No doubt about it, this is a top 5 restaurant in America. When it comes to service, ambience, and obviously the FOOD, it beats out many others and is absolutely worth the money and whatever obstacle you'd have to face to get here (trust me, I've had my MANY obstacles just to get here). The area is warmly lit and welcoming. It feels like a dinner spot to cozy up in contrast to the Chicago winters (albeit, it was a historically warm week during Valentine's Day). The service was exceptionally accommodating and absent of snootiness. Although it was an experience away from pretentiousness, I would still consider to dress to impress to respect the night you will have. As for the food, it is clearly what sets it apart from other renowned restaurants. Whatever they intended to be crispy was delicately pleasant to bite through. Whatever was intended to be a mind-bender of what you wouldn't expect of an ingredient definitely got you thinking. Whatever protein that was the focus shined through in a way that wasn't too much of a overwhelmingly oily or umami bomb that would render other ingredients as less than secondary (AKA dishes were mostly balanced and not something that feels like an unenjoyable punch to the kisser). The seafood dish was amazing, but I would still say that I could've skipped some of the dessert (some were better than others), but I suppose the pastry chefs need to experiment in some way. I still enjoyed how literal they could take some ideas. By the end, I was VERY full. It's a pricey meal, so I am happy they understand how disappointing it would be to not be stuffed by the end. Ending off with a fun instant film picture was a little cherry on top. I would say that the take-home toffee was not as amazing as some take-home gifts from other Michelin-starred restaurants, the toffee itself was not too tough and had a good, lasting flavor that made you still remember the night you just had whenever you decided to eat it. read more

See all

There is no doubt in my mind that the ingredients could not be fresher or higher quality if they'd tried. At the same time, it felt as though the dishes were missing a crucial component: love. Smyth's stats are maxed out on creativity - with virtually all ingredients being transformed into something new, unique, and interesting. The Maine Lobster, for example, did not resemble lobster as I know it, but was an adaptation I could not prepare myself or even imagine. In terms of taste, I would give a 7/10, maybe an 8/10 if I'm in a good mood. None of the dishes were bad, but there were no standouts. No cases where I found myself saying "I want another one of *that*!" and instead was saying "Thank you, next!" Technically, the dishes were executed with perfection, hitting all the right notes. Like with a musical symphony, though, simply hitting the right notes at the right time isn't enough... love, passion, raw emotion, or lack thereof, all come through. The kitchen is the perfect symbol. I didn't expect Carmy to be there yelling at the top of his lungs, and I understand the call and response being needed for the kitchen to function well. It is noted, though, that the call and response sounded almost robotic. Talking about the service, it was good, but borderline overbearing. One could not go to the restroom without someone also rushing to open the door for you. Are we the First Family? Needing the Secret Service to open all doors for us? Everyone was very welcoming, polite, hospitable, and all smiles. Staff knowledge of the dishes and wine were also top notch. However, the well refined smiles felt corporate, like something you would find in an expensive boutique versus a small business run by a very passionate tailor who pours his life into his work. About the ambiance... I was expecting a vibe like in Pretty Woman: "Shrimp fork, salad fork, dinner fork..." Instead, it felt like an upscale place that charges $27 for a cheeseburger, rather than a fine dining restaurant literally of the highest caliber. Speaking of forks: while I appreciate their collection of dinnerware, some of it felt ill-suited for getting all of the sauce in the dishes. A piece of bread would be fantastic, but I would only be a *little* surprised if Julian Slowik came by and said "these people aren't worthy of bread!" Wanting to complete the experience, we went for the standard wine pairings. The service staff did a great job explaining the wines and what makes them special. While I typically drink whiskey, it was a unique experience to be able to compare and contrast! Being someone who buys wines that are priced low and have pretty labels, I enjoyed trying bottles that retail ~$50, if I had to guess. Nothing mind-blowing, and I can only recommend if you're a wine aficionado to any degree, even a small one. A few small notes: when we mentioned the oshibori (wet napkins) being cold wasn't great on a cooler day, the next ones were provided warm, appreciate that! There was no extra charge for mineral water or coffee (though the pour-over wasn't fantastic, nor was it particularly hot). The value: The total cost for three, was about $2,600. Knowing what goes into everything, I can't call it a rip-off. Running a restaurant of this caliber is not a money-printing business. At the same time, when we left, we were no longer hungry, but could still eat. That, combined with nothing being "the greatest thing I ever ate" only strengthens the gut punch. Final verdict: We had a very special occasion, and needed a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Smyth delivered on said experience, but it did so in a funky way. The insane cost was visible in what was on and around the table, but didn't translate to our faces while working our way through the menu. read more

See all

Smyth in the Near West Side was a big letdown. For a 3 Michelin star restaurant, I went in with really high expectations and it just did not deliver. Out of the entire tasting menu, only about 3-4 dishes stood out as good, and even those were not particularly memorable. Nothing had that wow factor you expect at this level. At first, hearing the kitchen call out dishes and the team responding felt interesting, like you were getting a behind the scenes experience. But after a while it became repetitive and honestly a bit annoying, especially when you are trying to focus on the meal and conversation. The biggest issue is the price. Unlike many places booked through Tock, service is not included. It created confusion and made an already expensive meal feel even more overpriced. For what you get, it just is not worth it. read more

See all

Having only gone to a few Michelin star experiences in my life, Oriole being the other, I'd say Smyth puts more of an emphasis on the culinary experience, taste, and how the flavor profiles of each dish is presented rather than the show, which is my preference. The menu rotates upwards of 14 times, I was told by my server based on the 14+ seasons of Japan. The menu currently, features a lot of inspiration from Japan and Asian fusion type culinary styles. I appreciated the exceptional service, attention to detail, thought that goes into how every dish is engineered. Eating at Smyth didn't get me "full" in the traditional sense where you feel bloated and stuffed but because every dish is precisely packed with flavor to the point where my taste buds would go into overdrive it was a bit overwhelming for me, especially as the menu made its way to the entrees and dessert portion. It is a once in a lifetime experience eating here at Smyth. Get ready to whip out your check books though, this is as expensive as it gets. After tax and tip, the regular tasting menu with one drink each, the bill came out to about $900/person. read more

See all

We made reservations two months ahead for a Friday night dinner. We arrived about 15 minutes before our reservation time and had a wait a few minutes before getting seated. The show pretty much started as soon as we sat down. The service was great throughout the night, but did feel a little rushed in between a few dishes. Overall they definitely do pay attention to detail. They make sure they clear ok opposite sides to make sure they're not reaching across your drinking hand. All the dishes were beautifully presented and most importantly tasted delicious. The most memorable being their Avocado & Cucumber and their Lamb entree. The lamb was so tender and very delicious and the avocado & cucumber was very unexpected. It had a hint of heat that balanced perfectly with freshness of the avocado and cucumber. Their Caviar was also really phenomenal. If I were to pick one dish this was a disappointment, I'd pick their Maine Lobster Dish. I've been to Maine and the whole northeast region, and I just didn't taste Maine in this dish. Overall we left very satisfied with our dinner and glad we finally tried our Smyth. Not sure if I'd return anytime soon thought. Just like Alinea, it's always great to try these places at least once, but a second visit is not in my future plans at the moment. read more

See all

This wasn't just dinner. This was a father and son memory that left an indelible impression. This was intention, patience, and serious craft, without the attitude. Two bites still live rent-free in my head. The quail bite A single, perfect portion, crisp on the outside, juicy and tender inside. The seasoning was dialed in just enough to let the bird speak for itself. Earthy, savory, and deeply comforting in a very refined way. It looked simple. It wasn't. This was technique hiding in plain sight, the kind that only comes from restraint and confidence. The tomato course Cool, bright, and quietly stunning. It tasted like peak summer distilled into something elegant and clean. Sweetness, acidity, and freshness all in balance. One of those dishes where you stop trying to analyze it and just let it do its thing. Light on the palate, heavy on memory. Beyond the food, the team deserves real credit. Warm, calm, and completely locked in. No scripts. No ego. Just people who clearly care about what they're putting in front of you and why it matters. Smyth doesn't try to impress you. It earns it, bite by bite read more

See all

All exceptional to mind blowing dishes save one. I can see how it got voted the best restaurant in North America. Would be hard for me to say any one restaurant is the best but it's easy to understand why Smyth got the honor. read more

See all

Smyth has been top on my list which means expectations were high. They did not disappoint. We were greeted by name as we walked in, just as you would if someone came to your house for dinner. After some brief pleasantries, the food experience began. Every course was incredible with standouts being the Dungeness crab tart, Eel Donut, Caviar and Pumpkin Seed, Rainbow Trout, and Venison Royale. Desert was spectacular as well with the Kombucha Tart stealing the show. We also did the Smyth wine pairing. It was a perfect choice to complement the food experience. Several of the wine choices were just ok as a stand alone but when paired with the food came to life. That was fun and added to the night. Not cheap by any means but an experience you won't forget! Service, ambiance, and experience delivered along the spectacular journey. read more

Smyth - Caviar and Pumpkin Seed. - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Walking into Smyth feels like walking into somebody's kitchen. You are greeted right away and the ambiance and decor remind that of somebody's old loft. Smyth is not a cheap dinner but you are getting 5 star dining experience and service. The chef decides the menu for you and it is about a 2.5 hour experience. The menu rotates and does change throughout the year. Overall the food was delicious and the ingredients are crafted and taken from all over the country. This is a truly great experience and highly recommend going for a special occasion. Plan ahead reservations open up a month ahead of time and they do fill up fast read more

See all

Immaculate service! Truly an educational experience--with rare ingredients I'd never tried before (kelp!). The chefs menu is extensive and I won't recall all the dishes. The caviar with beef cream was a stand out--that cream was divine! Also the lobster and uni dish to be dipped in a walnut oil and peanut mixture was superb! From the deserts my favorite was the chocolate and cake which is a deceptive light uplifting 'non cake' . The rack of lamb and accompanying bread--sooo yummy. This is a special time treat that's sooo worth it! read more

See all

I thoroughly enjoyed my restaurant experience here! The service from the waiters were excellent and ambience were nice. The food was crafted expertly and although there were a couple of dishes I didn't vibe with I still enjoyed experiencing them. Each wine paired nicely with the courses and were the perfect pour. Everything just flowed naturally the entire evening. There were more dishes than what I'm posting but go try for yourself! I'm glad I was able to try this spot out in Chicago! read more

See all

OVERPRICED. One dish was mind blowing, most were merely good & maybe two were just ok. I'll mention price a lot because it matters. This is by far the most expensive restaurant I've been to thus far however one bite was solely & honestly worth the price of admission. I've only had one other out of body experience which was truly tear jerk worthy but this was my second time. Dear God the lamb I've had here will honestly NEVER be topped. I hope any patron visiting here indulges in that dish alone read more

See all

My husband and I booked this reservation in December because it was our Christmas gift to one another. It is located in the Fulton market area so the parking garage was about a 3 minute walk to the restaurant so it was very convenient. Upon arrival they took our coats and seated us right away. We were greeted at our table quickly as well with a very friendly waiter that asked where we were from. Since this is a 3 start Michelin restaurant, people come from all over so we are very lucky to have it in our city! The restaurant was tastefully decorated with a very homey, dim, fireplace in a cold night vibe. The kitchen was open and all of the chefs were working in their stations. It was calm and well organized. I got the wine pairing with my food and my husband ordered the old fashioned (which was made with their own ingredients) and it was awesome. He also had another drink that was also very good. Every detail was on point with the plating, the utensil choice, and the unique blend of flavors and ingredients. We had some of the best and unusual tasting food dishes that we would have never thought would work together. One of the desserts was a Carmel truffle custard thing and I don't know how it worked, but it was great! The staff was very knowledgeable about every dish and where everything was sourced. Their sommelier was also very knowledgeable which is something you would expect from a high end restaurant like this. It was an amazing experience for anyone that lives in the Chicago area and anyone visiting that loves artfully crafted cuisine! The dishes were so beautiful that sometimes I didn't want to eat them! They definitely deserve the 3 start status! read more

See all

I don't even know why I'm writing a review for this place. It stands on its own and doesn't need me to tell them just how amazing they are. I'm only sharing a couple pictures so that the surprise is not ruined. The open kitchen concept is always a cool idea because you feel like you're coming over to a friend or family's house for dinner. This place is upscale and casual at the same time. I think the wood interior brings the homey cozy relaxed vibe. But the food is absolutely not something you'll get at your parents' house. That's for sure. I was extremely impressed with how they combined umami and sweet flavors in multiple dishes. I am so happy I was able to try this place and it was worth every penny. Even their utensils were carefully crafted to fit the dishes. This is an upscale restaurant where you can relax and enjoy yourselves without the stuffiness. If you're a foodie in Chicago, a must try!! read more

See all

TLDR: absolutely blown away by the sheer creativity, flavors and unique-ness of Smyth. Though I usually don't love three star restaurants, Smyth stood above and beyond any I've been to. I will be thinking about this meal for a long long time. And I fully disagree that Alinea is better- it is creative but the flavor isn't all there, Smyth was definitely our #1 of the two no competition. SETTING: made a reservation for a Tuesday night at 8pm while visiting from NY. Walking into the restaurant it is a huge space with a relaxed ambiance - exposed wood adds warmth throughout the space and the bustling kitchen is filled with energy. I love the music they play as it is not classic fine dining music but adds to the more youthful / less staid ambiance of Smyth. FOOD: I don't think I can possibly due justice to the explosion of flavor, texture and creativity we experience through every. Single. Course we had here, so I will just say, Smyth was my favorite Michelin starred experience EVER. Every single dish worked, every single item carefully thought through and prepared. I have no doubt as to why and how Smyth has risen to the acclaim it has. SERVICE: service of course was perfect. The team did not miss a beat. Everyone was warm and welcoming and the sommelier was very helpful with suggestions. VERDICT: someone give me another reason to go visit Chicago soon so I can come back and dine here!! read more

See all

Smyth's experience did not disappoint! We opted for the Chef's Tasting Menu and had 17 amazing courses. The food is presented beautifully and every staff member knew the food, with their passion present every time they discussed the dish or answered additional questions. The flavors were very interesting combos but keeping an open mind, we realized how different combos could shine together in a way we never imagined! It is easy to see why they were awarded three Michelin stars! read more

See all

Frankly we were so disappointed with this. It felt like the wait staff just memorized the lines of what the food was and why/how it was made just before telling us. The wait staff was beyond friendly and professional though so no discredit to them, perhaps they're just new. The wine pairings were alright but none stood out. We also got intoxicated with the pairing due to the amount poured vs food served. The only way I can explain this one is that every item was soggy and very seafood based. I'm not the biggest fan so that's on me but let it be known you better like the taste of the sea if you come here. 2 days later we went to Alinea and it was leaps and bounds better in every way from service to food to pairings. I was shocked to see the Michelin stars on this one. read more

See all

Smyth is well worth a visit if you're looking for a great and thought-provoking meal in Chicago. The staff were great and knowledgable. One of them made us a pretty incredible drinks pairing on the fly to suit our tasted. There were a couple of courses that didn't quite land with me, but the majority of the food was fantastic. I'm really excited to visit again when I'm next in town to see how they have evolved. read more

This place doesn't need yelp reviews. If you booked a reservation here it wasn't because of anything you read on yelp. All I can say is that as you sit at your table here with your friend or loved one, you can look at what is going on in the open concept kitchen, and you will simply see human excellence. A beautiful symphony of hands and people walking with purpose; an economy of movement and intention. I first ate here in 2018 before the current level of fame and accolades, and it was excellent then. It was even the same head chef. But 6 years later, there has been a steady evolution, and something has fundamentally changed to make it even greater. This was simply one of the best 3 star Michelin restaurants I've ever eaten at, and it is mere footsteps from my home. I cannot put into words how good the food is here. It is one of the greatest institutions in the history of Chicago. read more

Came for the chef's tasting. Blown away by the first 2/3 of the menu, thinking this may be one of the best meals of our life. But the turn to entrees and desserts lost the magic for me. The chef's tasting is a massive portion that I found too much, which I'm sure detracted from the final dishes. Sometimes there were a million components and it totally worked. Other times it felt like they were trying too hard to be fancy, pushing truffle and rice just because it was the theme. Got 1 Smyth pairing to share between 2 people, which was more than enough for me - 11 pours had me feeling it the next day. The wine is quite fun. The pairings were not always easy to understand, but usually tasty on their own and in concert. Service was mixed. I found the emphasis on supporting a bathroom visit too much, it felt like I was creating a tornado of chaos with servers making space for me and someone rushing to open the bathroom door. But other moments emphasizing an ingredient or wine pairing were tasteful and connecting. Dish distribution 6 unbelievable 5 good 6 missed Unbelievable 5/5 * Guanciale donut * Honey mussel * Uni and tomatoes - knockout tomato slurry * main lobster - jackfruit in lobster butter is one of the best bites of my life * caviar almond - truly original and spectacular, I understand and appreciate both almond and caviar in a different way * Avocado and pistachio - unique and works Good 4/5 * Amazake - citrus drink to start * Quail egg * Beet pumpkin salad * Trout and sichuan * Quail many ways - tasty if you like dark meat Miss 2/5 * Crab and duck skin - unlike the other dishes where every component was great and the combination was spectacular, each component was only meh and the combination wasn't sufficiently addictive * Lamb sweet breads - Wonderul bread but the there was an odd milk component that didn't work for me * Lamb rack - surprisingly simple. * Mandarin toasted rice - too much nutmeg overpowered the dish, not a successful combination * Truffle citrus - mushroom is a bold call in a citrus custard like this, unfortunately this was a swing and miss * final bites - ok but not particularly distinctive read more

I'm not gonna go over every course for this 3 Michelin experience, but I did provide a pic of the menu I was lucky enough to try if you want to see all of the courses. I really enjoyed myself at Smyth. We did do the chef's table. The vibe of the whole restaurant was great down to the lighting level, the warmth of the wood tables, and the 80's music being softly pumped in the background. The service was impeccable. They run a very tight and orderly brigade. I didn't do a wine pairing, but the old fashioned I had was amazing. If I was to highlight my 3 favorite moments, they would be: 1). MAINE UNI & MAMEY SAPOTE. The presentation was beautiful and the flavors were so original (for me) to be used with Uni that I was transfixed. 2). CRAB SOUP. I watched my partner have a Ratatouille moment the second she raised the cup to her mouth and smelled the seaweed. She grew up on the northern coast of California and I could see her lost in nostalgia. Her eyes teared up as this became an emotional experience for her. 3). LEMON LEAF & BEESWAX PARFAIT. The beeswax foam dries into what looks like a sponge. Very playful and very delicious. This was a very special experience. I would def come back. read more

See all

Finally coming around to write about Smyth. I came here the last week of November which I was glad because they have subsequently increased their price from $285 a person to $325 a person for the non-chef's tasting. Overall I thought Smyth was very enjoyable, but the food made me feel like I wanted more. I've only ever dined at one other three Michelin star restaurant and I remember thinking to myself "if I never eat again life was good". I did not have such feeling walking away from Smyth. Don't get me wrong, the food was really good, but it felt like a lot of oils, repeat flavors, and towards the end more heavy in fat (foie gras, duck liver mousse - same element in a few dishes). Throughout the night, I also found myself wanting a more substantial bite of food instead of small bites throughout. There were only one or two dishes that really blew me away. Lastly, perhaps this is a me problem, but I like my food hot. I get why some food would not be hot, but for things like the lobster broth, it was just a tad on the warmer side and I never got that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes with soup. Service was top-notch and personalized. Definitely a special experience, but would consider the price tag. read more

See all

Dropbox hosted an exclusive round table dinner with some professional from the AEC industry. We were seated in the private dining section on the lower level. The restaurant is cozy & classy! The event had a prefixed menu with a variety of fabulous dishes. Most dishes were meat forward, but the staff at the restaurant were very considerate to get me vegetarian dishes. The vegetarian dishes were flavourful! Cocktails: CITI-DILL-08 & Loyalist old fashioned were just fabulous and a must try! read more

See all

I dined here for my birthday last month and it was the most amazing experience. This was my 4th time dining here and it might have been my favorite yet. Every single bite was a work of art, plated so beautifully and somehow tasted even better. My favorite thing about Smyth is how experimental they are, i wonder how they even think up some of these things, and how they all work so well! The lamb brain donut was one of my favorite small bites of the evening. The caviar and almond dish was so mouthwatering. The scallop dish was absolutely incredible and is one of my favorite scallop courses i've ever had. The quail course was so mind-blowing, it was one of the best courses i've ever had the pleasure of eating, it gave me goosebumps! The service was wonderful, every one was very kind and helpful without being overbearing, they even gave me a birthday dessert which i was not expecting! Both of the other desserts were so delicious as well and the yuzu tart was perfection. I cannot recommend Smyth enough, it is such a special place. read more

See all

We went to restaurant... expecting a wonderful nicely paced meal, with a certain level of excellence. The food and wine parring were very good. The level of creating an above and beyond experience was not there. Staff knowledgeable but a little off putting from their interactions. At the end of the meal a card was presented of what we ate etc. I asked for a simple cup of coffee to digest my dinner and the experience and was told they do not serve coffee. When went leave noticed the bar and it had coffee... I was fine to sit there but was told I need a reservation. Sharing this I completely baffled that it gets it's ratings it does. Or is it that if you have clout in the rankings etc your treatment is different? At this price point especially I would except above and beyond for anyone . Great restaurants when given such a high honor should be that magical evening. Maybe they should watch The Bear for attitude lessons. read more

Wow! My husband and I dined here last week. We have dined at other 2 and 3 star Michelin rated spots in the city and this was comparable. This winter menu is very seafood heavy, there was only one meat offering and it was aged duck. I do wish there was more chicken or red meat in the meal. Everything else was shell fish and vegetables. But overall the service and presentation was top notch. When you first walk in you are welcomed by a lovely view of the full kitchen. Everyone is working diligently and listening to each other. I love hearing their synergy and their repetition of cues from the CDC. Some of my favorite dishes of the night were the toasted corn and truffle waffle, crab and almond (with a jasmine spray) BBQ king crab and rice koji, and of course the aged duck and yeast foie gras doughnut. We added the classic wine pairing. It was (I believe) 7 different wines, mostly white (makes sense since it was mostly seafood dishes). The staff said it would amount to about 3 full glasses but I think it was more. It was a great choice to add the wine pairing but of course was a bit pricey. The ambiance is nice. Very different from Alinea and Ever. Lots of timberwood and very West Loop feel. I am obsessed with the wallpaper in the bathrooms!! You have to check that out. :) After our meal my husband wanted a cocktail. They politely told us that they needed our table for the next party but offered a cocktail and champagne on the house to enjoy in the lounge (read: the lobby area). That was very nice of them and we obliged. Thanks Smyth!! read more

See all

I surprisingly loved our meal... except the duck and foie gras dish. (Sorry, Peking duck trumps this for me.) I thought each dish was very unique and innovative. Service was amazing. They really went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable. The space is cozy, definitely warm, and it doesn't feel very crowded. I couldn't really identify any of the songs. My bf and I were surprised we liked it more than we expected. read more

See all

An over the top dinner last night at Smyth! Superb service in a beautiful modern dining room. The kitchen is open and you can hear the chefs chant together as they prepare various courses. Service is impeccable and the food is too. I've posted the menu as well as photos of some of the different course and wine pairings. A really tremendous evening. read more

See all

I won't share any more photos not to spoil the menu! The food, service and ambiance is as you'd expect at this level, top notch. Left the place satiated and not "stuffed" or "underfed" The service is extremely good. The staff follow the high end luxury dining rules to a tee. Very knowledgeable about their wine paring as well as the reason behind why the pairing was made, what to pay attention to and the general history of the wines. Overall a very memorable experience. read more

See all

About a 2-2.5: We were curious to check out Smyth, as the cuisine is inspired from the farmlands of Smyth County in VA! They offer a Smyth and a Chef's Table tasting menu, in which you make advance reservations via tock. We went for the Smyth, and note that if you have any allergies or aversions, you can work with the restaurant for substitutions and/or accommodations. Our menu included: +Smoked Quail Egg +Lobster Coral Custard, Lobster Claw & Raspberry +Lobster & Seaweed Soup +Sweet Peas, Lemon Leaf & Garden Curry Oil +Avocado & Habanada Slushie +Dungeness Crab & Almond +Squash & Caviar +Alaskan King Salmon & White Asparagus +Lobster Tail & Tomatillo +Lone Mountain Beef; Truffle & Bone Marrow Doughnut +New Potato & Pecan +Strawberry * Nasturtium +Sunflower & Marigold Tartlet; Mussel Caramel +Kombucha Rootbeer Float Overall, we felt that there wasn't much of a variety in the menu, considering the 3 stars - don't get me wrong, I do enjoy lobster, but I feel that there should have been a more variety of proteins that were used; the progression of the menu also felt similar in terms of flavors, and the dishes didn't seem too distinct from one another. The courses were aesthetically presented well. Service was fine. The hostess's demeanor should be re-evaluated. The interior of the place has more of a relaxed casual vibe, considering, with exposed frames and darker wood. Extremely limited street parking. +repeats in courses +okay service +extremely limited street parking read more

Got to experience this Michelin star restaurant for my 30th. Every dish was more beautiful than the last. Very much a textural rollercoaster but we so enjoyed every dish. Service was perfectly timed and the space was modern but warm. If you have the chance to try their tasting menu do so! read more

See all

This review is overdue. In part, it's because I wanted time to truly consider our experience and making sure I wasn't assigning five stars simply because of the price of Smyth or their three Michelin stars. And, I assure you, with the clarity of time, I am not conflating our experience with ratings. Let's start with the most important thing to me: I am allergic to an ever-growing list of ingredients. I consistently dance a line of wanting exceptional experiences dining out and being more than a little fearful of encountering a rogue allergen. When I made this reservation, it was aspirational - I fully expected someone to look at the list of my allergens and point me in the direction of the nearest Portillo's. Instead, I received an email from Chris, who asked some clarifying questions and assured me that they could keep me safe. Similarly, on the night of our dining experience, our server reviewed my allergens with me again and told me it was now her job to keep me safe. The food was lovely. The adjustments made to my courses so I could enjoy the experience were brilliant - at other establishments, I've felt like an afterthought. It was evident here that the chefs considered what it would mean to remove one ingredient and what should replace it in terms of flavor, texture and experience. A poached persimmon replaced an oyster; sunchoke broth replaced lobster. The menu was eclectic and fun, featuring ingredients you don't often find on menus (like the pawpaw fruit which, like me, is native to Ohio). My husband, who is annoyingly not allergic to anything. enjoyed the menu the way it was intended but agreed my experience was not lacking. We each did the traditional wine pairing; our server was gracious enough to give us a two reserve samples to compare and contrast. Service was impeccable. The space was warm and welcoming on a cold Chicago night. The wine pairings were quite good. My only regret is not more appropriately thanking Chris or our server before leaving. Smyth is a rare dining experience, and to be able to enjoy it without worry makes it even more exceptional. I am beyond grateful for a meal we won't stop talking about it and for the care everyone at Smyth put into the experience. read more

Leaving Smyth, my head swirled with emotions much like it did leaving the movie theater after having watched Star Wars, Episode 1, The Phantom Menace in 1999. "It was great, right?? It *had* to be. We waited to see it for 15 years. And it cost a fortune to make! Yes, I'm pretty sure I enjoyed that tremendously, didn't you??" But meanwhile, a sliver of doubt in my mind wedged itself deeply into the globs of gray still swimming with confusion. We spent over a grand on two people. Was it even good? Would I even pay $50 to experience it all over again? Oof. I waited more than two months to write this review, because I needed some time for the sting to peak and then subside in order to be as objective as possible (while recognizing that these reviews are inherently subjective.) I will start with the service, which I will compare only with other Michelin starred restaurants I've visited. At times it shined. But overall, it felt nervous, forced, and often cold. Many staff members radiated stress, as if someone higher up was watching like a hawk, and their job depended upon this experience going flawlessly. It lacked warmth. Nobody appeared to be enjoying their work. In stark contrast, I've been to 3 M-star restaurants that felt like being in your grandmother's dining room, where everyone not only made you truly feel welcome without anything being forced, but seemed to be experiencing joy themselves. Smyth did not have a hint of that vibe the night we dined. It actually made me stressed myself, as if we had been imposing. Of the maybe 12 dishes we ate, at least seven or eight of them were spectacular and inventive. No notes. One or two were unmemorable. But a few of them felt like an assault. Yes, Smyth experiments with fermentation and extremely uncommon elements in the culinary world. But some of the experiments actually felt like they were daring you to finish the dish. What was intended to push the culinary envelope sometimes felt like being pushed beyond the limits of acceptability. To put it mildly, a couple experimental dishes simply didn't taste edible, and my body struggled to accept that I was swallowing it. Whether that was their intention or not, I don't think I will try to push myself in that manner again. Many elevated foods are acquired tastes, but I will be okay with myself not acquiring these in particular. read more

Reducing a star after our latest visit, was a fine meal overall but the menu at the kitchen table dragged on a bit and was very heavy on the palate. There were some highlights, but overall the dishes were just ok with few standouts, the tasting used similar ingredients and techniques throughout and as a whole it was a few courses too much and we felt very fatigued during/after this meal (about 20 courses in total). A shame because we were past full by the time desserts started arriving, and they were my favorite bites of the night (the barley mousse and caviar dish was fantastic). Didn't help that there was a 25 minute break before we received the main entree, which is abnormally long when every other break between courses was 5-10 minutes as it should be during an extended tasting menu. The space is beautiful with kitchen open to the entire restaurant. The kitchen table sits right at the front, and isn't much different from the other seats other than you may be a bit closer, you get a special menu, and different chefs bring out and explain the dishes to you. It is also more expensive than the standard dining room. Service overall was ok. It felt a bit disjointed with the number of people dropping dishes, clearing plates, wiping the table etc., and only 1 or 2 of the chefs seems enthusiastic about what they were presenting. There were multiple bites during the menu where the presentation was too delicate and the food fell apart when attempting to pick them up, but instead of replacing these, they either made a joke about it or said nothing. Not huge issues but also not something you expect from a two michelin 4 figure meal either. read more

Hands down top 5 tasting menus Ive eaten at and I've definitely had my fair share. They recently got their 3rd michelin star and they DEFINITELY deserved it. Service was impeccable, pacing of the courses was perfect and the food itself was -chef's kiss-. They reminded me a lot of Brooklyn Fare who used to don stars themselves until recently but Smyth takes it to the next level and is daring with their flavor combinations. It works though. Im so glad we took the risk/jump and booked a last seating while we were on our short trip to Chicago because we would have missed out on quite an experience. It's about 13 courses with two of them having "double" dishes. Definitely make the reservation and come eat at Smyth! read more

See all

Make no mistake, the food here was outstanding and it certainly deserves its stars, but compared to the other fine dining establishments in the area, it fell a little short. I would describe every dish in detail, but they do not give you a physical menu. It's instead emailed to the person making the reservation. I thought this was lacking in service, especially since this was an expensive meal and the chefs pride themselves on the menus of other fine establishments hanging in their bathrooms. Like I mentioned, the food was outstanding, but a bit heavy on the fish. I did like the foie Gras more than I would have thought. I'm also not the biggest fish eater, but those dishes were solid. They also had too many cold courses. Probably the biggest disappointment was the portions were a bit small. The wine and mixed drinks that were served were also excellent, but the drink menu does not say what wines are available by the glass. I had to "guess" a wine to go with my dinner. I know a little bit about wine so I chose wisely, but if I didn't, it would have been awkward. The Riesling was outstanding. I should have gone with the tasting flight. I know I talked more about "what went wrong", but that's because so much did go right. The food was great, but I was expecting a little more from this caliber of a place. They have a "cheaper" option downstairs in the Loyalist. I might try that next time. Sounds like they have a good burger read more

See all

Overall good experience , very enjoy. Strange pace between dishes. Atmosphere was great. We had front side table next to the kitchen. Service was great. We read about experience about additional tip on top of that already 20% service fee. We weren't told that it didn't go to the staff , so we assumed it did. Maybe they got a lot of complaints about the tip issue . Food was amazing. we didn't like one dish which was the dessert , it tasted like black licorice and Chinese prune candy LOL. More like a 2 star than a 3 star Michelin. Was expecting more from a 3 star Michelin and for the price point . Wanted more main dishes. Didn't have beef , pork or chicken . Overall very good experience read more

See all

The food was wonderful and inventive. For me it was fully worth the price. The wait staff was friendly and the whole experience was unpretentious. The atmosphere is homey and the details down to the hand made serving ware were well thought out and beautiful. Some mention the 20% service cost: they did explain it at the end as covering health care and other living costs for the staff. Extra tip would go straight to the wait staff, but I didn't feel obliged or guilted into tipping another 15-20%, though I was happy to do so. read more

See all

Food was excellent, wine pairing was spot-on, service was great. Restaurant was spacious with lots of space between tables. Really worth it.

Service was excellent, the Ambiance was almost too casual! Two food bloggers sat next to us in T-shirts and Shorts. Kinda took away from the experience. Food was an interesting mix of some reinvented classics to a lot of jelly's and similar textures with rather exotic ingredients. I found it to be 10 courses of Amuse Bouche and a couple of three bite dishes. Even after spending $$$$.$$ I was hungry. I guess if you want the experience you should try it, compared to the other 3 Michelin Star Restaurants in The US and one other in Chicago I would choose several of those over Smyth. I would return to Smyth if someone else was paying, but would have a Chicago dog before! read more