Sepia

“We had a wonderful experience dining with Sepia.”

We had a wonderful experience dining with Sepia. The first bite, the lady edison country ham donut, set the tone and wowed us right off the bat. The balance of flavors in all dishes presented was impeccable, they are well deserving of their star. The overall tone is very comfortable yet upscale, just like Chicago. You will feel at home here, no matter your vibe. Don’t miss the wine pairing, the cocktails are delicious but the wine truly enhances the dining experience. I am by no means an experienced wine connoisseur and I found the wine pairing outstanding. Our server, Jordan I believe (curly hair and glasses), was incredible. We were really impressed with his service. Serving food in a setting like this isn’t easy and he is a shining star. I was happy to see they offer their employees benefits as part of the bill, as someone with a chef in my family 🩷.

Bev

Feb 2026

“I dined solo on a Thursday evening, and the dining room wasn’t very busy, which meant the staff had...”

I dined solo on a Thursday evening, and the dining room wasn’t very busy, which meant the staff had plenty of time and attention—and the service was excellent throughout. Water was always topped off, and each course was thoughtfully presented and explained without ever feeling overbearing. The food itself was outstanding. For the price point, the tasting menu felt like an exceptional value. There were around eight courses, and the vast majority were dishes I absolutely loved. The starters in particular were the highlight of the meal and really set the tone for the evening. Desserts were also very strong. The atmosphere struck a great balance—clearly elevated, but still comfortable and approachable. Sepia delivers a refined, well-executed dining experience that feels thoughtful, generous, and well worth seeking out.

Steven Card

Jan 2026

“Came here for the new year’s tasting menu.”

Came here for the new year’s tasting menu. Service was great and efficient. Staff had no issue explaining a course if we had any questions or comments. Overall lovely experience with a few standout dishes. The oysters were some of the best we’ve ever had and were very interesting. The dessert take on a Wendy’s frosty with fry.

Simon Martin Trudeau

Jan 2026

“Sepia was BEYOND AMAZING!”

Sepia was BEYOND AMAZING!! This was our first trip to Chicago and we made sure to add hitting this restaurant to our list. Our server, my memory is terrible but I want to say Jordan, was wonderful! He always checked in after every meal and took the time to explain the meal or even the history behind it. It was close to closing, if not passed, and he still offered us to get another round of drinks. We didn't feel rushed AT ALL. Our meals came out in a good timely manner, we never waited too long between each dish as it was perfect amount of time for the food to settle to make room for more. There was always someone around to clear our dishes and fill our waters. Everyone worked so well together it was so nice to see! Everyone was SO sweet and the place was gorgeous. We did the four course meal for a party of two, we feel the price was worth EVERY penny and do I even have to say it? The food was OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! Their drinks were also very good, my husband said his old fashion was the best he has ever had and the best dang margarita lives up to its name! This was an experience we will always remember! We recommended to visit this place when visiting Chicago and we will DEFINITELY be back!! You guys did a FANTASTIC JOB making it a night to remember! Compliments to you all!!! No, I do not mind you using my response at all! Thank you!!

Dakota Taylor

Nov 2025

“I'll be honest, I reluctantly booked a reservation here because it was the only thing available on...”

I'll be honest, I reluctantly booked a reservation here because it was the only thing available on one of the Nights I wanted to go out. Judging by the fact that the restaurant was fairly empty, I don't think I am the only one who saw this as a Plan B rather than Plan A. Boy was I wrong. This was easily one of the best 1-star Michelin restaurants that I have ever been to. I opted for the tasting menu and I am glad I did. I think this is the first time I can ever say this, every dish got better. The first dish/bite was good. The next, better. The next, better than the last. This continued until the final bite. Truly an experience I had never had before and a true testament to the chef's planning. I am shocked at how under-the-radar Sepia appears to be. I would not be surprised if it gets a 2nd star if it continues to impress. Easily top 10 on my list of restaurants I've ever been to and I will definitely be back. Simply amazing.

O S

Nov 2025

“It's not just one thing, it's ten things that make this a great experience.”

It's not just one thing, it's ten things that make this a great experience. If you're craving a Michelin star encounter then I'd say you've come to the right place. Choose one dish for each of your 4 courses and pair with it with the recommended glass of wine and Eureka! I highly recommend.

Dave Z

Nov 2025

“We were in town for an event, and after looking through a few options, this Michelin-star...”

We were in town for an event, and after looking through a few options, this Michelin-star restaurant instantly caught our eye. From start to finish, the whole experience was amazing. From the atmosphere to the service to the food itself. The space feels cozy and intimate, the kind of place where conversation flows easily and every detail feels intentional. The service was just as impressive. The staff were attentive without hovering. They were genuinely focused on making sure every dish and moment was enjoyed. They anticipated our needs and offered thoughtful explanations throughout the meal. And the food? Incredible. Each dish had its own unique touch. Interesting, beautifully plated, and full of flavor. Every bite felt like discovering something new (and delicious). Everything was so good that we couldn't decide on a favorite dish. Throughout our trip this restaurant ended up being one of the things we were most excited about and it absolutely delivered. Sepia definitely lives up to its reputation (and honestly, goes beyond it). It was such a lovely night. A place we'd definitely return to next time we're in Chicago :) Thank you, Sepia!!

yadira

Nov 2025

“My first Michelin star rated restaurant was well worth it.”

My first Michelin star rated restaurant was well worth it. Each course that came out was the perfect combination of flavor and richness, or umami as some call it. You can tell the chef enjoys what they do, playing around and experimenting with different flavors to find the perfect combinations. I thoroughly enjoyed every single bite. The Chef's Experience was amazing and well worth it! The staff was very friendly and attentive, as well! A++ establishment.

Corey C

Oct 2025

“We recently celebrated a milestone anniversary at Sepia in downtown Chicago, and it was nothing short of perfect.”

We recently celebrated a milestone anniversary at Sepia in downtown Chicago, and it was nothing short of perfect. This Michelin-starred restaurant is truly a wonderful choice for special occasions. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel welcome and taken care of, creating a fabulous and memorable experience. Our server was incredibly patient and attentive, carefully explaining each dish and offering thoughtful options. Since we don’t drink alcohol, she went above and beyond to provide creative non-alcoholic cocktail pairings for every course. Each drink was refreshing, unique, and complemented the food beautifully. The food itself was outstanding—beautifully presented, flavorful, and among the best dishes I’ve ever had at a fine dining restaurant. Every bite felt special and elevated the celebration even more. Sepia is on the pricier side, but for an important occasion, it is absolutely worth it. I highly recommend this restaurant for anniversaries, birthdays, or any memorable moment you want to celebrate in style. One tip: make your reservations well in advance, especially if you plan to go on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, as tables fill up quickly.

Shree Yerramsetti

Oct 2025

“I love this place so bad.”

I love this place so bad. I wish I lived in Chicago so I could visit all the time. Incredibly cozy atmosphere with THE most attentive staff. Every dish was lovely but I adored the scallop & sea urchin (first course) and this donut dish that was a chef special-- those blew my mind. Had a sparkling riesling that was so perfect. Nice balance between sweet and dry with a delicate carbonation. Tbh, counting the days until I can visit again 🥹 [To Sepia: Yes! Please use my review for any marketing purposes!!]

Su A

Aug 2025

“Sepia was truly a special experience.”

Sepia was truly a special experience! Of course, it’s an experience at a high price point. But it is the rare kind of place that really feels worth what it asks. Dishes were thoughtfully composed, with really interesting combinations of flavors and textures. It felt like the chefs designed a really well-designed fine dining menu, but put making good food first, and all the fancy stuff served that. Ashley was a phenomenal server, both helpful and engaging and very affable!

Kyle Labak

Aug 2025

“The place has a classic and rustic vibe that feels really inviting.”

The place has a classic and rustic vibe that feels really inviting. The food was good and satisfying. Staff were friendly and accommodating. A nice spot for a laid-back meal.

Ben Parker

Aug 2025