Venus Greek-Cypriot Cuisine

Message from Venus Greek-Cypriot Cuisine

Traditional Cypriot restaurant features tapas-style mezes and live weekend entertainment.
  • Greek Cuisine
  • Extensive Wine List

Experience Chicago's only Mediterranean Cypriot Cuisine. Feast on the unique cuisine of Cyprus influenced by Middle Eastern, French, Italian and British invaders. Venus offers what a truly unique dining experience should be as it is a treat not only for the palate, but also for the eyes and ears as well. Dine in the vibrant Mediterranean surroundings; palm plants, green-shuttered window frames and a bar made to look like an ancient Greek warship. The preferred menu selection is the 14-course mezes, offering a mixture of traditional Cypriot dishes and several traditional Greek dishes.

Editorial and merchant content by Citysearch

Marker Venus Greek-Cypriot Cuisine

(312) 361-8375

820 W Jackson Blvd Chicago, IL 60607
Write a Review

Editorial Description by Citysearch
In Short
With a bar shaped like an ancient boat and decor awash in yellow, green, white and red, this restaurant pays tribute to the island nation of Cyprus. The menu features a variety of traditional dishes like hummus, talatouri (homemade yogurt with cucumber and mint), grilled meat or seafood souvlaki. Dishes are available a la carte, but are best enjoyed as a meze, or tapas-style mixture of plates.

12 Reviews of Venus Greek-Cypriot Cuisine in Chicago

Have experience with this business? Write a review


Good Cypriot Cuisine  4 Star Rating - Very good

By Demetri I. | insider Insider | Rank: 13,209

This place is great for large groups of people who are interested in splitting multiple appetizers. Their large number of dipping and spread plates are great for a long relaxed meal.

Was this review helpful to you? Yes / No (you must log in or sign up to vote)
Latest reviews by Citysearch: (read all 11 reviews on Citysearch)

Never again.............. 1 Star Rating - Unsatisfactory

By Hristo2007

I went to Venus a couple of weeks ago with my wife and let me tell you it was awful! The decor was beautiful however the food was bland and the customer service was awful. Our drinks were given to us promptly but the food wasn't. Our waiter hardly paid attention to us . He never came back to ask us if we wanted fresh wine or anything. Why should I go back?

Pros: great decor
Posted 05/31/09

ok 2 Star Rating - Wouldn't recommend

By sarabbb

We went here last thursday evening with a party of 3. Were promptly seated and decor was very nice. Beautiful bar ship! However, it stops here. Food was below average at best. Not going back.

Pros: nice bar
Cons: below-average food
Posted 05/22/08

Nice ambience, mediocre food, overcharged my debit card 3 Star Rating - Satisfactory

By Andrew2008

I went for last Valentine's Day with my girlfriend. We got some spreads as appetizer and then salmon for her and mousaka for me. The spreads and the mousaka were rather bland. The fish was better. Everything was freshly prepared. The service was correct, except for the wine recommendations. Instead of explaining you the choices the waiter would try to force you to have one wine, it was kind of funny.
The surprise came one month later: They overcharged my debit card. I had my copy of the receipt, I had left a 15% tip. They charged a 20%. The difference was ridiculously low (less than 5 bucks), but I just cannot believe it.
For tastier food I would go to Greek Islands Restaurant on Halsted. Venus has a nicer ambience but the food is not worth it. May be visit their bar only if you are around Greektown. And pay cash (just in case).

Pros: Ambience, nice bar, friendly service (except wine recommendations)
Cons: Bland food, overcharged my debit card, don't know about wine pairings
Posted 03/13/08

Excellent experience 5 Star Rating - World class

By srish

I took my cousin from out of town to Greektown and saw that Venus was highly rated. It's around the corner from Halsted, and it turned out to be a hidden gem. We were warmly greeted and promptly seated. Our waiter was very friendly and helpful and the food was delicious. Someone checked in with us every 10 minutes or so to make sure our water was filled, everything was good, and to see if we needed anything else. An excellent experience, highly recommended!

Pros: Excellent decor, food, service
Posted 10/16/07

Try it Out! 4 Star Rating - Very good

By phoenix09

As the first time Greek-Cypriot cuisine visitor, can't comment if it was authentic. But now I am really greek food lover :) So I would suggest everybody to try this place. Food was no doubt delicious, but more attracting was the ambience & homely atmosphere. U gotta taste greek wines, they are amazing.

Posted 01/30/07