John's Food and Wine
Bill · 849 Google reviewsJohn's Food and Wine — food in Lincoln Park. Order the Oysters. Romantic without trying too hard.
What 242 diners keep saying
What 242 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Amazing food and service. Maddie made sure we had a wonderful evening. The preset menu was fabulous. Loved each of choices including the lobsters dish, and shrimp and pasta. Entree voice was game which was light and fresh. I’m in love with the rhubarb cheesecake with strawberry ice cream.”
“A gem of a place with absolutely delicious and different fares. Every dish on the menu is creative. I have been there twice and ordered entirely different items both times. I would reorder the entire menu if I could.”
“Absolutely amazing food and service! Their seasonal menu offers incredible local flavors! Their wine list is also outstanding. My favorite dishes are the seasonal salad, the beef fat fries and whatever the seasonal pasta dish is always hits! And don’t sleep on the desserts too.”
“Delicious food and great atmosphere! Staff was amazing and very attentive making sure everything came out and timed perfectly and our glasses refilled with water between courses. Food was absolutely divine! My friend and I split the bill and had 2 apps and 2 main courses and one dessert as well as some refreshments (2 glasses of wine and 1 soda) and it came out to be a little over 100 each. Which i think is reasonable for the atmosphere and the intimacy of the restaurant. The hamachi crudo and beef carpaccio in my opinion were the highlights of this meal. 10/10 experience.”
“Now that one of the biggest hurdles to visiting has been cleared—the fact that you can finally make a reservation—there is absolutely nothing stopping you from enjoying this Lincoln Park gem. John's Food & Wine manages to be both upscale and inviting with its decor, though you should probably sit as close as humanly possible to your dining companion if you actually want to hear what they’re saying over the noise level. Whether you’re tucked into a table in the back or perched at the bar, the service is excellent and sets the tone for a fantastic meal. The menu is a bit of a moving target, but there are some absolute non-negotiables. The beef carpaccio is a mandatory order; if it isn’t officially a signature dish yet, it’s only because the rest of the world hasn't caught up. I was also pleasantly surprised by the Endive Salad, which managed to be a win without a hint of bitterness. While the ever-changing nature of the menu means the seafood pasta we loved might be a ghost by the time you visit, the Snake River Farms Denver Steak is a regular staple for a reason. It arrives perfectly seasoned and tender, accompanied by beef fat fries that are exactly as decadent as they sound. To wash it all down, the GUAVITO is a brilliant, easy-drinking introduction to the cocktail list that really opens up the palate. That said, major props go to the Ketel Martini; it was delivered with the kind of aggressive saltiness that my "extra dirty" heart requires. If you have any remaining dignity or stomach capacity, the Flourless Chocolate Cake is a rich, delicious way to admit defeat. It’s the kind of neighborhood spot that makes you glad you finally secured a seat.”
“One of the best meals. Can’t wait to return, exceptional concept, creativity and execution.”
“What a wonderful evening at John’s Food & Wine! We sat at the bar and enjoyed attentive service and delicious food. I especially appreciated the attention to detail—my water glass never sat empty, even during a busy service. Absolutely a place I’d return to!”
“A truly unforgettable date night experience. They are known for their french fries (understandable - literally the best I've ever had) but don't miss the rest of the menu! We were blown away by the creativity of the flavors like the spicy oysters, but the Wagyu steak and scallops were on another level. The steak was melt-in-your-mouth, and the scallops were HUGE with a perfect sear. The texture of the radiator pasta.. Drooling* don't get me started on the bread with carrot butter. Spicy margarita 10/10, and the service was professional, clearly passionate/knowledgeable about the menu. Johns is an absolute gem—If you’re looking for a spot that nails both flavor and experience, this is it.”
“We had a great time here. We were actually on our way to a different restaurant when we spotted this place and decided to give it a try. You order your food up front before sitting down, which was a new experience for me, but I didn’t mind it. The food was wonderful, fresh and flavorful, and though there were a lot of repeating elements across the dishes- it felt right. One thing to note: they add a 20% service charge, which I’m generally not a fan of.”
“An unreasonable hospitality moment happened tonight in real time at JFW. A man who is a former ballerina found by chance a ballerina figurine on the street this evening outside JFW. He adored it. But when he went to the bathroom, his friends played with it and dropped it. The head now broken off, the bartender Winston sprung to action. He raced to the back and found superglue and salvaged the figurine before their friend returned from the restroom. If that’s not unreasonable hospitality I don’t know what is. Also the food is dope.”
“This place might as well have a Michelin star. The tasting menu was fanatic, and the wine pairing really pulled out some unique wines that were amazing with their dish. I left very impressed.”
“What I thought would be a charming little wine spot with a few food options turned out to be a standout dining experience. Every dish was not only beautifully presented but packed with flavor—thoughtfully prepared and consistently impressive. The service and ambiance were equally top-notch. Run, don’t walk—this place is a hidden gem. Tish was here”
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