flat screen TVs, and serving bad bar food under the guise of "American comfort food."The food here is excellent.  I've had the grilled haloumi salad, the ramp-stuffed phyllo pastry, baby okra, grilled fava beans with lamb, and the goat-stuffed baby zucchini and eggplant.  The flavors of the Mediterranean were vibrant among each dish, but were also well-balanced so you can taste the freshness of each component.Thanks for coming to Wicker Park!

by lisa h.

what the hell.  this place was suggested to me by my best friend who happens to work for rick bayless.  he lives in the area loves the food.  it's also been getting lots of raves from other long time customers of frontera.  (i used to work there) if it's good enough for them, it's usually good enough for me.  i don't know how much detail to go into, but i must say that although the food was excellent, the service  sent the experience through the roof.  it's not easy waiting on my friend.  she is the sommelier for frontera/topolobampo.  she will grill you on the very subtle nuances of the wine list.  because that's important, and the staff should know this stuff backwards forwards.  it's just SO rare that they really do.  we arrived after 9 pm on a monday, they did not make us feel uncomfortable.  we asked to move our table because it was too loud next to a happy 6 top. no worries there.  we asked the waiter her faves in first the cold apps-so we went with the heirloom tomato salad with fresh soft feta mild garden peppers.  we noticed how excellent both the cheese olive oil were.  then we tried their hummus-which has no tahini in it.  she raved about the pita, although they need to give twice as much pita because we hate to toss such tasty food away.  then we got the filo pie with spinach cheese-the cheese both melted inside the perfect flakey crust a wedge cold laying out on the plate to enjoy.  mmm.we split the duck gyros.  perfect seasoning.  really a moment of glory.  onto the dessert, which would have been better left behind :-(that's just fine.  this was still one of the best dinners i have had in years.it's taking greek to a whole new level.  excellent greek wine that is completely different from any other one you may have tried.  this place really surprised me.

by Oscar the Death Cat B.

The reviews that described Taxim's storefront as unassuming and easy-to-miss weren't kidding - twice (first when arriving and later after re-feeding the parking meter) I almost walked into the neighboring People Lounge by mistake!Taxim is definitely not old-school Greektown - if you asked them to set fire to your cheese they would probably refuse. I highly recommend sharing an array of the smaller plates - among my favorites were the phyllo pastry stuffed with ramps, the fava beans, and the okra - in fact I think this was the first time I had ever tried an okra dish where the okra actually retained any semblance of its natural flavor.  I was slightly less impressed with the entree-size dishes.  The duck gyros?  Good flavor but a bit chewy.  The goat kebab?  Just a run-of-the-mill kebab IMO. Service was friendly, though somewhat chaotic once the restaurant became busy. Our server was very knowledgable when it came to suggestions for wine pairings too.  We all agreed that we were glad that we took a chance on Taxim looked forward to returning, including one member of our dining party who up until our meal had professed a hatred of Greek cuisine!

by Julie B.

I would have to say that I am slightly disappointed with Taxim. I recommended the restaurant for a friend's birthday. We split several appetizers - the two that stood out to me were the hummus lentil dish. Very very tasty. The other two were less than memorable plus we have a mix up as well - "Okra" - not at this table.Dinner, the table mostly had either the duck gyros or lamb shank which were good however, one guest they again brought out the wrong dish - he ordered the chicken not duck. The ambiance seemed chaotic and disorganized. The wine was very good but the entire experience really lacked something - consistency.

by Alex M.

I wish I could say a lot of nice things about Taxim, but my experience there just isn't what I wanted in a restaurant.  Maybe I was overhyped by the reviews and great words on this place, but in the end I felt like all I went to was yet another yuppie boutique trendy fashionable spot that will probably be gone in two years.I went last night with a large group for Father's Day.  The decor did earn part of the two stars I gave this place.  I do like it when a place does try to get away from the typical white and blue "Dancing Zorba's" feel that too many spots have taken.  The bench thing I can imagine would be an annoyance for some though when people are packed in, but I did think the front area with the small stools and tables was quite charming.The service was very attentive and professional.  My father (the restaurant man) didn't care for the host who dressed more like a typical Wicker Park hipster, but I accepted that as part of the Wicker Park scene.  If it were me though, I'd probably choose to either be a more elegant place or a "come as you are" spot.  Did seem to be a clashing of a somewhat elegant interior and yet some staff dressed like they're going out drinking or going to a street fair.Now...the food...which is where I had problems.  I normally wouldn't come down on a place too hard, but I am the kind of person who equates the money asked for an entree as a comparison of the level of quality I receive.First off, I think the chefs are trying too damn hard to make some kind of "Iron Chef" exotic kind of cuisine, when they honestly have good ideas.  Maybe you don't need to replace spinach with leeks or beef with goat or lamb with duck.  Most of our party of eleven sat there looking at the menu for a long time, having issue with one or more of the ingredients on each item as well as wishing the restaurant offered more than the limited amount of items they had.  I personally think most of our party "settled" on what they picked.  Thankfully they didn't ask the staff to not include ingredients and such when they ordered.My girlfriend and I each had the famous duck gyros.  The end result I received more made me think they made crepes with some duck meat in it and drizzled a little yogurt and a tiny amount of pomegranate glaze.  I was not impressed.  I felt the duck was overdone and tough, the "pontian pita bread" was nothing more than a simple crepe, and I could taste no walnut in the yogurt (nor was it even a mousse).  I think the pomegranate glaze was a great idea, but they should have included more on it and perhaps hit the met with it to give the dish a more tangy fruity flavor.  In my eyes saying some exotic ingredients on the menu isn't worth much if all they do is serve as some decoration on the plate.  My girlfriend thought the gyros was tasty, but also felt the meat was overdone and wished they would have put more pomegranate glaze on it all.Maybe I'm being harsh, but if I'm going to pay $21 for just an entree with no soup, side salad or even bread on the side, then I expect nothing short of immaculate.My father the Greek restaurant man had the stuffed zucchini and eggplant and was astounded at how the owners could charge $18 for it.  He didn't like the goat meat and feels they probably cooked it full first, stuffed it into the vegetables, and then cooked it all some more in the oven, thus overdoing the meat.  Plus he felt minced goat meat wasn't a great idea, and the chef should have just stuck with ground beef and let the spices and sauces make the dish into a work of art.My brother's father-in-law,  who loves to catch and cook fish on his time off, had the tsipoura ($32).  While the dish looked beautiful, he felt the fish itself was very bland and flavorless.  Plus after the waitstaff de-boned the fish it seemed like there wasn't a lot left, and there were still a lot of bones in the meal.  Again, if we had shelled out $12-$15 for this, I probably wouldn't have had a big problem, but at $32 one should get an immaculate, flavorful meal.There were some positive points though.  Another relative had the rampopita, which basically comes off as a spinach and feta cheese pie (spanakopita), only they use wild leeks (ramps) as opposed to spinach.  She liked the appetizer, but felt it was a very small portion for the money asked.  In fact, most of our party thought the portions were very small for the money asked.On another positive note, my sister-in-law had the Koukia Me Kavourma, which both she and my one year old nephew both liked.In the end, I think this place tries too hard and should go back to more basics of Greek food, lower their prices, and double the amount of items offered on their menu.  Even if my entree were immaculate, the price, portion, and limited menu would not make me come back.  I'd rather his up Athena or Venus in Greektown.

by Anna E.

I assumed that this was going to be upscale Mediterranean, but I was sadly disappointed.  First of all, it was HOT and stuffy.  The table next to us asked the waiter if they could crank up the air and I never felt a difference.  Hot=crabby for me.  Already off to a poor start.  We started with the ramp/phyllo/feta dish and the peppers.  Both were just ok.  The peppers were nice and spicy, but the ramps needed a little more filling.  For dinner, I had the goat kebap, which was minced goat, with herbs, rice and some yogurt sauce.  Very bland.  And the presentation was horrible.  It literally came out looking like a giant turd.  Luckily, I really like meat, so that didn't deter me, but the rice was dry, the yogurt sauce was like plain yogurt and the meat was a little dry.  My special friend had the famous duck gyros, but they were more like duck egg rolls.  It was literally just duck meat wrapped in a tortilla with some sauce on the side.  The meat was really flavorful, but the rest left little to be desired.  I don't think I'd head back here again.  You can get way more flavorful (and cheap) food in Greektown.

by Alex R.

The hummous app and the fresh pita was some of the best I've ever had, and I eat a lot of hummous. I wanted to try the goat but they were put that night. I got the rack of lamb instead which was solid, but didn't blow me away. The Greek coffee at the end of the meal was also excellent.

by Ed R.

Overall, I was satisfied with Taxim, but not so much that I would make a return trip anytime soon.We tried 4 entrees. The Amish chicken was excellent, the goat kebab was good, the lamb was ok, and the duck was bleh.With the small hot plates, the okra and eggplant were very good and anything with phyllo-dough is fine in my book.Unfortunately, the entrees were rather pricey (21-28) for the amount that you get.Another downside is that for some reason, the AC wasn't on, and the dining area became uncomfortably warm. Not sure what the deal was with that.Overall, Taxim is a solid addition to the neighborhood, but the small, overpriced menu holds it back.

by Monar P.

WOW. Taxim just restored my faith in restaurants. After a recent run of disappointments I was oh so pleasantly delighted with this authentic greek/med fare. It was really a fine dining experience without the pretentious attitude that comes with some higher priced restaurants and it made my night. I learned only later that they use organic ingredients and the meat is locally grown, and the recipes are family ones that grow as the chef travels around the Mediterranean.I went this wkd when visiting a friend in Chicago and we waited at the seats upfront while a table opened up. I loved the decor, great ambiance, comfy cushions and dim lighting. Yes, the tables were pretty close together, giving it a rather communal feel but upon being seated I did not feel the tables near us were too loud where I could hear anyone else's conversation, in fact, the overall noise factor made it possible to only really hear the conversation at one's own table. It's a more intimate seating, so it's not ideal for conversation, but who cares, I was so enthralled with the food, as were my friend and my cousin, that we didn't NEED to talk, just EAT!It being a late dinner and all, we simply shared a few dishes - for appetizer we had the Piperies -roasted red and yellow peppers with capers, this delish garlic confit and a cheese I cannot pronounce that was thinly shaved on top. It was served with mini pitas. and was sooo flavorful I just savored every bite for as long as I could. We also had the roasted eggplant, zucchini and potato appetizer with feta cheese which I enjoyed. And then came the main dish. ohhh. Goat kebab so tender and subtly spiced you could not help but sigh and savor with gratitude. It came served with rice and yogurt. It was just perfect. Not over-spiced in the least, but certainly not lacking anything either. This meal made me very happy. For dessert we tried both the chocolate semolina halva and the boughatsa. The former was ehh, just ok, the soaked kumquats were a bit too intense for me, and the halva not nearly chocolatey enough. But that boughatsa. was just. awesome. It was this phyllo pie with custard and vanilla and lemon. They did not overkill with the sugar so it was not too rich, just right. Although I would have preferred a crispy phyllo. I don't think it was meant to be crispy, I was just in the mood for something akin to baklava. Not the best dessert i have ever had, but it satisfied.I enjoyed the ambiance, friendly and attentive service, knowledgeable staff (easy on the eyes too), and fine ingredients. Everything you see in the menu description is what you get, no additional frills, but the flavors just pleased me so so much. They were simple yet married so well with each other. I want to go back and get the goat  kebab for myself next time, I want to try the pomegranate duck, and a few more apps. To anyone going to Chicago I recommend this restaurant. I think it's absolutely worth the splurge. Well, except for the wine which was quite pricey. My table was satisfied with the $26 bottle of red from Southern Greece, the cheapest one on the list. Go and enjoy and taste every bite and pretend you are somewhere in the Mediterranean.

by Colleen C.

Ok, so I'm a tad conflicted here...in fact, so much so that I've put off writing this for several days (a rarity!) to let myself digest, simmer and ideate. I was just..."whelmed." Ya know, the whole not underwhelmed, not overwhelmed situation. A-OK. Adequate. Lovely even, but missing a certain spark I had hoped for. With all the praises and rave reviews, I fully expected doves to fly from my plate, and real stars to twinkle at me as the sun set over an ocean of upscale Greek delights. Location: prime if you like Wicker Park. I'm not a HUGE fan of the area, and it's a bit congested, etc...but tis where it's at. The decor is classy, gorgeous, and they've done a bang up job with the place. However, the tables are so close together. This is my ONE pet peeve. Just make it communal dining. I realize this place is "hot" right now, but if I have a reservation for 2 on a Saturday night at 7pm, I do NOT want to be smushed between two parties of 4 (older couples) jabbering away, and basically all up in my food. It's just...not comfortable for me. No elbow room, and if you are on the bench side it is nearly impossible to get up to go to the restroom, etc. Pain. Partially, I think my issue is with the price point. $32 Sea Bass, while well cooked and de-boned for me tableside by David (the owner) himself...was, bland...and accompanied by dandelion salad. (A note, it's bitter and it's not very good. I like almost anything, and couldn't even eat most of it.) So I ate the fish. For that amount of coin, it needed a little more oomph. My friend's duck gyros were a clear winner though, and at around $20, still a bit expensive...if not a walk on the wilder side, and worth the extra bit.Appetizers: Cold eggplant (very good), Lentils (also very, very good...creamy, cold, garlicky), and the ramp/dough pastry type dish that escapes me. Very good. The apps were very much the bright spot of the evening (besides the company!)Desserts: also quite weak (as many reviewers have mentioned). A greek yogurt with honey (wonderful) is better suited for breakfast, and the chocolate cake topped with candied kumquats was...OK. This is definitely something easily remedied, and I encourage them to do so STAT. Dessert can save the day, yo. Wine list is nice (Greek authentic), and the servers are very knowledgeable. Service was simply impeccable, and the pace was wonderful. I think I really could get on board with this place. Next time, I'll need a table in the corner, minus dandelions, plus some hella (pun intended) dessert improvement. A hefty bill for being somewhat disappointed in the desserts and main dish...but I would most definitely recommend friends to try it, and it is worth a looksie if you are bored with traditional Greek Town fare. Make reservations.

by Brad C.

Finally got to Taxim: the Melitzanosalata, their baba, is a must-order, the tahini, pine nuts, and charcoal notes entirely haunting; the rampopita is certainly worth ordering for its simple and rustic flavors; and that yogurt redefines ethereal. I found the duck gyro to be about the least interesting thing I have eaten this year--though the vinegary cucumbers served with it were great--but loved the lamb with bulghur wheat and fennel salad; the orchid root ice cream was great. We sampled a number of the wines on their list and didn't find much of interest--or aligned to the cooking. YMMV.I'll be curious to see where Taxim is going: are they planning on changing the menu to fit with the seasons? Expanding it? A lot of potential here.

by Simona S.

I love places that could be both totally romantic and great for a bigger group of people. I was part of the latter and Taxim did not disappoint. They serve drinks on essentially a swinging plate. I bet it has a name but I don't know it. I was into it. And my vodka gimlet. And I thought the food was excellent, especially all of the appetizers. Their baba really is excellent, a very interesting version and a must have. My goat kebab was incredible although I could have had some more meat ;)The duck gyros really were not impressive though, hence the four stars. I am always hesitant to order duck so I let my cousin get the gyros and we both agreed that the meat was a little dry and was overpowered by whatever sauce was going on there.We ordered a ton of appetizers and entrees. I did not foot the bill so I did not look too much at prices but I remember entrees were around the $20 mark with appetizers around $8 or so. Decor is very comfortable. They kind of overdo it with the pillows, but it would be great for a nap in between courses. Don't think I didn't consider it...

by marissa d.

If this restaurant doesn't make you fall in love with what Greeks can do with vegetables, I don't know what will. And this is coming from a girl who routinely hid broccoli in her napkin growing up.We came here to celebrate my fiance's birthday with his very Greek family...which means we had some tough critics at our table. And Taxim exceeded expectations. We started with a lovely bottle of Greek sparkling wine and ordered a few appetizers to start. Let me just say - they were absolutely fantastic... the lentils, the peppers, and oh my God the okra! I was in vegetable heaven. For our entrees we tried the duck gyros, which lived up to the hype, along with the goat shish kabob with rice and yogurt (very good), and the chicken. While I enjoyed my gyro very much, I cannot WAIT to go back and order the chicken. So finally...dessert. At this point I was maybe the fullest I've been in a long time, but, in typical Marissa fashion, I had to try at least 3 desserts, especially my favorite Greek dessert - yogurt with honey and walnuts. Delicious (even though my future mother-in-law's homemade yogurt is most definitely more delicious). I ate every bite...a move that perhaps wasn't the smartest considering the extreme and uncomfortable fullness that hit me once we left the restaurant. The other two desserts we tried were the bougatsa and something that I forgot the name of...it was like a baklava - phyllo dough around walnuts and honey. Both were scrumptious, although the baklava-type one was the favorite at our table.Overall, a fantastic experience all around, especially if you're looking for a new, possibly more sophisticated take on Greek food. I say YES to Taxim.

by Loren J.

We decided to try Taxim after I read that Rick Bayless is a fan and we weren't disappointed.We started with the melitzanosaláta (charcoal-roasted eggplant with pita) and fakí (lentils with feta) and both were fantastic.  For entrees we had the duck gyro and oven-roasted whole Cretan sea bass.  The sea bass was terrific and came out whole, though they were happy to fillet it once it came to the table.  Unless you're into doing it yourself, I'd recommend asking them to fillet it when you order.  The duck was good, but not fantastic.We had a great table outside on a very pleasant evening and had a great time.  The food was outstanding and the service was good.  We're definitely going back to try to the minced goat kabob and roasted Chicken -- both looked fantastic on the table next to ours.

by Tom M.

Brought to Chicago in part by the draw of its great culinary adventures, we found ourselves at Taxim one relatively late night not too long after it opened.  Our meal was superb, enhanced by the warmth and consideration of the young owners/waitstaff, who held up the universal reputation of Greek hospitality and human warmth.  It was a nice touch when the table next to us -- a local mullah and his son (I believe) who happened to be friends of the owners -- confirmed our experience was not a singular good night. The food itself was outstanding; not overcomplicated and attentive towards the nature of the ingredients.  The standout for me was a fava bean salad with lamb confit and yogurt, though all the dishes were really well managed.  We made a wise decision to order two dinners and load up on the appetizers, which gave us a real wide selection of flavors in the single sitting.  Even my friend, who views eating as a necessary evil that often simply drains him of cash, enjoyed his meal.The atmosphere was dark and the noise level was a bit on the loud side, but anyone who goes out for Mediterranean food looking for a airy, well-lit, tranquil evening isn't managing expectations appropriately. Looking at other reviews, it appears there may also be some consistency issues, but from our perspective there was little that could have been better in the experience we had at Taxim.

by Nilsa G.

2.5 stars for the unbearably bad service from waiter Chris.  Chris was not well versed in the both the wine list or the menu. He couldn't identify with simple ingredients like Feta goat cheese and dry white wine; treated us with arrogance to compensate for his ignorance.The food itself was outstanding; not overcomplicated clean fresh flavors that popped. The Amish chicken was perfectly roasted, the Cretan Sea bass was velvety and carved tableside, great crust on lamb rack. Treffic cold and hot appetizers. Clearly the food does stand on it's own when local master chefs drop in for dinner - Art Smith was seated at the table next to us.

by Amy J.

I went to Taxim for lunch on a Monday with one of my girlfriends- we both had the day off and made a lunch date in Bucktown. To our dismay many spots we wanted to try were closed, then we remembered Taxim and were so glad we did! Though we were practically the only diners there at the time, we didn't mind. The space is decorated in a very cool Middle Eastern vibe. We ordered 4 of the small dishes and were totally stuffed leaving and were shocked by how reasonably priced it is! We had a green salad that had the delicious cheese on it. We had the lentils, and a philo/veggie thing (forget what it was called) and an heirloom tomato salad. All were delicious, fresh and very tasty. I would love to come back and try this place for dinner.

by Dapper C.

We had excellent service as well as imaginative and creative food. David (the owner) clearly had a vision for Taxim: the decor is beautiful and the food is magnificent. Favorite dishes of the night: halloumi in the arugula salad, stuffed phyllo, and the baked custard. I recommend this restaurant for special occassions. Great for groups too!

by John H.

We went to Taxim for a late lunch on a Monday afternoon.After looking through the menu we settled on two cold small plates and our very helpful waiter helped us pick two hot small plates.  We had a flatbread with cheese and egg, which was fine, but not the best thing that we ate; the revíthia, which was very much like hummus--chickpea puree with pita--and was excellent; the fakí, lentils in a balsamic reduction, which was superb; and the pantzária me skordaliá--roasted beets, served with blanched beet greens, a walnut puree and feta cheese--and it is hard to put into words how fantastic that dish was.  I would go back to Taxim exclusively to eat the beet dish.  My partner thought it was the best beet dish that she has ever had (and we did the prix fix beet dinner at Sola earlier this year), and, you know what?  I'm inclined to agree.But one of the best things about Taxim was our bill:  Four small plates, which was more than enough food for the two of us, which were all delicately prepared and tasty.  Our bill?  $23.

by David S.

I have thought about the duck gyro every day since I had it on Friday - damn, that was good stuff - the meat, the sauce and the wonderful bread. Tow of us split seven of the small plates and these duck gyros. It was a lot of food, but every bit was delicious. My favorite small plates had to be the heirloom tomato salad (what a great fresh mix of tomato, olives, vegetables and cheese), the sauteed eggplant and the leek puff pastry. I also had several glasses of a very nice dessert wine. I didn't even bother to write the name down as they have exclusive distribution rights of this small batch wine in the US. I think this is the perfect excuse to go back!

by Katherine R.

My friend and I met here right after work one night, so the place was pretttty dead. That is not a typo, the place was dead, I just added extra t's for emphasis.  I would like to say though, that whenever I walk past it, it's slamming. A few other tables had trickled in when we were walking out, but otherwise it's a pretty quiet place.The décor is very Greek, shocker! It's got a cool feel to it with the pillows on the benches and the little tables with the hookah's on them. Very cool.Anyways, Ms. Heirloom tomato salad? You're awesome. I could have another salad if it weren't for the two other dishes coming out. Damn. We had the potatoes and the eggplant special. I've never met a potato I didn't like and this was no different. Please keep in mind this is basically like Greek tapas, so at first be prepared to share but if you aren't in the mood, order an entrée. None of them looked too appealing to me, so we stuck with the small plates.The homemade Greek yogurt is the best yogurt I have ever eaten. It was super creamy, full of flavor and just glorious. You have the option of with or without honey and walnuts too. I got both  and I would recommend saying easy honey if you're not a huge fan because they load it on.The place is pretty expensive for a small plate kind of place, hence the 3.5 stars. That is one reason I won't go running back. I would probably go back and get the salad and the yogurt. Done son!

by Jason O.

I recently went on a date here and a fantastic experience. I am typically not a fan of Greek food, though I have to admit I have never had an "authentic" Greek meal other than your chain restaurant in the West loop and the occasional gyro. There are so many things I liked about this restaurant. Our waitress was excellent and very attentive, she had several great recommendations that we ordered including a bottle of wine. The menu is small, but everything we picked was delicious. We ordered four small plates: the heirloom tomatoes, eggplant, stuffed phyllo, grilled octopus, and an entree: duck gyros.  My surprise favorite was the grilled octopus and the heirloom tomatoes for a close second. The meals themselves were simple, fresh, and very flavorful. Another aspect I really enjoyed was the atmosphere and diverse crowd. The setup has the tables very close to one another, yet was still intimate with my date. The crowd was a mix of older and younger patrons which is rare given the neighborhood is geared more towards younger crowds. I liked this as it was fun people watching and also striking up a conversation with an older couple next to us. This is a place I would go on another date to as well as take my parents out for a night of fine dining. I had a great experience here and highly recommend it to anyone who would like a creative twist on Greek cuisine.

by Jason O.Katherine R.David S.

I recently went on a date here and a fantastic experience. I am typically not a fan of Greek food, though I have to admit I have never had an "authentic" Greek meal other than your chain restaurant in the West loop and the occasional gyro. There are so many things I liked about this restaurant. Our waitress was excellent and very attentive, she had several great recommendations that we ordered including a bottle of wine. The menu is small, but everything we picked was delicious. We ordered four small plates: the heirloom tomatoes, eggplant, stuffed phyllo, grilled octopus, and an entree: duck gyros.  My surprise favorite was the grilled octopus and the heirloom tomatoes for a close second. The meals themselves were simple, fresh, and very flavorful. Another aspect I really enjoyed was the atmosphere and diverse crowd. The setup has the tables very close to one another, yet was still intimate with my date. The crowd was a mix of older and younger patrons which is rare given the neighborhood is geared more towards younger crowds. I liked this as it was fun people watching and also striking up a conversation with an older couple next to us. This is a place I would go on another date to as well as take my parents out for a night of fine dining. I had a great experience here and highly recommend it to anyone who would like a creative twist on Greek cuisine.My friend and I met here right after work one night, so the place was pretttty dead. That is not a typo, the place was dead, I just added extra t's for emphasis.  I would like to say though, that whenever I walk past it, it's slamming. A few other tables had trickled in when we were walking out, but otherwise it's a pretty quiet place.The décor is very Greek, shocker! It's got a cool feel to it with the pillows on the benches and the little tables with the hookah's on them. Very cool.Anyways, Ms. Heirloom tomato salad? You're awesome. I could have another salad if it weren't for the two other dishes coming out. Damn. We had the potatoes and the eggplant special. I've never met a potato I didn't like and this was no different. Please keep in mind this is basically like Greek tapas, so at first be prepared to share but if you aren't in the mood, order an entrée. None of them looked too appealing to me, so we stuck with the small plates.The homemade Greek yogurt is the best yogurt I have ever eaten. It was super creamy, full of flavor and just glorious. You have the option of with or without honey and walnuts too. I got both  and I would recommend saying easy honey if you're not a huge fan because they load it on.The place is pretty expensive for a small plate kind of place, hence the 3.5 stars. That is one reason I won't go running back. I would probably go back and get the salad and the yogurt. Done son!I have thought about the duck gyro every day since I had it on Friday - damn, that was good stuff - the meat, the sauce and the wonderful bread. Tow of us split seven of the small plates and these duck gyros. It was a lot of food, but every bit was delicious. My favorite small plates had to be the heirloom tomato salad (what a great fresh mix of tomato, olives, vegetables and cheese), the sauteed eggplant and the leek puff pastry. I also had several glasses of a very nice dessert wine. I didn't even bother to write the name down as they have exclusive distribution rights of this small batch wine in the US. I think this is the perfect excuse to go back!

by Jason O.Katherine R.David S.John H.Dapper C.

I recently went on a date here and a fantastic experience. I am typically not a fan of Greek food, though I have to admit I have never had an "authentic" Greek meal other than your chain restaurant in the West loop and the occasional gyro. There are so many things I liked about this restaurant. Our waitress was excellent and very attentive, she had several great recommendations that we ordered including a bottle of wine. The menu is small, but everything we picked was delicious. We ordered four small plates: the heirloom tomatoes, eggplant, stuffed phyllo, grilled octopus, and an entree: duck gyros.  My surprise favorite was the grilled octopus and the heirloom tomatoes for a close second. The meals themselves were simple, fresh, and very flavorful. Another aspect I really enjoyed was the atmosphere and diverse crowd. The setup has the tables very close to one another, yet was still intimate with my date. The crowd was a mix of older and younger patrons which is rare given the neighborhood is geared more towards younger crowds. I liked this as it was fun people watching and also striking up a conversation with an older couple next to us. This is a place I would go on another date to as well as take my parents out for a night of fine dining. I had a great experience here and highly recommend it to anyone who would like a creative twist on Greek cuisine.My friend and I met here right after work one night, so the place was pretttty dead. That is not a typo, the place was dead, I just added extra t's for emphasis.  I would like to say though, that whenever I walk past it, it's slamming. A few other tables had trickled in when we were walking out, but otherwise it's a pretty quiet place.The décor is very Greek, shocker! It's got a cool feel to it with the pillows on the benches and the little tables with the hookah's on them. Very cool.Anyways, Ms. Heirloom tomato salad? You're awesome. I could have another salad if it weren't for the two other dishes coming out. Damn. We had the potatoes and the eggplant special. I've never met a potato I didn't like and this was no different. Please keep in mind this is basically like Greek tapas, so at first be prepared to share but if you aren't in the mood, order an entrée. None of them looked too appealing to me, so we stuck with the small plates.The homemade Greek yogurt is the best yogurt I have ever eaten. It was super creamy, full of flavor and just glorious. You have the option of with or without honey and walnuts too. I got both  and I would recommend saying easy honey if you're not a huge fan because they load it on.The place is pretty expensive for a small plate kind of place, hence the 3.5 stars. That is one reason I won't go running back. I would probably go back and get the salad and the yogurt. Done son!I have thought about the duck gyro every day since I had it on Friday - damn, that was good stuff - the meat, the sauce and the wonderful bread. Tow of us split seven of the small plates and these duck gyros. It was a lot of food, but every bit was delicious. My favorite small plates had to be the heirloom tomato salad (what a great fresh mix of tomato, olives, vegetables and cheese), the sauteed eggplant and the leek puff pastry. I also had several glasses of a very nice dessert wine. I didn't even bother to write the name down as they have exclusive distribution rights of this small batch wine in the US. I think this is the perfect excuse to go back!We went to Taxim for a late lunch on a Monday afternoon.After looking through the menu we settled on two cold small plates and our very helpful waiter helped us pick two hot small plates.  We had a flatbread with cheese and egg, which was fine, but not the best thing that we ate; the revíthia, which was very much like hummus--chickpea puree with pita--and was excellent; the fakí, lentils in a balsamic reduction, which was superb; and the pantzária me skordaliá--roasted beets, served with blanched beet greens, a walnut puree and feta cheese--and it is hard to put into words how fantastic that dish was.  I would go back to Taxim exclusively to eat the beet dish.  My partner thought it was the best beet dish that she has ever had (and we did the prix fix beet dinner at Sola earlier this year), and, you know what?  I'm inclined to agree.But one of the best things about Taxim was our bill:  Four small plates, which was more than enough food for the two of us, which were all delicately prepared and tasty.  Our bill?  $23.We had excellent service as well as imaginative and creative food. David (the owner) clearly had a vision for Taxim: the decor is beautiful and the food is magnificent. Favorite dishes of the night: halloumi in the arugula salad, stuffed phyllo, and the baked custard. I recommend this restaurant for special occassions. Great for groups too!