La Tapenade Mediterranean Cafe

ORD Terminal 2, Chicago, IL 60666, United States
$$$ Cafe
(45 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Nestled conveniently within ORD Terminal 2 of Chicago's bustling O'Hare International Airport, La Tapenade Mediterranean Cafe delivers an inviting taste of the Mediterranean that beckons travelers seeking a quick yet satisfying meal. With a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional flavors, this cafe offers a welcome escape from the usual airport fare.

Known for its delightful array of sandwiches, salads, and vibrant Mediterranean dishes, La Tapenade ensures that your palate is tantalized even amidst the chaos of airport travel. From their crunchy, fresh bread to the generous portions of their signature kebab platters, each bite offers a blend of rich flavors that transport you far away from the hustle of your travel itinerary.

Picture yourself sinking your teeth into a sumptuous sandwich filled with fresh, savory ingredients, the warmth of the bread perfectly complementing the melt-in-your-mouth fillings. Patrons have raved about their Mediterranean salads, rich in fresh veggies and bursting with flavors that leave a lasting impression. One glowing review even highlights a delightful panini breakfast sandwich that defies the expectations of airport cuisine. With every dish, there’s an undeniable commitment to quality and freshness that stands front and center.

While the food shines, La Tapenade's service has seen mixed reviews. Some customers have reported less-than-stellar interactions, noting a disconnect in the service experience, like the lackadaisical demeanor of staff at the cashier. However, others have experienced excellent hospitality, with employees like Maritza offering warm assistance in navigating the menu. It appears that while the reviews vary, one thing remains consistent: the food quality brings people in, and several have left pleasantly surprised despite their initial hesitations.

The ambiance might not stand out with its simple decor or lack of seating options, but La Tapenade thrives as a grab-and-go cafe. It meets the needs of today’s fast-paced traveler, allowing you to savor a delicious meal as you make your way to your next gate. You might find it bustling between gates E9 and E11, yet it’s this vibrant atmosphere of mobility and urgency that adds an authentic airport experience. If you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up snack or a hearty lunch, La Tapenade stands ready to serve your cravings.

Overall, La Tapenade Mediterranean Cafe offers a charming stop during your travels. With its piquant dishes and friendly faces waiting to serve you—as long as you don’t catch the cashier on a bad day—you can indulge in a slice of the Mediterranean without leaving the terminal. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a first-time visitor, this cafe is worth a stop on your journey.

Openings Hours

Monday

5:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Tuesday

5:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday

5:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Thursday

5:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday

5:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday

5:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Sunday

5:30 AM - 8:00 PM

45 Reviews
Denise PH

13 Sep 2025

Food is good - the bread is fresh and crunchy, and it is super well-served. But service is terrible- the guy at the cashier acts as if he was doing you a favor for everything, even asking for cutlery.

Larry Toler

06 Sep 2025

It's been 20 years since I got food from there. It was IMO the only decent place to get food. I was a FA staged out of there, the best part,we got a crew discount. There was this huge Kebop plate I would take with me to my next overnight. The Greek salads were really big and quite tasty.

Carlos Figueroa

27 Jul 2025

Despise the terrible reviews, we came here and enjoyed a wonderful panini breakfast sandwich, Mediterranean salad and coffee with no issues. I was pretty surprised in a good way. The lady Maritza and the rest of employees seemed nice and helped us chose from the menu. If given the opportunity, we'll come back again. Very early in my life I learned "if you have money to buy a V8 car you better have money to fill up the gas tank too." With that been said, if you have money to travel and fly, you should know airport food is ex-pen-si-ve and low quality for the most part.

Samantha Edwards

09 Jul 2025

Food was good for a quick sandwich. I was starving so I ate the WHOLE SANDWICH. Person serving was nice and communicated effectively. The atmosphere was not there, no decor or theme whatsoever !

Andrew Foley

26 May 2025

The are two Tapenade restaurants in terminal 2, this one is between gates E9 and E11. Good for a grab and go lunch/quick snack. No seating available.

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