Inspired by a river that brought people together over centuries, we serve tapas that do the same. Avaspi offers a warm, relaxed space shaped by Anatolia’s multiethnic hospitality.
Avaspi (“pure water” in Kurdish) is an Anatolian tapas restaurant named after a river in Mardin, a historic multicultural city in Southeastern Anatolia. The river, known for its pure waterfalls and greenery, gives life to agricultural lands in the Mesopotamian plains, something of a miracle in this arid region. The food and flavors of these lands have brought people of various ethnic groups around the same table for thousands of years. Here at Avaspi, we are devoted to bringing Anatolia’s rich multi-ethnic cuisine and deep culture of hospitality to Chicago. Thank you for letting us share this special cuisine with you. Enjoy!
Founder: Mehmet Duzgun
Food designed for sharing - perfect for celebrations, community events, and corporate tables.
Let's bring your event to life! Contact us to plan your celebration and create a menu just for you.
From intimate dinners to milestone moments, our dining room brings people together around the flavors of Anatolia. Contact us to plan your event and curated event menu.
Call us at (773)-720-1297 or book a table through Open Table:
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Ezme*
$13.95
Muhammara
$12.95
Hummus
$12.95
Beets Meze*
$15.95
Mixed Meze*
$26.95
Stuffed Dates*
$15.95
Calamari Meze
$18.50
Goat Cheese Tomato Dip*
$14.95
Grilled Halloumi Meze
$16.50
Mushroom Tava
$16.95
Avaspi Mixed Plate for 2*
$70.00
Branzino
$39.95
Avaspi Potato Salad
$16.95
Halloumi Salad
$17.95
Ezme *(VG)
$10.00
Hummus (VG)
$10.00
Haydari (V)
$10.00
Beets Meze (V)
$12.00
Stuffed Dates *(V)
$12.00
Grilled Halloumi Meze *(V)
$14.00
Calamari Meze
$16.00
Mushroom Tava (V)
$15.00
We welcome people who believe in warmth, care, and the joy of serving others.
Apply for a jobThis is one of my new favorite restaurants! Had the loveliest experience here celebrating my birthday. All of the food was incredible and a lot of authentic Turkish dishes, and the staff's warm hospitality was 10/10. They made us feel so welcome. Can't wait to come back to try weekend brunch. Thank you Avaspi 🧡
What is this place? It's magical. The space itself is old and new charm and takes you back to ancient Anatolia. Best grape leaves I've had. Amazing basil martini. The mezze are all great! Salads are amazing. Get their Kurdish coffee! And a sweet patio, brunch and happy hour! Go soon!
This place is a vibe. The food is amazing. I was so impressed. I can't even describe the intimate vibe you have to see it to believe it. I've had some of the best downtown Chicago spots that didn't even come close to the service or the food. Please please try this place.
Wonderful atmosphere, great music, excellent service from the super nice guys there, and food was incredible! Also tried the Kurdish coffee and it was great. Look forward to many more times at Avaspi!
Love Avaspi, A fantastic Kurdish dining experience. Our server became a new friend, explaining menu highlights and ancient Kurdish history. Tapas and entrees were to taste and more!! And an extra-after-the-meal surprise for our special occasion. Bravo Avaspi … bravo!
Experience the warmth, flavors and traditions of Anatolia right here in Chicago at Avaspi. Here, you can enjoy heartfelt hospitality and handcrafted dishes – a celebration of culture through cuisine, where every dish tells a story. Founder and executive chef, Mehmet Duzgun and co-owner and bar manager, Rusen Firat Aldur shared why they call it a “third space.”
by: Learn More about Tonya Francisco, you are leaving website, opens in a new tab
Learn More about AVASPI on the WGN TV Daytime Chicago, you are leaving website, opens in a new tab
LAKEVIEW — An Anatolian tapas restaurant has opened in Lakeview, bringing a taste of Turkey and the Middle East to Chicago.
It serves Turkish, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on mezze platters, which are shareable appetizers like tapas.
Avaspi, an Anatolian tapas restaurant, as seen on March 25, 2024. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
by: Leen Yassine March 27, 2024
Learn More about AVASPI on the Block Club Chicago, you are leaving website, opens in a new tab
Mehmet Duzgun owns and operates the concept, which is inspired by the food and flavors of Anatolia, a region of modern-day Turkey on the Asian continent. What Now Media Group recently caught up with Duzgun to learn more about his journey and how things have been going since the Anatolia-inspired destination opened in March.
Written By Joey Reams Senior Regional Reporter
