Alinea

What can I say. This place delivered and then some. Yes, the food was extremely tasty and well presented, but what makes Alinea so special is the experience. One of the meals was in the kitchen and when we went back to our table the ambience had changed. The table deco and music had changed. The servers were super attentive and friendly, and the dessert presentation was quite the spectacle. Eating here will cost a pretty penny for sure, but it's a great experience when in Chicago. Happy to return.

Alinea was an experience like I’ve never had before and days later while writing this review I am still blown away. Our party ate in The Gallery (16 courses) and you will not leave hungry—coming from someone who eats a lot. I’ve noticed some complaints about the wine pours too and I would have to disagree. They were pretty generous pours for a tasting—keyword: it’s a *tasting*. At the end of the meal it was probably around 5 glasses of wine if you add it all up. Anyone considering Alinea knows the price point is high. I was hesitant about spending so much money but I can safely say that it is worth it. I would do it again for a very special occasion simply because the experience was so special. I think the shorter course meal will have you leaving hungry so I can see why some were not happy with the wine pours and the portions. If you can afford it I would recommend The Gallery. Service: Nobody in our party knew what to expect. With it being fine dining and 3 Michelin stars we expected very formal service and it was very much the opposite. Everyone from the hostess to the people in the kitchen were warm and friendly and are clearly very good at what they do. They anticipate your needs and do everything in such a genuine way. Many of them would hold conversations with our party past the usual pleasantries which made the experience even better. Food: I’m surprised to read some reviewers found the food bland. It was anything but that. There were flavors and textures that were confusing in a good way. Some dishes were familiar with a new twist and others were brand new to me, but what makes them stand out is the execution which was flawless for every course. Nothing was too rich or overpowering. Some dishes had me laughing in disbelief by how good it was. Atmosphere: As I mentioned, the service here is as good as it gets. They really make you feel comfortable throughout your time in the restaurant. The decor and dining room was nice. Nothing gaudy or over-the-top. Alinea adjusts the atmosphere throughout the meal with change in lighting, aromas, sounds, etc. Again tapping into all of your senses during the experience. Everyone in our party agreed that at times it was difficult to hear the servers while they were introducing the dish and explaining how to eat it. I just think it was a lack of projecting their voice but it didn’t take away from the experience at all.

My boyfriend took me to Alinea on my birthday. There was no more reservations for the gallery on that date, so we picked the salon. Alinea has been my #1 on my food bucketlist for over 10 years, so this was such a special gift that I’ll cherish. Of course the food was amazing and the atmosphere was beautiful, but the service and presentation is what truly makes Alinea worthwhile. It is top notch service. The waiter presented every dish so elegantly and the story behind them was intriguing. The presentation may be over the top at times, but it keeps you fully engaged and when you taste the food, you understand what makes Alinea, Alinea. The entire staff were all very nice. From the host, waiter, sommelier, and food runners - no one was snotty or pretentious. They were all very friendly and easy to converse with - complimenting on our outfits and other topics unrelated to the food. It was such a pleasant surprise and not what we expected from a place like this. They made us feel very comfortable and special on my birthday. I’d definitely come again for the gallery next time.

Alinea in Chicago is an absolute culinary masterpiece! From the moment I stepped in, I knew I was in for an extraordinary dining experience. The restaurant's ambiance and service were impeccable, setting the stage for what was to come. The innovative and artistic presentation of each dish left me in awe. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the attention to detail in every course was evident. The way they incorporated unexpected ingredients into the dishes was mind-blowing and delightful. The staff was knowledgeable and passionate, enhancing the overall experience with their explanations and stories behind each creation. Alinea's tasting menu was an adventure for the senses, taking me on a gastronomic journey that I'll cherish forever. It's not just a meal; it's a work of art that captivates both the palate and the soul. Though it may be a splurge, the unforgettable memories and the sheer pleasure of dining at Alinea make it worth every penny. If you're a food enthusiast seeking an extraordinary culinary experience, Alinea is a must-visit destination that deserves nothing less than 5 stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

The overall atmosphere and storytelling for the evening was absolutely magical and very well constructed. There was a beautiful jungle/flower display with glass accoutrements in the beginning, adjusting to an open plan more intimate setting with each course alteration. I have never been so interested and happy in that type of environment. BIG however: the food for the price point was honestly severely lacking, everything relatively decent but I honestly thought most of it was relatively commonplace flavors except for a few unique dishes. I honestly think they could step their flavors up. The candy balloon was cute and tasty, but a meteor rock version of a banana split? Cool but it wasn’t the best flavor. This place is much more about atmosphere than the food.