Taxim Review

We ordered a few small plates and salads, they were all tasty. From small plates (mezedes) the octopus and Cypriot-style pork sausage were good. It is difficult to find a good octopus in the US anyway, this was cooked well. Peynirli and – Politiki-style wood fire-roasted eggplants were delicious. My favorite at the end was the warm chocolate semolina cake, but the ice cream was smelling like a sheep :( We tried 4 different Greek wines, they were all good. Except the expensive dessert wine which was like pekmez :( Dont get it!! It is a nice place to have a romantic dinner, or with a big group. There is greek music on the background but not good quality ones I guess, but it does not bother you very much.

Taxim's decor sets the tone: exposed brick and white-painted walls with graceful arches; pierced metal lanterns, Byzantine-style art, copper-topped tables set close together, and red velvet cushions on the banquettes. This is not a place meant to evoke a beachfront taverna. Rather, the menu allows diners to explore the variety of regional Greek cuisine. The small plates really stand out: On our most recent visit we enjoyed fried cauliflower on a bed of whipped feta cheese made pink by adding roasted red pepper; warm artichoke, fingerling potato and carrot slices in a dressing of oil and lemon flavored with fresh dill; smoked mackerel with roasted small whole tomatoes and capers; and shrimp dolmades. We didn't love the lamb offal in a caul...it was a bit chewy...but we were glad we tried it. If you like lamb, go for the lamb chops instead. There is a pretty extensive list of Greek wines, many of which may be unfamiliar but the staff can help choose one. Along a bustling stretch of Milwaukee Ave, this place gets quite lively (some would say "loud") at peak times. Metered street parking is not too hard to find.