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    LÝRA

    4.1 (597 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 2 weeks ago

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    Lamb chop
    Austin F.

    Been here several times and it's a consistently solid meal! The reason you come back here is for the deconstructed short rib pasta - it's an unforgettable dish! The other call out dish were the lamb chops, which were cooked to perfection and super tasty. The table was mildly disappointed with the branzino, it was cooked well, but mild in taste. Everything else was a hit! Restaurant is super cool, bustling, and a great vibe. We were a larger table and seated in a back corner room, which unfortunately felt like an after thought. Definitely request sitting in the main dining room. Overall, a solid pick in Fulton Market. 4/5 stars

    Meg D.

    It was a team dinner so it was a bigger group. I am amazed at how fast they would have their food ready.Everything was so good & full of flavorful. From apps to dessert, we cannot complain --- there wasn't a dish that we did not like. Decor looked so authentic and it has an elevated vibe.

    Zuccine
    Lola J.

    Galentine's at Lyra was such a vibe. They offered a prix fixe menu for the evening, and honestly, it was a solid experience for $129. The grilled octopus was superb, The fried zucchini, lamb chops, and the orange cake to finish. The atmosphere made it even better for a night out with the girls. Good food, great company, and a beautiful setting... exactly what Galentine's should feel like.

    Charred Octopus*
    Bailey P.

    We came for restaurant week and ordered off their special menu which was a great deal (appetizer, entree, and dessert for $60). I started with the charred octopus which was a bit spicier than I expected but still delicious. Rumor has it that the chef won Top Chef with the deconstructed pastitsio so that's what I had as my entree. It was a full of flavor and such a unique dish! And for dessert my partner and I split so we could try both options. They were polar opposites: one was very chocolatey and the other was very light and fruity. My boyfriend said the chocolate one was life changing! The restaurant is large put it seems like a popular spot so reservations are highly recommended (also plan ahead because parking is a nightmare in the West Loop). We were seating by the bar so there was a lot of noise and commotion but it looked like there were some other areas that seemed a bit more calm. Other than the food, the staff were absolutely amazing. We were served by George and Alo who were both very conversational and provided great recommendations.

    Patrick D.

    Delicious beautifully crafted Greek food that impresses even in a city like Chicago which already has a strong Greek cuisine presence! Went here for restaurant week with my wife and we had a great time. The interior is sleek and well designed but still warm, and service was great. To start, we got the tuna tartar which was fresh and very tasty, and the charred octopus which was beautifully grilled with a nice charred flavor outside but still tender and juicy inside, perfectly complemented by the olive relish and charred lemon. My wife got the small upgrade to lobster linguini, including removing the nicely cooked lobster meat at table side; all the components were great including the seafoody savory tomato sauce, but it wasn't quite as special or interesting as the other dishes. The deconstructed pastitsio was fantastic, with melt in your mouth slow cooked short rib and a rich bechamel sauce and truffles, although after most of a plate of it, the richness and heaviness do start to build up. Desserts were spot on, for restaurant week we got both options which included a light orange syrup cake and Greek yogurt ice cream (the portokalopita), and a dark chocolate cake with brown butter ice cream (sokolatopita). The restaurant week was definitely worth the trip, although after looking at the pretty high normal prices, I would be inclined to wait until a special occasion to come back. Nonetheless, the food was overall delicious and beautifully presented (especially the flaming cheese that we saw most tables ordering), and I'm sure whatever you get you won't be disappointed!

    Feta Stuffed Sausage and Spicy Feta
    Kizito N.

    WOULD DEFINITELY recommend. Came for a nice date night out in the Fulton Market. Booked a reservation but depending on the night if you come late enough, you might be able to snag a table (prefer reservation though. The ambiance was set from the first step in the door, got a live DJ as well helping set the mood. Just very nice aesthetic overall. Our server was very nice, took a little while to get us started, maybe was a little busy but could prefer more attentiveness. We started off which cocktails. We got the Mykonian Mezz, which I would give a 7.5/10, the mezcal isn't too strong which is good, thats usually where they mess up. Also got the Medusa's Mule, which is just like a Moscow mule, was also good; 8/10. We then got appetizers, Feta Stuffed Sausage and the Spicy Feta dip. They came with fresh soft pita bread to eat with. They were amazing to say the least, 9/10 for both the dip and the sausage platter. Would recommend getting both. For our food, we ordered the Beef Cheek Youvetsi, which had orzo in a tomato base w/ a very tender cut of beef that carried a lot of flavor. I personally recommend that dish and give it a 8.9/10. We also ordered the Deconstructed Pastitsio, that was even better. I love short rib, and this dish incorporated it into a pasta better than I expected. Only thing was that the pasta was a little more al dente than expected, but I reckon that that might not be how it is normally made. Either way it didn't ruin the meal at all, would give it 9.2/10. Overall, we had a good time at this restaurant, was a nice vibe with great ambiance and food. This is a perfect restaurant for a date night and birthday celebrations right in the heart of Fulton Market. Very lively bar as well if you want to stop in. I booked reservations same day but I do suggest putting in ahead of time. I plan to try more restaurants in West Loop area but I would definitely come back as my experience wasn't bad at all.

    Vegetarian Linguine
    Chaitra R.

    Starting off the restaurant was gorgeous, we did have to wait 30 minutes past our reservation to be seated. All the dips we ordered were perfectly tasteful, especially the spicy feta and charred eggplant. They didn't have any vegetarian entrees in the menu, but when I let the waitress know she was able to inform me about the vegetarian linguine off the menu. That was very accommodating

    Octopus
    Reshma A.

    Lyra is always a solid choice. The octopus is a favorite and I've had it multiple times. I went during Restaurant Week this time and appreciated that the portions were still regular sized, since many places tend to cut back. I just wish the lobster linguini had been a bit more flavorful tho.

    Deconstructed Pastitsio
    Haley F.

    Hands down one of the best meals I've had all year. Period. Hear me when I say, that if you like pasta, cheese, & truffle, the Deconstructed Pastitsio is a MUST. It is fantastic. The meat is super flavorful, and they aren't skimpy with it either! Neither were they with the cheese! PLENTY of deliciousness on the plate and every bite. I've been here twice! I forgot the name of the first lovely lady who served us, but shoutout to Donnie and Andrew for making my second time here fun (and educational!). Andrew taught us where the name "Chicago" came from :) Lastly, although I usually always skip dessert, I do not recommend doing so at this place. I've gotten the Bougatsa every time, and I plan to continue doing so. Amazing crunch and texture, delicious ice cream, and the honey complimented everything so well. Ambiance is beautiful. I especially love the booths for big groups (and the bathrooms!)

    Danielle M.

    Lyra was fantastic! We had a group of 10 and everything flowed smoothly. The service was A+. The food was packed with flavor, nice sized portions and we shared everything. The cocktails were tasty and boozy. I have no complaints. It's also such a beautiful space with an outdoor patio, bathrooms were clean and aesthetically pleasing. The bar is beautiful here. This spot is good for all Occasions but most importantly, the food here is so good, it's worth a visit for sure.

    Grilled Wild Alaskan Halibut
    Crystal Z.

    Ambiance - amazing addition to west loop, casual/upscale depending on your group Service - exceptional, server was super attentive, offered recommendations, and checked on us often Food - loveeeeee the charred octopus (tender & flavorful), king salmon was cooked to perfection, wanted to love the charred eggplant dip but it contained goat cheese (which I'm not a fan of)

    Calamari
    Dan A.

    We got here on a Thursday evening around 7. Didn't have a reservation and lucked out and we were seated outside after a 10 minute wait. Spacious interior with a circular Bar in the middle. Fun, loud and upbeat atmosphere. We started with the Breads and Spreads (dip sampler) and Calamari. All the dips were excellent with the Tarama with Black Caviar and spicy feta standing out. Calamari was perfectly fried and tender. For mains, we shared the slow roasted lamb Gyros and Cast Iron Moussaka. The Gyro was not typical and was sublime. The Moussaka had a veggie twist and was delicious. Plenty of food for the 3 of us. Having just visited Greece, enjoyed having a Mythos with dinner. Service was attentive and upbeat. Mo room for the Bougatsas or Loukoumades-next time. If in Fulton Market, make this stop for some Greek/Mediterranean deliciousness!

    Branzino, short rib with truffle 10/10
    Farah A.

    Host was rude and very dismissive when we showed up 15 mins past our reservation at 7:30pm even with attempts to call them that we would be 5 mins late past their 10 min grace period it would go straight to voicemail. Parking takes time in this area so make sure to be there early so you're not driving around looking. I was told next seating would be at 9pm even though there was many empty tables she said those tables were reserved so we went on open tables and rebook a table for 8pm and we got seated at the empty table that host stated was reserved. Food was great though would def go back but they for sure need a different host there.

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    Page 1 of 15

    LÝRA Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - LÝRA

    What is the difference between standard seating and The Villa - dining room with Mykonian Sunset vibe? Which one is better for a couple celebrating their anniversary?

    The Villa is a private dining room area that requires a party of 12 or more. The Villa and The Kava provides an intimate dining experience for groups.

    Do they have valet parking? Will they allow you to leave your car in front?

    Yes!

    Is Lyra kid friendly? Can I bring a 3yo and 1yo to eat here? More concerned of the atmosphere than the food.

    No, it's definitely an adult/clubby vibe

    Do they have GF options? I only see a few sides on the menu that are but no main dishes.

    ID remember cause I was back there in Feb.

    Is there valet parking?

    Yes and it's expensive... I paid $30

    View All 9 Questions

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    King of Cups - Old Fashion

    King of Cups

    4.4(131 reviews)
    2.5 miLincoln Park

    The best way I can describe King of Cups is to say this place is a VIBE. The theme is all-in on…read moreMedieval, from the lighting to chandeliers, candles, mirrors, chairs, drapes, and even changing digital paintings. It is definitely unique, creative, and a massive differentiator from any other cocktail bar I've been to. Now, let's talk cocktails! The creativity of the interior extends into the menu. Unlike some places that just make variations of existing classics (except for items specifically so named, like the Old Fashioned or Espresso Martini), all of their cocktails are unique and interesting. Time for a punch card? I ordered the Maximillian the Imposter. While I'm not typically a fan of banana (except for banana bread), I thought I'd step out of my comfort zone, and I wanted to try something 'flaming'. Flaming it was! The preparation of the drink involved a surprising amount of fire. I initially thought this was just for show, but no, this translated into a noticeable smoky flavor. Beyond that, the drink was strong, not overly sweet, and an all-around delight. There was one bartender on the night I was here, and while it was busy, I was still able to get my drink in a reasonable amount of time. I also feel as though they have reasonable prices, especially considering the quality and the market rates. King of Cups gets busy, and for good reason: they are an all-around phenomenal place, from the drinks to the vibe, and everything in between. If you're someone who likes a seat rather than fighting through a crowd, get a reservation! See you there!

    What a nice, moody, intimate bar. I came here for happy hour and was pleasantly surprised at how…read moreit's an actual discounted happy hour menu! You know it is these days - most places just knock a dollar off and call it a day. This one is legit! I'd say you should make a reservation for prime time to ensure you'll have a seat. However when it's early no big deal to just pop by. I enjoyed the plum Moscow mule (not too sweet!) and the espresso martini. Both are on draft which made me nervous from past experiences at other places. However, these were great and I LOVED their espresso martini. The bartender was kind and the vibes were off the charts. Check this place out next time you're in Lincoln Park!

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    King of Cups - Bar and seating

    Bar and seating

    King of Cups - Espresso martini

    Espresso martini

    King of Cups - Plum Moscow mule

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    Plum Moscow mule

    Geja's Cafe

    Geja's Cafe

    3.9(1.7k reviews)
    2.3 miLincoln Park
    $$$

    A dimly lit, cramped, dark, and friendly space rests a fondue restaurant made for a night out with…read morefriends, date night, or just a desire for melted cheese. A guitarist sits somewhere against a brick wall and plays music lightly but energetically. Service is friendly from start to finish and smiles are on everyone's faces. The menu is pretty easy to understand. You can get a three-course meal, or you can get each entree à la carte. You have two fondue candles in front of you, one for the cheese and dessert, and the other for the oil. We chose the three-course meal, and it was delightful. We started with the cheese appetizer. You get a basket of bread and fruit and we chose the seasonal cheese to dip. The oil for our meat was then left to heat, and we received a massive platter of veggies and meats for our main course. We chose the option for all selections of meat and seafood. After trying all the meats, I would opt for the lobster and shrimp. You can also substitute the oil for a broth. I would like to try the broth for next time. In one of the shakers, Gejas makes their own meat spice mix. It's recommended to put on the meats and even the desserts. It's a mix of tangy and savory and was a great compliment to the meal. We then chose the seasonal dessert, a white chocolate with vanilla cookies. Fruit, marshmallows, and churros to dip. We were so full by the time dessert came, but we enjoyed a few bites and took it home. The three-course meal, with five types of meat, came with about 10 pieces of meat. It doesn't look like a lot of food, but it truly is, with the apps, veggies, etc, your stomach will be full when you walk out of here. They also start the entire course with a mixed salad (so technically it's a four-course meal). It was very fairly priced, as well. Initially looking at the prices, you may think it's expensive, but it truly is a value with the amount of food they serve. This was rated as most romatic restaurant in Chicago. Its ambiance gives you the romantic feel, the guitarist adds to the atmosphere, and the staff is professional and friendly. This really was a great place and we enjoyed our time and meal.

    We came to Geja's to celebrate our anniversary and it certainly lived up to the hype. We were…read morelucky enough to have a table off the side by the window so it maintained the intimate feel without feeling cramped by other tables. Food-wise, it was very fun to cook everything ourselves. I do think the appetizers were my favorite part because I do just love fruits and cheeses, but everything was great. They were also very accommodating of celiac. Overall, we had a wonderful anniversary celebrating at Geja's.

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    Geja's Cafe
    Geja's Cafe
    Geja's Cafe

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    Gemini - Avocado Toast + Lincoln Park Turkey Club

    Gemini

    4.0(763 reviews)
    2.4 miLincoln Park
    $$

    It's Summer Time Chi season in Lincoln Park. Extensive patio at Gemini is super inviting. Jacob our…read moreserver was exceptional in his engagement & making reco's on drinks and food. Even though half my party was late, I never felt rushed. The FKG mocktail was sweet and flavorful. The Spritzer was a good alcoholic next drink. Truffle Parm fries were a table fav. Burrata was smaller than I expected for $18. Enjoyed my beet salad with salmon. Will def be back and highly recommend!

    I've eaten at Gemini over the years and have been able to sample a lot of what's on offer. I've had…read moremost of the specials but will usually get either the swordfish or the steak frites. Those are typically very good which is why I come back. The burger though. Why is it such a consistent disappointment? It's small, has the pancetta (a nice rubbery disc of salt) and just seems like kind of an afterthought to the otherwise well-considered menu. I've been eating it on occasion for 10+ years here always with the hope that it has improved. I would love to see a do-over on the burger. It would be great to have a place in the neighborhood that consistently delivered. As it stands, it's a distant second to RJ Grunt's, Small Cheval and not even in the same realm as Armitage Alehouse's burger. Really hoping I get to come back and revise this review to rave about how much better it got. The staff is always very nice and attentive as well. From host stand to bartenders, waitstaff and everyone clearing and setting, always a very nice group that seems like they take pride in their work, which is much appreciated.

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    Gemini - Nice view inside restaurant

    Nice view inside restaurant

    Gemini - Burrata crostini

    Burrata crostini

    Gemini - Brussel sprouts

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    Brussel sprouts

    Le Mistral - Inside the building - Le mistral is all the way down on the right side

    Le Mistral

    4.8(13 reviews)
    2.7 miLincoln Park

    The service is just incredible. That's what stands out the most. We came after having a superb…read moredinner at S.K.Y. and out waitress transferred us to Le Mistral for dessert as we were hoping to end the night with another cocktail. The transition was seamless, the walk through the kitchen was very cool, everyone was very friendly and excited to see guests. Our dessert came quickly to Le Mistral instead of S.K.Y. and was superb. Our waiter at Le Mistral was very friendly, gave some good advice on the cocktails, and was consistently attentive. My cocktail was just OK - sherry-based martini. I don't normally like a martini but all the ingredients actually seemed very much up my alley - the sherry, benedictine, rose vermouth. But the olive just overpowered. And definitely not worth the price of $24... Would definitely return and try the food next time as well.

    We popped in on a Monday night for a nightcap after finishing up at Mon Ami Gabi across the lobby…read more Our experience was meh. I don't know if every Monday is Metal night, but it was that Monday - Black Sabbath, Nu-Metal, everything but the live goldfish. Perhaps they should advertise "Monday Metal at Mistral" if that is to be a regular thing. It does flow off the tongue. To be fair, there was a full house and the other patrons did not seem to mind. We were not looking to feel the noize, however, and so stayed for just one cocktail. Mine was a Sazerac adjacent mix, and it was very high quality. The decor is very low light, but the vibe is pretty basic - more Paint Your Dorm Room black than Parisian Opium Den black. A bit of a missed opportunity for romance.

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    Le Mistral
    Le Mistral
    Le Mistral - Inside

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    Inside

    Esme

    Esme

    4.1(154 reviews)
    2.5 miLincoln Park
    $$$$
    Fine dining
    Private events

    Esmé, consistently One of Our Favorites in Chicago…read more 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.

    My rating of a 3 is specifically for the Restaurant Week menu though I'll say it definitely didn't…read moreinspire 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!

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    Esme
    Esme
    Esme

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    Willow Room - Arugula salad over avocado toast with poached eggs.

    Willow Room

    4.2(429 reviews)
    1.9 miLincoln Park, DePaul
    $$

    Great dinner here tonight - had the mussels, burger, and octopus. All were exceptional. The drinks…read morewere also very good, and the service was awesome. Great meal overall.

    Chicago Restaurant week. I reviewed various dining options in search of a good place for dinner…read more Reddit gave me some ideas. I'd never been to Willow Room and liked that they had a four course dinner menu, with items I liked. I was able to make a reservation for a Saturday night at 8:15pm. PARKING Parking on Halsted on a Saturday night can be a nightmare, and it did take a minute to find street parking. North of the 1800 block is busier because there are several restaurants within a two block radius. Side streets are permit parking after 6pm. Meters on Halsted are $2.50/hr. ATMOSPHERE Willow Room was pretty packed. We had a reservation for 8:15pm and my party of two was seated right away. The restaurant features a full bar, dim lighting and is nice and roomy. They have banquette seating around the perimeter, in addition to tables in the middle. SERVICE Our server, who was very nice and accommodating during our dining experience, came by and gave us our menu's. I had already decided on the RW menu and after review, my friend was interested in the Beef Wellington (not on RW menu). Our server informed us that normally the whole table had to order off of the RW menu if one person does, but said she would check with the kitchen since this was the last day of RW. Luckily, we were able to proceed with ordering from different menu's. FOOD I ordered a raspberry Cosmopolitan. I'm a Riesling/Moscato girlie, but I tasted the Riesling and didn't like it. RW dinner was priced at $60. I ordered: First Course: Caesar Salad (Typical salad, was good) Second Course: Mussels (Tasted fine, came with a baguette) Third Course: Short Rib (Could've been slightly more tender and better seasoned. I've definitely had better. Wouldn't order again.) Fourth Course: Orange Ricotta Donuts (Donuts were very good. Three were served, a few more would have been more filling.) My friend ordered a glass of Pinot Noir and: Truffle Fries (Fries were very tasty. I would order again if I went back.) Beef Wellington (The breading was buttery and very good. The beef could've been more seasoned. I wouldn't order.) Key Lime Pie (Was not sweet and had no taste. When our server came back and saw it was uneaten, she offered to take it off the bill. It should be removed from the menu altogether.) The busboys and server were very attentive. Our water glasses were always filled. OVERALL The atmosphere was nice, our server was great. Of all the food we ordered, I would order the truffle fries and Cosmopolitan again. I did leave full and did take my leftover Short Rib to go. Main dishes needed more seasoning. I would dine here again and try a different menu (brunch/lunch), or Happy Hour if they offer it.

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    Willow Room - French 75

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    French 75

    LÝRA - greek - Updated June 2026

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