I've been here at least three times, and the experience never disappoints. They start you off with a lovely assortment of three different types of bread served with butter, which is a nice touch. For a three-course meal, the price is very reasonable. The rotating menu means you'll want to be open to trying something new each visit, but that's part of what makes it special. The students do an incredible job, from preparing the food to providing attentive service. Every dish is vibrant, flavorful, and beautifully presented. It's always a pleasure dining here, and I look forward to coming back. You get a nice view of the city if you sit closer to the window. Space is always clean. read more

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Amazing! We went as a group and got to try almost everything. Disclaimer though my friend does work or study at Kendall so we went to kind of support him. The food really did blow me away because everything tasted like high-end fine dining quality but at a fraction of its price. The drinks were also quite good and they also have wine pairings too. For the main dishes I really like their desserts; they were just not too sweet and just right. For the appetizers I think I like some more than the others. For example the steak at the time was very good; the chicken was a little bland and for the appetizer we all tried different ones too. Overall great experience. Whether your friend, our students at Kendall, were there or not, I think this is a great place to get a very good value for a meal read more

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I love the food and creativity of the students. They did a wonderful job. Service was personable and nice. Ambiance is nice but not stuffy. Drinks are great here. read more

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At the Dining Room you really get your money's worth. The restaurant is staffed by students at Kendall College, all are very professional and excited to be there. The service was amazing and the food was top notch. You should make a reservation, and make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get there. The Dining Room is right next to Millenium Park and has a beautiful view. Parking is difficult in the area, but it is close to public transportation. Once you arrive you will check in with the security in front and they will direct you to the elevator. When you first enter they will give you a sample of a specialty cocktail at the bar, alcoholic and non options for the sample. I really liked that they had a few non-alcoholic drink options. I opted for one and it was delicious, they make their own syrup in-house. You get to pick your water, still acqua pannacotta or sparkling. Wait staff ask you off the bat if you have any dietary restrictions. The meal is pre fixie, there are 4 options for each course The dining room is small and intimate with great lighting with an amazing view of the park and an open kitchen. Tipping is optional and all tips go towards a scholarship at the college. The Dining Room is definitely a place to try if you're in the area. read more

The Dining Room at Kendall College - The entrance from the street - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Only $45 prix fixe for phenomenal food and service and one of our favorite dining experiences in Chicago. Not to mention the best bread service we've ever had. Went at a good time too for festive cocktails and mocktails. We will definitely be back. Lived here for decades and can't believe we've waited this long to experience it. read more

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Went with my girlfriend after we saw a video about it in TikTok! Jada was so great! The hostess was the sweetest. A bunch of little complimentary drinks & bites sprinkled in throughout the meal. Food was fun & delish read more

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Wow! This place is a must for the foody! This is a college, and these are kids, actual students. They did a fantastic job in service from start to finish! Their awkwardness was charming and endearing. It's a perfect place to test your date. Anyone who isn't supportive of this learn-by-doing restaurant doesn't deserve a second date. Plus, if any date took me here, I would fall in love before dessert. What an amazing place to support! Location: This is tucked away between Acanto and The Shake Shack. You enter a lobby and let security know you have a reservation. Then take the elevator up to the restaurant which overlooks Millennium Park. The view is stunning. Food: There is a fixed menu that changes seasonally, and you get a choice among three appetizers, three main course meals, and three desserts. I would suggest going with at least two other people so that you can taste everything. The food is that good. You don't wanna miss a thing! Drinks: I had the Thai basil gin gimlet and the cha-cha. My "date" had the Hibisco. Ambiance: There is an open kitchen layout, so you can hear the chefs calling out. It's super clean and a bit bright. It's not a romantic, dark, place to nibble on ears. Price: You can't beat it. it's $45 a person for a three-course meal and $12 for cocktails. Thank you, Kendall students! You all deserve major kudos! read more

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This is my second time here, and I absolutely loved it. The service was great, everyone really attentive. We had the fixed priced menu and decided to order everything they had. 100/10! Love the concept of the place! read more

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Amber and Alexis were a treat! I really enjoyed my food from the flavor to the presentation. I do wish there was more variety in the menu read more

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Amazing food. I am impressed. I had the fixed price menu which came with an appetizer, entree and dessert all of your choosing. Every part was a 10/10 no complaints. Strongly recommend. read more

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This was such a cool concept, great way to practice for the students, and the future looks bright for us diners. read more

The Dining Room at Kendall College - Seared Sumac Duck - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was a fun dinner experience with a beautiful view of Millenium park. Came here with my boyfriend while I was visiting and it took us a while to find parking and head up so we were a bit late. Tried calling ahead to let them know we were going to be late but no one picked up. It's relatively laid back so they were fine with us being late once we got there. Tip: use spot hero for parking as they have moved locations several years ago and no longer have free parking. The servers and chefs are all students so they are still learning to serve and work in the kitchen. Regardless, it was fun dining in their living classroom and although food isn't the best I've had, it was good considering that they are still students! read more

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Incredible experience at The Dining Room at Kendall College. The wait staff, food, and service (Leslie was great) were quite literally chef's kiss and all tips go to the student scholarship fund which is an added bonus to an already awesome event. TikTok did not disappoint! Don't think, just do. read more

Loved the experience, the food, the view! It was great fine dining at an affordable price. Highly recommend! read more

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I started this review three months ago and abandoned. I dislike negative reviews. Attended their Italian Night. We have attended Kendall dinners since they were up in Evanston and then Halsted & Chicago Ave area. Total 8 to 10 times, we've always been wowed. 1st time at Michigan Ave location. We attended the Italian Night We were seated at a round table with 2 other couples and we all seemed to enjoy the company. Food was average, nothing seemed prepared in a unique way. Because it's been a several weeks, it would be unfair to say much more. I can still remember 2 Evanston meals from 20 years ago and have only a sense of "wonderful" meals always. The service was notably awkward with rotating servers and bussers who served us from both directions and they almost seemed to bump into each other. When clearing dishes and flatware, they were stacked on each other. Our table ceased our conversation as the noise was so loud. I can appreciate this location may be settling in. We were seated at a round table with 2 other couples and we all seemed to enjoy the company. read more

Incredible experience, with an equally incredible view. Student-run FOH/BOH driving fine-dining level experience training, overlooking Millenium Park. Could not have asked for a more perfect view, and an incredible array of food options. We chose the wine pairing (only $20 at time of dining), which was delightfully bright with the food options. We chose a few specials, so ymmv. Wonderfully friendly staff, we also ventured into the cocktail list and were pleased by our choices. Definitely will be back again. read more

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This place was a steal, and it was such a fun experience! The students and instructors were incredibly professional and attentive, and we were also able to see other students preparing the food in the kitchen. The environment was elegant and beautiful, but we appreciated that it had a much more friendly atmosphere than other fine dining restaurants. The complimentary bread was so good, and the raspberry beret cocktail was very refreshing. Our first course (gnocco fritto and carciofi) had larger portions than we expected, and they were delicious. The main course was a little salty, but I think we also visited fairly early in their school term. However, the dessert was a showstopper. The sfogliatella was perfectly crisp, and all the flavors in the tahini cake went together beautifully. It was an awesome experience, and we would definitely recommend!! read more

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Absolute must do!!!! If you'd like to treat yourself to an upscale (and affordable!) dinner this is the place. This culinary school is doing things well. From start to finish our experience was classy and welcoming. They easily and eagerly made accommodations for my gluten and dairy intolerance. Every dish was excellent! And the cocktails were just as good as the food. The mentor/instructor was there throughout and guided them through the service without hovering. He also took the time to engage with the guests, which was nice for the students to observe that extra touch. The students at the bar were engaging and fun. It was a fun and delicious experience from start to finish and I look forward to my next trip to Chicago so I can dine there again. read more

Keep in mind that this is an educational environment, and you will appreciate the experience more. There may be small hiccups like food taking a long time to arrive or service that doesn't flow smoothly, but it's an interesting experience. The food is medium in a good way; not mind blowing but it seems the technique is there. The flavors are safe and basic which doesn't mean bad. Actually, the food tastes pretty homemade except nicely presented. And I mean that in a positive way. The drinks here take a long time but I can tell the bartender put a lot of effort into making them. Pretty weak but refreshing. read more

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Really great experience. I had wanted to go for a very long time and finally made the time to check out The Dining Room at Kendall College. Note that you can't walk in, reservation is required on their website site. This is an intimate dining setting on the seventh floor overlooking millennium park. It's very intimate with only 10 tables for guests and there were more students and staff than there were diners when we went. This was an impressive experience and we agreed it would make a good destination to take out of town guests when we go back. The students are in culinary school and are being trained in the kitchen and in hospitality to go into the hospitality industry professionally. As guests we were treated superbly and were surprised when the host greeted us and offered to check our jackets in the coat check which we accepted. We were greeted with a welcome drink and a bonus appetizer when we first sat down. We ordered from the pre fixed menu and had the wine pairing. Delightful. The menu rotates quarterly/seasonally. I had a filet of beef and my husband had the sea bass. These were not large for entree portions but the point was to experience a variety of flavors and sensations. Between the appetizer course, the entree course and the dessert we filled up and walked away satisfied. I would highly recommend this experience at least once to anyone who would enjoy something new and you can't beat the view! read more

What a hidden gem! All the courses were absolutely Amazing. Super small restaurant on the 7th floor but be sure to make reservations well in advance. read more

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Very good food and service, especially from learning students. Everyone's doing a great job and I reccomend for someone looking for something fine dining on the cheaper end. read more

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Five stars and then some!!!Amazing experience!!! The food was beautiful and tasted absolutely delicious. The students were all so kind. I will definitely be back next time I am in Chicago. read more

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A great dinner experience! The staff are students learning, and for the price and quality of the food, it's an incredible deal and meal. We had the wine pairings, and I ordered pasta, fish, and a pudding-like dessert. All of them were great! The fish was crispy and I loved it. We were served quickly and had a view of the kitchen, which was fun to see. Would totally return to try another menu. read more

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Had a wonderful experience here for their 4 course Italian dinner in early October. The food was prepared well and I was impressed by each course. A little hard to believe they are student chefs! read more

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The experience at the Dining Room at Kendall College was phenomenal. For the price point of $40 a person not including drinks for a 3 course meal is a complete steal. First off the ingredients are high quality. Secondly, the chefs are students attending the school but don't take them lightly. They are incredibly skilled, qualified, and talented! The service and environment was amazing and on one side you can view the wonderful chefs prepare your meal in front of you and on the other side is a spectacular view of Millennial Park/ Cloud Gate/ Bean. We came in a group of three and were greeted with a small complimentary cocktail before we were seated and our lovely host explained to us the concept of open kitchen and student chefs. Our server Ada was pleasant and sweet. We were served focaccia and a sweet roll paired with their herb butter and garlic butter before we were served our first Course. We each got different appetizers, entrees and desserts. The menu is seasonal and changes every quarter system for the students. Today we ordered Appetizers: Pao de Queijo with duck pate and prosciutto (Best), Lamb tartare, and Bigeye tuna crudo Entrees: Pork tonnato, Lobster Cacciuco (Best), and Flat iron steak Desserts: Sable Breton (Best), Rhubarb Tart, and Chocolate Chicory Cake Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone and would come here every time I come into Chicago. Also feel free to tip generously as the tip goes towards future scholarships for the upcoming students attending the program! read more

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What a lovely time dining here! The view and ambience was beautiful. The students were so polite and professional. The food and drinks were delicious and definitely high quality. I had such a good time with friends that I forgot I was at a culinary school. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are in downtown Chicago. read more

The Dining Room at Kendall College - Appetizers! It was amazing! - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Perfect place for Fine Dining! Perfect Food! Perfect Service! PERFECT DRINKS!!! All the servers are very Nice and Friendly!!! read more

The food was perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. An unexpected food allergy at our table was handled expertly. It is a real pleasure to watch the young professionals producing a high quality experience. read more

Kendall's culinary and hospitality programs were sold to National Louis University during 2018 and the campus was expected to move to downtown Chicago. We thought we would enjoy the Dining Room's $18 three-course lunch, one of the best meal deals in town, at least one more time in the old location. All of our prior meals at this fine culinary institution were fabulous. This time, things began on a high note with an inventive salad composed of frisée, arugula, roasted beets, walnuts, goat cheese, radish, and a white peach dressing. The winter squash soup was equally satisfying, thick and rich with ginger crema and livened with a tinge of cinnamon. From there, things turned abruptly south. We waited an interminably long time for our entrees. By the time the smoked Ora King salmon (from New Zealand, plated with cilantro elote, mulligatawny sauce and a mystery foam) was served, it had cooled to room temperature. The fish was barely cooked on the outside and completely raw inside. Sushi grade or not, we sent this back to the kitchen. Ditto for the "Grilled Strauss Farms beef strip loin, chimichurri, pommes puree, Brussels sprouts, horseradish crème." Ordered medium-rare, the steak was cooked somewhere beyond well done, and yet it and the potatoes arrived barely lukewarm. Our remade entrees fared better but the sides were still cold and I seriously doubt whether the Michelin folks would have been wowed. A dessert of chocolate cheesecake with mocha ice cream suffered in part from incredibly unattractive plating. Actually the ice cream fared better than the "deconstructed" cheesecake, which was like eating balls of raw cookie dough. Cheesecake Factory, you have nothing to worry about! None of this was the fault of the students! Making mistakes is an essential part of the learning process and many of Kendall's graduates do go on to become top chefs in prominent restaurants. The Dining Room Manager (new since our previous visit) and instructors are ultimately responsible for maintaining food prep and service standards. Clearly they neglected to oversee what was happening in the kitchen and the blame for the failures we experienced is entirely on them. read more

The Dining Room at Kendall College - Deconstructed chocolate cheesecake - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This was a wonderful dining experience. Students prepare and serve food, the service was outstanding, and the food was exquisite. The view is also wonderful. Highly recommend. read more

Excellent experience! I truly enjoyed the food? Ambiance and views of downtown and the Bean. Food was incredible! read more

The service was great, the space is nice, the student staff have been trained pretty well in service. We went for the Julia Child themed 5 course dinner. We were put on a large shared table with other guests. 3 out of 5 of the dishes were very good, but the French onion soup and the sponge cake dessert were lacking. If each and every dish shined I would say the meal was worth the value. read more

Iman and Nan were amazing!!! We had such a wonderful Valentine's Day dinner. The food was excellent and the service was impeccable. Will absolutely be back. read more

All I can say is WOW! This establishment knows how to serve a fine dining meal with pizazz. From the moment we walked in the door we felt welcome and taken care of. The culinary students are so professional, and you can really tell they love what they do.  The Instructor overseeing their learning was attentive and gregarious, and the instruction did not interfere with the atmosphere or ambiance of the meal. Beautiful presentation and plating. Well done, Kendall!!! read more

Kendall College! The student & instructor staff provides a wonderful dining experience. With a prix fixe-only menu which has a nice variety, and really delivers. Appetizer plates and main course were standouts. Fresh, artful presentation meets on-point execution. Perfect seasonings. Quite satisfying. Service was very good as well. No complaints whatsoever. Best part is the tips are added to a fund for underprivileged students to assist with scholarships. Heartwarming! Go! read more

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Food was sensational at a reasonable price. The "school" setting gives it a very comfortable atmosphere. 10/10, 5/5, recommending it to everyone! read more

The most fun restaurant I have ever been to. It is a great opportunity to see how the waiters，bartenders are trained by their instructor in the real environment. By the way, the food is great, especially when you realize chefs coming from this kitchen are future Michelin-star chefs read more

The Dining Room at Kendall College - people in the kitchen - New American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Awesome! The best restaurant in Chicago :) The service is great and Jess is sooooo warm hearted she even give me a list of places to go in Chicago100% Recommend! read more

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This place is great but you need to know what you are getting yourself into. First dinner is $29 ($34 is you want wine, which is also crazy cheap) for three courses which is a good deal no matter which way you cut it. Second, you are in a culinary school. The students are learning. Know that the they are trying to work on providing excellent service, but I mean it's part of the learning experience. Things will work themselves out. Do expect mix ups. What you come here for is the food and it is fantastic. First course I had a scallop on top of fried lobster in sauce which all worked really well. Others had the gnocchi which had generous portions of duck. My entree was the salmon. Large portion, amazing brown butter sauce, coconut cream worked really well. Others had the venison which I did not get a taste of and the meatless balls (made with eggplant) which basically tasted like an Italian restaurant exploded in your mouth. Quite good. They give you an amuse bouche. Ours came late, but was tasty. Goat cheese on cucumber. They also offer you bread which is homemade and pair it with homemade butter which was pesto butter... mind blowing. Dessert I had a chocolate torte with a lightly toasted marshmallow, pretzel cookie, and graham cracker crumbs. The torte was filled with dark chocolate ganache. Bottom line the food is some of the best in the city. I'm pretty sure the menu is seasonal which is great! Everything is plated BEAUTIFULLY. I would strongly recommend this for a date night or going out with friends. read more