My friend and I had an unforgettable evening at Noe. We went on a Tuesday night and, to our surprise, were the only guests in the restaurant -- which turned the entire dinner into a deeply personal, almost private dining experience. From the moment we walked in and were greeted by Jimmy, our butler/bartender, we felt welcomed and taken care of. The hospitality was warm without being stiff, and the service had a level of attentiveness you rarely find anymore. Chef Robert Gadsby personally came out to introduce himself and his team, and he remained hands‑on throughout the entire evening. Over the course of 12 beautifully crafted courses served across about 2 1/2 hours, he tailored each dish to our tastes. Before every course, they asked thoughtful questions about what we liked, what we didn't, and what we were curious to try. It truly felt like the menu was being created just for us. The only small downside -- and I mention this with appreciation for the chef's passion -- is that Chef Gadsby spent quite a bit of time sitting with us and talking during the meal. He's a wonderful man with fascinating stories, but at times I would have preferred to simply savor the flavors and enjoy the quiet moments between courses. Still, his enthusiasm for his craft is undeniable. Overall, the food, the service, and the level of personalization made this one of the most memorable dining experiences I've had. We will absolutely be back. I highly recommend Noe to anyone who considers themselves a foodie or loves a meal tailored to their tastes. And if you can, try going on a quieter night -- the personalized experience becomes even more special. read more

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This is a tough one to review because it's unlike any other restaurant I've ever encountered. To tell you anything would ruin the surprise. (So maybe stop reading.) Let me just start with there is no menu. You talk with the Chef individually and then it unfolds. Totally novel. I've been a few times now and thoroughly enjoyed it. Nothing is pre-prepared so it takes a little longer than other restaurants. I prefer a late night Parisian style of unfolding movable feasts. This suits my style, but it may not work for everybody. (But "everybody" also eats dogfood at McDonald's. So who cares?) The chef's pedigree is quite remarkable. He's cooked throughout the universe and how he ended up in Barrington is yet another story. Let me know what YOU think. read more

Noe - Some of the heavenly delights brought down to earth at Noe. - Wine Bars Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

We had an intimate seven-course meal at Noe for NYE, and it was truly exceptional. With only about 11 guests, the evening felt personal, progressive, and more like a culinary experience than a traditional dinner. Chef Robert Gadsby came out for almost every course alongside his team, thoughtfully explaining each dish and every nuance behind it. At the beginning of the evening, he introduced his entire team and their roles, which immediately set a warm and welcoming tone. Throughout the night, he checked in at just the right moments to make sure everyone was happy and comfortable. The team took time to ask about preferences, dislikes, and allergies so the menu could be crafted accordingly. For guests enjoying alternate dishes, those plates were explained with the same care and attention, ensuring everyone felt equally considered. Their service is impeccable. Every course was beautifully executed, creative, and memorable. We were all lucky to be there. This was a true city-like, fine dining experience in the heart of the northwest suburbs...a special place with an incredible team, chef, and atmosphere. We fully expect it won't be easy to get in anytime soon, and we can't wait to see what Chef Robert Gadsby and his team continue to do. read more

Noe - The delicious dessert to seal the evening - Wine Bars Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

My husband and I decided to have a date night and decided to drive over to Barrington to try this place. We arrived a few minutes early for our 8pm reservation. We were promptly greeted (with warmth and kindness) and seated by Suzy who told us she was our "butler". We started with a limoncello spritz which was lovely and light. This place is truly a fine dining establishment. I would rate it among my top dining experiences...as good as Spiaggi by Tony Mantuano, or Homaro Cantu's Moto or even Momotaro! I have been blessed to eat in many great places but this was exceptional because it was excellent cuisine but not to haughty or pretentious. Chef Robert Noe Gadsby is very personable and incredibly talented. The website states that the restaurant strives for a peaceful atmosphere and we certainly felt that. This was truly an experience and we felt that we left with new friends, all who had the same amazing experience. The restaurant offers a set menu but they were exceptionally accommodating for my various food allergies. I did the wine pairing which was wonderful including a lovely vino verde and a fantastic Tokaji for dessert. It was such a cozy hip interior - we counted only six tables so I would definitely recommend reservations. I believe they have two seatings per night but no one was rushed. It is a bit pricey but absolutely worth it. We loved the whole evening, from the first moment we entered to our departure. Much thanks to the lovely staff and chef for a totally memorable evening.! read more

Amazing! Dinner featured six plates - a starter with five courses. Each course had a different theme and vibe! Chef Noe is very interactive with the guests throughout the dinner, which we thoroughly enjoyed and made the experience unique. We had a few favorites in the prix fix menu, so it was hard to pick one. Service was friendly; cocktails were great. We plan to visit again! read more

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Had an incredible dinner at Noe. The entire experience was fun and special and the food was absolutely delicious. It was a very immersive experience, and the chef came out with each course to explain what we were eating and why he curated it. This is such a nice addition to have locally as an elevated meal out. My only comments for people planning to go are prepare for a long dinner (we were in for a little over 3 hours) and it's best if you don't have many dietary restrictions, as the food is selected for you, but neither of those were negatives for us. The touch of roses at the end is very sweet but unnecessary; it doesn't make or break my desire to return, which we definitely will. read more

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We visited this intimate spot on a Friday night, eager to support a new local business. We were hoping for a polished tasting menu experience but found a significant gap between the price point and the execution. For diners expecting a Michelin-caliber experience to match the bill ( $450 for 2 guests and 3 drinks), that level of precision was unfortunately missing. - Setting & Atmosphere: While the chef is very personable and engaged with his guests throughout the evening, the atmosphere lacked the "fine dining" touch: unironed linens, fake plants, drafty tables by the window, and a single-user bathroom door feet from dining tables. - Food: The first three courses showed promise. Amuse bouche were delicious, particularly the carrot soup, caviar service, tuna, tofu, and tea. However, consistency and thoughtfulness fell off midway through. Buckwheat pasta: overpowered by pepper and egg. Foie-gras "PB&J": (from foie-gras lovers) ratio was off; portion of foie was so small it lacked any richness, served with awkward, oversized lettuce leaves. Gnocchi: decent flavor, watery sauce. While the lack of refinement so far wouldn't drive us to post a review... - Critical Error: The meal took a significant downward turn with the entrée. My husband and I both found **Saran wrap still tied around our beef**. When we brought this to the staff's attention, the response was disappointing. Despite the chef being visible and chatty throughout the night, there was no apology from the kitchen, no acknowledgement of the error, and no attempt at service recovery. The replacement dishes were unfortunately bland. This lack of refinement continued into dessert. The mousse had a sour note that felt unintentional, and the apple dessert's pastry was chewy rather than flaky. - Bar Program: The bar program also felt underdeveloped: mocktail pairings couldn't be adapted into cocktails due to lack of mixology experience, drinks were served with McDonald's-style white plastic straws, and chunks of ingredients weren't strained. - Verdict: The chef is clearly passionate, and we understand that the restaurant was running a "skeleton crew," but at Michelin-level prices, diners expect Michelin-level accountability. To be served plastic in a main course and receive zero apology is a significant lapse in hospitality. The total package, from glassware, plating, seasoning, and basic service recovery needs to improve drastically to justify the cost. We see the potential here and hope to see these refinements made as they continue to grow. For now, it feels more like a work-in-progress than a professional fine-dining experience. read more

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Absolutely lovely and unique experience, with food that tasted better than it looked. I hope this place makes it. The 5p or 8p seating is tough but once you're there and understand the concept, I get it. Will definitely be back soon! Please go and support this business...it is a fantastic value when compared to similar Chicago restaurants...and the bartender makes outstanding cocktails. read more

3.5/5 Pros: -Unique experience -Intimate -Impromptu cooking resulting in a one of a kind meal -Mostly attentive servers -Chef came out in personal setting to explain each course... until 4/5 course, not to be seen again -Customer meal -Allergy friendly -Chef-inspired menu on the spot with personalization Cons: -Only 6 tables in restaurant -Ambience was from 1985 with classic Italian smooth jazz playing at the lowest setting. -5:00 seating and no food on anyone's table until 6:15. As a small plate "experience" we had to wait on the last seating, which showed up at 5:30, 30 minutes late so everyone had to wait -Service extremely attentive, almost overly. Very formal nearly ton a fault. If there were white table cloths and the chef were adorned like a French chef, then the service might have matched the setting, but it seemed overdone and uptight; almost pretentious. I know it's Barrington, but many of us are younger than the last Seth of neighbors who lived here once before. When we finally raised our only complaint, that 1/3 of our mussels weren't open, the bartender/server/butler said "ok!" With a smile, and proceeded to do nothing. -3.5 hour service with 5 courses. We were starved, bored, and exhausted by the time dessert came, which was 2 chocolate bon bons with a glass of sherry. We expected far more. Not to mention the lamb was bland with the fat unrendered making it very chewy and virtually inedible. -Needed more courses in a timely fashion. Trying for the Alinea experience but they give you 13 course in 2.5 hours, including a tour of the kitchen. This felt like I stared at the kitchen praying I'd get surprised with food -Chef-inspired menu on the spot requires lots of time Overall: Great concept. Passionate chef. Modern ideas. Needs refinement. More "in-betweens" so guests aren't waiting 35 minutes between each meal and have something to eat. Probably more hungry people than people with allergies. And those with allergies, can ask, or not partake. Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Want to come back but unsure if it's worth it at $200/person right now. I'd like to see this place succeed and grow with more space too. Good luck Chef Noe! Pronounced "NO-EE." read more

As Chef Robert Gadsby explained his Spontaneity Menu concept, we knew we were in for something special -- and he delivered. Be prepared for one surprise after another. Each bite, each slurp, each toast made our dining experience at NOE nothing short of spectacular. We also loved the beautiful, warm, modern décor. It creates such a welcoming atmosphere with great vibes from the moment you walk in. The service was phenomenal, complementing the artistry of the dishes perfectly. We can't wait to see NOE's fans and followers turn this hidden gem into a local treasure. You must go. With only two seatings each night, TUE - SUN, make your reservation well in advance. Salute to Chef Robert Gadsby ... a Michelin-starred talent bringing brilliance to our small village. read more

Outstanding! As I approached The subtle ambience of the Noe Blue light resonating through the windows welcoming me before I entered, as I entered Restaurant Noe I was greeted by the staff with genuine enthusiasm and excellence. The presentation of the food was spectacular, fresh and alive. While having a conversation with Chef Robert Gadsby I expressed to him that I do not drink alcohol. Unbelievably the Great Robert Gadsby went to the back and created a non-alcoholic Melo that was fantastic perfectly paired with my meal. I highly recommend Restaurant Noe. read more

The best meal I've had in the suburbs. Outstanding quality, and a chef that truly understands how to get the most from the quality ingredients he selects. Highly recommend. read more

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A "MICHELIN"- priced restaurant without a MICHELIN experience... The dinner took THREE AND A HALF HOURS. That is FAR too long, regardless of how many courses. To the chefs defense- he did ask if anyone in the restaurant had any time constraints. I did not speak up for I figured that 2- 2.5 hrs would be sufficient. My girlfriend and I ended up missing our train, and had to take an Uber home. During the lengthy time in-between courses, the over-priced drinks were very, very slow to be served... even though the restaurant is half the size of a Starbucks. The seating is very tight... if there are others in the restaurant while you are eating, you will hear everything they say. The decor, furniture, place settings, ambiance, bathroom cleanliness, etc. was no more extravagant than ANY restaurant in which you might visit and pay about 1/8th the price for your experience. The front-end staff was.... 'fine'. But the staff at Applebees are 'fine', too. I left with anything but a full stomach at the end of the night. To the chefs credit, and his kitchen staff: I believe they are very dedicated and talented. The food and presentation was pretty good. But the whole experience is a bit rough around the edges and definitely needs some tweaking. I expected more with the $ I was paying. read more

Amazing place！I love it and will come again. The best fine dining I had in Chicago area read more

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What a wonderful experience! I took my mom here for her birthday and the meal and service were excellent. Chef was attentive and explained each course. It was great that the meal was tailored to our likes and each course was a delightful surprise! An absolute treasure and so different from anything else in the area. Loved it! read more

Food amazing and service awesome. We heard good things but the experience was at a next level. Can't believe this type of food and wine experience is in the northwest burbs. A hidden gem. Won't be long before you can get in... read more

I'll just have to add another positive review. Food, service, ambience was excellent. It's not cheap but worth every dollar. The breadth of flavors in terms of geography, texture, and provenance are just spectacular. We've eaten at restaurants all over the globe, and this one is right up there with the top spots. You'd pay a couple hundred more if this was downtown Chicago, so go ahead and make a reservation and be prepared for a really nice experience right in the neighborhood. read more

Ate at NOE in Barrington, IL last night. only two seatings per night and the place is small. FOOD was incredible and custom made based on food preferences and allergies. It's $125 pp and honestly worth every penny -- not those tiny tasting plates where you leave hungry. We were stuffed (probably didn't need to eat all the bread, but obviously did). The atmosphere is fine -- simple tables and chairs, nothing fancy -- but hearing the chef describe each dish was a real bonus. Every bite was delicious. read more

What an amazing experience. From beginning to end it was a journey we were on with the chef who came out for each course and tailored to each table. Each course outdid itself and Barrington is a better place with this as a part of it. read more

Go!!!! This is the best meal in all of the Barringtons I've had! Creative, balanced and delicious! Service was great and the chef came out and described each dish and his story. Small and intimate atmosphere is great for spending time with close friends and the other patrons in the restaurant. We are lucky to have a chef of this quality here in Barrington. read more