Galit Chicago: A Culinary Bridge Between Cultures with Chef Zachary Engel

Galit: Where Middle Eastern Hospitality Meets Chicago’s Culinary Soul

Nestled in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, Galit stands as more than just a restaurant—it’s a cultural experience. At the core of this vibrant space are Chef Zachary Engel and business partner Andrés Clavero, whose shared vision turns each meal into a warm, communal celebration.

Since opening in 2019, Galit has drawn diners eager to taste its unique take on Middle Eastern cuisine with a Midwestern twist. But what truly sets it apart isn’t just the flavors—it’s the feeling. Engel and Clavero have created a restaurant that emulates a lively, heartfelt dinner party, echoing the kinds of gatherings found in homes across Jerusalem, Amman, or Beirut.

The Story Behind the Concept: More Than a Restaurant

Chef Zachary Engel, a Jewish American with deep culinary roots, came into the project with more than just recipes—he brought lived experience and emotional depth. His time cooking in Tel Aviv and his upbringing in a household where food was central to family and faith gave him an intuitive understanding of Middle Eastern culinary traditions.

Meanwhile, Andrés Clavero, whose Palestinian heritage informs his sensibilities, contributed another layer of authenticity to Galit's foundation. Together, the duo envisioned a space where both their backgrounds could be honored through food, without political tension but with emotional resonance.

Their goal was never to mimic tradition blindly but to reinterpret familiar dishes through a Midwestern lens. From the start, they agreed: Galit would be a place where people felt at home, where every dinner would unfold like a shared experience around someone’s kitchen table.

A Chef’s Culinary Philosophy: Hospitality as a Language

Zachary Engel believes deeply in the emotional aspect of dining. For him, the role of a chef is about creating connection. That belief is evident in how the Galit team serves guests—not just with well-executed plates, but with stories, history, and warmth.

The restaurant's open kitchen concept reflects this philosophy. Guests are encouraged to feel like they’re part of the process, witnessing the heart and hustle that goes into each dish. And the team’s style of service—conversational, attentive, but never fussy—mirrors the comfort and informality of a Middle Eastern dinner party.

Galit’s food doesn’t shy away from bold flavors or cultural references. Engel takes the essence of classic dishes—like labneh, hummus, falafel, or lamb kebabs—and breathes new life into them with locally sourced ingredients, thoughtful plating, and seasonal adaptations. He allows nostalgia and innovation to coexist on every plate.

What Makes the Menu Special

Galit’s menu structure itself sets the tone for a communal experience. Diners often begin with a spread of mezze-style starters, which encourage sharing and conversation. These are followed by hearty mains and housemade breads served fresh from the wood-fired oven—a centerpiece in the kitchen and a nod to Middle Eastern baking traditions.

One of Galit’s standout elements is how Midwestern ingredients are seamlessly integrated into Middle Eastern formats. A salad might feature roasted local carrots tossed in harissa vinaigrette, or a charred eggplant dip could be topped with regional herbs and sunflower seeds for a nutty crunch. It’s this interplay of place and memory that makes Galit feel so rooted in Chicago while remaining globally inspired.

Even the beverage program embraces the spirit of fusion, with wines from Lebanon, Israel, and Turkey sitting comfortably alongside bottles from small-batch American producers. Cocktails are often infused with regional flavors—think date syrup, rose water, or za’atar-rimmed glasses.

Celebrating Cultural Crossroads: Collaboration with Unapologetic Foods

In June, Galit steps into an exciting new chapter by hosting Chef Chintan Pandya and restaurateur Roni Mazumdar, the powerhouses behind New York’s Unapologetic Foods Group—home to acclaimed spots like Dhamaka and Semma.

This two-day event will be a celebration of Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines, both of which are deeply regional, unapologetically bold, and emotionally anchored in heritage. For Engel, the collaboration is a chance to explore the intersections of flavor, migration, and memory. While the geographic origins of the two cuisines differ, both share a reliance on spice, texture, and storytelling through food.

These cross-cultural dinners reflect a growing movement in the culinary world—where chefs are less focused on borders and more focused on shared histories and flavor dialogues. Engel and Pandya, both champions of authenticity, see this as an opportunity to educate diners and celebrate their roots, side by side.

Unapologetic Cuisine: A Shared Philosophy

For Chef Engel, being “unapologetic” means staying true to his roots, even when they don’t fit neatly into established fine dining norms. It’s about presenting hummus with confidence, highlighting Arab-Jewish culinary traditions, and not backing down from strong spices or bold acidity just to appeal to a wider audience.

This mindset aligns perfectly with what Unapologetic Foods stands for. Both Engel and Pandya believe that food should honor its source—not be filtered or neutralized for mass consumption. By holding their ground, they’ve both helped change the narrative around what ethnic food can look and feel like in upscale dining environments.

Their collaboration is more than a limited-time tasting event—it’s a statement of cultural pride.

Looking Forward: Building Legacy Through Food

As Galit moves into its fifth year, Engel and Clavero continue to build a restaurant that’s as much about people as it is about plates. They’re deeply involved in mentoring new talent, often hiring cooks and front-of-house staff from diverse backgrounds who bring their own stories and experiences to the table.

For Engel, the future is about preserving tradition while making room for evolution. He remains committed to showcasing Jewish and Middle Eastern food in ways that feel exciting, inclusive, and deeply personal.

There’s talk of expanding Galit’s influence through pop-ups, cookbooks, or educational events, but one thing remains certain: the core will always be rooted in hospitality, heritage, and heart.

Conclusion: Galit Is a Place of Belonging

In a city known for its robust dining scene, Galit stands out by staying grounded in emotional cooking and human connection. It’s not just a destination for Middle Eastern flavors—it’s a dining room where cultures meet, stories are told, and guests leave feeling nourished on every level.