Beautiful place and good service, just a little rushed which is unfortunate when you're paying that much money. All of the courses were exceptional. We had many favorites. We left a bit hungry compared to some other tasting menus. The biggest complaint was that even though we prepaid for the tasting menu and wine pairings months ago, they gave us a bill for the coffee and tea for $30 at the end of the meal. We've done 20+ tasting menus and all have included it in the bill. When you already have paid almost $1300 way in advance at the time of booking, it puts a bad taste in your mouth to still have a bill at the end. Oriole night cap- doesn't start until 10pm, so don't get there early because they won't let you in until after 10pm. The cocktails were not that elaborate, but they were delicious and very clean and crisp, and you could tell they were precisely crafted. There is one food item, a hot ham sandwich, which is good but not as AMAZING as I read in other reviews. Still would recommend getting and splitting it for two. read more

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Hands down one of the best, if not the best meal I've ever had. They absolutely nail all their insane flavor combinations, and combined with the impeccable service, a trip here is well worth the price (and the Michelin stars!). From the beginning, we knew we were in for a experience when we entered and were treated to a complimentary warm mulled apple wine cocktail, until one of the staff pulled up the metal gate and let us into the real dining area. I won't walk through every dish we had, but some of my favorites were the foie gras with an apple anise mixture, sablefish over a red squash brown butter sauce, and their amazing soufflé. They had the best use of foie gras I've ever tasted, with the rich fattiness cut through by the sweet and slightly crisp apple chunk and bits of creamy freshness from the creme fraiche pearls. The capellini looked a bit unassuming but packed in so much savory flavor into their slightly tart lemon sauce that was boosted by but honestly didn't even need the truffle shavings, it was just that good. The soufflé started off with the salty sharp bite of the melted cheese before the amazing, nutty caramelized flavor of the black sesame and slight hint of tartness from the lemon cut through, just a crazy bit perfect flavor combination. The food was so good I don't even have time to go into detail about the amazing service, but we felt we were totally cared for at every step. They went to such lengths to make sure we were comfortable, answered any question we had, and were so super attentive. Whether you're a local or just visiting, I 100% think it's worth saving up and splurging on this place! read more

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Love love love Oriole! The dinner is immaculate and service is exceptional!! The entire night is a journey and if you are ok with trying new things just go with the flow. Everything was delicately crafted, tasty, and unique. They add so many flavors to each dish I sometimes feel like I'm on another universe. These dishes were amazing and not just something you could just whip up in your own kitchen. I could taste the perfection and time that the chefs put into the meal. I find fine dining to be worth every penny when each dish is so unique that you would rather just pay for it rather than try and copy it. That is the ultimate culinary experience in my opinion. Due to the pandemic they placed cards in front of us that described each meal, I loved this because not only did it reduce contact with the servers it allowed me to look back at it throughout the course. They also provided us with our own hand sanitizer. I love the extra measures that they are taking to keep all of us safe. read more

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This is a decent Michelin meal, definitely not the best I've ever had. It's a bit expensive now, but everything is pretty solid. Best thing for me was the squab and foie gras. Can't say anything else was that memorable, but glad to tick this off the list. read more

You all know what the shortest Bible verse is, right? John 11:35. "Jesus wept." And then some years later Lily F. wept after eating at Oriole. I'll keep it short because I know your attention span is declining with every passing second. I've eaten at a lot of places all around the world and Oriole is as close to perfection as they come. There are a few things I will remember for the rest of my life after eating here: The atmosphere was a perfect mix of intimate, elegant casual and what I would imagine James Bond's personal dining room would be like. The impeccable service that made you feel like you were the only diner in the world. I felt like royalty. And finally the wagyu beef. I just recently had the the wagyu at Omakase Takeya and while that was perfect, this topped it. They definitely deserve all the accolades and achievements. I recommend you guys come before they earn their 3rd star. read more

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I don't know what I can add to what has already been said about Oriole, but it is truly a remarkable restaurant. Obviously it is expensive so that self-selects the dining crowd a bit, but it does not have the same air of pretentiousness or anxiety that some other heavy hitters (ahem - Alinea) have. Good vibes, amazing food. read more

Probably the most perfect meal I've ever eaten. Everything was laser-focused in terms of flavor and presentation, and I have a very difficult time picking a favorite dish. This was one of the few times I've enjoyed dessert, as oftentimes, it feels like an afterthought. Wine pairing was great too and creative, with non-wine and otherwise unorthodox options scattered throughout. Servers were super friendly and engaging. Loved this place and will definitely go again next time I'm in Chicago. read more

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I think everyone knows the food is amazing. But I really want to comment on the other part of the dining experience...service here was impeccable: relaxed but consummately professional and knowledgeable servers with a sense of humor and who spoke at the appropriate volume and enunciated well. I know it sounds like a small thing but it isn't, and it made our meal all the more enjoyable. From being greeted with a cocktail at the entrance to being wished a wonderful evening at the end of our meal, I cannot say enough good things about the staff here. And the spirit-free tea-based pairing is incredible. read more

Oriole - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Very deserving of 2 Michelin stars! Highly recommended. A fine dining destination restaurant with emphasis on flavor and refinement, not technical wizardry. read more

5 star Michelin dining *experience*, 4 star on the courses. We dined here for our anniversary dinner and it was every bit special and memorable. Possibly one of my favorite parts was how you enter. You're greeted by a seemingly off-brand rusty door which is then opened by the host for dramatic effect. Each dish was exciting and flavorful. Definitely best fit for seafood lovers. They treat their guests with care and you can see each chef working on each course. 10 courses later and I was stuffed! The only lackluster experience for me was the dessert. Presentation was charming, but it didn't seem to be on the same culinary level as the savory courses. Atmosphere is romantic and dim, and you get familiar with your neighbors as seating is limited. Worth making a reservation if you're celebrating something special. read more

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My husband and I had one of the best dining experiences ever at Oriole last night to celebrate our (almost) one month anniversary. I will keep this review short since the food was from a tasting menu, so it won't be much of a help if I describe how each dish tasted. Every dish is amazing! Very very pretty presentation and the food has so many layers of flavors. Portion is about one bite or two, so you got to experience many flavors at once and won't be too stuffed. read more

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An amazing meal. Consistently innovative same delicious creations in each course, impeccable and friendly service. A quiet and meal enhancing seeing. read more

Here is my one-sentence review: Oriole is one of, if not the top, culinary experiences money can buy in Chicago. I recommend going in fresh and enjoying the sensory spectacle! For the rest that want more details, I will try my best to convey my experience, however impossible. It is without a doubt one of those things you need to experience yourself. I went with my wife for our anniversary dinner, and upon entering the restaurant, a friendly host greeted and congratulated us on our milestone. We eagerly awaited inside an industrial elevator by the entrance for our waiter to meet us. When he did, he congratulated us again, a nice gesture, though, not the last of the evening. He then explained some of the changes for Oriole 2.0, along with other intriguing facts about the building. Once escorted into the dining space, we saw the magnificent kitchen, designed by chef Noah Sandoval himself (we learned that from our knowledgeable and excellent waiter). The ceiling immediately caught my eye, a colorful collage of print media. It was a tribute to the history of the building (it once was a printing press, another fact we learned from our waiter). After we finally finished gazing at everything and settled in, the first few bites arrived. The first bite, a Miyazaki Tartare, played on duality: it was crispy and chewy, fatty and fresh. It was a tiny view of things to come, earning the gold medal from me of the three initial bites. The other two were great also, but that first bite lingers on my mind. After the small bites came one of my favorite dishes of the night: the Hudson Valley Foie Gras. It was almost too mesmerizing in its beauty to eat. Edible gold artfully decorated the hyssop leaves with confidence. The chef spoke, "I got this," rather than the gold being a ruse to artificially inflate the value of said food (a pet peeve of mine). The richness and sweetness of the dish lit up my entire tongue with flavor, and the freshness of the greens was cooling, cleansing my palette and prepping me for the next plate. It was perfect. We resumed our journey through several delicious dishes, each highlighting a myriad of flavors, aromas, proteins, and techniques, all masterfully executed. And then we arrived at the squab. I was on cloud nine, but once the word "squab" hit my ear, I was immediately grounded. I have had okay experiences with squab, and it is not a highlight of mine from previous tasting menus. My wife's mood, inversely, went even higher, as she loves it. Despite my hesitance, I took my first bite, and to my gleeful surprise, it was good! It was a BBQ-lite dish, getting that flavor from the squab as it hit my tongue, with a side of black-eyed peas further cementing the theme. I can't say I'm a squab convert, but given I enjoyed the flavors earns Oriole even more kudos from me. The last of the protein dishes was a mic drop moment. It is one of those plates I will remember for a long time. It was a flawlessly cooked A5 Miyazaki Wagyu garnished with freshly grated wasabi, morel mushrooms, and white asparagus. It will take years before my tiny human brain can comprehend the explosion of flavors this was able to deliver. The fattiness of the steak was uniquely balanced by the spicy punch of the wasabi, while the mushrooms and asparagus complemented the two-punch combo with a left hook of earthiness that knocked me to another dimension. This was a fine dining twist on steak with sides of vegetables, but it is the most elevated version of this pairing that I have had. The worst part was when I took my last bite, knowing what was coming: the finale. I wished I could prolong my indulgence in this gastronomic masterpiece. Alas, all good things must come to an end, and the first of the desserts signaled the beginning of the end. Of the dessert trilogy closing the night, the lemon and sesame souffle was particularly brilliant. The bright citrus of the lemon cut through the cheesiness. Sesame seeds within the souffle provided a crunch to what could have been a minimalistic texture. Do I even need to mention the bake on the souffle? It came straight out of the oven, piping hot, but once cooled, was a mouthful of clouds. Light, fluffy, cheesy, citrusy, slightly crunchy, we were in a dream. The very last dessert concluded our meal intimately, with "Happy Anniversary!" inscribed with chocolate on the plate. Oriole went above my expectations to celebrate us, for which I am super thankful and appreciative! In closing, my wife and I first want to thank the hardworking staff at Oriole. Thank you for the exciting evening made even more special with the recognition of our anniversary! The food was creative, outstanding, and downright delicious. The wine pairings were thoughtful. The service was exemplary. Oriole has set the bar for me of what fine dining can be and should be. I cannot recommend them enough to anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion or an amazing adventure in food. read more

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Do not waste your time or money at Oriole. For a two Michelin star restaurant, it was atrocious, especially when it came to the service. I treated my brother, along with family members, to a birthday dinner here, and it was unapologetically ruined. Not only was a birthday card theatrically presented to my brother at the table with a completely wrong name, but the way Ian (head of service for our table) rectified it, was by putting no name at all on a new card and slipping it silently back on the table. Cringey and classless. A more serious situation though, was the staff's lack of attention to detail and care when it came to my food allergy, even though I had alerted them prior to the visit, and reminded them verbally prior to being seated. The audacity to have the first course served with ingredients I'm allergic to, makes it unbelievable this is a two Michelin star restaurant. If it wasn't for my brother catching the mistake when the ingredients were being read aloud by the waiter, I could've spent the evening in the hospital, or worse. The response from the staff was "oh sorry, you were the one with the allergy?". Unacceptable. After prepaying for the meal, and adding on cocktails and the additional truffle pairing, I essentially made a $3,600 donation to this restaurant, since we didn't receive the experience that would be expected at this caliber. When I alerted Daniel Harrington (Director of guest relations) and Ian about our experience at the end of the meal, the response was giving me their business card and saying they'd "investigate further". It's been 48hrs and no word. If you want a special occasion ruined, and for the staff not to care, go here. read more

Hands down the best meal I've ever had. Service was next level, food was next level, atmosphere was amazing! I've also been to Alinea and I don't understand how this restaurant doesn't also have 3 Michelin stars. I've gotten great service before but the level of attention to detail they give here is just mind boggling! I love how the experience allows you to move through their restaurant. They start us off at the bar where we had two courses, then we went to the kitchen for another couple of courses before we were seated at our dining table. It was the best food and service I've ever experienced. If you want an unforgettable dining experience GO! read more

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From entrance to exit oriole was a fantasitc meal and journey. Beauity and deliciousness in a simple and relaxed environment. It started with a really warm greetings and refreshing drink. While we waited the waiter engaged us in great conversation. After we finished our drink, the waiter opened and old fashion elevator /loading dock door to reveal a cozy dining room. Food was all on spot. No dish fell flat and were delicious. really enjoyed everything. I rarely can say that about any restaurant. Even alinea there were a few dishes that weren't quite there but were creative. They really speaks for itself. My favorites were the hamachi/caviar starter and the wagyu and squab. Only gripe, which is expected, was leaving a bit on the nippy side.I will be back the next time.i come back to Chicago. read more

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This place was soooo good! I love the modern vibe. We ate in the kitchen, it was so cool! Watching the chefs do their thing. We had a 13 course meal with 9 different wines where the waiter explained each course and everything about each kind of wine and where it came from. The service was great! The food was beautiful. Def would come back. read more

We celebrated our marriage anniversary at Oriole. The entire experience there was excellent in every regard. A happy wishes card was at our table when we arrived. (They got my name wrong on it which was funny..!). The atmosphere is unpretentious, relaxing & interesting (especially the collage on the kitchen's ceiling). I think the music reflects Chef's creativity and influences which was reflected in the food. Each course was exceptional. The service was also superb and not at all stuffy. When dining at fine restaurants, you are often told the ingredients very quickly before the server leaves the table. We like to ask questions sometimes about the ingredients. The staff at Oriole were very accommodating with our curiosity. We look forward to returning to Oriole. Such a lovely evening... read more

We celebrated Christmas in Chicago this year. Oriole has been on my list of to-try for a coupe years. I've always tried and failed to make reservations in the past, so this year I planned pretty far ahead and snatched a slot as soon as it opened up on OpenTable. The entire experience is worthy of 2 stars. The service here is extremely attentive! They even have someone run ahead of you every time you head to the restroom. A bit unnecessary, but very sweet of the staff. The one thing that was a bit off for us was how salty some of our first courses were. Perhaps the mid-west prefers a heavier taste then what we're use to. We mentioned this to the staff and our remaining courses were perfect! If you find the first few courses to be too strong, don't hesitate to mention your preferences earlier rather than later in the meal. Everything is a surprise so we didn't know what was coming throughout the night. I really enjoy these elements of surprise in a long meal. I've found myself reading and re-reading the menu at other restaurants and it puts some unnecessary expectations or hopes into the meal that can alter the experience. Portion wise - oriole was perfect! We left satisfied - not hungry and not over-stuffed. read more

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What's not to love about Oriole? Every bite is memorably delicious! This was my second time here after about a year, and despite the high bar my first visit set, it was matched this time. The space is funky yet sophisticated and airy. The staff is incredibly attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. We had the standard wine pairing, and there wasn't one wine I didn't like. We stayed after dinner for a drink and a peanut butter cookie in the lounge. It was a night of amazing food, great drinks, and lots of laughs. Can't wait to go back! This is an expensive experience, but you definitely get what you pay for! read more

Very cool place to eat in Chicago, and my girlfriend took me here when we was visiting the city. The location was pretty hidden and took some time to find, but when we did find it, we found the restaurant's interior to be very unique. We had to pass by an inactive elevator to get into the restaurant which was a fun little experience. Food was great, server was attentive, and experience was spectacular. We had their course meal and everything that came out tasted great. My favorite things were the small bites we had near the bar, and this was my first time trying caviar; the experience being very delectable. Great flavors from the well trained staff and friendly customer service gives this restaurant a solid 4.5/5 read more

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One of the most incredible dining experiences I've had. Oriole was well balanced and is now one of my favorite restaurants. Done places put creativity and adventure, before taste. Oriole has plenty of creativity but the taste and flavors soared above everything else. Great service, beautiful space. But they need to expand their place so that all customers can find lots of vacant seats. But still this place was great! Cannot wait to go back soon! read more

The place is good. But I ate a shell of shrimp from New Zealand langoustine. It was so disappointing. I spent around 400 dollars for a meal, and I found sheep of shrimp? Is the restaurant a Michelin two-star restaurant? Besides, most dishes are too salty for me. I told the waitress dishes were too salty after the third dish. But they cannot adjust the level of salt for me. It was a tough time for me, one bite with one cup of sparkling water. I needed to drink some hot soup to relieve my stomach ache after I came back home. read more

If I could give Oriole a six-star rating I would! The food was delicious, service was excellent, ambiance was perfect. Every dish was beautifully presented and made with care and love. I think the restaurant as a whole was definitely better than any Michelin stared restaurant in LA. They texted and called us prior to our reservation to see if we had any dietary restriction. I was impressed by their customer service. Every dish was small, they were all very pretty. The chef definitely paid attention to every detail of each dish. The only thing we thought that could improve was that most dishes were very salty for our taste, but I'm sure it's not salty to some people. They serviced the perfect amount of food, we left not feeling stuffed. I had room for two dishes (Haha). All the staffs were very nice and friendly. We felt very comfortable dining at Oriole. A well deserved two Michelin star restaurant. I will definitely revisit here if I come back to Chicago. read more

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The service and environment of the restaurant was truly spectacular, and from that perspective it was 5 stars however I found the food experience to be lacking and unbalanced. One of the first dishes you eat at the bar is cold dish containing Yuzu. It had an incredibly overpowering vinegar/citrus/sour profile that lingered in your mouth and left you overly sensitive and scarred to any future food containing vinegar, citrus, radish, or sour undertones. I would recommend skipping this. Unfortunately it felt like half of the dishes to follow all contained a heavily flavored sauce with similar undertones and most of the dishes were completely overpowered by their sauces. For example they served an absolutely incredible A5 steak with microgreens but rather than being allowed to appreciate the natural and unadulterated taste of a fine piece of beef with plain greens the whole dish was smothered in a potent salty vinegar sauce. A similar pattern was repeated with nearly every dish. Our favorite dish was the one that was the least altered, a piece of plain seasoned squab with the sauce off to the side The other problem is that there isn't enough temperature variability in the food. Most dishes were either cold or room temperature / slightly warm. It would have been nice to have a few items that are literally steaming hot for a full food journey. Perhaps a mobile cooking station can be used for something so an item can go from the grill to a customer's mouth in a matter of seconds. read more

I am surprised by my lack of satisfaction leaving Oriole given the overwhelming, positive reviews. We went on 02/13 as a double date and celebrated my wife's birthday and my friend's recent job promotion. There were several highlights that were easily out weighed by the tasting experience for an overall lack luster experience. Prior to arrival, we made our reservation weeks in advance. I'd note I was particularly impressed by the communication by Oriole staff to confirm we were coming but also making sure allergies and substitutions were respected. They also offered to help personalize the experience if I wished - top marks for customer service! The entrance to the restaurant is discrete and barely noticeable, playing to an underground and exclusive feel. Coming into the lobby, one is greeted by the hostess who on this particular occasion offered a nice toast cocktail. We were soon seated after our arrival as the first party to arrive. The environment housed a warm, urban, and gently decorated atmosphere. Our table was taken care of by a party of staff who made sure it remained clean and kept. My trip to the bathroom revealed several single occupancy lavoratories stocked with basic amenities that one may have forgotten at home. My particular bathroom didn't have a functioning soap dispenser. I let staff know and received an accidental exchange of lotion. Third time was a charm and led to something that could clean my hands. Returning to the table we were given the option of wine pairing of several tiers, beers, non alcoholic beverages, house cocktails, or the bar tender would make a drink per your request. I was in a tequila mood and requested a traditional lime margarita that certainly did not disappoint. Side note of no salt and pepper on the table - I love it when this happens and when flavors are subsequently appropriately executed. More about this below. Prior to the arrival of each course, the table was appropriately provided with the correct silverware to enjoy what was to come. The first person to set my silverware realized I was left handed and asked me if I wanted my setting to reflect as such in the future. I was so impressed and excited that she asked and said yes. This request, however, was poorly respected by subsequent individuals who set the table. I would visibly change my setting to reflect I was left handed in front of the people who kept on setting it righty; they didn't care, they kept on setting it despite the frank change. I am presuming either poor communication or a strong desire to stick to tradition. Either way, the initial excitement that my handedness was observed and accommodated fell flat and led to a frustrating rearrangement of silverware for about six courses. Between this and the bathroom observation, the attention to detail that I would expect was certainly in question. Next, the food. This is the first time that we came to a tasting (doing about 15 tastings in the past two to three years) that had no amuse bouche. Each course was set and presented. We started off with a caviar that was light, flavorful, and paired a fish tartar to get the night going. Courses were probably easily finished in two to three bites and all started with unquestionably high quality ingredients with examples like A5 Wagyu, Crab, fresh shaved black truffle, imported spanish Jamo. Based on the first course we thought we were in for a real treat! Several savory dishes followed and simply put every dish for everyone at our table was excess in salt content. A couple points in the dining experience, the salt content was so strong that my salivary glands literally started to gush. All the high quality ingredients noted above seemed wasted. Tree nuts were removed from my wife's courses but there werent any attempts at substitutions. Notably this is the first time I ever left a tasting and truly felt hungry and the need to have a meal following dinner. Also, the transition from meat to cheese to dessert seemed very abrupt and discoordinated. The night closed with us being sent home with personalized, printed menus of the night. A card to my wife and friend wishing them congratulations, a nice, personal touch and kind gesture. Chocolate chip cookies were packed with an add on of the recipe. A nice addition but all I could think is that Oriole needed to focus on its courses before these cute additions. The evening came to a finish and our four figure bill came without surprise. We paid and left thinking, this is the first time we were leaving a twelve course meal inappropriately satiated. While the point here isn't neccesarily to be filled up at the end, the experience was unsatisfactory with the lack of appropriate spice balance, the rushed feel, and the mix up with the tableware. Really a subpar dining experience that doesn't match the $300/person bill. I left Oriole thinking I never need to come back here, better off with the cheeseburger available a block away. read more

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We took a shot after reading top 100 on yelp. We loved it. From the warm greeting. Service was amazing from start to finish. Hard to call anyone out. They are all obviously dedicated to serving the customer. The food. Wow. So much flavor. Just spectacular. Did I mention the service was impeccable? So glad we took the plunge. read more

Oriole - Warm up foie gras. - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Managed to score a late 9pm reservation on a Friday night a few months back while on a trip to Chicago. My wife and I arrived about 5 minutes early and reception made conversation with us and poured us a welcome cocktail with peach which was good. They keep you in this little entry area and there's a freight elevator door that opens when it's your time to go in, really interesting way to enter. One of the cute little things they do here is having you pick out your own personal silverware holder that they will place various things on throughout the meal. I had the standard beverage pairing for my dishes and my wife ordered a couple of mocktails along the way. All of the pairings were excellent and we also enjoyed the mocktails. The ambiance was upscale, quiet, and pretty comfortable - the place didn't come off overly stiff to me. Our waiter was friendly and knowledgeable, and cracked a joke or two along the way. The sommelier was excellent, explaining each of the pairings and had answers to even some questions I thought he may not know. I like that even two michelin star places have started straying away from just going with wine the whole way through. My favorite pairing had to be the 2016 Eric Bordelet Pear Cider from Normandy with the Delice de Bourgogne souffle with sesame and lemon. The food was exquisite. I'm not planning to go into the whole menu dish by dish here - but the ingredients are of the highest quality, and they use a lot of truffle, caviar, mushrooms, and expensive seafoods as well. It's a nice mix of what I'd imagine an old school fine dining New York institution would use crossed with many high end Japanese ingredients. They intertwine these ingredients with a calm hand, allowing flavors to speak for themselves - every dish is a delicate interplay instead of hitting you over the head with flavor punch. My favorite dish was the Favo di Tartuffo, a stellar mushroom course with summer truffle, yeast and puffed wheat. If you like that earthy extremely savory feel and turn it to 11, this is the course you get. It was also a really awesome textural experience - chewy in a good way. The other standout for me had to be the Sablefish, with urfa biber, sweet corn, and genmai. This course was a duo, the other half was rillettes with smoked golden whitefish roe and creme fraiche. A very well done balance soft texture and delicate, sweet flavors dualing with some pungent umami on the other side with crisp textures. The desserts never seemed to stop and were also excellent and worth mentioning. Quite simply the best execution and start to finish meal I've ever had all around. The send home with the chai tea packet is a nice touch and we enjoyed that too as we reminisced about this meal. Oh, and I almost forgot... the Japanese milk bread with ramp butter was out of this world. read more

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I had very high hopes and expectations for this visit. The initial drink and bite at the bar reels you in with a feeling of excitement but there were few highlights after that. The food was very middle of the pack relative to other Michelin restaurants. Nothing was exciting or stood out. More disappointing than that, however, was sitting at the kitchen table and watching Chef drink Miller Lites and text on his phone all night while not touching a single dish. I thought it was pretty disrespectful to everyone who took the time and paid the money the did to dine there that night. read more

Oriole - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

By far the most delicious and memorable dining experience I've had thus far in Chicago! The entrance is a little difficult to find, as it is just a door with no sign, but as soon as you walk in, you enter a new world. The hostess quickly took our coats and offered a delicious tea prior to being seated. Immediately after, the back "wall" started lifting up (like a garage door), displaying the dining room, which was spacious and beautifully decorated. The entrance was jaw-dropping to say the least! I cannot say enough about the food, as there is really no way to describe it. Words just simply do not give the flavors justice! It was obvious that every dish was painfully crafted not only to perfect the flavors but the presentation as well. There was not one dish I did not love, and though the portions were small, we were all surprisingly full at the end. Food aside, the service was also extremely detail-oriented. The staff went above and beyond, not only to serve us amazing food, but also to clean our table between each course, fold our table napkins, and pull out/push in our chair every time we got up/sat down. We were truly treated like royalty at Oriole. At the end of our experience, we were gifted a small bag of tea leaves and careful directions on how to brew it. I left with a happy stomach and will never forget this dining experience! read more

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I will agree with the recent 1-star reviewer that asserted that many of the dishes were over-salted. I had that sense from many of the courses, myself. It didn't completely ruin the meal and the experience, but it wasn't the usual standard of a 2 Michelin star restaurant. They majorly blundered with serving me an alcoholic apertif, which I explain below. For these reasons, I can only rate Oriole 4 stars. The 10-course meal proceeded as follows: Apertif--Cocchi Americano: 1 star based on service and principle. Well that was a surprise. I've never been offered a drink through the door before. The hostess didn't mention that it contained alcohol, and I can't drink due to medication effects. I drank it not knowing what it was, unfortunately. They had texted me previously asking about food restrictions, but alcohol is usually limited to wine pairings which you decline upon arrival, so I didn't think to mention that I can't drink. Russian golden caviar with sliced kingfish and thinly sliced radishes, green garlic sauce: 4.5 stars. A little on the salty side (not just briny). The radishes were a great touch. Great flavor combinations. Fish was wonderful and just the right thinness. Foie gras mousse, blueberries, creme fraiche: 5 stars. Wonderful. The creaminess of the foie gras and the sweetness of the blueberries made for a wonderful combination. Hokkaido uni, squid ink sushi rice, orange glaze, fennel: 5 stars. This may have topped the foie. I've never enjoyed uni so much. Usually Japanese uni tastes somewhat old, but this was freshened by the orange glaze and just a tiny bit of anise. New Zealand langoustine, Vietnamese herb salad, yuzu-lemongrass sauce: 5 stars. Cooked perfectly, great use of yuzu. Sablefish rillete, crispy skin, smoked roe: 3 stars. Very salty. Crispy skin was well-executed but didn't add much and probably overwhelmed the mouth-feel of the rillete. Brown butter-poached sablefish, slow-roasted corn, amazake sauce: 4.5 stars. Butter-poached amazingness. Whatever it was spiced with warmed the throat nicely. Japanese pull-apart milk bread, house-cultured butter dusted with fermented ramp powder: 3.5 stars. Overcooked, but the butter was divine. Confit brined Berkshire pork belly, pineapple compressed with lime and rum, sweet rice, galangal: 3 stars. Flavors were great and presentation was lovely, but I just have a difficult time enjoying eating two cubic inches of pork fat steeped in more pork fat. Cappelini, truffle butter, shaved Australian winter truffles, puffed rice, caraway: 5 stars. One of the best and most creative pasta dishes I've ever had. And the truffles weren't shaved too thick, which can be a big problem. Miyazaki A5 Wagyu, raw porcini, duxelles Madeira sauce, grilled little gem lettuce: 3.5 stars. Good, but not great. The sauce was over salted, which ruined the umami factor and reduced the beef to just texture instead of flavor. Mint and pea sorbet, fermented elderflower foam, fried pea shells: 2 stars. Can't say that the mint-pea flavors worked together. And there was the classic mushy-grittiness that comes with peas that have been frozen. Sesame soufflé, triple-cream: 4 stars. Definitely a more savory dessert. This screamed sesame a little louder than I would have liked. Petit fours: 5 stars. Amazing, beautiful work by the pastry chef. Great flavors and incredible presentation. The strawberry croissant in particular was a mind-bender. Service: 3 stars. I had a reservation for 5:30, and the hostess wasn't there until after 5:30. There was the alcohol incident. And the wait staff felt like vultures, 3 or 4 of them on each side of the room watching for any small thing that needs correcting. I appreciate the watchful eye but I don't love the obviousness of it. A couple of times things were shaved at the table that left a mess which wasn't scraped clean. Atmosphere/Ambiance: 3 stars. The location is very shabby from the exterior and in a warehouse street. I didn't like coming through the elevator shaft--it had an unnatural showiness to it. The booth seating was FAR too soft, and my back was hurting halfway through the meal. read more

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The food was a 5 star experience hands down. Flavorful, unique, aromatized, and beautifully plated! Personally, my top dishes were the langoustine and the wagyu but every dish was delicious. The ambience was wonderfully luminous and unconventional. The hostess interaction was very welcoming and professional. She set a great tone for the experience. However, the wait staff directly handling our dishes and basic table needs was not on par with a 2 star Michelin dining experience. There was minimal interaction from our main waitress, if any, and the supporting wait staff exchange felt very cold and clumsy at times; hence my three star overall experience. Aaron did help the cause, from a table service experience standpoint, and it was delightful to exchange some wine knowledge with him towards the end. Thanks Aaron and Chef team! Cheers! read more

Oriole - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is quite possibly the best restaurant experience ever. I'll start with my dislikes because there's a mere 2. I didn't care for any of the desserts & Twas a mediocre conclusion to an epic meal. The 2nd con is the price, although the food is extremely delicious only two dishes wowed me. With the aside all but once dish was amazing. I've never had a tasting menu however I've never experienced so many dishes being this good under one roof. The pasta dish was the absolute best I've ever had. So complex & full of flavor. The A5 wagyu was also delightful & quite possibly the best rendition of dish I've ever EVER. Oriole is also big on details such as food restrictions & even whether you're left or right handed for glassware or utensil placement. read more

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Amazing amazing amazing. Staff I actually think is what made this place. Food next level. If in Chicago you must go. Highly recommend read more

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One of the best meals and experiences ever! Every bite was outstanding. Wine pairing was outstanding. Service was outstanding. Interior was outstanding. read more

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Absolutely unique experience dining at Oriole. From the nondescript entrance, to the candlelit freight elevator, to the amazing food and service, it's a fantastic experience. Went there for a nightcap and tried the ham sandwich. The mustard is everything! Probably one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. read more

Oriole - Nightcap ham sandwich - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I wish I could give this restaurant 10 stars because wow my husband and I have been going here for years for our anniversary and they never disappoint. Every single bite feels like a piece of heaven and I think every one should have this experience at least once in their lifetime lol they do have a Michelin star which is great but you do have to plan ahead(months ahead) since getting a reservation is fairly hard but totally understandable since they only serve few tables every night also there is a secret listeriosis entrance which makes you feel cool. The staff explains each dish in detail and they are very attentive and accommodating, you have the option of doing wine pairings as well and even though I'm not a wine person I love every wine I tasted there! Anyways I'll stop ranting just go to this place you won't regret it. I dare say it's the best restaurant in Chicago. read more

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One of the BEST multicourse upscale meals I've had. Among the 16, I really enjoyed: - The Cardinal Prawn (#2), similar to a Vietnamese prawn spring roll. - The Jamon Mangalica (#7) - the almond stick wrapped in jamon was an explosion of deliciousness. WOW. It was sweet and savory, and it tasted better with each bite. I could go for 10 more. - Santa Barbara Sea Urchin (#8) - a small cup of decadent bites of scallops with uni infused soup - Japanese A5 Wagyu (#9) - mind-blowing fantastic! The piece of wagyu was tiny, but I managed to cut it into 3 parts to savor every bite. It was like butter melting in my mouth. Upon entering, we were welcomed with a glass of warm shochu cider. Loved the extra touch where the server would walk me to the wash room every time. I really milked that one as I made 3 trips throughout the evening. Who knew having a small bladder could be a plus. The executive chef Noah Sandoval came by twice adding ingredients to two of the dishes. For the cherry on top to wrap up the evening, the pastry chef Genie Kwon swung by every table and gave each guest a nicely wrapped box of lemon meringue pie. The meal was $190/person before tax and tip. I'm a sucker for elder flower, so opted for the rye based cocktail with elder flower and lime syrup. Fun facts: I heard the executive chef/owner is from Baltimore so named the restaurant after the Baltimore Orioles. The restaurant has only been open for less than a year and it has already earned 2-Michilen stars. Its remarkable accomplishment is well-deserved. I can attest their claim "the diner is the true focus of the meal" was delivered spot on. Warning: it gets a little chilly inside as with most upscale dining restaurants, so bring a blazer or shawl. read more

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Unbelievable. The tasting meal is an unmatched experience. We visited their first night after opening post-COVID and the team never missed a beat. Expect to spend another $100+ for drinks/person on top of food, but worth every penny with suggestions from their sommelier. Will be returning for another special occasion! read more

Wonderful experience and innovative dinner. I wasn't able to capture the amazing detail description of each dish but we had a wonderful dinner and wine pairing. Go for the experience and amazing service. read more

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