Esmé

“Splendid experience.”

Splendid experience! Love the concept, which is executed well throughout the entire experience. Enjoyed the design of the space. Noise level was lower and perfect. It was nice to have something enjoyable in the background that didn't even remotely interfere with our conversation. Drinks were original, with combinations I wouldn't have considered, and really good. I brought my partner here for his birthday and they were quite considerate in the way they addressed it with him. They even brought me something sweet as well, so as to be sure I had something to enjoy with him. Service was fantastic overall, and our waiter was an absolute delight. The best part though, was how delicious the food was. We are vegan, but did not miss out on flavor in any fashion. It takes a little more consideration and talent to make food tasty without animal products. They knocked it out of the park! We went during resturaunt week, but we will absolutely be returning to experience their full vegan tasting menu. There are not many places in Chicago that are Michelin starred that will accommodate a vegan tasting menu, which is quite unfortunate. We are so excited that Esmé is not only willing to do so, but does it delectably, and crafts an all around titillating experience for all the senses! They certainly deserve their star, and we cannot wait to return.

Jeannine Coon

Jan 2026

“WOW! What an incredible experience at Esmé. From the moment I walked in I knew this was going to be...”

WOW! What an incredible experience at Esmé. From the moment I walked in I knew this was going to be a special night. Chris, the house manager, made me feel special and welcome right off the bat. The attentiveness of the entire staff was wonderful and the food was truly unmatched. From the first course all the way to the last took us on an amazing journey. Gustavo, the head chef, really knows what he is doing in the kitchen. The thoughtfulness that was put not only into the food but the presentations brought it to another level. With the added layer of the featured artist, Lefty, it brought a unique touch to the plating and the environment. The multiple courses and wine pairings were perfectly timed and never felt rushed or delayed. It was another aspect of the night that made us truly enjoy the experience. This ENTIRE NIGHT was magical! One that I continuously talk about with my friends and one that I will remember for a long time. Go visit Esmé! You won't be dissapointed. 🙂

Sarina Klein

Dec 2025

“Had the tasting menu tonight and it was the best meal I have ever had.”

Had the tasting menu tonight and it was the best meal I have ever had. The King Crab was phenomenal, the corn/fish course was incredibly tasty, and cheese course with honey comb was a great ender. Highly recommend the drink pairings. I did the non-alcoholic version, and each drink truly complemented the course. Jake and Natalie were very attentive as servers, always staying on top of our table. They change menus a few times a year so will be back for sure.

John Bengier

Dec 2025

“If you are in the chicago area and are looking for an evening full of flavor, I highly recommend Esme.”

If you are in the chicago area and are looking for an evening full of flavor, I highly recommend Esme. They switch their menu and coordinated artist on a quarterly basis and i honestly cannot wait to come again. While i have enjoyed my weekend in Chicago, Esme has been a highlight and will have me coming back to the city routinely. Full of color, flavor and texture, they truly understand a "food experience". The caviar add on is a must, with the sweet potato and seaweed ice cream! Just trust them and eat it. Don't hesitate to speak with Natalie about the wines, she knows what she is talking about and is full of recommendations. I thoroughly enjoyed my evening at Esme! It is definitely something to experience, and not on a one time basis!

Hayley Hamilton

Dec 2025

“Actually at Bar Esme.”

Actually at Bar Esme. Had a handful of delightful cocktails from their current menu (collab with Lefty Out There) and a few off the cocktail maestro’s head that really exceeded my “I like a Negroni” inspiration expectation. Also loved the sound of the corn with turbot on the full menu so ordered that à la carte along with half a dozen oyster and charcuterie and cheese board. Beautiful plating and presentation. Quite happy with the trip and a good close out to a short trip in chicago.

Kevin Kauffman

Dec 2025

“Such a unique dining experience.”

Such a unique dining experience. I love that they mix art with cuisine and have a featured artist. The food was creative, beautifully presented, and all very tasty! We also got the non-alcoholic pairing with the tasting menu. Ia appreciated that the drinks were unique (not just a NA version of whatever the the normal alcoholic paring is). So fun! Would love to visit again for a different artist menu.

Tiffany Liu

Nov 2025

“It took us almost a year to get a reservation at this Michelin rated gem.”

It took us almost a year to get a reservation at this Michelin rated gem. You must prepay prior to dining. Eclectic mix of tasty pieces. More art meets food. Pricey, but the experience was top tier. The service was OUTSTANDING !!! 20/10. The featured artist Lefty is creative, and the chefs were outstanding. The food , inspired by the art is both creative and experimental. The drinks , a mix of alcoholic and non alcoholic were one of a kind !!! Just excellent!!! An open ended palate is suggested if you go to experience this restaurant. It felt like a museum. It was an early anniversary dinner for us. We were treated with the utmost care and invited to tour the Kitchen with the head chef Gustavo. Servers Chris, and Jake …Made our experience over the top, Literally treated like royalty. A one of a kind dining experience.

Sweetteeness

Oct 2025

“A stunner from start to finish with a very unique twist on the chicago Michelin experience.”

A stunner from start to finish with a very unique twist on the chicago Michelin experience. We loved how when you walk in you are given a cocktail to drink as you look at the current art installment. Once the food arrived it felt like the art came to the table every-time, all of the dishes were so thoughtfully curated. We also got the avant-garde cocktail pairing which featured beers, wines, cocktails, and so many unique options which felt so out of the box for a Michelin. it worked so well. There was a woman at Bar Esme that was so insanely loud it was kind of shocking, it did not change the experience but had to be mentioned.

Beau Chard

Sep 2025

“I think this place will be getting another star soon.”

I think this place will be getting another star soon. The way they tie the food to the art really makes this place special. No dish has ever been a miss. They nail progression taste and appearance every single time. Plus the menu changes multiple times a year so it is like a new experience every few months. However the quality is always top notch. The only thing better than the food is the service. This team is dialed in and works together to make every meal a special event for their guests. This is one of my favorite restaurants in the country.

Justin Zalewsky

Aug 2025

“Came here for Restaurant Weeks (Jan) 2023 for their pre fixe menu.”

Came here for Restaurant Weeks (Jan) 2023 for their pre fixe menu. Wasn't sure what to expect. Parking is free after a certain time on the main road. However, if busy, be careful parking in the residential areas. I was looking forward to trying their "Cheetos" after seeing all the pictures. Be careful with clothing bc it goes EVERYWHERE. Service was great! They were awesome and even gave the 2nd appetizer as a gift. Everything was well balanced and delicious. But the thing that truly made this a 5 star experience was dessert: a popcorn creme brulee with cheddar ice cream. Probably one of the best dessert I've EVER had. I still dream about this 2 yrs later. Rich, creamy, with the right balance of savory and sweet. I hope they bring this back when I visit Chicago again!

Zaila V

Jun 2025

“Beautiful place, better service, nice artistic proposal.”

Beautiful place, better service, nice artistic proposal. The open kitchen is perfect. I expected amazing power Michelin star flavors, but the dishes were more focused on colors, presentation and fine/delicates flavors. I will try the restaurant and not the bar next time.

Josué Cruz

May 2025

“We tried this place during restaurant week early this year.”

We tried this place during restaurant week early this year. I have heard mixed review about it so was a bit nervous about it. But the experience was pretty good! It’s such a modern and innovative place with very warm and professional services. Food was very well presented and we liked all the dishes from the set menu. And ordered the extra caviar which was also very great and worth it. It a great place for some fine dining event. And will come back for the tasting menu.

Krystal Liu

May 2025