CHIReview
photo credit: Dan Piotrowski
Esmé
Included In
Look, we’re not telling you to just run out and spend $200 on a 12-15 course tasting menu. But if you’re in the market to do so, we recommend doing it at Esmé. This fine-dining spot in Lincoln Park has everything we look for in a fancy-ass meal. The three-hour meal never drags, courses flow together seamlessly, and (most importantly) the food is great. Plus, the magician that did the restaurant’s lighting made sure everyone looks airbrushed and like they belong in an art gallery.
The food is fun without being too whimsical, with dishes like charred ribs topped with banana caramel and wrapped around a ceramic “bone” you eat like a Flintstone. There’s also savory sweet potato ice cream topped with caviar, and a canapé that tastes like a Cheeto from the future. So if you’re looking for a very upscale place to celebrate a special occasion, you can confidently book a table here.
The menu at Esmé changes regularly, but here are some examples of the dishes you might find.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Sandy Noto
Wagyu Eclair
photo credit: Sandy Noto
Salmon
photo credit: Sandy Noto
Carrot Dauphine
photo credit: Sandy Noto
Salt Bake
photo credit: Sandy Noto
Prawn
photo credit: Sandy Noto
Pierogi
photo credit: Sandy Noto