Al Amira (CLOSED)

One of the more ambitious eateries on this long-established (and rather static) Middle Eastern strip in Albany Park is this Iraqi restaurant, outfitted with a snazzy interior and late-night hours. The menu seems to follow the standard offerings of its neighbors, but everything is prepared as well as anywhere: Falafel are freshly fried and served with garlicky toum, and shawarma tastes of good-quality meat and is, thankfully, moist and tender. Service is welcoming at noon, and by reports it’s the same at midnight, making it a civilized alternative to late-night greasy spoons.