North Pond

“Have been here several times for both brunch and dinner.”

Have been here several times for both brunch and dinner. Dishes are good portions they will leave you full unlike other tasting menus. Dishes are also very inventive and beautifully plated. Gorgeous views and cozy interior.

Denise W

Jan 2026

“My fiancé and I don't often go to restaurants of this caliber.”

My fiancé and I don't often go to restaurants of this caliber. We had cheered on executive chef Cesar Murillo while watching Top Chef and decided that we wanted to treat ourselves to a fancy night out. From the setting, the service, the food; we were treated to an excellent experience. We loved every course and were talking about our dinner for days afterwards. We are excited to come back for a Sunday brunch. I can't recommend North Pond enough, it was an exceptional dining experience.

Sarah Brady

Nov 2025

“I take my mom to a lot fancy restaurants.”

I take my mom to a lot fancy restaurants. This is by far her favorite. I would recommend this place for the variety and fusion of food. If has a twist that is delicious. Also compared to similar restaurants it is quite affordable. Would go again if ever in Chicago. However would like to try their brunch.

Meghan Schott

Oct 2025

“I wish there were 6 stars.”

I wish there were 6 stars. Everything was incredible from start to finish. The food was amazing, of course. The service was also outstanding and above anything we expected. The little touches were so cool. The scallops and the Waygu were some of our favorites. Best of all I thought the tasting menu was incredibly reasonable (for around $130 / person). We had a few add ons i thought were worth it too. Definitely try this place out! The view of the city across the pond as you leave was just the icing on the cake at the end.

Kyle Bullock

Sep 2025

“From the moment the host ran out to offer to take a picture of us to our smiley server to the take...”

From the moment the host ran out to offer to take a picture of us to our smiley server to the take home jam and anniversary dessert plate, this was an amazing experience. There are lots of restaurants in Chicago with amazing food.. and this place is certainly amazing, but it’s been a long while since I’ve experienced such exceptional service. Also the watermelon that tastes like sashimi is so unique… would love to eat 10 more of these!

Rona Y

Sep 2025

“Came all the way from Texas, and while we (my wife and I) were in town, we had to try Chef César’s...”

Came all the way from Texas, and while we (my wife and I) were in town, we had to try Chef César’s restaurant after watching his incredible run on Top Chef. It turned out to be, without question, the best meal we’ve ever had. If you’ve ever wondered what the best food from Top Chef tastes like, you need to come to North Pond. Every single bite of every single dish was crafted with such love, thought, and creativity that it makes you appreciate food in a whole new way. We loved it so much, we are coming back for brunch on Sunday. This is a 10/5 experience. if you don’t love this, your taste buds are broken.

Ricky Kemph

Sep 2025

“Excellent experience from start to finish.”

Excellent experience from start to finish! It can be difficult for me to find ways to celebrate my husband's birthday, as he doesn't want all the fuss. But North Pond pays attention to your reservation notes! And makes your occasion special in the best way possible. We had the Sunday brunch, and it was amazing! Portion sizes are great, but not too much. And the kitchen plays with unexpected flavors and textures that are delightful. The staff are top notch! No detail was missed. Our waiter, Peter, was happy to answer our questions and provide reccomendations. That combined with the beautiful architecture and backdrop of Lincoln park make North Park an unforgettable experience. We will be back!

Madeleine Dubelko

Sep 2025

“We had the 5-course chef’s tasting dinner, and it was absolutely incredible.”

We had the 5-course chef’s tasting dinner, and it was absolutely incredible! Every single dish was perfectly prepared, full of flavor, and beautifully presented. We also chose the wine pairing option, and the chef’s selections complemented each course flawlessly — the combinations were simply outstanding. The atmosphere is just as impressive as the food. Being located right in the park adds a cozy and exclusive touch, and the wooden interior design makes the setting warm and elegant. Many thanks to the chef and the entire team for such an unforgettable dining experience. Without a doubt, one of the best culinary evenings we’ve ever had!

Ivan Orekhov

Sep 2025

“We visited North Pond in Lincoln Park to celebrate a birthday after becoming big fans of Chef César...”

We visited North Pond in Lincoln Park to celebrate a birthday after becoming big fans of Chef César Murillo on this season of Top Chef—and the experience far exceeded our expectations. From start to finish, the service was exceptional: warm, attentive, and professional. The team even created custom menus for our table, which made the celebration feel extra special. The food was outstanding. Highlights included the Summer Panzanella, Lamb, and Striped Bass—each dish beautifully presented and full of flavor. For dessert, the Cinnamon Churro and Peach Cobbler were the perfect finish. The serene setting, Chef Murillo’s creativity, and the overall hospitality made this an unforgettable brunch. North Pond is a true gem in Chicago, and we can’t wait to return.

Corey Jones

Sep 2025

“Wow. Birthday dinner of my dreams. Charmaine was our server and she was all you could ask for, so...”

Wow. Birthday dinner of my dreams. Charmaine was our server and she was all you could ask for, so informative yet light hearted, fun, and observant (she offered us very comfy blankets as the temps outside cooled down!!!). Juan was also great and personable. Finally, Chef César himself came out to with me a happy birthday and explained some of the inner workings of the restaurant… the functional rooftop was a joy. On to the ambiance: just wonderful. We sat outside and the view of downtown over the pond might just be the best restaurant view in all of Chicago. Food: the perfect amount of surprises and comfort, and the wine pairings felt like the entire staff actually put thought into it rather than a som selling high end wines which can sometimes be the case. I’m not the best at remembering to take photos nor am I proficient at capturing things so the attached don’t really do it justice haha

Montana Krukowski

Aug 2025

“As a family of three, we are grateful to try all the nine dishes in the brunch menu.”

As a family of three, we are grateful to try all the nine dishes in the brunch menu. The lobster toast appetizers is exquisite and flavorful. The beef and fish main course was heavenly delicious. The churro dessert with galeto is rich in coffee scent. If you want my suggestion, the lamb is a little bland in flavor. The cheese cake is a little bit too rich in cheese flavor so I can't taste much the berry scent. The texture of the peach dessert can be improved. But all in all, the value of this brunch is definitely exceeding the cost. Highly recommend it.

Nana Sang

Aug 2025

“The staff went above and beyond to make my birthday a truly special event.”

The staff went above and beyond to make my birthday a truly special event. My 69th birthday meal was possibly the best meal I’ve ever had. Thank you so much!! We will return with other friends

Daniel Jones

Jul 2025