EL ideas
Alka Maheshwari · 154 Google reviewsEL ideas — among the best american in Pilsen. Dim lighting, small tables, and all the right energy. The menu takes creative swings, and lands them, and BYOB. Kimberley Jackson: "The team is very knowledgeable about the dishes and the meals are absolutely incredible for a foodie like" [$$$$]
What 413 diners keep saying
What 413 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Lovely dinner @elideaschi with friends, the Chef and his staff was amazing and the food will stimulate your palate. I'm looking forward to going back. Cheers #michelinstar #Chicago #food”
“Outstanding experience start to finish. Chef Philip and his team did a great job with each dish providing different taste, texture and flavor. All delicious. My favorite was the halibut and wagyu beef, fabulously fresh and bursting with unique ingredients and preparation. We brought Byob and sparkling rose wine which brought the flavors of the food well. Otherwise ice water was provided and service was impeccable. You can converse with kitchen staff, video them etc so just part of the great experience. Bathrooms very clean, the neighborhood and parking lot around the restaurant is little sketchy so don’t drive your $100k vehicle. uber or just drive your modest vehicle: ). The meal is paid in advance to secure your reservation so the entire process was seamless.”
“6/7 We recently celebrated our 46th Wedding Anniversary at the acclaimed Michelin Star El Ideas and recently listed 2026 James Beard Semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant. The food was amazing! From the famously known first course that you lick off the plate to the favorite French Fries & Frosty. Owner and Executive Chef Phillip has put together a star-studded staff of Michelin experienced Chefs to help him elevate your dining experience with each Chef leaving their impressions through the menu tasting course. Shout out to Froy who keeps them running like a well-oiled and caffeinated machine. One young and upcoming Chef Emily recently won the Beyond Hunger Healthy Chef Challenge. All the Chefs lend a helping hand in serving each table…the inspiration and ingredients are explained before you take a bite. There is no front or back house. Very informal and very enjoyable as you are encouraged to leave your seat and check out the workings of the kitchen and witness the artful work of each plating. El Ideas is a must for a nice enjoyable evening with a delicious meal to go along with. Warning…come prepared to have fun!”
“This year my husband and I have dined here twice. Both times were incredible. First time we came out for a dinner date and had a wonderful private experience with just the two of us. We loved the intimate atmosphere of this fine establishment, so much so that we asked Chef Phillip and the crew to host us for a birthday party. This was such a special celebration and they made everyone feel special. We had children in our group (youngest was 8) and every team member must have answered 100s of questions from the children! This dining experience will be forever in our memories and I thank El Ideas for this! Ps, the food is absolutely a work art. So creative and different from anything you’ve tried before.”
“For the third time, I am a raving fan. This engaging restaurant challenges you to consider what fine dining truly means. Chef Phillip and team create the feel of a dinner party while delivering an exceptional 10 course meal with thoughtful service. I enjoyed another birthday dinner here and especially l love that this place is BYO which is a bonus. Enjoy a Michelin star experience with zero arrogance.”
“Been there 5 times. I keep going back because the food and hospitality is great.”
“Had a great time at El Ideas! (Dinner started with a lickable dish)! Small, cozy, open kitchen. Fun to watch Chef Foss orchestrate the chefs as they prepared each dish simultaneously for every guest. Quality and quantity of the food was exactly what you would expect for a many year Michelin starred restaurant. Well done! Bonus.....BYOB to create your own wine pairings!”
“Incredible experience with very tasty food. Staff was kind and atmosphere beautiful.”
“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.”
“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!”
“How good is the food you ask? Lick your plate delicious!!!!!”
“Literally the highlight of our recent trip to Chicago. EL Ideas was our first foray into the world of Michelin guide dining and the team lead by Chef Phillip Foss were our remarkable hosts for the evening. They've made fine dining fun and whimsical in the best of ways, doing away with the stuffiness and presumptuousness that can often stereotype a high end restaurant. All of us diners were encouraged to actively walk around the restaurant and interact with the chefs and staff. We learned so much about the food, not just from their beautiful descriptions but also from the team as they meticulously played every detail. Furthermore, Phillip and his team took extra special care to take care of everyone's dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or presentation. We loved this experience and would highly recommend it anyone who values food and experiencing as it should be: in an intimate setting with people who care.”
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