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    Matilda

    4.4 (99 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 2:30 pm, 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

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    MATILDA ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Matilda

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    Kristen M.

    Pretty loud in here but it didn't bother me. Server was Leo, he was great. Had one of the ceviche dishes and the plantain/chorizo tacos The tacos were fantastic! I spotted a few other items I wanted to try so I will be back to explore more.

    Juliana A.

    We stopped by this restaurant for happy hour; the dishes on the menu are good, but the portions are very small. To order from the happy hour menu, you have to be seated at the bar or outside. We had some wine, and it was good, too. I plan to go back to try the dinner menu; for now, my impression is that it's a good option but nothing too surprising--I hope it surprises me next time.

    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!

    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)

    Jeannie Y.

    A charming Mexican restaurant with beautiful décor and a fun, inviting atmosphere. The space feels stylish and cozy at the same time, making it a great place to relax with friends or family. The food was fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared. I especially enjoyed their unique take on the paella and ceviche--it felt like they put their own creative spin on traditional dishes while still keeping everything balanced and delicious. The service was friendly and attentive throughout the meal. The only downside was the noise level, as the bar area made the restaurant quite loud, especially during busy hours. Still, the quality of the food, pleasant service, and attractive setting made for a very enjoyable dining experience, and I would happily return.

    ELOTE QUEMADO GF & TEJUINO ICE CREAM AND CHOCOLATE GF
    Kendall H.

    Matilda Restaurant delivers a standout Mexican-Peruvian fusion experience, pairing an electric atmosphere with genuinely exceptional service. The Guacamole Tatemado, fire-roasted and prepared tableside, sets the tone--fresh, smoky, and deeply flavorful. The ceviche de pescado is bright and refreshing, with a clean balance that highlights the quality of the fish. The Pescado Zarandeado is the clear centerpiece--perfectly char-grilled, well-seasoned, and presented with intention. It's a dish that feels both refined and rooted in tradition. Desserts seal the experience. The Elote Quemado, a sweet corn cake with a brûléed crust, is light yet indulgent, while the Tejuino ice cream with chocolate tastes unmistakably homemade--comforting, nostalgic, and easily among the most memorable desserts in recent memory.

    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!

    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

    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.

    Weylie L.

    Stop by with my friend for early birthday celebration. We started with tuna tartare and tomato ceviche (refresh by the cucumbers). Pork belly was nice glazed with a little bit sweetness and spiciness. The main we had was the seafood paella, which was topped with Mahi-mahi, scallops, octopus, chorizo and shrimp. It could be more perfect if less salty, we had to order a side rice to mix. The corn dessert highlight the night, it is a must try. Overall, everything was beautifully played and so flavorful. Very cozy vibes just a little loud for kids maybe. The service was warm and friendly.

    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!

    Conchas marisqueras
    Veronica R.

    Second time here and wow the flavor and the uniqueness of this place is amazing. Had the conchas for the first time, tuna tartar again a must and then ceviche de pescado amazing flavors and the tacos de steak. This place is elevated Mexican Peruvian flavors. Highly recommend it if you want delicious seafood and something different and amazingly worth it. Didn't have time to take more photos because it was so good

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    Geja's Cafe

    Geja's Cafe

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

    Step off the streets of Chicago into a beautifully dimly lit fondue experience is so cozy inside…read morewith the music of a live Spanish guitar that really create a private magical experience. All the premier dinners come with salad, cheese, fondue, and the chocolate fondue - You are just choosing what protein you would like. The Prince Geja combination has a little bit of everything. However, we most liked the seafood which includes lobster and the scallops were to die for! Also the beef also cooks well. Favorite dipping sauce included the pimento mayo, chimichurri, and garlic butter. The cheese fondue is quite rich and the bread is quite filling so maybe get as much cheese as you can on each piece of bread. The chocolate fondue, I think is actually the best course as the Belgium chocolate melts so well and has a decadent but not overly sweet flavor. It pairs well with all that is provided for dipping, which includes poundcake, rice Krispies, strawberries. They also have some liquor that they light on fire at first so you can roast the marshmallows. It is such a well thought out experience. Service flows very well from two waiters who take your order set up your fondue pots for each course, but be prepared to spend at least 2 hours on this experience. Check out the Groupon but also I read a review that they just tack on the extra $50 so it's not really too much of a savings. Not sure if this is true.

    Had a fantastic evening at this classic spot!…read more Food was super tasty and fresh! The seafood was probably my favorite! The full dinner with chocolate and cheese was perfect! Also appreciated that they were accommodating for the vegetarian in our party. Everything except the cheese course can be made vegan friendly as well. The service was top notch! Appreciated that they called me ahead of time to confirm our reservation and ask about food allergies. All the staff was incredibly helpful and attentive. They were quick to refill items and answer any questions we had. The location is classic fondue restaurant, cozy and romantic. However, also perfect for catching up with a friend. I love the history in this place and really enjoyed the mood lighting. Pricing was fantastic for the quality of service, food, and drinks! Look forward to many happy returns!

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

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    Gemini - Crispy Shrimp Spring Rolls

    Gemini

    4.0(771 reviews)
    2.0 miLincoln Park
    $$

    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.

    Over all this place was okay, and when I say okay it was mediocre…read more How ever I would like to point out that the staff and I repeat the staff was very friendly not to mention very welcoming. I came here with three others and we all ordered different things from the brunch menu along with a few drinks. The atmosphere here is open, modern, and pretty eye catching, we all heard a few negative comments about brunch here and rather than just taking words of advice we came anyways. To be honest we should've went elsewhere, the only thing about the food that actually seemed to have any flavor was the fries and even they were a little salty like my wallet when we left LOL The Jumbo (not so much) Lump Crab Benedict at $25 was honestly boring lacking any flavor also it didn't even come with potatoes I ended up sharing my Lincoln Park Turkey Club that was good but even it was pretty basic at $21, the Burger at $21 literally looked like something off the kids menu the bun was bigger than the patty LOL and the Blackened Chicken Caesar at $19 was more like an appetizer size and the chicken at least it was juicy not dry. Other reviews about brunch here seem to be about the same and honestly I think it's funny they don't even try to elevate their food when so many say about the same things. I think the only reason why people come to this place is 1. It's located in Lincoln Park and 2. that makes it a trendy spot to eat. So why bother fixing anything when it's just trendy and flavorless Their brunch is mediocre but apparently dinner is where it's at. However after the experience with brunch I'm not even sure I would even go back. Come here for the staff eat at your own expense maybe your food will have flavor or not but honestly do what you want and keep it trendy

    Photos
    Gemini - Nice view inside restaurant

    Nice view inside restaurant

    Gemini - Avocado Toast + Lincoln Park Turkey Club

    Avocado Toast + Lincoln Park Turkey Club

    Gemini - Burrata crostini

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    Burrata crostini

    Esme

    Esme

    4.0(154 reviews)
    2.1 miLincoln Park
    $$$$
    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!

    This review is for Restaurant Week!…read more 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.

    Photos
    Esme
    Esme
    Esme

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    Dearly Beloved - A SHEEP IN WOLF'S CLOTHING - the miracle berry pixi stick transforms sour into sweet.

    Dearly Beloved

    4.3(133 reviews)
    0.5 miNear North Side
    $$$

    Genesis was our server and she was absolutely amazing and attentive. She offered great suggestions…read morewhich we adhered to. Smash burger was . Caesar salad+ shrimp was a hit too. Fried chicken was crunchy and good. A touch sweet for my liking but very good. Truffle fries were a big hit. Also had warm crab dip wish had quite a few shells/cartilage but flavor was good. The drinks were all very good too. Music was nice. You good hear it a vibe to it but it was too loud. We didn't have to yell or talk loudly. We were were celebrating all 4 of our upcoming June/July birthdays and she treats us like rock stars. Great job Genesis

    I'm not quite sure why this place has pretty good reviews. Overall, it's pretty average. We came…read morefor happy hour and sat outside. While the table was on the sidewalk it was slightly set off and not on a busy street, so that was nice. While I only went inside to use the restroom, the vibes are interesting... I had their aperol spritz and it was okay. It was strong which was good. Then a pornstar martini. I thought the pornstar martini was really good and the best item of the evening. We shared oysters, the crab dip, and tuna tartare. The oysters were alright. The crab dip was funky. It was a bit fishy and maybe too heavy on the dill? I'm not sure but something was a bit off. The tuna tartare tasted fresh and was a good combination of flavors. It would be the only food item I'd reorder from the happy hour menu.

    Photos
    Dearly Beloved - Interior

    Interior

    Dearly Beloved - Bubbles

    Bubbles

    Dearly Beloved - Life of the party

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    Life of the party

    Matilda - mexican - Updated August 2026

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