KURAH is one of the South Loop’s gems and lucky for me, it’s two blocks from my apartment. It’s a full service Mediterranean restaurant serving traditional yet upscale dishes in a seriously charming space.

Now before I get to our meal, let’s talk about Kurah a bit. This is the second consecutive year that Kurah has made it’s way onto the Bib Gourmand list. Bib Gourmand is the Michelin’s Guide for restaurants that “serve two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.” Obviously, the restaurant also has to have exceptional food and be overall great to be on any Michelin list. Kurah definitely fits all of these categories and deserves to be included.

The sister and I took a walk over to the restaurant for dinner last week and we are so happy that we did. Everything about Kurah makes it onto my list of favorites. Let’s talk about the food.

We tried a few cocktails, appetizers, then shared an entree and dessert.

BACON WRAPPED DATES | stuffed with goat cheese, pecans, and wrapped in applewood smoked bacon

(Photo courtesy of Kurah)

Holy yum! Both the sister and I LOVED these. Who doesn’t love bacon-wrapped food… and the dates are a perfect combination to create that sweet and salty flavor profile. It’s also served with pomegranate syrup, which is sweet but tart. It’s a dish FULL of flavor, and a definite MUST to order.

BRIE POTATOES | homestyle potatoes topped with melted brie and red pepper flakes

Creamy, cheesy, spicy, delicious. While we all love cheesy potatoes, using brie as the cheese here makes it unique.

SPINACH & CARAMELIZED ONION PIES | served with roasted eggplant tomato confit

These were like the classic Spanakopita type pies. A mild spinach/onion filling inside a flaky pastry. They’re pretty filling and would make a good lunch.

HUMMUS | served with Persian cucumbers, and heirloom tomatoes

Pretty perfect hummus enjoyed with some fresh pita bread baked in the wood oven right in the kitchen!

GRILLED KABOB PLATTER | combination of kefta & ribeye, with saffron basmati and grilled vegetables

(Photo courtesy of Kurah)

If you’ve never had grilled Middle Eastern-spiced meats, you’re missing out. The combination of spices, plus being grilled on open fire make for delicious meats. Even the grilled vegetables that are served alongside are delicious. This was a perfect amount to share between two people.

ROSE-INFUSED FLAN | Spanish flan with an infusion of rosewater, topped with pistachios

I LOVE flan. I’ve had many, many flan desserts to date. Kurah has the BEST FLAN I’ve EVER had. Yes, the CAPS are necessary because I’m so serious. This flan is absolutely divine. It’s light and perfectly creamy, and you can definitely taste the hints of rosewater. Though the sister and I shared it, we could have both easily devoured our own. Next time, we’ll do just that.

If you are going to try just two things at Kurah to get a taste of the deliciousness they’re serving, try the DATES and this FLAN. But really, just try as much as you can. Everything is delicious.

They’re also open for lunch! So if you’re in the area, or mostly work remotely like I do, make your way over for some lunch as well.

Either way, check out Kurah and see why it’s on that Bib Gourmand list!

KURAH MEDITERRANEAN TAPAS | 1355 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605

>> Please excuse the lighting of the photos. Kurah is dimly (read: romantically) lit and we sat at a table next to the window. Unless otherwise noted, photos were taken by me.