Bandol Brasserie & Raw Bar

“We visited Bandol for lunch while in town for work.”

We visited Bandol for lunch while in town for work. It was reasonably busy on a weekday at noon but we were able to sit immediately without a reservation. The waiter was prompt and friendly and special requests were adhered to. I had the burger and it was great! Although I'd requested it to be cooked thoroughly/no pink inside, it was nonetheless very juicy. Basically greasy but in a good way. Fries also very good - nice and crispy. Definitely recommend!

J B

Dec 2025

“I've gone twice. They have great cocktails and they also do an awesome breakfast. Great service...”

I've gone twice. They have great cocktails and they also do an awesome breakfast. Great service too! I plan to go again next time I'm in the area.

CrimsonRose2006

Dec 2025

“Great lunch spot with a lively professional crowd.”

Great lunch spot with a lively professional crowd. The French fries were outstanding, though the burger patty was a bit under-seasoned. Rooftop menu starts at 3 PM, which I’ll be back to try. A solid choice for coffee, French onion soup, lunch, or the rooftop bar.

Mir Parvin

Sep 2025

“So nice, we did it twice.”

So nice, we did it twice! First time we went as a group of four and had a great time. The second time was the last day of our trip and we loved it so much we went back.

Kera Rolsen

Sep 2025

“Caesar was absolutely wonderful.”

Caesar was absolutely wonderful. The food (ravioli ) was so delicious and the atmosphere so relaxing. A great wine selection. Visited Chicago and is definitely a favorite in the Chicago area. A must to visit.

Jennifer Powers

Jul 2025

“Patrick was our server and he was absolutely amazing.”

Patrick was our server and he was absolutely amazing! Kind, funny, good food recommendations, and he even wrote a quote from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off on our check after he learned we were recreating the movie. This place is worth the visit! Get the mussels and fries!

Sophia Castillo (Thinksophia)

Jul 2025

“We stumbled upon this absolute gem one afternoon and were delighted.”

We stumbled upon this absolute gem one afternoon and were delighted! The food was fabulous, the drinks were amazing, and our service was beyond wonderful (thanks Caesar!) Absolutely will return!

Beth Meyer

May 2025

“We arrived late in the service.”

We arrived late in the service. We were greeted immediately and treated like royalty. Unfortunately our selections were popular and we went with our third choice - the lobster roll. Oh. Mah. Word. That was amazing lobster and the seasoning was perfect- not overwhelming. Quality lobster and cooked well. Our server was Spencer and the manager on duty was dahlia (sp?) How do I know? Because each of these smoking high positivity folk came over and introduced themselves. Spencer was our server. We liked how they handled the sold outs- that’s a make or break for any restaurant. They definitely made us feel we made the best choice for supper tonight. We shared Virginia Oysters, escargot, fries (omg!!!) and the lobster roll. Do not hesitate to eat at this establishment. Quality of food was wonderful. Chef skill was on point. Bartender on point. And… the face of the place, the server, also on point. It’s clear the manager does a great job!

The Iron Queen

Mar 2025

“A Culinary Masterpiece in the Heart of Chicago: Bandol Mediterranean Brasserie Raw Bar Our first...”

A Culinary Masterpiece in the Heart of Chicago: Bandol Mediterranean Brasserie Raw Bar Our first night in Chicago, and we had the absolute pleasure of dining at Bandol Mediterranean Brasserie Raw Bar—and let me tell you, it was an experience in every sense of the word. From the moment we stepped inside, we were met with an ambiance that felt effortlessly elegant—warm lighting, modern yet cozy decor, and a lively yet intimate energy that set the perfect tone for the night. This felt & tasted like michelin star dining to me! Now, let’s talk service. The staff? Impeccable. Our server was attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about every dish, and passionate about what they do. That level of care and precision is something that elevates a dining experience from good to unforgettable. He was also personable and provide top tier customer service! But the real showstopper? The food. 🍽️ A Tastebud Journey Like No Other Every bite was like a Michelin-starred symphony—bold flavors, delicate textures, and an execution that screamed top-tier culinary craftsmanship. If I lived in Chicago, Bandol would be a weekly must. Hands down, one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Here’s what we indulged in: 🔥 Shrimp & Lobster Ravioli Silky, delicate pasta pockets filled with succulent shrimp and sweet lobster, all smothered in a creamy, rich tomato-infused sauce that was velvety perfection. The balance of seafood sweetness with the indulgent sauce made this a dish I could eat on repeat. 🌊 Mussels MARINIÈRE white wine sauce, frites, fines herbs A bold, briny, and buttery delight. The mussels were plump and fresh, bathed in a rich vodka sauce that carried just the right amount of tang and depth. Paired with the grilled, herb-buttered bread for soaking up that sauce? Absolute heaven. 🦀 Crab Cakes served with Truffle Oil Golden, crispy perfection on the outside, luxuriously tender and packed with lump crab on the inside. The truffle oil added a layer of earthiness that made this dish sing. And that slight citrusy zing from the charred lemon? A chef’s kiss moment. 🍜 POULET ROTI ALFREDO (Darrell’s Dish) A comforting, creamy dream. The Alfredo sauce was rich but not overpowering, perfectly coating each bite of penne and tender, juicy chicken. Fresh herbs and a light dusting of parmesan elevated this to elegant comfort food at its best. 🧅 French Onion Soup (Darrell’s Dish) A bowl of deep, slow-cooked onion richness, topped with a thick, golden, bubbling layer of gruyère cheese. Every spoonful was warm, hearty, and downright addictive. The kind of dish that reminds you why classic French cuisine never goes out of style. 🥃 Black Manhattan (My Drink) A dark, brooding, and smooth classic cocktail—this wasn’t just a drink, it was an experience. The balance of whiskey, amaro, and bitters was smoky, slightly sweet, and complex, giving the perfect finishing touch to an already flawless dinner. ⭐ Final Verdict: A Must-Visit Gem in Chicago If you’re in Chicago and love food that speaks to your soul, do yourself a favor—get a reservation at Bandol. The atmosphere, the service, and the culinary magic happening in that kitchen make this a top-tier, can’t-miss dining experience. Would I go back? Without hesitation. Would I recommend it? Only if you love incredible food. 📍 Bandol Chicago – where flavor, elegance, and pure culinary bliss come together in one unforgettable meal.

Angelo Wright

Mar 2025

“I sat at the bar with Vanessa who was amazing.”

I sat at the bar with Vanessa who was amazing. She helped me work around my nut allergy on the menu and made an Old Fashioned for me with the habanero in it since their pre-made batch was out. I've worked in customer service a while now, and Vanessa was top notch even with a swiftly filling bar.

John Wells

Feb 2025

“I had a fantastic experience at Bandol Mediterranean Brasserie.”

I had a fantastic experience at Bandol Mediterranean Brasserie! The food was absolutely exceptional, particularly the chicken, bursting with flavor. The service was top-notch – attentive, friendly, and professional, which made the dining experience even more enjoyable.I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great Italian cuisine and excellent service.

Dannia Parra

Dec 2024

“Came here for a work lunch with my team on a Thursday afternoon.”

Came here for a work lunch with my team on a Thursday afternoon. Not too crowded and it ended up being a great atmosphere for the six of us to chat while waiting for our order. I ordered an Arnold Palmer and a Caesar Salad. The Arnold Palmer was refreshing on what was a pretty humid day. And the Caesar Salad was delicious and light with the perfect amount of parmesan cheese. We were there for just under an hour and had a nice time. There's a lot of construction going on both sides of the street with the Chase Tower undergoing a renovation, so there's not much foot traffic, and this also factored into our decision to eat inside instead of at their outdoor space. Overall it was a very nice meal and I hope to be back soon!

Andrew Foley

Jul 2024