EL ideas

“Incredible experience with very tasty food.”

Incredible experience with very tasty food. Staff was kind and atmosphere beautiful.

Sabrina Delprat

Nov 2025

“We had the most incredible experience at EL ideas.”

We had the most incredible experience at EL ideas. Elevated dining in every sense. The whole meal was memorable, but the desserts completely stole my heart… the French Fries & Ice Cream and the Apples were out of this world. Loved every moment and it was the perfect birthday celebration for my boys.

Daphne Adelman

Nov 2025

“One of our favorite culinary experiences since moving to Chicago.”

One of our favorite culinary experiences since moving to Chicago. Warm, intimate vibe and each course is more spectacular than the last. Excited to return!

Sara Becker

Oct 2025

“Excellent vibes and delicious food.”

Excellent vibes and delicious food! They kept our wine very chill (BYOB) We came for my bday and loved the experience 😁. Would def do it again if we come back to Chicago!

Sonia Matos

Jul 2025

“What a fantastic dining experience from start to finish.”

What a fantastic dining experience from start to finish! I loved that the setting is completely unpretentious and that you are encouraged to walk around the kitchen area and watch and talk to the chefs while they are plating the dishes. And the food - every dish was AMAZING and I literally wanted to lick the plate/bowl after each dish (and diners did for the first course)! It was my first time there, but it definitely won't be the last. And BYOB is a bonus!

Kathy Higa

May 2025

“Chef Phillip and the team treated us to an amazing evening of delicacies from start to finish.”

Chef Phillip and the team treated us to an amazing evening of delicacies from start to finish! The Skatewing almadine was a favorite, but the French fry and ice cream dessert was a visual highlight! Great place to celebrate a special occasion especially if you enjoy watching your multi course meal being prepared before your eyes

Michael Brown

Apr 2025

“This is one of the best Michelin rated restaurants in the city.”

This is one of the best Michelin rated restaurants in the city. It is super unique because you can walk around and get right up on the cooking area in the kitchen. It’s also BYOB, which helps a lot with the price. I highly recommend recommend this to anyone!

Ryan Sullivan

Mar 2025

“The MOST fun gastronomy experience I've ever had.”

The MOST fun gastronomy experience I've ever had. Came here with my sister on a work trip and was blown away by the service and food. I've been to many 3-star Michelin restaurants and some of them don't hold a candle to this place. It's an absolute sham that they don't have 3 stars. The second we came in we were greeted instantly, the host helped us put away our coats, and seated us with WARM blankets that felt like they had just been taken out of the dryer. On top of that every single time we stood up to go somewhere we would return to our blankets and napkins being neatly folded. We never had to ask for a SINGLE THING while we were here. It was as if they could read our minds and knew what we wanted before we even asked for it. The food was equally amazing, every single dish was rich in flavour, held a very personal story behind it, and felt like a trip to another country. El ideas is the first Molecular Gastronomy restaurant that I would ever consider going back to. Bravo to the staff and Chefs here!

S Nguyen

Mar 2025

“My belief is that when you go to a Michelin-starred restaurant, you should be left thinking, 'Wow,...”

My belief is that when you go to a Michelin-starred restaurant, you should be left thinking, 'Wow, I would NEVER think of that,' or 'Who would have thought these things could go together?' And you get exactly that at El Ideas. The highlight for me (and something I was looking forward to) was the infamous Frosty. The black truffle/salsify/popcorn/cream dish was another impeccable creation. I felt like each dish was getting better and better as the night went on. The timing between meals was perfect, and it was very cool to walk around the kitchen—it’s different from any other Michelin-starred restaurant I have been to. We had the 6 p.m. seating and did not feel rushed at all. Kudos to the chefs and team at El Ideas!

Samantha Bussanich

Feb 2025

“WOW!!!! Amazing food you cant even describe how good this is!!!! Will be going back for sure. The...”

WOW!!!! Amazing food you cant even describe how good this is!!!! Will be going back for sure. The Chef and staff are super nice and it is definetly an experience!!!

Matt T

Oct 2024

“Really fun BYOB “dinner party” vibe in an intimate space where guests are encouraged to come up to...”

Really fun BYOB “dinner party” vibe in an intimate space where guests are encouraged to come up to the kitchen and interact with the staff as they work. Chef Foss and company were incredibly kind and welcoming between serving up absolutely amazing dishes. Will absolutely be headed back soon.

Jonathan Lee

May 2024

“Chef Foss and team made dinner a fun and delicious experience.”

Chef Foss and team made dinner a fun and delicious experience. Being able to interact with the team and watch the culinary creative process up close made the whole event truly memorable. Highly recommended, we will be back!

Cameron Torstenson

May 2024