Le Colonial

This is probably one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Chicago. Everything is very tasty. The Pho Bo definitely must try, the broth tastes with a strong flavor and the beef is very tender. The atmosphere is very upscale. However, a couple of comments, first is the green curry which is very good but it doesn't come with plain rice so how can anyone enjoy it? The price isn't cheap so my expectation is it should include the best experience. In addition, the bus boy keeps rushing the clean up empty plates. Other than that, it's a good restaurant and I probably will come again.

Upscale Vietnamese fusion cuisine at one of the fanciest streets in Downtown Chicago. The food has a very balanced taste, just the perfect amount of "delicious". This goes for the small plates (appetizers), large plates and desserts. Food is so good in fact, that I completely forgot to take pictures for this review. Completely fabulous experience. Patricia, our waitress, made our experience even more fantastic with her welcoming attitude and deep knowledge of the recipes and pairing wines. There is a dress code displayed in writing... DRESS UP to the occasion!

I am a fan of French Vietnamese cuisine. I came in for lunch and loved everything about Le Colonial Chicago. From the area, the lobby entrance taking the elevator to the reception / hostess area. Great service, even better food, and a nice ambiance with an affluent clientele. Posted are the pictures of what we ordered.

I must confess, Le Colonial has become my not-so-secret obsession. I've been there a lot and I don't plan on stopping. This place is like a siren calling me back for more, and I surrender gladly. The food at Le Colonial is like a love affair between France and Vietnam, and I'm just a third wheel in this culinary romance. Their dishes are so unique that I'd bet my last spring roll you won't find them anywhere else. It's like the chefs got together and decided, "You know what would be amazing? Let's combine these two fantastic cuisines and make taste buds all over the world do the cha-cha." And they succeeded! The flavors are so complex and exciting that my taste buds do a conga line every time I take a bite. Now, let's talk about the interior – it's the kind of place you walk into and immediately wonder if you've accidentally stepped into a time machine set for "Colonial Indochine Elegance." It's like being on the set of an old-school movie, and I half-expect Humphrey Bogart to appear at the bar with a fedora and trench coat. The ambiance is so cool; it's basically the James Bond of restaurants. But it's not just the food and decor that keep me coming back. The service at Le Colonial is so good; they practically read your mind. I once dropped a napkin, and before I could even contemplate the physics of bending over to pick it up, a server appeared out of nowhere with a fresh one. It's like they have a sixth sense for hospitality – "The Server Sense," if you will. And the waitstaff is incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. They could probably recite it backwards in their sleep while juggling flaming knives. Not that they do that, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did – they're that good. I can't recommend Le Colonial enough. It's like the best-kept secret that I just can't keep to myself, even though I secretly want to. So, if you're looking for a dining experience that's a perfect blend of fantastic food, a time-travel-worthy interior, and service that's smoother than a silk scarf, look no further. Just promise me you won't become as addicted as I am – I need to make sure there's still room for me at that fabulous colonial-inspired table!

Elevated Vietnamese fare, executed with finesse under the guidance of a native Vietnamese chef. Recently took a visit for a Saturday lunch. The ambiance of Le Colonial oscillated between elegance and casual charm. While the main dining area exuded the sophistication reminiscent of upscale Vietnamese eateries, the glass-roofed terrace offered a breezy escape. We started off with two of their seasonal cocktails - Mua He and Mua Thu, representing summer and autumn respectively. A great blend of tropical fruit flavors, these drinks were as refreshing as they were colorful. The Mua Thu, with its subtle sweetness, was slightly better. For appetizers, we chose the Hanoi Beef pho and baby back ribs. While both were good, they weren't groundbreaking. The pho, however, stood out with its clear and grease-free broth, reminiscent of the authentic ones I've tried in Hanoi. The highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the fried snapper. Though pricey, the dish justified its cost with its flawless presentation and taste. Encased in a light, crispy batter, the snapper retained its moisture and tenderness. The accompanying sauce and vegetable toppings added layers of flavor, making the dish fragrant and extra crunchy. Overall, a delightful culinary experience, blending authenticity with contemporary flair. Highly recommend visiting for anyone seeking a gourmet Vietnamese experience.

Gorgeous upscale Vietnamese restaurant! Whoever designed this interior space deserves an award! You are instantly transitioned to another world upon entering the dining area. I love airy and bright dining area in the “atrium”. We were seated in another room, which was dark, moody, and romantic. The service was great. The food was fantastic. I enjoyed the Pho Bo way more than I thought I would! I felt like I cheated the mom and pop pho restaurants on argyle in Uptown! The baby back ribs were tender, and the meat fell right off the bones. Everything was great and I would definitely come hear again! The restaurant noted a dress code, but as long as you’re not in swim/athletic attire you should be good!