My rating of a 3 is specifically for the Restaurant Week menu though I'll say it definitely didn't inspire me to come back. I really wanted to like it; this was a nine-year anniversary dinner. Service was really attentive and friendly and I did appreciate that they brought out specific utensils for me as a left-handed person, never saw that before! The restaurant felt a bit bare and sterile, I think I was maybe expecting a little more decor on the table for a Michelin star restaurant. To echo several of the reviews below, the salad was awkward to share and scanty, the soup was good but the bread served with it felt like an afterthought, the sturgeon wasn't anything special though the sauce was quite good, and we are pretty sure the cut of beef was not wagyu or if it was it was not cooked the right way. The beef was the most disappointing part, I couldn't even chew through all of it. The add-ons were the best part - pasta was great and our dessert was delicious. But the rest of the meal was unfortunately mediocre. Hoping that others have a different experience with the regular menu! read more

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Esme was the only restaurant I made it to for Chicago Restaurant Week this year. It was a nice, upscale experience, and I appreciate that we were able to try this Michelin-starred restaurant at a reduced cost. There was no problem with a vegetarian accommodation, but the menu we were handed does not include the details for the vegetarian courses - disappointing that I couldn't reference this to see the details of each course. All of the food was presented tastefully with meticulous attention to detail. The salad is brought out as a shared dish, which is potentially a bit awkward. Not a problem since I was dining with my husband, but I would have preferred my own salad if I was with a less familiar party. The silverware and dishes were works of art in and of themselves, but our table was scratched up considerably. My dessert was presented very creatively - although my husband's was much more straightforward. Dessert was an optional add-in, so a separate bill was brought out for this at the end. My husband carelessly left a tip on top of the hefty service charge they apply by default, but I didn't realize until after the fact since I'd gone to the restroom. read more

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This review is for Restaurant Week! I really like Esmes vibe overall. It's chic and minimalist. I love that the tables are widely spaced out so you don't feel like you're on top of another party. I loved the bowls everything was served in, and the silverware was unique. And the service was great. I appreciate when they left everyone finish before they clear the table. While I thought all the food was good, I think it overwhelming fell flat flavor wise. I don't think anything blew me away like I was expecting which was disappointing. We had the caviar supplement, which they accidentally gave us two of (amazing), which was good but also didn't blow me away. I wasn't the biggest fan of the flavors of the soup but that's probably a personal problem. The sturgeon and wagyu were alright. I wish I left being amazed but I left thinking I wouldn't come back, not even for RW again. I think my favorite bite of the night was the sticky date cake. I think it was the most flavorful but it wasn't the best dessert I've ever had. It lacked SOMETHING but I couldn't tell you what. read more

Esme - sticky date cake - Party & Event Planning Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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(Kari's Rating 8/10) The seating is open concept almost like a living room, but a very modern well decorated house. It felt like we were in Michelle Obama's living room. We got seated and got our drinks right away, the In Bloom was delicious. It was very citrusy for an aperol spritz twist and I don't even like aperol. First course was celery root salad, which was light, creamy dressing with ricotta and endive. The pickled vegetables gave a contrast to the olive oil draped ricotta finishing off with a crunchy nut topper. Second course was a celery root soup that had a light cinnamon, almost kind of sweet flavor. It was just the right temperature and the bread was light and fluffy almost like a Hawaiian roll, but more distinguished, like it had been to grad school. My favorite course was the Sturgeon. It was covered in a very light mushroom, pesto sauce with fried parsnips on top. The texture worked really well together, and I definitely could've eaten a whole plate of this! Next course was the Wagyu, which I was personally looking forward to the most. Most of the times I've had Wagyu it has been thinly sliced, but this Wagyu was almost a 2 x 2 square. I found the Wagyu a little bit too rich as the fat cap was a little bit overwhelming compared to the density of the meat. My girlfriend's absolutely loved it though, so I gave the rest of mine to them. Because we came for a restaurant week, most of the menu was pre-ordered, but they did read off a truffle mushroom pasta special, which we also ordered three plates of. The kitchen did make a slight mistake and they forgot to bring out the pasta until the last course, but it was definitely worth the wait. A serving size was about four ravioli and we got three plates so it was relatively a smaller pasta dish. You could tell it was homemade as the pasta density was al dente. It came with a very light lemon cream pesto sauce. The truffle was slightly overpowering, as it was both inside the ravioli and on top of it, but I had a nice contrast with the crunchy truffle topper. We had all three desserts, the tiramisu, the coconut cream cake, as well as the sticky date cake. I personally believe and best dessert was the coconut cake. I had a very light fruity gelato, but the bottom was a heavier coconut cake with a sesame garnish. The added mint on top was the perfect decor. The tiramisu is relatively average, but it came in a fancy box with a rice paper design that you had to smash through, which is very Michelin star. The sticky date cake wasn't too much to write home about as it was a little bit dry but the gelato on top evened it out. Overall, I would give this place an 8/10 as I probably wouldn't come out of my way from River North to eat here. This place is really good for groups, and the servers were very attentive. The tables the modern, looked like revamped picnic tables. I think it was a little bit pricey for what we got, but everyone left relatively full. Thank you for having us! read more

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Restaurant Week Review - Ambiance - modern, cozy, lightening was spot on (not too bright and didn't feel too dim) Service - exceptional, server was super attentive, given that it was a restaurant week menu they automatically charge 22% for service Food - soup (the added granola and raisin/cranberry felt really off balance), sturgeon was fishy, and the beet mole with the Wagyu didn't really pair well together read more

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This review is specifically for Esmé's Restaurant Week tasting menu, not their regular tasting. I've heard the full tasting is stronger, but unfortunately the Restaurant Week menu didn't quite land for us. We came to celebrate my dad's birthday and brought a cake, but no one offered to refrigerate it and the interaction made us feel a bit awkward about bringing our own dessert. Because of that, we ended up ordering dessert there and taking our cake home. The Restaurant Week menu included a salad, soup, fish course, and beef course. Dessert was not included. While the food was hit or miss, the presentation throughout the meal was thoughtful, and the dining space itself is beautiful and well designed. The salad course was surprising. There were four of us and only two salads brought out to share, which felt odd for a per-person tasting menu. The salad had many crouton pieces and not much leafy greens or veggies and lacked flavor. The soup was one of the better courses. It was creamy and flavorful, though the bread seemed a bit stale and the granola topping felt unnecessary. For the sturgeon course, my piece was cooked well, but my mom's was tougher, so execution felt inconsistent. The Normandy sauce was good on its own but didn't fully come together with the fish. The Wagyu course was tender but not particularly memorable flavor-wise. We added the off-menu pesto pasta, which ended up being one of the highlights. The pasta was al dente and the sauce was well balanced. For dessert, we ordered the tiramisu and coconut cake. The tiramisu had a creative presentation but was overly sweet and lacked the light texture you'd expect. The coconut cake was decent, especially with the passion fruit and guava sorbet to balance the sweetness. Overall, while this is a discounted Restaurant Week experience, the menu felt a bit disjointed and the flavors didn't always come together. read more

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Esmé, consistently One of Our Favorites in Chicago We went to Esmé last night on a Monday and were pleasantly surprised to see both an event happening in the bar and a solid number of diners in the dining room. Not many Michelin starred restaurants can pull that off on a Monday, but Esmé always seems to have energy. This place has become one of our most reliable favorites. They change the menu a few times a year in conjunction with rotating local artists, and the restaurant itself feels more like a refined art gallery than a traditional dining room with white walls, clean lines, simple and elegant. Last night was no exception to their usual excellence. The experience is really anchored by Chris Gerber, a longtime Chicago hospitality pro, and his team. They are flawless. This is true hospitality in every sense of the word. They usually keep two signature dishes, and for good reason. The caviar supplement sounds odd on paper, but in your mouth it is absolute perfection. The cod sounds simple, but it is anything but, rich, decadent, and always one of the highlights. Everything new on this menu was also outstanding. Every course had beautifully balanced sauces that made sense with the dish, and the presentations were creative without being gimmicky or over the top. The plating always ties in with the featured artist in a way that feels thoughtful, not forced. One tip. Be careful when choosing your beverage pairing. We did not read closely enough and ended up with the more inventive pairing that included cocktails and a beer. It was fun, but afterward we wished we had gone with the higher end wine pairing instead. Bottom line. Esmé remains one of the most consistent Michelin starred experiences in Chicago. It is not just very good. It is reliably excellent every single time. read more

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Welp... what a disappointment from the last meal i ate here. $600 for squab and pork loin.. every fancy protein was an additional upgrade. Felt very transactional. total 180 from when i went in 2022. WASTE OF MONEY. No complimentary champagne or amouche bouche. No dish was a hit. I am so embarrassed I brought 6 people here on my recommendation. Dessert macaroons were inedible as they were severely undercooked. read more

It was our first time going to Esme. It has been our bucket list of spots to try downtown. It was well worth the price tag! Our server Carlos did an amazing job explaining each dish. The food is for sure well thought out and a wonderful blast of flavors. I would for sure be bringing my partner here for a special occasion soon to try their new menus! The restaurant for menu is very modern chic! We loved the art and the style. read more

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Perfect spot for date night with innovative and creative flavors! Drinks were also amazing! They are able to accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian we loved everything we ordered. Do not skip on the tiramisu dessert - the masterpiece is edible! read more

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I was very thankful that Esme extended their restaurant week menu, and I was able to try this place. I probably would not have gone here otherwise only because usually it is way beyond my dining budget. It was also my birthday weekend, and I was in the Chicago area. We had reservations for 5:00 and showed up a bit early. I was nervous we would have to wait outside in the cold, but they still let us in. Side note, enter on the main street. Our gps took us behind the back alley. The decor is very sleek, simple, and clean. The utensils are very unique, especially the thin knives and three-tined forks. The food was not only unique and creative but also a whole experience, and that's really what you're there for. The salad was deconstructed and balanced between tart and spiced. The soup was one of the best soups, and I never expected granola to pair so well with a soup. The fish was a little salty but rich and flaky. The beef was tender and savory. The four courses are a little on the small side, so we ordered dessert. This was my favorite. It was a tiramisu piece of artwork that you could break and eat. They also gave me a candle with it because it was my birthday. The customer service is great. Multiple servers wished me happy birthday and their pacing between courses was very on point. What a special dining experience this was! read more

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What a time! What a breath of fresh air. I love a curated drink pairing event. And this one blew me away. I was invited to a MUTHAship event here with a Chicago curator and had a wonderful experience. I don't drink red wine but I drank and drank. Michelin star me every time, I don't mind the cost! read more

Esme - Waygu waygu me - Party & Event Planning Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Restaurant Week Review The decor is minimalist and very contemporary. Not my style but maybe they want to highlight just the food. Service was impeccable. For the food, the first course is a salad which is a share between a party of two. Good. Less leafy but more spice nuts textures cream and Parmesan crispy crouton. Next up was the soup course - granola was a bit off. I'm not sure why it was included into a coconut base soup. Good not great. Fish course next - seems a bit one note for me. They do try the play with the texture and the spinach puree. The fish was overcooked. Ok. The meat source was TX wagyu again good but nothing special. We did order the handmade pesto pasta special and honestly that was the highlight of our meal! Excellent add. read more

Nice ambiance with good lighting and lots of space. The service is amazing, and the food is nuts. Technique, playful, tactile, delicious, beautiful, and interactive. This is one of the best meals I have had. read more

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My goal is to try 50 new Chicago restaurants in 2025! Restaurant: 12/50 Month tried: February Favorite dish: Flaming hot Cheeto; caviar I've been to Bar Esme next door, but we finally tried the dining room during restaurant week. I know restaurant week is NOT an accurate snapshot of the normal experience! But when a tasting menu is this expensive, you gotta do what you gotta do. First of all, the decor is beautiful and the rotating art method is fantastic. The space is very welcoming and interesting. Service was great as well. The food is great, no doubt about it. The flaming hot Cheeto is the most fun food experience I had had in a while. We upgraded to include the caviar course, as that is a signature dish from their regular tasting menu, and it was well worth it. We were nearly licking the bowl. Outside of that, the food was great but nothing absolutely astounding. I don't feel that I need to come back and pay for the full experience, which is a bummer because I was hoping this visit would make me excited to return and willing to pay full price. read more

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This had been on my list for a while so I was excited to try it! Service was great - warm and friendly. The bathrooms were also nice and stocked with little amenities. I love the intersection between art and food, just wish there was a little more story or intertwinement between each course and the artwork that inspired it (we realized afterwards walking around the gallery area there is a little blurb about the work but it would have been cool to highlight it a bit more if there was inspiration for the menu). The food was pretty solid, I always appreciate the innovation, even if not every course hits. My favorite was the watermelon/Dungeness crab course (which they were testing for the first time that evening!). We also had the NA cocktail pairing to go with it (added alcohol to mine although I wish it was a touch stronger; it was low ABV which equated to about 2 drinks throughout the 7 pairings). There was one drink that neither of us liked and didn't touch; while not expected, it would have been appreciated if they had noticed and requested feedback or offered to swap it out for something else (which has been my experience at other stars). Overall though, a great experience and thought the courses were very well-paced. read more

Andrew- the bartender was amazing. He whipped up a tasting menu for truffled alcohol on the spot. And it was amazing! He told me he is inspired by baking shows but let me tell you Despite bake off reference not a single drink had a boring combo! My favorite was truffle blossom- ask him about it! The food is work of art- truly. Pate was buttery melt in your mouth amazing and the brioche was to die for. The main course was sunchoke pasta and oh my! Everything here was amazing. No stuffiness pure art and food. Highly recommend! read more

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Great food - the flavors are absolutely spot-on. You just have to trust that the chef knows what's going on - and they do. Caviar ice cream for instance; it sounds bizarre, and it was a starter! Yet, it was incredible. So many harmonious flavors combining to deliver an exquisite bite. Drinks were great too. It was all delicious. My only reason for giving 4 stars is due to being seated extremely late. We had a 9pm reservation, and we arrived at 8:55 to be a bit early. We were placed in a waiting area, and no one spoke to us until 9:15 when we asked the hostess what was going on. She grabbed the manager who apologized and gave us 1 seat at the bar and some champagne as a "sorry". We didn't get formally seated for our meal until 9:32. Unacceptable. Hopefully, they figure it out and fix these delays. read more

Came here for the restaurant week so may not be the typical representation of it. Nice ambience and staff. Huge hot Cheeto: great representation of the Cheeto you know. Kinda messy to eat as well Braised endive salad: I didn't like the flavor and I don't even remember any of the flavor now Basil foie Gras: texture is great but I can barely taste the basil sauce. Flavor's quite lack. Could've been an interesting combination Burnt maple: small portion but interesting way to prep the mashed potato. Soup is good flavor. Trout: great texture again. Quite tender. However the flavor is still on the bland side Pithivier: good idea using the beef Wellington style. Short rib meat is again amazing texture. With the more tough texture added by the sausage. The soft wrapping could be crispier and made it better. Probably the strongest flavored dish of the night. Mandarin granita: icy watery dessert with lots of texture and flavor. Interesting idea but just another dish has more emphasis on the idea not the flavor Overall, 4 star on food, 4 star on service, but with the price, it has to drop read more

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While I appreciate the concept, this dining experience didn't resonate with my husband and I. The service, plating and decor were all fine, but I found the experience to be impersonal (unless the point is to feel distant and on your own?) and hoped for more depth in the food flavors. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the taste of the items we ordered. At this price point, I expect dishes to taste dynamic and delicious. My cocktail was phenomenal though, but unfortunately I wouldn't return for just the cocktail. Has anyone else had this opinion? read more

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A beautiful experience that covers more than food and drink, but also art, pottery, and craftsmanship. The restaurant doubles as an art gallery showcasing a rotation of artists. The food is extremely creative, and the flavours almost always hit the mark. The service is smooth, funny and friendly, and definitely worthy of their star. read more

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I'll preface this by saying we came here for Chicago Restaurant Week, so it was possibly not a typical experience. We had to pay in advance when we made the reservation. It was $60/person + a 22% "service fee". Their typical tasting menu is anywhere from $150-300/person, so it was a significant savings. That said, I was not "wowed". I didn't experience anything that felt worthy of a Michelin star. The first course was their signature "Cheeto" and a plate of cheese and sauce they called a salad (I assume because it included 4 lettuce leaves and some pickled carrots). The Cheeto was interesting, but not really good. It's an odd choice for a signature dish. The flavor was just ok, and it was quite messy. For the second course we had foie gras and some maple consommé thing. Again, they were just ok. The foie gras was very smooth and rich, but not much flavor. The consommé had a really bold, tasty flavor, but there was no substance. The third course was trout and what was basically a wagyu beef Wellington. The trout was very tender, but entirely tasteless. The wagyu itself was delicious and beautifully tender, but the sauces on the plate were kind of gross, and the flavor was over powered by the sausage surrounding the wagyu. The Wagyu by this point was the only reasonably sized portion of food, and it was still quite small. Finally we had the mandarin granita for dessert. This was the only truly delicious and satisfying thing we had. The portion size was perfect for 2 people, the coconut chips added an amazing texture and saltiness, and the cream and frozen mandarin paired together amazingly. This was not included in the $60/person. We payed an additional $14 +22% service fee for that, and it was the only part of it that felt worth it. Overall, the place was cute and the food was fine. I'm very glad we didn't pay the normal price to eat there though as I imagine I would have been very disappointed. read more

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What an amazing experience. I love how you start in the "lounge" standing at high top tables where you can take in the art and observe the space. They bring you a welcome cocktail, which was delicious (we love an edible flower :) Meghan borah was our artist, and loved her work. The plates that were used were so cute, and I wanted them for at home! The courses were stellar, the scallop course with roses was a favorite. I will say they absolutely EXCEL in sauces. Every single sauce on the plates was the absolute best and left us wanting to LICK THE PLATES. The butternut squash with the sole (I believe?) was to die for. Everything was coursed and timed to perfection (we even ended up with wine due to a course taking longer than expected, but I didn't even notice.) I did find this interesting since we had ordered non alcoholic drinks, but, one does not turn down good wine :) I am such a dessert person, and this dessert for me was absolutely a home run. I would've eaten about ten more had that been allowed :) Even the color was beautiful :) A wonderful experience, service was stellar, and every question we asked was answered with such care and detail. i adore restaurants where servers care and deliver so much passion and intention to meals! Highly, highly recommended :) read more

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We visited in September 2021 and were blown away by the creativity and care with each and every intentional decision from the moment we stepped into the restaurant through each dish. Starting at the standing bar area, we had our first glasses of wine and snacks, before going to our table. Normally at a fine dining establishment, the servers tell you a story about the food, the ingredients, and the pairing. At Esme, we also learned about local artists who created the serving plates, the cutlery and the art on the walls. I loved the attention to detail. Food was delicious and staff were very knowledgeable and friendly. I can't wait to come back again soon. read more

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Okay, starting with the service and the front of the house, I think the experience was not up to the Michelin stds. We went there for the prefixed 3 course menu with adhoc cocktails. The house made cheetos were an absolute disappointment, did not go with the menu at all, the texture was off, the spices were mediocre. I have no idea why its on the menu. Also, one of the tiki drinks was extremely sweet and unfortunately I had to send it back. The carrot soup was nothing but a recipe of Indian butter chicken gravy , seriously. There were certainly few good things, the foie gras dish, the initial complimentary cocktail shot and few other cocktails, dessert was good. Overall, We had a mediocre fine dinning experience which was not too bad but also not very impressive. Might not want to go back. read more

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Decided to try Esmé for restaurant week and was honestly very disappointed. The service was great. Our server was very attentive and checked in on us appropriately. The space was also very unique as it is a gallery with rotating art from different artists. Not too loud, not too quiet and very clean. The food, however, was very disappointing. The plating was impeccable and beautiful as you can see in the pictures. The portions were extremely small, but we expected this being a Michelin Star restaurant. Most of our dishes were just okay in taste. Nothing special and very forgettable. I ordered The Dover as my main dish and it was atrocious. It was not warm, had no seasoning, and had an odd flavor. I ate only a few bites and then traded with my husband since he didn't like his short rib but I thought it was edible in comparison. I do not recommend based on the menu we tried, but know they change their menu frequently. Try at your own risk. We will not be coming back. read more

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We went for the restaurant week menu and were disappointed. Everything was so salty, and the bread that came with the soup seemed stale. The tiramisu looked beautiful, but tasted like dry chocolate cake from the grocery store. The wine and service were great, but I won't be back. Even at a discounted price it was not worth it. read more

We went to Esmé for Restaurant Week expecting a thoughtful, refined tasting menu. What we experienced instead felt like a slow unraveling. The meal opened with a bitter salad--edible, but joyless. A flat, uninspired start that quietly lowered expectations rather than building any sense of anticipation. Then came the celery root soup. "Hospital-grade" is the only accurate description: thin, sterile, and oddly depressing. The garnishes were baffling and actively unpleasant, offering no balance or texture. Alongside it sat a so-called "home-cooked" brioche that was unmistakably stale, as if it had been baked days earlier and forgotten until the last moment. The sturgeon followed, and whatever hope remained disappeared. It was tough, dry, and badly cooked--tasting like it had been made by a 12-year-old who doesn't know how to use an oven and didn't care to learn. The table fell silent, not in appreciation, but in disbelief. Then came the "wagyu" short rib. Overwhelmingly gamey and borderline offensive, it was so unpleasant we simply couldn't eat it. No finesse, no comfort, no redemption. As if determined to make things worse, we paid an extra $50 for caviar and ice cream. The result? Ice cream that tasted unmistakably fishy. Not subtly briny. Not "intentional." Just straight-up fishy ice cream--an experience that should never exist, let alone cost extra. The service, to their credit, was good. The staff were attentive and professional, and the wine and cocktails were fine--competent, pleasant, and entirely incapable of saving the food. For a restaurant with Esmé's reputation, this wasn't just disappointing--it was embarrassing. Restaurant Week is meant to be a showcase, a condensed expression of a kitchen's identity. This meal felt less like a showcase and more like a warning. read more

Really great meal at Esme. Started at the bar with cocktails and snacks (get the cheetos!), which were awesome. Then moved to the restaurant for dinner. Starts with a nice cocktail before you move to your seat. Artwork from the featured artist is displayed on the walls and reflected in the food presentations. Everything was intricate, pretty, and also tasted very good. The space is very calming, the food is great, definitely looking forward to trying more menus in the future. read more

Esme - venison @davideatsdc - Party & Event Planning Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Service was absolutely outstanding! Carlos especially was warm and friendly and knowledgeable and made our meal better. I wish the food lived up to how it looked. It was presented beautifully. Most of it tasted good, but not especially great and a couple courses fell flat. Our general sentiment was that every dish was a try hard, but didn't quite make it. The space was interesting with the artist feature, but we were surprised that a prime dinner time weekend had the venue pretty empty. We likely won't be back as it's a splurge that didn't quite deliver, but appreciate the effort put into everything we had. read more

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Wow! What an amazing experience. The service was incredible .. they treated my friend and I so well. Shout out to Carlos and the Manage! It was a memorable experience because of that and the amazing flavors and creative offerings. Cheetos meets fine dining? And they have gluten free options? Vibes and music were on point too with the music and decor! Loved its read more

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Lovely experience here for restaurant week, and I enjoyed everything. Real good quality food with solid flavors. read more

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The entrance is unassuming, almost missable. From the outside you might think it's an art gallery. Instead, it is as advertised- a celebration of an artist and the food he/she inspires. The dishes are innovative, fun, and so many make you rethink what you think you know about flavors and textures. The server staff is attentive, polite and always ready to tell you more. The music adds to your experience without detracting from your conversation, and the pace of the tasting menu is perfect. The only misstep was that two of our four fowl portions were undercooked. They fixed it immediately but we never received an apology - which seemed slightly unexpected for a Michelin starred restaurant of this caliber. read more

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Food- one of the most beautiful, artfully created meals of my life. Unforgettable. The whole experience- the flavors, textures, temperatures, tactility, colors, shapes. Thought and care went into every single detail. Service- WOW. We felt so cared for! We came as part of a business dinner with a large group. The entire team took such wonderful care of us, looking after every one of us with such attention to detail. The hospitality was impeccable. Also, the restroom had free period products, gorgeous finishes, and lovely-smelling Aesop hand soap. Everything about this place feels special. Ambiance- beautiful art that apparently changes seasonally, and coordinates with the changing menu?! Gorgeous furniture and lighting. Once again the details were incredibly thoughtful. read more

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Amazing staff, amazing food, amazing art. The tasting menu for February was incredible, I did get the add on optional dishes as well. You can expect the most going to esme, they have truly earned their Michelin star. I also loved the vibe, dining in what feels like an art gallery was such a cool experience. Esme was right up there with Ever for me. read more

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So disappointing. I was so excited to try Esme and had high expectations for the food and service but was incredibly underwhelmed. Food was a B at best but the service made this an especially disappointing visit. We were rushed to order our meals just minutes after sitting down and the entire meal felt like the server was pressuring us to hurry, often trying to take plates before they were finished. Then, one hour and fifteen minutes after our reservation time, the hostess walked through the restaurant with our coats from coatcheck to "politely" get us to leave. I have never experienced this and can't put into words how off-putting this was, especially for a restaurant of this caliber. I truly cannot fathom how this restaurant secured a Michelin star with this type of service and behavior from staff members. There are so many great places to try in Chicago but this is not one of them. read more

We have been looking forward to dining at Esmé for a long time and it certainly lived up to the hype. For $59, you get a 3 course menu and it is a great opportunity to visit and see what this highly acclaimed restaurant is all about. The dishes were stunning in taste and appearance. The veloute was incredible. Full menu being offered now below; we tried everything but the risotto. COURSE ONE Flamin' Hot Cheeto: caramelized onion dip & Kale Bouquet: trip of purées, yuzu, whisk COURSE TWO Foie Gras, Apple Gelee, Winter Squash or Winter Veloute, Oat Granola, Huckleberry COURSE THREE Grilled Australian Wagyu Short Rib, Matsutake, Burnt Onion Jus or Dove Sole, Sauce Vin Juan, Prawn, Arrowleaf Spinach or Celery Root Risotto, Aged Parmesan, Black Truffle read more

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I attended a private event here so I can't comment on the usual experience, but I can say that it's a beautiful space with beautiful food and we had attentive, personable servers. The hors d'oevres they served were upscale and plentiful. We had our fill of craft cocktails and wine and champagne also. I had an enjoyable time and would love to try it again for dinner or a special occasion. read more

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Went for restaurant week. Would avoid. Overcooked fish. Terrible, confusing flavors the whole meal. We added the caviar dish from their main menu and would avoid. Fine cocktail and wine. Great service. Not worth it even for the restaurant week deal. read more

I appreciate the creativity of this place, from the rotating artwork to the playful dishes. However, I was expecting the flavors to pop out more for such a highly acclaimed Michelin star restaurant. I came here for restaurant week. Here is a breakdown: -flaming hot cheeto: 6.5/10. the concept was cool, but this just tasted pretty much like a cheeto with cayenne pepper. I did like the unexpected spice level. -kale bouquet w purée trio: 9/10. this dish was playful, and i enjoyed the different veggie purées, but it did not wow me. -foie gras: 10/10. this was definitely the best part of my meal, and in my opinion, the only dish that had the creative flavors you'd encounter at a Michelin starred place. -dover sole w lobster: 7/10. this dish could have had so much potential... had it been less salty. the top bites were glorious but please go easier on the salt for the sauce. -popcorn crème brûlée in sweet potato: 7.5/10. i enjoyed the custard part, but i think the sweet potato should have been warmed or something. wasn't expecting it to be cold. also, i believe this was stated to be a Japanese sweet potato on the menu, but it did not taste nor look like one... this sweet potato was just a regular ole sweet potato. the service was great, but i would hope it would be as they charge a mandatory 22%. read more

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