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From the moment we stepped into Alinea, it was clear we
From the moment we stepped into Alinea, it was clear we were in for an extraordinary culinary experience. The service was impeccable; attentive staff catered to our every need, guiding us through the evening with grace and professionalism. The food at Alinea was nothing short of incredible. Each dish was a masterpiece of presentation, with intricate designs and vibrant colors that made them too beautiful to eat. Yet, it was the unique flavors that truly stole the show. Every bite was a symphony of taste, expertly crafted to sing with joy on the palate. The chefs at Alinea have an exceptional talent for balancing complex flavors, creating dishes that are both innovative and delicious. What truly set the evening apart was the dessert, a spectacular finale crafted right at our table. Watching the chefs assemble the ingredients with such precision and artistry added an extra layer of excitement to our dining experience. It was not just a dessert; it was a performance that captivated all our senses. In summary, Alinea offered an unparalleled dining experience. The combination of amazing service, incredible food, and a mesmerizing tableside dessert performance left an indelible mark on us. Alinea is more than a restaurant; it's a culinary journey that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking flavors and experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
Be the first to ReplyHad a fantastic experience dining at Alinea with my husband.
My only criticism is that for the price, we did leave a bit hungry as we found the portions and the courses to be limited. The service was spectacular and they made us feel so well attended to. The ambiance is ornate and beautiful. The highlight of the meal for us was the salmon, mole and dessert table. Recommend trying this restaurant at least once or coming back for their menu which rotates depending on the season.
Be the first to ReplyAs regular patrons of Alinea, we have been consistently
As regular patrons of Alinea, we have been consistently enchanted by the extraordinary culinary experiences that this Chicago landmark offers. Alinea isn't just a restaurant; it's an avant-garde performance, a journey of the senses that transcends the ordinary definitions of dining. Chef Grant Achatz is a maestro, orchestrating a menu where each course plays its part in a grander scheme, with flavors, textures, and presentations so innovative, they challenge your perceptions and delight your palate in equal measure. The attention to detail is impeccable, with every ingredient singing in harmony, and the plating is nothing short of art. The service at Alinea matches the unparalleled quality of the cuisine, with a knowledgeable and passionate team that guides you through each act of the tasting menu with poise and expertise. The ambiance is modern, yet intimate, providing the perfect backdrop to a culinary composition that is ever-evolving. Returning to Alinea is like revisiting a favorite masterpiece, knowing you will always discover something new and exciting. It's not merely a meal; it's a celebration of culinary innovation at its peak. For those who seek an unrivaled dining adventure in Chicago, Alinea is the zenith, a beacon of inspiration and gustatory delight.
Be the first to ReplyTruly an amazing experience with Alinea.
We were greeted with great service from start to finish. The first course of French onion soup was served with a fire show which was amazing. Overall we really enjoyed everything and our add on white truffle dish. There was totally more than enough food because when we got to the last 2 courses I was already full. The dessert performance was awesome and tasted a lot better eating from the table. The levels of flavors in each dish gave character to each dish. I would say this is totally worth the try and would recommend getting a beverage pairing as well.
Be the first to ReplyI really hate to leave this review.
I also think no one dining here reads reviews or cares lol. I'm a huge foodie and anytime I travel to others states or countries I look for the best spots to eat. I live in nyc and have been to Chicago multiple times and have been on a waiting list for this restaurant each time. This time I finally got a reservation but in the "saloon", not really sure what that meant. Still was so excited to eat here and heard all about it and the chef and what an amazing experience. I may not be very wealthy and I saved up to take my friend who lives in Chicago here for her birthday. The moment we walked in we noticed the carpet on the floor and it gave us such an old school steakhouse vibe(not what we were looking for or expecting) then we were seated in a small room with a table of 8 or 10 ppl and next to an elderly single man dining alone who was talking to himself and also me and my friend. We were laughing it off and trying to ignore him, but between him and the large table it was extremely difficult to hear what the staff was instructing us to do and how to eat the servings. We also told our waiter it was my friends birthday and he brought over glasses of rosรจ. We said thank you and assumed it was a nice gesture or comped bc I've been to plenty restaurants that do that. We ordered a special dish they had that night and one drink each. We paid extra on the bill for that and they updated my emailed receipt. Later that day I was charged 200$ for a bottle of rosรจ I did not order. I also have to add I own a wine and liquor store and knew how cheap that bottle was. When I emailed they just reimbursed half of the extra charge and didn't apologize or treat me like a person. It was an extremely disappointing experience. The waiter also said they don't change their menu a lot and the dessert is always the same and the star of the show. Most of their dishes are accompanied by fancy and outlandish bowls or plates to try to make the food taste better. One dish was an actual cracker and cheese that was almost inedible to me and my friend. Last time I was in Chicago I ate at Ever, and I was blown away. The tables are very far apart and the staff gave me a personal and amazing experience. The plates were plain and it was really about the food. There was no carpet and it was sleek and clean and a beautiful dining experience. There was no hidden charges or rudeness. Highly recommend ever over this place when looking to fine dine in Chicago. Sorry not sorry.
Be the first to ReplyMy husband and I enjoyed the gallery service.
The introduction to the dining experience began with a dimly lit communal table that was set ablaze as the first courses were being presented. We were pleasantly surprised throughout the evening. It was a literal performance of different dishes, presentations, and even music. The portions were nothing but generous. To be honest, there were some dishes that didn't hit the mark. Borderline inedible, from a taste standpoint. I get that it's difficult to come up with such a broadly creative menu that appeals to all palettes but some of the courses were too far reaching. Even for me and I consider myself an adventurous eater. Overall, this was a great first time experience at Alinea. Would we come back? Probably not. But we will definitely recommend it to others.
Be the first to ReplyMy second dinner here has been a long time coming.
In the 13 years since my last visit, the restaurant has been made over and I have "matured." Despite some real wow moments, ultimately I was disappointed this time around. I think the focus has veered too far from deliciousness to experimental. Many of the courses were visually and experientially stunning but just not that tasty. Of course, as is expected, I was given a menu of what I ate and drank that evening. When I got home and reviewed it, it was the wrong menu - an inexcusable gaffe. I contacted the restaurant and they promised to get me the correct one but it had been a month and I don't have it yet.
Be the first to ReplySo if you're a foodie--this place is top tier in fine
So if you're a foodie--this place is top tier in fine dining in Chicago! You haven't seen anything until dining here. I e been a couple of times and am always wowed. Mind blowing presentations and umteen courses! Small plates but there are so many and soooo ridiculously full of flavor you'll be stuffed. My favorite was meeting Grantz and the edible balloons for desserts paired with wonderful music and atmosphere. Expect to shell out at least $500+ and there is quite a waitlist so RSVP. I believe you have to book like 2 months in advance and booking is limited.
Be the first to ReplyBy far the, worst Michelin star restaurant I've ever been
By far the, worst Michelin star restaurant I've ever been to let alone three star. The staff were obnoxious. Half of the dishes were mediocre. One I spat out. Nothing was perfect.
Be the first to ReplyI was so excited for my first 3 star Michelin Restaurant
I was so excited for my first 3 star Michelin Restaurant experience! We reserved seats in the Saloon and were put on the waitlist for the gallery but no luck. I've been globe trotting and dining at various Michelin Star restaurants, but this would be my first 3 star restaurant and Alinea is just so well known i was ready to get my mouth tantalized by Chef Grant Achatz! I mean read up on him. He apparently can't taste because he was diagnosed with tongue cancer. Crazy right? Any way I'm sad to report the food was fun but I was not impressed with the menu items. I got the wine pairing and the fish and chips came with a Guinness. I hate beer! The best part was the interactive art piece of dessert and the helium filled taffy balloons. I would give the service, presentation, and the techniques 5 stars but the food took a backseat to all of this.
Be the first to ReplyVery good! Everything we has was well prepared and tasted
Very good! Everything we has was well prepared and tasted great! We will definitely return for another meal.
Be the first to ReplyBack after 8 years! - entrance is completely different;
Back after 8 years! - entrance is completely different; feels more like walking into a house now than the dark creepy hallway- the food menu has changed quite a bit- favorite dishes: squaw duck, wagyu, the jolly rancher tasting balloon with helium (hilarious when you speak after), and truffle explosion- least favorite dishes: the fish soup where the egg drops in, the dessert they make in front of you (I remember there being more chocolate and ferrero rocher-type before; now they use butterfinger candy), the pin pulling potato where you pull the pin out and the potato drops into the soupOverall, still a highly unique experience with superior service. I feel like they increased the protein they provide so I left full.
Be the first to ReplyIt is definitely worth checking off your list! As the only
It is definitely worth checking off your list! As the only 3 Michelin starred restaurant in the midwest, you really are guaranteed an exciting an interesting meal. I think they played us the greatest hits- we had a lot of dishes that I've seen posted. That's not a bad thing, just worth noting that you may see spoilers in reviews as they repeat plates (such as the banana split dessert.) Overall we had a wonderful time, but it is incredibly expensive and at the end of the day it didn't change my life. Go if you have the opportunity! Also pro tip, one common dish is the Truffle Explosion which you can get any time at their bar called The Office in Fulton Market.
Be the first to ReplySigh. Was super excited to try this 3 star Michelin
Sigh. Was super excited to try this 3 star Michelin restaurant but what a let down.... Was it an amazing experience? Most definitely, with creative and beautiful presentations of the multi course menu extravaganza. Did the experience consists of delicious food? Not so much. Alinea sacrifices taste for superficial pizzazz. More catering to photo foodies then true foodies and relying on camera hype rather than basic taste. It's rather sad and perhaps best captured by the satirical movie The Menu. A few dishes of course were tasty. It's not like the chef can't cook. But I've had far better at a fraction of the cost without the pomp and circumstance. When shelling out oodles of cash, we want both our eyes are tastebuds to be equally tantalized, not one at the sacrifice of the other or such flagrant imbalance. Don't fall for the hype and gorgeous Instagram pics Alinea can provide. Unless that's indeed what you're really there for. I, for one, will be dining elsewhere.
Be the first to ReplyVery mysterious restaurant as you can only book online; as
Very mysterious restaurant as you can only book online; as well, there are no signage except a black door and in the rain, very difficult to find. However, once you enter, you feel like you are taken away on a journey. The decor and sound dampening help to set the focus onto the room and meal itself. The staff are attentive and informative about each dish. I would have prefer they didn't switch back and forth but that could be part of the experience? The star of course are the dishes as they come out one by one in a well time manner. Each one prepared to perfection with very unique taste and more exotic ingredients. The presentation was nice but not over the top. I was perhaps expecting more but they were delightful nevertheless. I enjoy the small detail with the facade egg burning incense to add to the aura of the "hunt"with the squall dish. The meat was beyond tender and succulent. They finished strong with a dessert presentation on your table top and nice helium flavor edible sugar balloon. All in all, a nice adventure for the taste buds.
Be the first to ReplyComing to Alinea has been a lifelong dream, that I never
Coming to Alinea has been a lifelong dream, that I never actually thought would come true. I'm sure you've seen the videos and the pictures, and it's very similar to what you see--molecular gastronomy, incredible service, intricate details--but the experience itself is indescribable by any medium except by actually going. I was lucky enough to sit at the kitchen table , so I got to watch the kitchen work, and it's something I will never forget.
Be the first to ReplyI never thought I'd be leaving Alinea a one star review but
I never thought I'd be leaving Alinea a one star review but here we go...Been there twice. Once in the Salon and once in the Gallery. These visits were pre-Covid. As a vegan, I was very impressed with their vegan accommodations at the time. On both occasions we were able to have the full Alinea experience and every course of our entire meal was vegan. I loved it. I would keep going back. Alinea used to be my favorite restaurant. I loved how creative and innovative all the courses were--especially since they were vegan. When a chef makes the bold and brave choice to offer not only a vegan menu item but an entire vegan tasting menu, and execute perfectly on that--it's impressive, to say the least. After dining there twice I could see that the three Michelin Stars were well-earned. Would have given it 5 stars. But something BIG changed...Unfortunately, after Covid, it seems Chef Achatz doesn't want to make an effort to accommodate vegans anymore. Alinea used to have a "Flora" and a "Fauna" side to their menu. The "Flora" side was vegan and the "Fauna" side was not. I thought that was such a creative take, being able to serve non-vegan food for the general population as well as vegan food that would be suitable for not only vegans, but also vegetarians, people with lactose intolerance and other food allergies, etc. Post-Covid, while they can make a meal meat-free, they no longer have menu items which don't contain eggs or dairy. They no longer have a side of the menu designed to accommodate people with special diets. This isn't a matter of "needing" to add eggs and dairy because the flavor would suffer without them; this was simply a choice of laziness as far as I can tell. Achatz can and has created literally dozens of delicious and satisfying vegan menu items in the past.For a restaurant known for pushing the boundaries of molecular gastronomy, one would think that vegan cuisine would be seen as a unique opportunity to create all different kinds of tastes and textures that either mimic foods we already know and love or go completely counter to what we ever knew was possible. Many chefs around the world are seeing vegan cuisine as the newest frontier, where new ideas, ingredients, and boundaries are constantly being pushed forward in the most unique and exciting food movement of the last century. There's a reason it just keeps gaining popularity, even among non-vegans. Perhaps Achatz is resting on his laurels at best, or at worst, either suffering from a creative roadblock, exhaustion, or just throwing vegans and those with food allergies under the bus because we don't matter to him for whatever reason. Unfortunately because of his choice to stop accommodating vegans, Alinea is now just like every other fine dining restaurant that views special diets as an annoyance rather than as an opportunity to create and innovate. That's a red flag in my opinion and is quite disappointing considering what Alinea used to represent but has slowly been losing grip of in recent years in the Chicago fine dining scene.While not yet having earned a Michelin Star, Brass Heart has a multi-course vegan tasting menu that is quite good and is a great option for vegans and others on special diets who are now being turned away by Alinea. It's apparent that a lot of thought is put into the vegan tasting menu; it's not an afterthought like in many other restaurants.Boka (one Michelin Star) also has a vegan tasting menu but it's sub-par so I wouldn't recommend.Alinea was the top of the list of these restaurants for me for a long time, but now they're just another snobby restaurant that looks down on diners with special diets and has clearly lost focus of what they used to be known for and what ultimately makes food fun: novelty, challenge, and innovation. Such a shame.
Be the first to ReplyGreat foodAmazing serviceAnd I learned that white asparagus
Great foodAmazing serviceAnd I learned that white asparagus does not make your pee smell as strong as green asparagus does.
Be the first to ReplyFood - very mediocre, we had better mealsService - great
Food - very mediocre, we had better mealsService - great but very recited - the small talk is very forced Ambiance- great We did salon experience. Started at being very hungry and ended up feeling stuffed. There's no way I would be able to eat more that what we were offered. However we were not impressed with dishes. Nothing really stood out and in fact we had better meals at their neighbor Boka, one Michelin star restaurant. At the end of the meal my husband and I agreed that each of us will come up with one word that would describe our experience and say it out loud at the same time, here's our independent choices:1. Casa Bonita of fine dining 2. Walmart of fine dinning We were not just not impressed by the food but frankly disappointed. But oh well at least we got that off our list.
Be the first to ReplyMagical.
Unique. One of a kind. This place is truly awesome.The food I ate here had some of the best tastes I've ever had - and I still remember the tastes vividly almost 2 years later.A bucket list item for any person who enjoys food ...or even just breathes air.
Be the first to ReplyWent here, to the Salon, for a special birthday and it was
Went here, to the Salon, for a special birthday and it was definitely an experience. The food was the icing on the cake. I had flavors and ingredients I otherwise would never eat. There was truffle, scallops, mussel broth, caviar, fois gras and more. The dessert that was spread all over the table was my favorite part: it was fun to watch, was plentiful and tasted good. I felt just fine being in the salon. I wouldn't be able to eat anything else if I had any more servings like at the gallery. My husband and I were stuffed! I didn't do a wine pairing as I read reviews that you can get tipsy by the end and I didn't want to be. We ordered about 4 drinks between us, wine and cider. Service was impeccable. Different wait staff bring you dishes but we had one main server. I deducted one star from this review because my finger got poked pretty hard when I put my hand under the fabric chair to scoot closer to the table. A very sharp needle was sticking out. When I told one of the passing servers he simply said that it must be from the upholstery - then walked off. Well, DUH! To not ruin the bday celebration I kept quiet and didn't complain. I just was careful in scooting in and out. Overall, I'd pay to go back, and I can't believe I'm saying that...
Be the first to ReplyA recent review from Chicago food critic John Kessler
A recent review from Chicago food critic John Kessler painted Alinea as having become slightly tired in its approach to 3-star excellence. While I would agree that I have experienced snappier, more polished service, or perhaps greater unity and coherence of menu with more of a singular chef's identity, there is a certain charm and approachable recklessness to Alinea that will keep the curious coming through its doors at least once, despite nearly two-decades of service. Many of the Alinea classics such as caviar with brioche foam emulsion continue as mainstays and often help to bridge the courses as palette cleansers as we globetrot through different cultural explorations. If you are dining in the gallery (main floor dining) you will be treated to a brief excursion to the kitchen during which a team is cleverly transforming the dining room into a candlelit Victorian-era sojourn, complete with era-appropriate cutlery, potpourri, and china to compliment the squab and other assortments. This transitions to the A5 Japanese wagyu. Like many other high-end Michelin restaurants, this is sourced from Miyazaki Prefecture, which happens to be one of my favorite A5s; however, I usually prefer when the chef allows the A5 to be the star of the show without over-complicating its preparation or presentation. Here Alinea executes a rather busy presentation and underwhelming preparation of the A5. Of course, everything culminates in the famous dessert graffiti banana split and edible helium balloons. It's yummy and fun even if it borders on kitsch. And that's what will continue to keep diners coming to this mecca... It walks dangerously close to many gimmicky cliches but still remains fun and accessible, even if it doesn't break down culinary doors in the ways that we would like. Also note: no cocktail program. Kind of odd coming from the group that brings you Aviary. I asked for a yuzu cocktail and was offered a Fever Tree yuzu-lime tonic. As a nice touch, we received a last-minute complimentary upgrade from the salon (upstairs) to the gallery (main floor). The experiences are similar, despite a few less courses in the salon and less elaborate presentations of some courses.
Be the first to ReplyAn wonderful experience full of surprises! I would go back
An wonderful experience full of surprises! I would go back again just for the dessert!
Be the first to ReplyI am just getting around to do this review of Alinea after
I am just getting around to do this review of Alinea after almost two months. It's taken me awhile to fully appreciate (and comprehend) the experience enough to put into words.We got some food in the SF Bay area there if you might have heard. Been to some of the food greatest experiences like Masa's, French Laundry (meh!), and most recently Manresa (this past summer b/f he announced he was leaving). I've had the pleasure of dining here too in Chi-town, most recently at Rose Mary, Oriole, and Smyth too.I'd have to say that Alinea really hits differently than those named above. I wasn't exactly prepared that this format here is more of a theatrical performance than just solely a dining experience. The music, sounds, lighting all are a part of their show. Cirque de Soleil so to speak of the dining world. Yeah...I'm getting off into the weeds, I know. However, my impression were just that. The individual dishes were impeccable but the added dimension of the performance so to speak made this dining experience much richer to me. A very memorable experience!The flavors were well defined and very clean. Just about every dish. The most memorable was their climax dish the dessert 'art plate'. I dunno how else to exactly describe it. It's one the photos to describe it better. The server placed a plexiglass table top over our table. They (several servers) proceeded to splay out various sauces and desserty things to consume you're provided spoon to eat right off this plexiglass presentation sheet....then the center piece was nitrogen frozen ice cream (maybe whipped cream?) which enveloped the entire table with an eerie-looking frozen fog for a few seconds......Amazing! What an end to the meal!The dining companions go there for this experience once a year to get a new 'performance'. I'd have to agree. One of the finest dining experiences in my miserable Troll life! Definitely not a cheap ride, but well worth the 'AA' ticket cost at least once in your life!
Be the first to ReplyMy husband and I got to experience this epic place last
My husband and I got to experience this epic place last night and it is MEMORABLE! Service is on point, staff are friendly and professional like all Michelin 3 stars restaurants. Napkins are replaced every time you walked away. Food is Oh-Em-Gee!!! We chose the highest end wine pairings because we want something vintage and to see how their wine director swing it, and he didn't disappoint. We got this reservation via Tock 3 days ago, so there's hope for last minute reservation! Never give up! My favorite part of this dinner is that all guests from the Gallery was invited to have a course AT THEIR KITCHEN! We got to see all the actions and eat! It was a pleasant surprise! We actually got to meet other guests and chat a little too! There's this family from San Diego who took both their boys there, age 12 & 14, they sat through the whole dinner and enjoyed the experience! And I love it! So I would totally bring older kids there. Food portions are great...and a lot! Alinea gives you a lot of food so pace yourself for at least 5-6 hours before you go! Cheers!
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