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Sayat Nova Reviews List
Sayat Nova
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.
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71 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 71 reviews
5 stars
(23)
4 stars
(36)
3 stars
(12)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(37)
- romantic(26)
- fit for foodies(23)
- good for groups(15)
- special occasion(10)
- great for lunch(5)
Sayat Nova Reviews List
Review 1 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
respite from the uber chic- GREAT
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great place for groups- with reservations for seating. This is a wonderful,cozy, informal den of great food and very reasonably priced wine. I wish they had brinza and real lavash (Ho!), but even these shortcomings do not detract. Go here! Service was also top notch."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 2 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great ethnic (Armenian) restaurant close to the Sheraton Hotel. Pleasant and attentive staff, good selection of food, well prepared and tasty. Not expensive a worthwhile dining experience."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Flavorful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was one of the best meals we've had recently. Everything was so flavorful & fresh from the hommus to the combo skewer. Delicious & reasonably priced. Will definitely return. Try this place--tasty!!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful Meal, We had the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Wonderful Meal, We had the back table which was very romantic. The Food was Excelent and the service was great."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 5 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This was my second time at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was my second time at Sayat Nova. I have to say, the food is great and that's why I came back. The service, however, leaves much to be desired. Waitstaff appear to have no training whatsoever. I can't tell you how many times the waitress had to reach over me to poor water into my glass. Each time she pressed uncomfortably against me. The waiter was even worse. I had to call him over to order and to get the check."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2008
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Review 6 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent middle eastern cuisine,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent middle eastern cuisine, authentic, long history and continually updates/refines."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 7 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I was looking for a place
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was looking for a place for a business dinner where there would be a topic we could turn to if the business topic did not go as I had hoped for. In short, the setting was great for the business meeting and the ethnic food was cause for much discussion. The food was excellent with the right amount of service but not too much. All in all it was fantastic. I would go back for business or personal outing in a heartbeat."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 8 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and awesome service.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food and awesome service. My only complaint was waiting another 10 minutes past the reservation time but it was well worth it."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great for groups
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent Armenian food in a cozy atmosphere. Each table feels like your own private room. Highly recommended."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great price-value for Armenian
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great price-value for Armenian food and the wait-staff was very accommodating to my dietary needs."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was great, but the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was great, but the portions were on the smaller end when compared to other kabob houses. Still, I'd come here again."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Booths across the bar are
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Booths across the bar are just perfect for a date nite out."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2008
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 13 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not bad?
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It's hard to sum this up--ordinarily, I love trying new food, and typically love anything in the Middle Eastern/Eastern European neck of the woods. But my meal at Sayat Nova was, while not bad, unremarkable. I dined with two coworkers, and both of them seemed much more enthusiastic, so maybe I just ordered the wrong thing. A nice little place, and maybe worth a second chance when I'm back in town..."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 14 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
SAYAT NOVA-The Venerable Armenian
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The venerable Sayat Nova has been around for years & it has not lost a step. While the food is not what I would call gourmet, it is an excellent initiation into Armenian cuisine. The portions are large and the cooking is tasty. Service is prompt, warm and friendly. While certainly not a Michelin experience, Sayat Nova is a fun and rewarding dining experience."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2002
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good authentic Chicago
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very good authentic Chicago Armenian dining experience. The menu included vegetarian options. Good atmosphere and good service."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2007
Special Features: romantic
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Review 16 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Attentive service and delicious
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Attentive service and delicious food!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2012
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Review 17 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good introduction to Armenian
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good introduction to Armenian cuisine. Food was flavorful and service attentive although a little bit too speedy (which may not be an issue for most diners; but I enjoy taking my time...)"
Dined on 03/03/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 18 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Mag Mile Gem
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"If you like Middle Eastern style food in a romantic, cozy setting, this is a great spot in the heart of the Mag Mile. The restaurant has been a fixture at this spot for decades. Of course, it isn't Middle Eastern but Armenian - but features some similar dishes (tenderloin and chicken kabobs) and plenty more that are all very appetizing."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 19 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I enjoyed my main dish, which
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I enjoyed my main dish, which was trout. It had a very nice flavor. My husband's lentil soup was not hot enough. Dessert--kind of a baklava thing with cream--was very good. My husband's lamb dish, according to him, was just so-so. Prices are very reasonable."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 20 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our go to place when visiting
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our go to place when visiting Chicago."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 21 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very good food. Armenian,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very good food. Armenian, how about that?! We were surprised and pleased. Sayat Nova we learned is named for a famed Armenian, poet, musician, religious mystic of the 18th century. This restaurant takes its food and heritage seriously. My wife and I had a great time. So many interesting ethnic dishes to choose from. Lots of fun. Good prices."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Sayat Nova
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Strange atmosphere but good
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Strange atmosphere but good food."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2004
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Sayat Nova
Based on the average of (49) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
4 out of 5 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate