Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Matilda

    4.5 (91 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 2:30 pm, 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Matilda Photos

    Business Info

    MATILDA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Matilda

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Maxwell L.

    Food: A bout of elevated Mexican fanfare with a twist of Peruvian. I tried the tuna tartare, ceviche de pescado, ceviche cerratillero, and the cheek birria all to share. The seafood was so delicious and fresh rivaling any I've had elsewhere! Definitely all great in their own right and are must orders, especially the tartare and the pescado. The slow cooked birria was delicious as well and loved the build your own style of the dish. I only wish there was a bit more birria but overall deeply flavorful. The cocktails were also a must have, especially their take on the espresso martini. I didn't need dessert after that! Ambiance: Simply cozy and elegant. There is the normal dining floor and the lower speakeasy hidden by a door that blends right into the wall to the left of the restaurant entrance. Service: So friendly and receptive! Our bartender was chatty and was really attentive to our tastes and feedback. Kudos!

    Paella
    Matthew B.

    Very cool with great service and yummy food. Every dish we had was great. The food was quick with a coherent menu that paired really well with the drinks list. We'll go back

    Guac
    Kenna G.

    Great dining experience at Matilda! Beautiful interior and also has a small patio. Server was extremely friendly and kind and provided great recommendations. Only note - very expensive. Probably wouldn't come back again considering the price point but thoroughly enjoyed my meal. My mocktail was $16 and with four of us splitting the bill it came out to be $90 each. TINGA DE POLLO ADOBAD: 4.2/5 CHEEK BIRRIA: 3.5/5 Tuna tar: 4.5/5 Guac: 4/5 CARNE ASADA tacos: 5/5 (must try) SWEET PLANTAIN & CHORIZO tacos: 5/5 (must try)

    TEJUINO ICE CREAM AND CHOCOLATE GF
    Amber L.

    Matilda is a relatively new restaurant that specializes in Peruvian cuisine. The restaurant itself is a bit small but vibey. The tables are all very close to each other and it can be quite loud. However the service was great and the food was amazing! I did the tasting menu which was priced well. It was 5 courses and I enjoyed every bite. My favorite dish was the plantain tacos and the conchas marisqueras. I can't wait to go back. I'll be telling all my friends about this place!

    Tuna tartare
    Catherine K.

    Went for girls night, the hostess and servers were all wonderful and accommodating! The tuna tartare was very fresh, but felt like it was missing something. Others at the table did the tasting menu and loved it! Drinks are super tasty, go with your server's recs if you have questions! Sat outside so didn't get the inside vibes, but beautiful inside!

    Huevos rancheros, breakfast tacos and steak and eggs.
    Michael J.

    Excellent brunch. The steak and eggs are small pieces of carne asada with the eggs put on top. It's a good dish but not a giant portion. The beans and tortillas are good and the small side of chorizo is tasty. Put it on the tortilla with the steak. The sauce is super spicy - be careful. The breakfast tacos are very, very good but again, a small portion. Two small tacos. Same for the huevos rancheros, but my wife loves that dish. Perfect eggs over easy. We'd get all three dishes again for the two of us. I liked the pisco sour but once again, it is a tiny portion. Filling up here is expensive but if you got the cashes it's absolutely worth it.

    Christy K.

    Went here on a weekday night upon recommendation from a friend. The wait situation was frustrating. We were first told an hour, then forty five minutes, but after waiting we never received a text or call. When we checked back in, there was still no table ready, and we were finally seated about ten minutes later. The hosts really need to do a better job estimating wait times and communicating. Once seated though, the place was a total vibe. I loved the concrete concept mixed with plants, and the speakeasy downstairs is a must. It feels like a cave with red lighting and a completely different energy. The food was pretty good overall. The ceviche was fine but not memorable. My favorites were the lomo saltado and the sweet plantain and chorizo tacos. The lomo had amazing flavor with a citrusy kick, and the chorizo and plantain combo was so unique and delicious. The paella had good flavor but the texture was more risotto-like, and I was hoping for that classic crispy paella finish.

    Andre W.

    Loved my recent experience @ Matilda! Love the look of the place as its such a modern mexican/peruvian joint with some flare to it. Walked in and the door and was greeted by the lovely hostess staff. I was a bit early for my reservation and the bar was pretty full, so they told me I could go downstairs to their speakeasy Clandestine (see review later). The door next to the hostess stand is the entrance to this very chill speakeasy. Had one and came back upstairs at my time. The main parts of the place is well lit, but dining table area near the wall is a little intimately lit, the way I like it. Once seated, we were introduced to the lovely Jenny, who wound up being our server. She was awesome...you are lucky if you get her as she is really good with breaking down the menu and teliing you whats what. We started with the tuna tartare and it was very damn good! For my main dish, I went with the Conchinita Pibil and it was pretty good. Its basically pork shoulder marinated in sour orange and achiote, wrapped in a banana leaf with tortillas on the side...yum! Black beans and salsas come with...one was really spicy. My friend had the Sweet Plantain & Chorizo Tacos and they were really good! 2 tacos is the dish. Washed it all down with a spiced pear old fashioned (delicious) and a mezcal drink by the name of Jalician which was ok. So many things on this menu I would like to come back and try...guess Im gonna have to come back over soon. Love this place

    Tuna tartar and ceviche pescado
    Neha A.

    Mexican meets Peruvian! Really good, albeit expensive. Shared the tuna tartar, chicken tinga guiso, and ceviche pescado. It was the perfect order for two people and everything was delicious! Love the blue corn tostadas that came with the tartare and ceviche. The guiso came with fresh tortillas and beans and some sort of sauces. Everything was super tasty. Would love to try the paella next time. For drinks I ordered the secret garden which was refreshing and super tasty. Our server was so sweet and friendly, and helpful picking out dishes from the menu. The ambience is just delightful and I love that there is a speakeasy beneath the restaurant. Highly recommend!

    Inside
    Katie L.

    Incredible. The food is so delicious, service was wonderful, and the space is beautiful! Highlights: -the elote quemado dessert is easily my top 3 favorite bites I've had in Chicago. It's a sweet (not too sweet) corn cake with a brûléed crust, crowned with an airy cajeta foam, corn ashes. SO yummy. I wish I could have this every day. -the guacamole tatemado. Hear me out, yes it's guacamole, but the presentation was a showstopper. It looks like an avocado but they mash it up tableside. Servicing size may be for just two people so note that if you're with a bigger group They have an extensive drink menu. I got a mocktail and it was quite delicious!

    Blue A.

    Amazing service. Really great atmosphere. The food that hit was amazing - a few fell flat. They have a speakeasy cocktail bar under the restaurant that you enter through the door next to the hostess. The charred avocado/guacamole was a miss. It's super cool that they char it to make it seem like it has the skin still, but that's it. The flavor was just lacking. The lomo saltado was the standout. I rarely eat beef and this was an occasion I'm glad I dabbled. I could have drank the juice. The serving of rice is tiny though. We had to get an extra rice, which was the same size and we had to pay extra for. The rice was really good tho. The tinga tacos were excellent as well. SWEET PLANTAIN & CHORIZO!!! I'd go back for these. 2 per order. You'll want to eat both yourself. Everyone should get their own order. Ceviche was good, but not the best I've ever had. Middle of the road. Servers were super on point and personable. Offered some recommendations and checked in on us. All of the cocktails were phenomenal.

    plantain and chorizo tacos
    Rachael S.

    I read up quite a bit on Matilda before dining there on a Wednesday evening, and perhaps my expectations were too high, but I left feeling somewhat deflated by the experience. The food was creatively presented but was overall lacking flavor. The drinks were mediocre; the service was excellent. Sweet plantain and chorizo tacos: Recommended by our server, mostly plantains on a cold, blue corn tortilla with a small crumble of chorizo. The honey truffle adds a little hit of flavor but overall unimpressed for nearly $20 for two tiny street tacos with minimal filling. Guacamole: Creative presentation - I won't spoil the surprise. The blue and yellow corn tortillas are fried and serve as a bland dipping vehicle. The guacamole is served table side and has a vibrant yellow sauce (yellow pepper our waiter told us) which again lacked any depth. Lomo saltado: I did not try this dish, but for over $40 a few pieces of meat, veggies and a small side of white rice, the hot dish did not seem to be worth it. The bar was lively and you can tell that the team wants you to have a great experience. I was just surprised by the lack of flavor in the food for the prices. I think it would be a great spot to come just for cocktails. If you have anyone in your group who is hard of hearing, this would not be the place.

    Rie U.

    TLDR: Service was great, but the food didn't blow my mind; Good but not amazing. Also, it's very loud. Our server really pushed the guacamole--and I get it, the avocado comes out charred, and it looks like it's a whole unpeeled avocado. They chop/mix it up table-side, which is all very fun to watch, but it just tasted like a regular guacamole. It lacked any wow flavors. The Cheek Birria was very tender, but the cinnamon was a little too overpowering and off-putting for me. The Cochinita Pibil was very tasty with the sour orange and achiote pepperiness. The Carne Asada taco was tasty but very soggy. Juicy is good, but there was too much juice, which made the cheese crust very soggy. Pork Belly taco was tasty, but could've used a little more salt? I'm usually not a salty person (haha) but my first bite could've used more salt. Overall, it was a good experience but I'm not in a hurry to come back.

    See all

    19 days ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Weylie L.
    0
    38
    207

    20 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jeannie Y.
    40
    828
    5442

    25 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Matthew B.
    1
    156
    449

    7 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    15 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andre W.
    566
    2121
    1424

    7 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Blue A.
    3199
    1751
    4816

    8 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rie U.
    233
    423
    1213

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 7
    Love this 15
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Harden K.
    24
    41
    67

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    9 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Matilda Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Matilda

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Mexican 66,967 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Geja's Cafe

    Geja's Cafe

    3.9
    (1.7k reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$$

    My friends were wanting to get fondue so we searched online and found Geja's cafe. We came on a…read moreSunday night. The atmosphere was nice and cozy. It was dimly lit inside and there was a guitarist playing music. We decided to do the 3 course Prince Geja's combination. The first course included swiss Gruyère cheese fondue with assorted breads, vegetables and fruits. After that they brought out Prince Geja's combination which was beef, lobster tail, shrimp, chicken breast, and sea scallops which you were able to cook in the boiling hot broth. I really liked how there was 8 different side sauces brought out so you could add some more flavor to the meat and seafood. The last course was chocolate fondue served with marshmellows and a side of fire. It was as if you were making smores because it also came with some graham cracker sprinkles. It also came with some fruits to dip into the chocolate fondue as well. The service was great. It was nice they had a coat check. Our server was very knowledgeable and guided us through the experience.

    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.

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

    See all

    Gemini

    Gemini

    4.0
    (766 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    As a Gemini celebrating my birthday season with other Geminis, it only felt right to celebrate at…read moreGemini! When we arrived, I was a bit concerned because we hadn't received our menus. And that's because the menus were being printed with a personalized birthday message! Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and struck the perfect balance of checking in without being overbearing. The mussels (provençal-style) were delicious and enough to share among three people. The truffle-parmesan fries: We couldn't tell if they were too salty or just salty enough, but somehow we couldn't stop eating them! I ordered the baby wedge salad with chicken, and while the chicken looked small at first, it ended up being a large enough portion to last the salad. We were also surprised with complimentary desserts: the Chocolate Chunk Cookie Skillet and Buck Russell's Cake. Though I'm not a sweet person, my dining companions thoroughly enjoyed them.

    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!

    Photos
    Nice view inside restaurant
    Nice view inside restaurant
    Burrata crostini
    Burrata crostini
    Brussel sprouts

    See all

    Brussel sprouts
    Le Mistral

    Le Mistral

    4.9
    (14 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    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.

    Photos
    Le Mistral
    Le Mistral
    Le Mistral

    See all

    Esme

    Esme

    4.0
    (154 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$$$
    Fine dining
    Private events

    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!

    Esme was the only restaurant I made it to for Chicago Restaurant Week this year. It was a nice,…read moreupscale 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.

    Photos
    Esme
    Esme
    Esme

    See all

    Willow Room

    Willow Room

    4.2
    (430 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    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.

    Loved everything. Delicious really great foods. Group of four, zero complaints. The service was on…read morepoint. Nice wine pour. Bright fun atmosphere. I thought for the quality and portions and fair prices this is a really great choice. Looking forward to returning.

    Photos
    Willow Room
    Willow Room
    Dining room

    See all

    Dining room

    Matilda - mexican - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...