Owners say their new restaurant is for everyone and has substitutions for pork and alcohol.

Dua Italian Cuisine & Steakhouse, a new halal restaurant in Park Ridge, is set to open at the former location of D’Agostino’s Pizza and Pub at 742 W. Higgins Road. The restaurant will follow Islamic dietary codes, offering no pork products or alcohol, in compliance with Islamic food laws.

Pending city building inspections, co-owner Daniel Kadyrbekov anticipates a soft opening at Dua before the end of the week, with a grand opening to follow next week. The 3,600 square-foot location with a capacity of 130 people will offer a menu of Italian food, pizza, pasta, and a variety of steaks, as well as a vegan menu. The restaurant will not serve alcoholic beverages, instead focusing on coffee and mocktails. Kadyrbekov revealed that guests can expect to spend between $30 and $40 per meal, with more expensive options like Japanese Wagyu beef also available.

The name “Dua” comes from combining the first letters of the names of Kadyrbekov and his partners, Uluuk Toktonazar Uulu and Azamat Mamatkadyrov. “Dua” translates to “prayer” in English from Kyrgyz, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to halal dining for both Muslims and non-Muslims. Kadyrbekov, who previously ran Naudi Signature Pizza in Lincoln Park, was inspired to open Dua by a Brooklyn restaurant named Lucali. After selling Naudi, he has been developing the menu for Dua.

With plans to serve lunch and dinner seven days a week, Dua also intends to offer breakfast and brunch a few months after opening. The restaurant will make its food available on third-party delivery apps, but won’t employ its own drivers.

As for the historic context, the opening of Dua represents a growing market for halal dining options, reflecting the diverse culinary landscape of Park Ridge and the greater Chicago area. The decision to open a halal restaurant also speaks to an increasingly diverse dining culture in the United States, catering to different dietary needs and preferences. The restaurant aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for patrons of various backgrounds to enjoy high-quality halal cuisine.

In conclusion, Dua Italian Cuisine & Steakhouse is a new halal restaurant offering Italian food, pasta, steaks, and vegan options, set to open in Park Ridge. With a focus on halal dining and a commitment to providing a welcoming space for Muslim and non-Muslim diners alike, Dua represents a growing trend towards diverse and inclusive dining experiences in the Chicago area.