A Michelin-Recognized Chicago Restaurant Is Opening a Morning Café With Baklava Croissants and Specialty Lattes

Sifr's existing River North restaurant space. Photo: Choose Chicago.

RIVER NORTH, CHICAGO— A Michelin-recognized restaurant known for its wood-fired Middle Eastern dinners is about to give Chicago residents a new reason to visit before noon.

Sifr Café is scheduled to open Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 660 N. Orleans Street, introducing a daytime menu of specialty coffee, house-made pastries, breakfast sandwiches and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes.

The new concept comes from Chefs Sujan Sarkar and Sahil Sethi, the team behind Sifr, Indienne and Nadu.

Instead of opening a separate storefront, the restaurant will transform its existing River North dining space into a casual café during the morning and early afternoon.

For residents, commuters and visitors looking for something beyond the usual coffee-and-croissant routine, the menu offers a distinctive new breakfast option.

From Michelin Bib Gourmand Dinners to Morning Coffee

Sifr has built its reputation around contemporary Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking, particularly dishes prepared over a charcoal and wood-fired hearth.

The restaurant earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction in 2024 and 2025, recognizing its quality and value.

Now, the team is bringing that same approach to a more casual daytime experience.

Sifr Café will operate as a counter-service concept, allowing guests to order coffee and pastries to go or sit down for breakfast and a relaxed midday meal.

The idea builds on the team's experience with Swadesi Café, another Chicago concept that combines South Asian flavors with contemporary café offerings.

At Sifr, the new menu will incorporate ingredients such as tahini, cardamom, harissa, dates and za'atar into familiar breakfast foods.

The result is a morning menu that feels connected to the restaurant's Middle Eastern identity while offering a completely different experience from its evening service.

What's on the Sifr Café Menu? Baklava Croissants, Lamb Focaccia and More

The café's pastry selection is one of its biggest attractions.

Rather than focusing exclusively on traditional French-style pastries, the kitchen is introducing baked goods inspired by Middle Eastern and South Asian desserts.

Finishing a mezze platter at the wood-fired hearth. Photo: @sifrchicago on Instagram.

Sweet Pastries and Baked Goods

Baklava Croissant: A pastry inspired by the familiar flavors of baklava.
Carrot Halwa Babka: A combination of babka and the South Asian carrot-based dessert.
Mahalabia Custard Croissant: A croissant inspired by the Middle Eastern milk pudding.
Cardamom Canelé: A spiced interpretation of the French pastry.
Date & Chocolate Tea Cake: A sweet option for an afternoon coffee break.
Semolina Basbousa: A cake inspired by the traditional Middle Eastern dessert.

The savory menu is equally interesting.

The Egg Soufflé Breakfast Sandwich comes with cheese and harissa mayonnaise, with options to add a hash brown or lamb adana patty.

Other offerings include Lamb Keema Focaccia, an Olive & Harissa Focaccia Slice, and a Chicken Musakhan Croissant Ring made with sumac chicken and caramelized onions.

For visitors arriving closer to lunch, the café plans to serve falafel and chicken sandwiches on house-made focaccia.

Sifr's signature hummus will also make an appearance, served with olive oil, za'atar and fresh focaccia.

Specialty Lattes Bring Middle Eastern Flavors to the Coffee Menu

Coffee is another major part of the new concept.

Sifr Café will use espresso from Chicago-based Metric Coffee, alongside a selection of specialty drinks featuring ingredients that aren't typically found on standard café menus.

Highlights include the Smoked Tahini Latte, Date Caramel Latte and Sticky Date Latte, the last made with Medjool dates, maple syrup and warming spices.

For guests who prefer tea, the café will offer Sulaimani Masala Chai, a dairy-free spiced black tea featuring ginger and cardamom.

Additional teas will come from Chicago's Spirit Tea.

The combination of specialty coffee and Middle Eastern-inspired pastries gives visitors several ways to try the new menu, from a quick morning latte to a more substantial breakfast.

For a first visit, the Baklava Croissant and Sticky Date Latte make an interesting pairing, while the Lamb Keema Focaccia offers a savory alternative.

Final prices and availability of individual menu items should be confirmed after opening.

Sifr Café Chicago: Opening Date, Hours and What to Know

Here's what visitors should know before planning their first visit.

Café: Sifr Café
Opening Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (scheduled)
Address: 660 N. Orleans Street, Chicago, IL 60654
Neighborhood: River North
Café Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Service: Counter ordering for dine-in and takeaway
Menu: Specialty coffee, tea, pastries, breakfast sandwiches and light midday dishes
Official Website: Sifr Chicago

The café will operate inside the existing restaurant before Sifr transitions to dinner service at 5 p.m.

The evening restaurant will continue offering its established Middle Eastern menu, cocktails and dining experiences.

Café service is designed for casual visits rather than traditional reserved dining. Visitors should check the official website for opening updates, hours and menu availability.

Discover More of River North's Dining and Neighborhood Lifestyle

From specialty cafés and restaurants to galleries and waterfront destinations, River North offers a mix of dining, entertainment and residential living.

For buyers and relocation clients, understanding what a neighborhood offers throughout the day can be just as important as comparing available homes.

The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier helps buyers, sellers and renters explore Chicago neighborhoods with local real estate expertise and personalized guidance.

Interested in living near River North's restaurants and cafés? Connect with our team to explore available condos, compare buildings and discover a home that fits your lifestyle and budget.

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