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Hours
Sun
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wed
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thu
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fri
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sat
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.0
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
$6.00 – $30.00
CUISINES
Middle Eastern
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Is this a Middle Eastern restaurant?
Details
About
Located just steps from Michigan Avenue in the heart of Chicago's thriving Streeterville neighborhood, Sayat Nova is a cozy, romantic enclave tucked back from the city's urban sprawl. Since 1970, we have offered Armenian cuisine that presents a slightly earthier variation on typical Mediterranean fare.
PRICE RANGE
$6.00 – $30.00
CUISINES
Middle Eastern
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Live Music
Contribute
4.0
294 reviews
Excellent
120
Very good
120
Average
37
Poor
12
Terrible
5
Bill T
Chicago251 contributions
Apr 2022 • family
We had not been here since pre-pandemic days and we’re really looking forward to returning. It was a beautiful, warm, Saturday, Spring evening and so we made a 7:30 pm reservation through Open Table and we’re glad we did because the place was packed and folks were waiting in line, but we were immediately ushered to a wonderfully romantic booth as we were greeted warmly by the hostess. In spite of the crowd, our server Armando was attentive throughout our meal. We began with two perfect dry (reasonably priced) Hendricks Martinis. Followed by the Mezza Sampler (Hummus, Armenian Spinach, & Plaki - a white bean dish), Armenian Combo with Cheese Boereg, Kafta, and Eggplant accompanied with a glass of Tushpa red wine. Of course all this included excellent, warm Pita bread. We had a wonderful time. It is a lovely, comfortable setting offering delicious food served by friendly staff. I highly recommend Sayat Nova for their great Armenian cuisine.
Written April 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William H
90 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
My wife and I had a nice dinner here. The ambience is very nice and the service is very friendly. The food was good. We had not had Armenian food before but we have had Turkish, Greek and Middle Eastern. It was very similar. The Boeregs, however, were fantastic and we ordered seconds. The music playing was the oddest collection I've ever heard which in a way added to the fun. It ranged from rap to traditional to jazz standards. We are glad we ate here but as we are not from Chicago we would probably try a different international cuisine the next time we visit.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven123
Chicago119 contributions
Apr 2022 • family
Sayat-Nova is a wonderful restaurant. The experience starts with a warm friendly welcome from their staff and being seated in a comfortable attractive Armenian setting. The menu is very varied with delicious cold and hot appetizers and excellent entrées including chicken, shrimp and lamb kebabs, delicious lamb pilaf dishes and other Armenian specialties. All the ingredients are exceptionally fresh and the cooking is homestyle and what a unique and flavorful taste it is! The prices are reasonable for the excellent quality you experience. Try a glass of Armenian Ararat cognac to top off your meal! And the desserts are amazing.
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle
72 contributions
May 2022 • none
I would have given it 5 stars, except that I discovered after we left that we were overcharged. I ordered an assortment of 3 sides, explicitly pointing to the "Something on the side" section of the menu when ordering, but I was charged the 40% higher prices from the "Mezze" section of the menu instead, which left me feeling scammed. That said, the food was good, the server was very nice, and the wine was delicious.
Written May 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kikaeats
New York City40 contributions
Oct 2022 • none
I crave Sayat Nova each time I visit Chicago. There's something so comforting about a family owned restaurant that's been a Chicago institution for 50+ years. The juicy lulla kebabs are my favorite, an Armenian classic made of ground lamb and beef with fragrant spices. I always start with an assortment of mezza (appetizers). They're all delicious with plenty of vegetarian options too. If you eat meat, don't miss the raw kibbee, aka Armenian steak tartare. The lantern-filled restaurant got a makeover during Covid and looks gorgeous and romantic. There's even a speakeasy-style room downstairs for private events. Ask for a booth!
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DenverFlaneur
Denver52 contributions
Jul 2022 • couples
Delectable cuisine, excellent service, lovely atmosphere. Can eat here small-plates style or traditional app-main approach. Marvelous choices for vegetarians and wide range for carnivores and omnivores. They seem genuinely happy to welcome you, and treat you with warmth throughout. And the food…savory, fresh, colorful, flavors both rich and subtle. It’s a sensual experience, not merely a meal. Worth a trip to Chicago on its own merits.
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mister_samsa
76 contributions
Jul 2022 • none
My wife and I randomly found this restaurant over a decade ago when it was snowing and we needed to get out of the snow. We're so glad we did, because every time we're in Chicago, we need to return.
It seems like they had changed the menu a bit since our last visit (2019), removing one of my favorite dishes. But that's okay - we still had an amazing meal with delicious entrees, deserts, and drinks.
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Itinerant_Foodies
Greensboro605 contributions
Mar 2023 • none
Our first time here and we really liked the atmosphere of the restaurant. Service was very good and helpful as well. We started with the mezza sampler and an order of hummus and thoroughly enjoyed them all. One of us had the Armenian combo and all of it was delicious--highly recommended. Two others had the chicken kebab which had great flavor but seemed just a bit dry. Overall a great experience and we'd go back the next time we're in town.
Written March 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DenverFlaneur
Denver52 contributions
Jun 2023 • family
Fantastically delicious food. Wonderful hot and cold appetizer options, so, easy to make a sort of “Armenian tapas” meal with everybody sharing everything (though they gave traditional entrees as well). Service is friendly but not intrusive. The space is cozy & soothing, a real escape from the hustle and bustle.
Written June 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kris
4 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
It was a cold, wet evening with sleet coming down - this was just the warm, cozy, and inviting environment to step into. Colorful and interesting decor. Upbeat international music playing.
I had a glass of wine and the lamb - delicious all around.
Written April 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robin M
Moorestown39 contributions
Jul 2024 • couples
We love ethnic food and found this Armenian restaurant to be outstanding. Each dish we ordered was excellent. Service provided was quick, responsive and d friendly. Would definitely come back again the next time we are in Chicago!
Written July 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jammie82
Vero Beach141 contributions
Jan 2024 • family
Unique cuisine and very tasty. The kabobs are amazing. There are a wide selection of appetizers. The cuisine is worth a try and fo different from mainstream American cuisine.
Written January 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana V
2 contributions
Sep 2022 • family
We enjoyed the food, the music, and the cosy atmosphere of this place. I’d recommend this restaurant to anyone who likes Middle Eastern and Armenian cousins.
Written September 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen R Todorov
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • couples
A true gem and surprise. Food and service were excellent. The interior decor made it feel like you had come to a very special place.
Written August 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joye
Genoa City11 contributions
Dec 2019 • family
We wanted to expose our daughters and significant others to unique cuisine. This restaurant truly delivered!!amazing service great food. Great
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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