Came here for the girl dinner which was such an incredible deal. I got a Hugo spritz which was perfection then we started with Caesar salad and truffle fries. Both so good! For my entree I got the lemon Cacio e Pepe which I love the type of pasta they used. It wasn't very lemony but I still enjoyed it. The interior of this place is so cute I love the ambiance. I will say, we got here at 5pm, when they open, for the girl dinner and there were already a few people already waiting at the door! We got bar seating and the restaurant filled up pretty fast. Definitely make a reservation if you can read more

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Ok so here's the thing my group of 5 friends had a reservation at 7:15pm on a Thursday night. We arrived at 7:13pm, we go in and the hostess tells us our table isn't ready and that she'll text when it is. We head back outside for another 15 minutes, no text. At about 7:35pm we head back inside to ask again, and they tell us it will be another 10 mins. (Remember reservation time was for 7:15). Then they offer us 5 seats at the bar, we just awkwardly sat there because obviously we were there for girl dinner and didn't want this to count as our one drink. I however needed a martini asap so ordered that for full price. We wait another 15 minutes at the bar. At around 7:55pm the hostess (maybe manager) came to get us to bring us to our table. She mentioned once about comped drinks (never came) and another about free dessert (which did come!) She took our drink order as we were sitting down, after about 10 more minutes (8:05) our actual server comes over only to realize the other woman had gotten our drinks and he just walked away. The food itself was okay but nothing to write home about and the service was below average once seated. Also random- we asked for boxes at one point, I had gotten a small personal sized pizza. I asked the server for a box and I kid you not he brought a XL pizza box. We couldn't help but laugh because common sense should've told you that was ridiculous, given the size of the pizza in front of me but damn was it funny. I wanted to like this place and the concept of girl dinner is a fun, but good lord remember who your audience is, chatty girls here for dinner! Plan accordingly! Probably won't be back read more

The girl dinner for $30 was a great deal - I got the hugo spritz, caesar salad, truffle fries (for the table), and the vodka rigatoni! The food was pretty solid but not the best I've had. Again, for that price I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. Service was quick and we were in and out within the hour! read more

LIA - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Just went for a $30 Girl Dinner with my cousins and it was a success! For $30 we got a choice of Martini or Spritz, a Caesar salad, Truffle Fries & either a Lemon Cacio de Pepe, Prosciutto Pizza or Spicy Vodka Rigatoni. For $30 it was so worth it, it was insanely delicious! The inside was beautiful and intimate and our waitress was sweet & attentive! The service started off a little slow but they made it up at the end, will definitely be back again! read more

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We didn't know what to expect but had a great dinner experience here. The decor and ambience was great, service was solid, and the food was tasty! However, it is a bit pricy for what you're getting. We ordered a mocktail and the taste and presentation with the fish shaped goblet was very cool. The garlic bread pillows were amazing way to start our meal. We also enjoyed the pastas (Lemon cacio Pepe & spicy vodka) and the pizza! Would recommend trying this place at least once read more

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Came by with a friend for a nightcap. It was not too busy and we were able to grab seats up at the bar. Drinks were presented in a very unique way, almost like a miniature art exhibit. A bit pricey even for River North, but they were made strong. The art work across the space was very urban and eclectic, some of it even abstract scribbles and swirls of paint on panels. We didn't have any food but they basically offer thin crust flatbread style pizzas and some lighter small plate tapas items. Apparently the menu rotates every 6-weeks which should keep guests curious. read more

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Pizza tasting menu was super fun, they included some great dishes to try. Pesto Squash pizza was our favorite, as well as the prosciutto bruschetta. read more

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Cute artsy venue with colorful and animated cocktails and food choices. Very creative and fun place to visit locally and with visiting guests. So much more I wanted to try but only stumbled into this place as I was taking a mindless walk to clear my mind's mess of personal storm. Guess the universe answered my needs by giving me an hour of childish fun. Here's what I tried dining alone: 1. Here little fish: no alcohol (thought I should keep my mind clear to be able to make sound decisions). Served in a very cute large fish shaped glass. Content was citrusy juice made with orange and passion fruit juice with mint syrup. Very refreshing! Highly recommend. 2. Bottle Rockets: five wontons (chicken sausage) served on a wooden stick and forked into a bed of tall blade grass. The server comes out with a pitcher of liquid nitrogen that he pours into the grass bed creating a white cloudy aesthetic. Super cool. Wontons were average but loved the show. 3. Truffle Lobster Pasta: small lobster tail in a creamy pasta and garnished with saffrons. Flavor was good. Overall fun experience. Want to come back to have more of their creative cocktails. Love this place! read more

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The pizza was the only redeemable thing about Lia. Service was so terrible that I would not consider going back. After sitting at our table for 15 minutes, no server came to even give us water until we had to ask the hostess if our server knew we were there. Eventually someone came but didn't introduce themselves or let us know they were the waiter, and then just asked us what we wanted. We asked for a salad and drinks. Our salad came out in a reasonable time but our drinks didn't come until way later. Eventually we ordered our pizza and got it after a while. The server never checked if everything was ok or ever came back after that. Finally we were able to find him again and had to ask for the check because didn't know when we would get the opportunity again read more

LIA is colorful, the design, the artwork, the entire aesthetic is really well done. It feels like you're stepping into a trendy, curated space with a lot of visual appeal. I was excited walking in... but unfortunately, the food and drinks just didn't hold up. The menu sounds creative and the presentations were nice, but the actual flavors were underwhelming. Most dishes felt like they were trying to be inventive without really nailing the basics. Nothing we had stood out, everything looked better than it tasted. Same with the cocktails: pretty on paper, but flat in execution. We left feeling like we'd paid more for the concept than the quality. To top it off, the service was slow. Really slow and all the dishes came out at the same time. No one was rude, but the pacing and attentiveness just wasn't there. read more

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My friend and I went for the girl diner special and it was so good. The fried and salad for the table was just the right amount and the spicy rigatoni and prosciutto and arugula pizza were both very yummy. Everyone who worked there was so nice too, Definitely will come back for another girl dinner soon. read more

It was fine, that's the nicest way to say it. The only things that stood out were sadly because they weren't very good, namely the Spicy Vodka Rigatoni. It wasn't spicy and lacked flavor. The ambiance was not enough to make up for food being just okay. You'll have luck with the Lemon Cacio e Pepe and the Carrot Cake, the pizza was decent. read more

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Came here for my birthday and ordered the short rib pasta -- unfortunately, it was pretty bland. My mom had the pizza, which honestly seemed to be the star of the menu based on what everyone else thought of their meals. Service was slow; our server took drink orders quickly but it felt like forever before we could order food. That said, the space itself was fun and creative -- perfect for a casual night out or inexpensive cocktails before heading to the bars. The drinks were clever and affordable, and it was still a fun evening surrounded by friends. I also enjoyed checking out all the art installations around the restaurant. I'd maybe return for a casual dinner, but it's not somewhere I'd choose again for a birthday celebration. read more

Honestly had a great time at LIA tonight! The restaurant is super cute and decorated very fun. The menu is a lot of fun with its play on dishes! Our cocktails were a lot of fun. I chose the fish cocktail and my friend at the campbell soup martini one both were pretty good. The fish cocktail is very tropical and sweet. Our other got the lavender drink but the other two were definitely better! The food was super good we had the pillow appetizer and dumplings which were a crowd favorite. The lobster pasta was also super good! Chorizo stuffed dates were fine! Our waiter was super nice and helpful we had a great time! read more

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Lia was such a fun place to visit. It's got great cocktails and also the way they preset them is just so artsy. Loved all the options and the service as well. All the cocktails on the list were so different and very unique. The whole vibe of the place is very artistic. They have a wall full of pain brushes and so many posters too, giving the place a very quirky look. This place is very Instagram worthy. A must try! read more

This was a truly unique experience -- equally beautiful and delicious! We were smitten with the shrimp in yellow sauce and the roasted bacon, which was a standout dish. The cocktails were incredible, and the wine list was fantastic. The restaurant feels like a little museum of modern art combined with fine dining -- plush, yet casual enough to relax and enjoy the night. We happened to be the first table to order the bacon, and to our delight, the chef (who is also the artist behind the presentation) came out personally to ask how we liked it. We absolutely loved it -- crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, perfectly balanced with a chi-vinegar reduction and coconut sauce. Bravo! read more

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LIA is a newer restaurant in the neighborhood. The host and waiter were super welcoming and friendly. The interior is dark and vibey - I can see the potential of there being a bar/lounge at night. As for the food, I wasn't too impressed but didn't hate anything. The apps were ok and the steak was cooked well, but for those prices there is much better in River North. I would come back for the drinks and atmosphere, but probably not for food. read more

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Very mid. Two dishes were pretty good & one cocktail was decent. Everything else was a sleeper & hard pass. Shrimp with the addition of capers, broth & aioli in said broth had some bold & good flavor. Enjoyed the fluffy pillow albeit it being merely truffle oil. Risotto tasted like water truffle lobster pasta was just boring for lack of a better term. Maple old fashioned was decent but be mindful of that fact that it was minuscule when not served on the rocks. Jackson's paint cocktail was boring even with the theatrics. Twas about $200 which seems standard at any restaurant for a couple these days. Art aspect wasn't explained despite being half this place's philosophy. I wouldn't return. Seems more like a lite bite & quick drink place read more

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Food and cocktails were creative and delicious, especially the pizzas. Whole vibe managed to be cool and clever and neighborhoody and playful at the same time. Service is next level awesome--friendly, super fast, so kind. Also a great value for your money, especially in this area. It was like your coolest nicest friends had a restaurant. Highly recommend. read more

Ahh! This used to be Bohemian House. Remember that! I had the Fried Milk Bread and a craft cocktail. The staff and service are bodacious. read more

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LIA offers a dining experience that balances art and flavor. The interior is striking, clearly inspired by modern art, with a beautiful design that sets the tone for a memorable evening. Service is attentive and professional, creating a smooth and welcoming atmosphere throughout the meal. I tried the six-course tasting menu with drink pairings. The drinks were thoughtfully crafted and complemented the courses very well, enhancing the overall experience. The food itself had some highlights but also a few inconsistencies--certain dishes stood out with creativity and flavor, while others fell a bit flat compared to the rest. read more

We Loved the food and the vibe of this place. The concept is cool and the service was great. Try the sampler menu, it has everything so you get a good feel for the rest of the menu! It's one thing to have an awesome presentation... which they do... it's another thing to deliver on the flavor... and they do!! read more

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If you love art, you'll love LIA. The intention put behind the decor and art pieces on the wall add that much more depth to the food that's so delicious in itself. The owner even created the Pollock-style art piece on the wall, which definitely symbolizes the eclectic pieces that somehow all go together. Lastly, our French server, Rachid, was chef's kiss Not only did he share so much insight about the courses, he was also so fun to talk to in between bites. I'm definitely bringing my other friends visiting Chicago! read more

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We had the best experience at LIA than we have had in some time. The drinks were art-themed and quite tasty. The food was amazing We shared two fish dishes that were outstanding The ambiance and service did not disappoint either. read more

LIA - Local art and chef derived art behind the bar "Pollack esque." - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Had such a fun time at Lia, loved the creative drinks and atmosphere! Our waiter, Rachid, made the experience an 11/10. Will definitely be coming back!! read more

LIA - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

New restaurant in river north! Tasting menu was a great deal $180 which includes an alcohol pairing (champagne, cocktails, wine, espresso martinis!) They also offer the tasting menu for $120 if you're not drinking! Highly recommend checking out this new artistic concept! Atmosphere is really cool with great music. Nice upscale place but not too fancy! I was told they also have happy hour which I look forward to coming back and trying. Service was friendly and knowledgeable. 10/10! read more

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First off, I need to stop listening to Tiktok recommendations! We had a reservation here, waited about an hour for any kind of service. Once we finally recieved human interaction, we were asked about our order twice. We didn't even want food at this point, and wanted to at least enjoy some drinks. We finally get our drinks 1.5 hrs later, and they were both WRONG. Appreciated the free tiramisu, even though I stated I was dairy free prior hahah. It was evident they were understaffed, but as a customer I was more than understanding & the best thing I should've done was just leave... read more

We had the best time here!! The owner is so kind and the cocktails were excellent. It also had the best vibes. Highly recommend!!

AMAZING. AND a beautiful restaurant, with art throughout. Matt behind the bar was very hospitable and knowledgeable. Their Chardonnay is great. I had the Fungi Pizza, which was delicious both at the restaurant and later that night. I can't wait to go back! read more

As a connoisseur of great food and a member of the food service industry, this place goes beyond being a hidden gem in Chicago. From the menu to the decor, the creators of this fine establishment knew what they were doing and executed it perfectly. So much so that I came back a second time to enjoy the tasting menu with my girlfriend on our anniversary(our first visit was with some other industry folks, and we did share plate style; needless to say, we all loved it). I'm no stranger to good food as I've had the opportunity to enjoy many great spots, but to keep the focus on what I loved about this place, I will forgo mentioning them. The artist hosting concept has such a jazzy feel and tongue-in-cheek references to some favorite phrases that can be heard in most of the places you go out to. This initial decor disarmed me on my initial visit and did not prepare my mouth for the level of quality the chef had to throw at us. Their cocktails were well-thought-out, allowing for something for everyone, whether it be the refreshing Jackson's paint can. Or the continuously wonderful flavors of the spicy guest check. Rachid and the bartender that we had the first time we came to visit were amazing(can't remember his name because we had too much fun that night). But, of course, Rachid made our third anniversary special, literally throwing everything but the kitchen sink at us, in my opinion, when it came to service and details. I cannot wait for the chef to have fun with the menu and change it up. In the coming months, I also hate the fact that I'm going to miss a lot of this food that I've come to enjoy over the past week. I don't know how much longer this place is going to stay a hidden gem, but I know the team here can only keep doing better! As a connoisseur of great food and a member of the food service industry, I can without a doubt say this place goes beyond being a hidden gem in Chicago. From the menu to the decor, the creators of this fine establishment knew what they were doing and executed it perfectly. So much so that I came back a second time to enjoy the tasting menu with my girlfriend on our anniversary(our first visit was with some other industry folks, and we did share a plate style; needless to say, we all loved it). read more

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Awesome new restaurant. Welcome edition to River North - exactly what the area needs! The atmosphere is fun, upscale, but not pretentious. Great cocktails - the Warhol Martini was perfect. While we enjoyed all the food we ordered, the octopus, chorizo dates and ribeye really stood out! Will be back soon! read more

The food was great! I love the decorations in this place and the food presentations. It's so cute!! Rachid was our waiter and he was so great. read more

I'll give this place 12 months tops! Waitstaff are nice but horrible management...bartender (only one and hostess are waiting tables and just can't get to them...ricotta is great but comes out with two half pieces of sourdough bread...the garlic milk bread is also good but 3 small pieces for $18! The $55 steak frites is a ~6oz horribly cooked steak. Don't blame the staff but terribly mismanaged ! read more

Small portions, but oh my god the food was amazing. We got the green curry banana leaf fish with jasmine rice dish - it was 10/10.