Lovely restaurant. When it's busy, it can be a little changeling to carry on a conversation. Food is consistently good, as are the drinks. Our server was India. She was overwhelmed with a party of 10 loud women, but gave us excellent service, despite the chaos of the large table. I always get the Ravioli. I dream about it. My husband had the Steak Frites. Steak was cooked a perfect medium rare and the fries were excellent. The complimentary Limoncello was the best I've ever had. Not too sweet, nice and citrusy. This is a great place for a casual dinner or a special event. read more

Great food! I have been here at least 5x. The menu is fantastic. I always have trouble ordering as everything sounds so good. But what I order has been great! I love menus with an upscale Mediterranean lean, which this definitely has. Some favorite dishes have included: crispy cauliflower, braised short rib, seasonal chef's risotto. I recommend checking the specials as well. In the summer of 2022 I overheard the hostess saying that her father owns the place and she runs the front of house while her brother runs the kitchen. Not sure if this is still the case but I have only had great meals here! read more

Tried to make reservation online but got the message it was booked. I called and they were able to take a reservation over the phone. When we got there, they had nothing. No track record of my reservation at all. The place was empty anyway so they sat us immediately. They sat us down and didn't have us menus and there aren't QR codes either. We sat for 10 mins until our waiter finally showed up and asked us what drinks we wanted. We then had to ask for drink menus. When I ordered milk for my 4 year old daughter, the waiter offered chocolate or regular. We went with chocolate to make it a treat. It came out in a glass, fancy cup, which she thought was special but isn't necessarily age appropriate. It was milk with Hersey syrup, ice cubes, and a paper straw. My daughter loved it :) they charged us $7 for the chocolate milk :( Ordering went fine, the food came out pretty much as expected. They are not in tune to the kids experience- my daughters grilled cheese was kept under a warmer and the plate was so hot i transferred it to a cooler plate once it got to the table. In the end, we sat for about 20 mins waiting for our check, without the waiter walking by, we couldn't flag him down. Finally half our party started to get up to leave so he ran over and asked if we wanted the check. They had plenty of staff for the amount of patrons there- so not sure what the issue is Overall, food was good, but would go somewhere else for a dining experience read more

The location is great, near the CTA on Oak Park Ave. The ambiance is active and classy, with exposed brick and big windows. We enjoyed the cocktails and there is a unique wine list. The menu has a Balkan twist. We enjoyed our evening though the food didn't blow me away. I'd go back for the drinks and atmosphere. read more

We ate brunch at Citrine on the recommendation of a friend who is a local, and I was quite pleased with our meal. The brunch menu was not big but there was a little something for everyone, which I appreciated. There were eggs, french toast and such for the traditionalists. There were more entree type things for people who don't like to eat eggs after noon. There were also a lot of nice touches... -French toast: We ordered the french toast for the kids at the table, and it came with a delightful caramel sauce to spread on top of it, plus bananas, grilled pineapple and pecans. It looked so good that the adults ordered another serving so we could have one too! It was sweet of course but really good. Much better than your average french toast. -I got the Lox bagel, which is always a go-to when it appears on a brunch menu. It was really beautiful in presentation, and I appreciated both the onions and arugula on it. Made it feel a little more brunch-y and made it healthier too! I will say I expected the pickled onions to have a little more of a vinegar punch... they were pretty bland for something pickled. But they were still yummy. I ate every single one off my plate. -My husband got the shrimp and grits and cleared his plate without even offering me a bite, so I think that was a winner. -The Chorizo hash was a hit too though I did not taste any. -Coffee was good, strong and plentiful. I had a bellini, which was also lovely and refreshing. The service was very good and they accommodated our many special requests. I really appreciated the staff's flexibility. And even though there were a couple of weird hiccups (they brought a second bellini out and just gave it to me free of charge when it was clear there was a mixup), nothing major and we really felt taken care of. The space itself is open and airy. It really was a very nice place to have a meal. read more

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THESE. DRINKS. ARE. LIFE. CHANGING! Went here on date during summer of last year and when I tell you we still talked about these drinks up until we finally went recently and they were even better which I didn't even know could happen. Do not skip out on the cocktails, trust me! We sat out on the patio which was perfect weather and enjoyed cocktails and small bites. Our favorite was the lamb sausage, so good that the camera didn't even get a chance to eat first. Service was great! Our waiter was so kind and friendly. They're going to see me as a regular quite often this summer lol please go try these drinks! read more

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Enjoyed brunch on Sunday with the family. 3 of us had the chilaquiles and one had crab cakes. And don't forget the beignets for dessert. No complaints on the food, service or ambiance. Can't wait to go back! read more

I went here years ago and had a nice experience, but haven't been back since the pandemic. Good food, but for what you get, a little on the pricey side. read more

Celebrated my mothers birthday! Private dining for 18. Food was outstanding, service impeccable, decor top end. read more

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Everything about this place is classy, but relaxed. The food is above average. The wine list is full of exciting new discoveries from around the world. The staff is very friendly. And the atmosphere is jazzy. read more

Great Ambiance. Me and the kids usually go to Georges family restaurant but something told me to make a stop here. At first the kids were looking at the brunch menu strange due to the unique entrees but they got it together and everything we ate was delicious. read more

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Great food! Nice place... BUT, you can't fix your drapery hanging in the party room windows? Cmon. It's for all to see every day on oak park Ave. It's the difference between looking clean and organized or looking sloppy and careless. Just sayin read more

Had to update my review after coming to citrine more times than I can count. My family often comes here and they are so accommodating to kids despite being a slightly upscale establishment. Their cocktails are amazing. Pork shank is my favorite thing on the menu. Burger is very good as well. The kids menu was fantastic. nice little outdoor seating area. read more

It is rare that you go to a restaurant where you live everything including the drinks but Citrine does it superbly. I came here for my birthday so it was four of us and everyone liked their food and licked their plates clean. I mean everything is just really good. The drinks were yummy as well. I had the Old fashioned which was very smooth. The service was really good as well. Our server came when necessary and gave everyone good suggestions. I personally went against every suggestion but that's just me. I like to try different things. We also share the gelato dessert which again was delicious. This is easy one of the best restaurants in Oak Park and in the burbs as a whole so it's a must try for everyone ! Thank me later. read more

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What a sweet welcome by the hostess, followed by a thoroughly exceptional dinner. Sublime food-- seriously scrumptious salmon, veal scaloppine, steak frites, filet mignon, and Lake Superior whitefish entrees after a cauliflower appetizer. Simon was an attentive waiter, bar is extensive and drinks were solid. We loved the round tables and that they turned down the music when we asked. One of our guests is a former Four Seasons chef and he cleaned his plate_ we all did! Bravo to all involved. read more

My wife & I had dinner here Sunday evening. I had the shrimp & grits appetizer and my wife had the eggplant gateau. Both were very good. The shrimp & grits appetizer was plenty for dinner. This is a nice airy place. The only problem I had was that bread does not come with the meal. They have homemade bread on the menu for $7. I ordered the bread but they were out of it at 6:45PM. I was disappointed. read more

Beautiful space! Lots of couples great for a date night. We started off with cocktails. I had an espresso martini which was delicious. We then had the steak tartare which came with sourdough toast and an egg yoke. It was perfectly seasoned with a great texture. My boyfriend had the white fish and I had the seasonal risotto. Both were lovely, I'm fairly sure you could order anything on the menu and have a great night. But the best part was the panna cotta. It came with cranberry sauce and ginger snap cookies. We ate it so quickly that our server was worried we never got it. Would completely go back- save it for a special occasion because it's not cheap but worth it. read more

Citrine Cafe - Lake Superior Whitefish - Mediterranean Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

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We went for dinner (dine in) in late January and were very impressed. Everything felt extremely safe. The food was all outstanding, from the bread to the pork shank to the cocktails. I got the Wagyu Burger medium rare and it was amazing- delicious and had that perfect smoky taste? Hard to describe. Our waiter was amazing and so helpful. We will be back a million times. read more

Citrine Cafe - The highly recommended pork shank on polenta. - Mediterranean Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

I want to start the post off with that our waitress was attentive and her service was great but the other dining experience not so much. I made a reservation a day ahead and specified it was for a date night. They sat us in the back of the restaurant in a booth near the table where they stacked dirty dishes and brought the clean cups and utensils out to give out to customers. It was not romantic at all. We ordered the branzino fish and it was almost given to another table on accident before being brought to ours. It wasn't bad but not good. Not much flavor at all. Our main dishes were the pork shank which was decent and the veal which was covered in way too much sauce and the capers were so salty that it threw off the whole dish. I asked for a box to go for the veal and I was going to put it in the box myself but the waitress took it to the table where there were both clean and dirty dishes and packaged it which made me uneasy about taking it home. I think our waitress noticed we weren't really enjoying ourselves and they kept trying to do service recovery asking if we wanted to take home a bottle of wine or have shots on the house or free dessert. We respectfully declined and they still brought out a dessert which was kind but we really just wanted our check and to leave. Pretty expensive for not good quality food or dining experience. read more

Really enjoyed the hearty beet salad and the eggplant dish. Looking forward to trying other dishes.

Absolutely amazing food, and impeccable service. I treated two friends to brunch, so I wanted a special place with a decent selection of gluten free choice. Can be hard! Again, the food was amazing!! I'll def return for a "special occasion" type meal! read more

Consistently great food and great service. Highlights: Bloody Mary, saylor cocktail Burger, white fish, truffle pizza, all there salads. Joey is also continuously a great server. Very welcoming on the patio to our baby and our dog. read more

Romantic ambiance with incredible service and delicious food. Favorite spot in Oak Park so far!

I've been here several times. Great drinks, love the ambiance. But do NOT get the cacio e pepe. Cacio e pepe is my favorite dish. I've had some of the most amazing dishes but his hands down was the worst. Cacio e pepe should HAVE PEPE!! It's a big pepper dish. I had a few flakes!! The lump crab was not lump. It was shredded crab you'd get out of a can. Very fishy. Just a big let down. I'll be back for sure, but if you're a cacio fan.... don't say I didn't warn you. read more

Stepped in for lunch on a Sunday afternoon. Started with a nice Bloody Mary, comes with Bacon, can't go wrong with a strip of bacon soaking up your bloody, nice. My burger was good, the bun was nicely grilled, decent French Fries. Good atmosphere, great service, cool area. read more

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I had heard good things about this restaurant from a number of friends so we decided to check it out. The food was delicious, everything was fresh and the serving sizes were perfect. The cocktails were enjoyable. They also offer a variety of wines and beer. Our waitress was amazing. Although they were busy she was very attentive. We sat outside, the patio is on the side so you are not on the busy street. We would definitely come back! read more

Citrine Cafe - Carrot Cake, Passion Fruit Tart, and Chocolate Lava Cake. - Mediterranean Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

I am always so happy with Citrine. The food is always excellent the service is phenomenal and they have a great happy hour. Lately, I have been all about their brunch. In the past I have had Nutella pancakes and lamb sausage. Today, I'm trying the egg white frittata always with mimosas and coffee. Branko,the owner, is kind and always up for a chat. At happy hour I've had the sliders and a few mixed drinks that were phenomenal. This place has an outdoor patio - a huge outdoor patio and although it doesn't have private parking, has plenty of street parking surrounding. I live in the Arts District in Oak Park and it's very walkable from there. The restaurant is also designed well the decor is beautiful. I've seen kids in here but the menu, bar, and atmosphere lend itself to more of an adult place. Although it wouldn't be bad to bring your kids. A really great place! read more

Citrine Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

I ordered the wild mushroom ravioli snd I promise it is one of the most delightful foods I have ever put into my mouth, ever. Very rich, delightful! I will be back and I will bringing friends! read more

What a great addition to the neighborhood! Lively, Inviting and Contemporary bliss has popped up on the corner of South Blvd and Oak Park Ave equipped with a diverse menu and A-1 top notch service. We stopped in with a plan to have cocktails before dinner at another place nearby. After grabbing a seat at the communal table, we decided to try a few items as well. The first two appetizers (Burrata special and Scallops) were so good that we all inhaled them before I realized I did not snap a picture. We then listened to our table mates moan as they chowed down on the Slagel Farms Burger so we decided to divvy one of those up too. It was also very good. Our server Carrie, offered each of us a complimentary glass of Prosecco or Limoncello to celebrate their opening. I also enjoyed a "pink" Pinot Grigio (Slovenia) to celebrate, um, well, my first visit to Citrine. read more

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My wife and I stopped in for a couple of cocktails and some apps. Awesome, friendly, fun bartender who played some really chill, cool music. The interior decor is really cool but unpretentious. We will be back for dinner! read more

Citrine is back, and tasty as ever! My husband had the steak and frites. The steak was done to his specification (medium) and the fries had the right amount of salt. The surprising home run of the meal was the dessert, carrot cake. Felt so special as the executive chef brought out the carrot cake and from the first bite you could tell that it was amazing. Normally we don't finish the dessert but this time there wasn't a crumb left. In fact, we may just go back for a cocktail and a slice of the carrot cake. read more

A pleasant enough venue with courteous host and servers. We ordered a burger and pork tenderloin. One was good, the other disappointing. The Citrine Burger was good. It came with bacon jam, white cheddar and garlic-lemon aioli. A request for a rare burger got the desired pink center. The interesting possibilities of the Berkshire Pork Tenderloin with Bacon Braised Cabbage, Smoked Apple, Mustard Jus remained only a possibility--just way overcooked. We became concerned that the relaxed service would cause us to miss a show. One mention of that worked to get us the needed attention. The host and server asked about our meal. Each time I mentioned the disappointing pork which was met wit a lackluster 'sorry'. We had no expectation of the restaurant 'fixing' the situation, but an 'I'll mention it to the chef' might have been indicative of an attitude towards making things right for the next guest. But that wasn't said. read more

Love, love, LOVE this place! always a good time. food and service are first-rate, you feel like a regular immediately. Balkan wines are a hidden treasure, check them out. read more

We need more restaurants in Oak Park like this! I've been in Oak Park for almost 3 years and have jogged by Citrine so many times. After visiting, I'm sad that I didn't come years ago. It's such a nice establishment that ticks off all the wants and needs of a great restaurant. The decor is spot on. Very elegantly designed. Perfect lighting. The tables are spaced out enough that it feels open and airy. Not tight and stuffy. The music is a mood setter. Upbeat laid back lounge atmosphere. In the summer and fall, their patio is open which looks like the perfect spot for drinks or dinner outside. A+ The food was really good. We ordered calamari as an app, the whitefish, lobster risotto and brussel sprouts. The risotto was the only dish that needed a bit more seasoning but otherwise my wife and I enjoyed the food very much. They have an impressive cocktail menu for a smaller establishment and let me say, they make some killer drinks. Seriously. I was extremely impressed. Needless to say, I'm a fan and will be returning soon and often. They have happy hour 430-6p and daily specials M-Th. read more

This may be Oak Park's best kept secret that really deserves more recognition. It is elevated American-style food and every dish is executed perfectly. From great food, a friendly and approachable wine list and fun cocktails, this spot is great for a casual night out or even for a slightly fancier time. The owner and staff are dedicated to their craft and service, and I would not be surprised if you get to know one or two of their names before you finish your dining experience because they will make a point to make sure you're having a great time. Support Citrine! We want to see them navigate through this tough time! read more

Delicious food and yummy cocktails. The ambience inside is calming and outdoor space cute.

Great food and atmosphere. Branco does a fantastic job. The food is delicious and the staff very personable. I recommend this to everyone

Anniversary Dinner...food and atmosphere was the best! Our server was perfect. We received complimentary Prosecco and homemade Limoncello to add to the celebration. Truly an amazing evening! read more

Extraordinary food service and ambiance, and great selection of wine. Enjoyed it with the extended family.

Service and drinks are very nice. Quality of food has dropped drastically. Used to love the place, not sure if i want to come back. Sorry to see it happening to one of very few decent places in oak park. read more