Tizi Melloul

I walked by and saw you were closed. Oh Tizi, what happened? I tried to help you!
I asked if I could bring in 75 people for drinks on a Thursday (not on a weekend night). Even though you were suffering, you wanted a minimum of $ 2500. I explained to you that we are a non-​profit and we can make no promises but that we average about 75 people/​event.
You still would have made money and got plenty of exposure.

5 STARS for the Mussels… I celebrated my birthday there last year with a bunch of girlfriends in the crescent room. The best time ever! Waiter and service? Amazing., food? awesome! Mussels? Orgasmic!
Ok, I have a true story. I was bummed last year because the one picture that I had taken with Stacey London when she came to promote Anne Taylor didn’t come out because her security guard didn’t know how to operate a camera. so my husband said what will cheer you up? and I said Tizi Melloul’s Mussels!!! Why did this happen? Not good…

If the prices were a bit lower and the drinks a tad stronger, I’d be bumping this up to 4 stars, no problem.
So you know it’s a tad pricy and the sangria I had was pretty sad and tasteless. On to the good stuff!
The décor is awesome with the bar being more modern and clean and the dining area more traditional and richly decorated with lush, deep colors and fun, large windows.
We were there pretty early (6pm) on a Tuesday, so it was kind of lonely being one of two tables in the place, but our server was awesome. He brought us almost every menu, explained how the «tapas» for the night worked and even reco’d some of his favorites.
Bacon-​wrapped dates with fancy honey stuff: Very good, but you only get 4 little dates, so be prepared for a fight if you’ve got an odd number. These were yummy, but nothing unexpected.
Mussels cooked in beer (tapas-​size): YUM YUM YUM! Talk about bang for your buck! We had a big bowl of succulent, flavorful mussels for only $ 4! Woohoo! If I come back, these will be part of my order.
Herbed goat cheese stuffed peppers (tapas-​size): Very good, but I can’t remember much besides the massive amounts of goat cheese in those peppers (good thing!).
Pan-​Roasted Tilapia: Good, but nothing too memorable.
Overall, the food was good, but only the mussels really blew me away. I’d go back for mussels and maybe a drink if it was on special.

5 stars for the ATMOSPHERE. ((loooved the look of the restaurant — looooved sitting next to the open window on a beautiful afternoon))
5 stars for the SERVICE ((the server was smiley, accomodating, always on time))
4 stars for the MENU ((not many options… but DECENT options))
4 stars for the FOOD ((delicious, flavorful, not the best food I’ve ever had, but definitely DECENT!!))
5 stars for COMFORT ((I enjoyed the slouchy couches and the big pillows))
5 stars for the COMPANY I WAS WITH ((I’m talking hott date))
.

It’s been a while since I’ve Unilocaled because I’m still recovering from the bliss of the mussels at Tizi Melloul. WOW!
The only thing I can say is it was pretty loud. I’m no grandma, but it was damn loud. It was restaurant week, so I’ll go back when it isn’t.
We had the special menu, beginning with Olive Tapanade, Hummus, and Baba Ghannouj — all excellent. Next, a lovely mint and pear salad with goat cheese. Next… the mussels. Um, I am still sweating thinking about them. They were seared in the shell with a wonderful pepper and garlic sauce. Simply amazing. The dinner I can’t quite remember, though it was lamb and some veggies that were a-​ok. The dessert? Chocolate fondue, with fresh fruit and yummy sweet breads.
Our waiter, despite our moans, would not reveal the special mussel secret. We threatened to find him in the alley, but he smiled and wouldn’t give it up. He’s pretty smart, ’cause I’ll be back.
My dinner companion enjoyed the belly dancer shaking her booty in his face. I enjoyed her talent and the music.
Just go.

I love Tizi, not just because my beautiful belly dance instructor performs there on some Sundays, but because they really know how to accommodate. I love when a restaurant values customer service. Tizi does just that and more.
My friends and I come here for the Sunday special they often have– $ 25 for belly dancing, three courses of appetizers, and unlimited wine. That’s right, they just keep pouring.
The belly dancers come out at 7pm and 8pm, in the crescent room. They usually dance to 3 or 4 songs each time, and encourage audience participation, if you so desire! The unlimited wine will help your stage fright (:
I’m vegetarian, so I always ask for a meat free appetizer option. Not only do they make something fabulous for me, they always ask if I want vegan or gluten-​free as well. It’s the little things like that which matter most I think!
Get the chocolate fondue for dessert… it’s a crowd pleaser!

I went to Tizi Melloul for the first time this past New Years Eve. We had a great time. I was with 8 other friends and the place was packed but the service never lacked and we were not rushed either.
We got a bunch of bottles of wine and sangria for the table; both of which was very good. We shared a lot of appetizers to start the night. We got the mussels which everyone at the table loved (except me but I don’t’ really care for mussels). We also shared a combo plate that had hummus and a phyllo/​goat cheese tart. Both items were good.
I had the salmon for my entrée which was excellent. It was sweet because it had caramelized onions on top with green beans and new potatoes. It didn’t really seem Mediterranean to me but it was very good. My husband had a beef entrée which was cooked perfectly. Everyone in our party seemed pleased.
They had good music that wasn’t too loud to talk over. They did have a belly dancer that came out only once while we were there… the music level increased at that time but it was part of the «show» and it was fun.
I would suggest it — it’s a good atmosphere, good food and something a little different.

I came here for a friend’s birthday dinner, and I found it to be a very pleasant experience. We were all in a party mood, and shared a couple apps with each other. The hommos was awesome, and so was this little goat cheese pastry thing.
Tizi’s would have gotten a 4 if they had cooked my salmon all the way through. I got it, and it was raw in the middle. Maybe it’s me, but if you serve me something potentially hazardous to my health, bring me a new dish, and don’t charge me. I’m pretty chill about that kind of thing, so I didn’t say anything despite being charged for my semi-​raw fish, but I also think had I been in a worse mood or a more evil person, I could have made a big deal about it.
I’d go back to Tizi’s, but only if someone else was willing to pay.

Me and my entourage decided to select this place to celebrate a friend’s birthday last night. Tizi Melloul and I had actually met before thanks to a Unilocal party back in the early part of the spring.
As we walked in, we were greeted by the host and we found out our online reservation did not go through, but he accomodated our party of 8 anyway. We were escorted to the very attractive, middle eastern inspired dining room. We started with 3 appetizers: Seared Scallops (really good), Cured Meat & Cheese Platters (mixed feelings) and the Two Way Calamari (delicious). The bread with sun dried tomatoes was really good and actually as good as all of the appetizers.
To drink I went with the Rockin Moroccan which is basically a mojito, but it is one of the best mojitos I have ever had. I had two of them before my entrée arrived and three total. They really went down fast if you know what I mean.
For my entrée, I went with a Tangines for Two which was Lamb, Braised Shoulder, Dates, Apples, Celery, Onion, Saffron Cous-​Cous. I actually shared that dish (the first time I shared a meal with a man, LOL!) It was more than enough for the both of us. The lamb was very tender and the onions really enhanced the flavor (yumfest)! The service was great as our server helped us with all of our questions about the menu and she was very attentive as well.
Tizi you now have a new fan in the AW!!!

I’ve enjoyed myself at Tizi at many cocktail parties in the past, but I finally just got around to enjoying the full dining experience. I came here with 7 of my friends to ring in the big 2 – 9 bday last week! I had requested dining in the beautiful Crescent Room, which may just be the coolest private dining room in our Windy City.
Tizi’s fabulous manager Michael and his incredible staff took care of us from the minute we walked in. They even printed «Happy Birthday Andrea» on my menu, which put a smile on my face… even if the big 3 – 0 is rapidly approaching! And my smile got even bigger when they brought out some complimentary dips with pita chips– yum.
The menu here isn’t very big, but I still had trouble deciding between a few delicious looking items. Fortunately, my friend Ali A helped me out and we decided to share the mussels and the bass. The mussels should be renamed on the menu «messy mussels» because we soon had mussel juice all over our hands, napkins, and even clothes! But the drycleaning bill was well worth it because these were SO good… especially when tipped in the unhealthy, but I don’t care cause it’s my bday sauce that came with them. The bass was great too, even though my mouth was on fire from the spiciness of it after just a few bites.
After this delicious meal this bday girl was about to call it a night, but my friends insisted on dessert… and so we ordered the fondue! Bananas, cake, marshmallows… oh my! And all dipped in chocolate! And the folks at Tizi were sweet enough to bring a round of shots and champagne to our table. I had to remind them it wasn’t my 21^st bday, but a gal can still have fun at 29… right?

Tizi,
(now that we met we are on a first name basis. It’s how it rolls in my world)
I was looking forward to our date all week. It was set and printed on Open Table ink: Friday at 8:30.
4 of us and you, the star of the night.
Meeting you was the little light that kept me through my mono misery. (Don’t get me started on how ridiculous I feel for getting mono when I am way beyond my 30^th birthday)
I was excited and salivating (moderately though to keep my virus for myself — I may be sick but still have manners) and thinking about which dress I was going to seduce you with.
Almost butterflies in my stomach…
I should have known that romance was not supposed to happen that night.
The sure sign of failure: I did not have time to prepare. Left home with my cutie dress but without even trying to camouflage the facial ravages of two weeks of non-​stop cough, sniff and watering eyes.
Ouch.
We were already out onto a bad start.
I felt inappropriate at first on my arrival and you delighted me with your clingy décor, subdued atmosphere and dim lighting.
Then you deployed some pieces of your arsenal I couldn’t resist: baba ganoush and hummus galore, rich and pungent cheeses, tapenade, dried sausage and warm bread — you put all your Mediterranean charm out there, right on the table. For all to see and savor.
The oh-​so-​awaited mussels then arrived: a sizzling platter of dry-​rubbed treasures that were only waiting to be dipped in a warm and fragrant clarified harissa butter… a nice and unusual surprise.
Things were getting real hot.
I was almost conquered.
And then you lost it: the salad was overdressed and insignificant, the main dishes plain and forgettable and the dessert… oh the dessert… you teased me with your semi-​sweet chocolate fondue, made me drool at the delicious thought of sweet pleasures just to leave me wanting more…
1 slice of banana, a quarter of a strawberry, a cube of pound cake, half a marshmallow and a dried apricot was all you gave me.
Skimpiness is unforgivable, in lovers and friends alike.
End of deal for me.

Seems like I’m the only one who’s missing something…
The good:
Service was great, venue was beautiful.
The bad:
The food. Unfortunately, it was overly salty, and considering the quantity and caliber, on the expensive side.
My order:
The Beet Salad: Disappointment. Small, stingy on the beets, nothing special.
The Mussels: Generous, but bland. Maybe only worthwhile during Happy Hour.
The Polenta Dessert: Bleh.
I’d maybe give it another shot, but only for Happy Hour.

I could live on Fire roasted mussels from here, the best I have ever tasted. Spicy and cooked to perfection and served with warm Harissa butter, heavenly !!!
I was here for a group event a few months ago and was very impressed and wanted to try the place in a more intimate occasion before I wrote this.
This has become one of very favorite places to dine and I highly recommend it.
First, the room…
Just breathtakingly beautiful. Perfect fusion of traditional Moroccan décor with modern touches of designer Suhail. Love the Moroccan Crescent Room, perfect room for a intimate special occasion gathering.
Second, the food and drinks…
During my first visit I was able to taste a sampling of their small plates, just delicious. My second visit included 2 servings of their fire roasted prince Edward mussels and bacon wrapped dates, again truly impressed. My friends loved their food as well. The cocktails are just right…
Third, the service
Exceptional. They do not miss anything yet never intrusive or pushy. I loved being here during the large event and my evening with the girls.
Check out their recession proof Monday nights for $ 3 Martinis and a $ 6 Tapas.
So just in case if you were wondering where you should take me on that romantic date, keep this place in mind :-)
A beautiful romantic venue, looking forward to going back soon.

Like many other reviewers I also attended a recent Unilocal event here. Like Julee M. my friend and I accidently sat in the dining room thinking we could partake in the $ 3 martinis and $ 6 tapas. That was not the case. We decided to make the best of our evening and enjoy some appetizers! I am SO happy that we did!
After enjoying various passed appetizers during the party I was ready for more! Steven, the owner, was a doll and bragged that their mussels were the best… ever and we had to try them. So we did.
OMG!!! Hello foodgasm! Is it wrong that I wanted to lick the shells? These bad boys are in some secret combination of approximately 30 different spices and were just heavenly. At this point I was ready to have a cigarette, roll over and go to sleep. *sigh*
In addition to most glorious mussels that ever passed my lips we enjoyed the scallops and dick** sausage. The scallops were just divine and perfectly cooked. The dUck sausage was very rich and equally delicious.
My dining companion and I were ooohing and ahhhing through our dinner. The flavors, textures, freshness — a definite delight to the senses.
I had no idea this gem of a place existed and I am so glad that I know now. I will be back soon and often!
**This type-​o is too funny to fix! ;) «i» and «u» are right next to each other in the keyboard!

I definitely won’t put this place on my list of go-​to spots. I met some friends here last night after the Unilocal party and it was super crowded, which was very off-​putting. My friends had snagged some seats and I rushed off to get a $ 3 martini. I asked for that menu and was given one, so I ordered a dirty and it turns out it was $ 5. I asked the bartender (who was very cute but apparently not listening very closely) about the $ 3 martinis advertised on their Unilocal page and he said I was looking at the wrong menu. But that was the one he gave me when I asked for the $ 3 menu! I was a bit peeved, but a dirty martini for $ 5 is still a good deal. I also had to wait a bit too long to be served because the bartender took my order after giving me the menu (I didn’t peruse very long). He then helped another customer (what?!) and then came back to me and asked «Dirty Martini, right?» Well yeah, dude, I ordered it before you took someone else’s order. I didn’t get it.
I was also displeased when I tried to return to the nice, cushy seats my friends had when I arrived only to find them hovering near me at the bar. It turns out everyone got kicked out of the area with any seats in it because they weren’t eating (or so that was the explanation given). My stay at Tizi Melloul went downhill from there. We weren’t allowed to sit anywhere, there was no seating near the bar at all, so it just turned in to an awkward standing situation between me and about 50 other people ( Unilocalers and non-​Yelpers alike). I definitely wasn’t comfortable and I wasn’t impressed that we were ushered out of the seating area completely as if we weren’t paying customers of the bar (I definitely was). We high-​tailed it out of there as soon as I was done with my Dirty Martini which, by the way, was nothing to write home about.
I will say, though, that I enjoyed the vibe of the place. I love me some lounges and this place was definitely lounge-​y. I’m willing to give Tizi Melloul another try, but I won’t come back here any time soon.

I was believing all the positive reviews on Tizi Melloul, but came away disappointed. Worth one try, then you make the call of whether you will be back.
Food: 3 stars. This is unscaled, Americanized, Mediterranean cuisine. The lamb and chicken dishes I had were well cooked. The meat was not overdone and it was very juicy. It is tough to cook chicken breast and leave it very juicy, but they did that. On the negative side though, the lamb and chicken dishes were lacking sauces and authentic Mediterranean flavors. I was looking for some authentic ethnic flavors and got very Americanized flavors. When I am looking for Mediterranean food, I need to see rice and flat breads and sauces. I didn’t appreciate their take on the cuisine!
The chocolate fondue dessert with spiced cake, strawberries, apricots, bananas, and marshmallows was my favorite dish. For expensive American cuisine, I will go elsewhere.
Service: 4 stars (service without the host: 2 stars). The waitress was slow and all over the place. The host gave us dish and drink recommendations on separate trips to our table.
Ambiance: 4 stars. Trendy, romantic, lively.
Value: 2 stars. Food here is pricey. Portion sizes are adequate.

I read in a magazine recently that when you’re dining with people that you like, you will eat 30% more food than you would normally consume.
So… I either really liked the company of my dining companion tonight or Tizi Melloul does Mediterranean right because I definitely consumed more than 30% of what I usually do. Or both.
Service was stellar. The red interior is calming, fierce, and exotic all at the same time. Red chairs, pillows lining the booths, and bead curtain = great ambiance. Never mind that the space is dim and tables rather tightly packed.
A Restaurant Week 5 course meal for $ 32? Can we say awesome deal? I snarfed everything from the flatbread starter with hummus and baba ghanouj to the fresh feta salad and mussel appetizer. Might I add I don’t even really like feta or mussels? The salmon skewer-​veggie medley-​lamb stew entrée was delicious. The lamb was gamey, but that’s lamb for you. And who needs the Melting Pot when you can get a plate of pumpkin poundcake and fruit dippers with chocolate fondue here?
I am in dire need of my stretchy pants now. That is all.

I had been wanting to eat at Tizi Melloul for quite some time. We ate in the main dining room. The atmosphere is very warm and inviting and good people watching if you are seated by the floor to ceiling windows.
I was hoping that the menu would match the unique and exotic ambiance, but sadly, I found it uninspired. We started with the Tizi Mezze, which was delicious, but unfortunately, the highlight of the meal for me. I ordered the Traditional Moroccan Pie because it seemed to be the only dish on the menu that I couldn’t order at any number of restaurants in the area. The presentation was not at all like the photo on Unilocal.It was sliced up chicken and a separate little dish of the components of the «pie». I found it to be kind of bland. Good, but not a standout. The ice cream selection was unique and good, but I tried three different kinds and they all had a very similar taste.
The experience was good, but not great, and I couldn’t help but think of the other places I’ve been to that have done it much better.

Friends that know me, know that I am the queen of Stylish Frugality. Which is why you’ll find me here now on Monday nights for $ 3 Martinis. Myself and my frugal protégé also enjoyed a chicken skewer/​pesto rice appetizer for $ 3 (one of three $ 3 appetizers available). Our check was $ 18. with tip — that’s third world-​esque!
What a value before heading up to Big Chicks for $ 1 burgers.

Fizzy Tizi’s, belly dancing and the best mussels I have ever had (check out my photos!)!!
We sat in the private room, had a tarot card reader and was the first time I have had Turkish food! It was fun, the atmosphere was pumped and the people were dressed up… which let’s face it, here in California, jeans and dresses that make Barbie blush is the epitome of dressing up. I am talking about women in actual dresses and men in button up shirts and sports coats. Not in a stuffy way but a very trendy way. This is yet another reason why I love this city. It’s so special.
I liked this place not only for its food and ambiance but the people really made it an unique experience.