Review Brindille - Chicago

We enjoyed visiting Brindille since it was opened. Coming from the Four Seasons in LA and Naha, the Brindille team has definitely created some of the best French dishes (with a spin) in the past and present. The importance of creative French cuisines is the balance of the flavors from fresh ingredients and yes the sauces. Everything I have had here, were made perfectly with care. It is difficult to describe all of my experiences here so you will just have to try it yourself. But you won't regret it that is fo sure. However, we used to enjoy the atmosphere at Brindille before COVID, quiet, quaint , romantic even, which is what you expect for a French joint. The last few visits, the place has turned into a sports bar or TGI Fridays. Large tables, loud, drunk and completely out of control. This is the down side for me, hence the 4 ⭐. But if that is what you are into, good for you.

I honestly didn't have any expectations coming here. I was a bit skeptical at first but once the food was served, it became very apparent that I'd be dining at Brindille again, in the near future. First and foremost, I would've never guessed that such a wonderful place was so close to me. I've been searching for a decent French restaurant for a while. Boka's new venture was quite a big let-down and I've been needing to recoup myself after that experience. I don't know whether or not their menu rotates, but if it does, their current menu is delicious and I'd gladly go back to try it seasonally. First off, the Ramequin of Foie Gras Royale. If I could, I would order this 10x and have that be my entire meal. It was definitely one of my favorite items. The next dish that is a definite reorder, if available, would be the Brindille Tarte Tatin. My only qualm with that item is the size. I wish it was larger so I could've had more of it. Another dish that was small but packed a lot of flavor was their Seared Foie Gras and Apple Brioche Bread Pudding. In hindsight, my party (four adults) should've ordered two of those to share; however, that's just my opinion. The Salade Lyonnaise of Pork Belly, Coddled Duck Egg and Crisp Brussels Sprouts wasn't great, just good. The dish could have used a bit more pork belly, but that's the inner carnivore in me speaking. Overall, the salad was well balanced. As for entrees, three out of the four stayed with me, one, not so much. Let's start with the good first. Firstly, the Whole European Dover Sole Meuniere. It was paired with some pasta (could've had a slightly larger serving size) and four fillets. Secondly, the Lacquered Aged Moulard Duck Breast a l'Orange and a Confit of Belgian Endive. Truthfully speaking, if a French restaurant has duck l'orange, it'll be my first go-to entree to order, in order to test whether or not they're up to par. Needless to say, Brindille stepped up to the challenge and knocked it out of the ballpark, 10/10 on the duck. Their third entree that deserves a great review would be the Medallions of Ranch Venison. Although not the most photogenic of dishes, it was delicious nevertheless. Don't let the bland color scheme fool you. Everything on the plate worked harmoniously in my mouth and was wonderful. Unfortunately, the fourth and final entree, their Braised Lamb Shank wasn't anything to write home about. I'm not saying it wasn't good, but it reminded me of a pot roast that. Don't get me wrong, the lamb was very tender and melted in my mouth; however, flavor profile wise, it didn't leave a very big impression on me. They offer tasting menus, 5 course/8 course at $155/$205. I'm not sure what the portion sizes are for the tasting menu, but if it's full sized portions from their a la carte, it'd be well worth it.

We really enjoyed our meal at Brindille. The service was friendly and very attentive, the ambience quite pleasant, and the food was great. The one critical note would be that it’s not cheap - we had seen the regular menu on their website and thought it was quite expensive. When we went, it was during restaurant week, and the menu price even then was up there, with portions being somewhat stingy. We did really appreciate our food and the service though, and we’ll probably go back to try the regular menu too. Honorable mention for their version of an île flottante- it was absolutely delicious.

Great restaurant but be ready for a long wait and a little bit overpriced. Both my husband and I love the restaurant. The atmosphere was great, the food was really good and the staff was professional and polite But we would both complain about the timing. We had a reservation on Saturday at 7:30 pm we were seated at 8:00. Since we were hungry we orders appetizers and a main course in the first 10 minutes, but our food was served to us TWO hours later. Appetizers appeared at 9:00 and dinner at 10:00 pm. We were not ready for that.

Came here for restaurant week and the menu looks not bad. The food is overall tasty but little amount as it’s French, you know. 59 dollars to get three courses is a good deal. Appetizer is the oyster, flavorful spice with some smoke taste covered the stinky of oyster. Entree is the sirloin steak, medium rare is good for this one, the sauce is meaty flavor and works pretty well with the steak itself and the potatoes. Dessert is the oeuf, concept is cool, ice cream with citrus fruit is a combination of sweet and sour plus a balance of bitterness in there. Next time I will try their claufotis.

Fantastic food, generous portions considering the price. We loved the wine list ( and the Auxerrois that is still on the menu). Our server (Evan?) was fantastic. This place should be on more lists for places in Chicago. This was my third visit and I will be back.

Foods were very tasty. Their service and behavior were praiseworthy.

Fantastic food and great service. Overall just a lovely atmosphere. The standout dish for me was the modular duck.

Very positive review of this place - we hosted an executive event for the company here for many of our top clients. We booked the whole venue. Service was superior. People offering to take our coats as we walked in, offer us a cocktail or drinks, and more. The food was pretty good overall as well. Kicked off with oysters, went into greens/meats, and ended up delicious desserts. Man the dessert was awesome - macaroons, cookies, and more. Very impressed. The ambiance of this place is very romantic also. Great date spot. I'd definitely return here for a date, client dinner, or just to catch up with friends.

I enjoyed coming to Brindille! The French cuisine is exquisite, second to none for the great City of Chicago. What stood out to me between the service, the ambiance, the food and custom wine list they offered. Brindille brought back romance to the fine dining scene. It was a nice break from the hustle and bustle of restaurants that have become too often the same menu of food, but at different locations. It was pleasing to be in a location where it felt romantic to go out and dine. It wasn’t a transactional, it was a relationship, where Michael and his amazing staff, Shane and Tiffany got to know you and brought you in like family. You made long lasting memories. As someone who is used to Chicago dining, this has become my new number 1 recommendation to have an intimate wholesome evening experience. My compliments to Chef Carrie for the delicious artwork of food that came out. It would make Van Gogh scrap “Cypresses” and paint Carries food and call it “Luscious!” Lastly, the Bordeaux was delightful.

Chose to give Brindille a shot after a LOT of looking over info on various high-end restaurants in Chicago - we were NOT disappointed. Heavy traffic delayed us, I called and advised them, they said thanks, and we showed 20 minutes late to a very hearty welcome. We brought along two bottles of fine wine from my cellar: a dry white 2014 "Y" from the Château d'Yquem, and a 1990 Château d'Yquem which absolutely floored us for its perfection! "Y" is also called "Ygrec," which is the French name for that letter of the alphabet. We also bought a bottle of 2013 Albert Boxer Gewurztraminer Reserve from Alsace. Two of us dined on the following, sharing dishes: Appetizers, which were generously portioned: CHESAPEAKE BAY SOFT SHELL CRAB Charred Heirloom Tomato, Red Onion & Provençal Black Olives with soft white corn polenta, roquette leaves and french date vinegar butter. Amazing crab, especially in Chicago, where they're not pulled out of nearby waters. Also quite liked the polenta, and the overall flavors were well chosen. Eaten with two wines we brought, preferred with Ygrec. CRISP BELLY OF BERKSHIRE PORK Cardamom Roasted Pineapple & Pickled Ramps, Beauty Heart Radish and Candied Pecans, Natural Jus with Kishmish "Green" Raisins, Blueberries, and While Balsamic "Crisps." Delicious, juicy, tender, flavorsome bit of pork with a nice then layer of crispy fat. Everything that was part of it built the whole up to the spectacular appetizer which this was - went best with some of the Yquem. SEARED HUDSON VALLEY FOIE GRAS - (FROM GOOSE) Blackberry, Amber Afghani Saffron and Strawberry Friponnes, Anise Seed and Tarragon Savory Toast, Green Almondine Tea Gelée, Banyuls, Anise Hissop and Maché. It is hard to mess up Foie Gras if you're competent in your kitchen, and these folks definitely did it justice. I'd say a trip to Brindille is worth making JUST to eat this! It was marvelous with the '90 Yquem. SEA SCALLOPS NAHA SCENTED WITH VANILLA BEAN, Citrus and Spices, Caramelized Belgian Endive "Marmalade," Late Summer Plums, Frangrant Marigold and Bergamot Flowers with a Nage of Carrot, Coriander and Lemongrass Just superb! Properly caramelized scallops, looking like a perfectly toasted marshmallow, are a special favorite of both of us. These were nicely succulent both the Ygrec and the Yquem, but in the end, the Yquem was even better. Entrées, which were also generous and amazing! Well, we were disappointed to learn that the Sole Meunier on the menu was not available, it had been a major motivator for our choice, but other items on the menu undid our sadness. BUTTER POACHED MAINE LOBSTER, 'Corn on the Cob,' Striped Beets and Jerusalem Artichoke, Salpicon of Gold Beets and Celery, Celery Root, Crustacean Lobster Broth and Summer Garden Herb Salad. Ooooh, LOBSTER! Juicy and succulent and perfectly cooked, again, all those things combined with it were just perfection on a plate of flavors. It went well with both the Ygrec and Yquem, but we both preferred the Yquem. Lacquered Aged Moulard Duck Breast with a Pavé Tarte of "Red Haven" Peaches, Roasted Fennel, and Tropea Onions, Medjool Date, Braised Leeks, Bronze Fennel, and Apple Mint. As with the lobster, another perfection of (different) flavors on a plate. many people would want to drink red wine with duck, but those in the know are aware that a good Sauternes can pair amazingly with it, and for us, the Yquem took this tasty duck to an even higher level. FORTUNATELY, we'd paced ourselves so as to be able to enjoy the artisanal cheese selection as our final. It consisted of a dozen French Cheeses. I've attached a photo of the list, so am abbreviating them here, along with which wine we determined was the best compliment. For my comments, please see the pic, as I've exceeded my character limit.

Wonderful experience at Brindille last night! We enjoyed our 6 year anniversary with some wine, apps, entrees, and two desserts. Our server was a funny and personable gentleman, and he was the only one hosting AND serving all of the tables that night. Phenomenal job. The feuillete of woodland mushrooms was my favorite. the serloin was my husband's favorite! he was in need of a good steak! I could do without the chocolate clafoutis, but the berlin dessert we got made up for it. great job! hopefully we can come back for the spring menu.

Terrific place for French food & wine. Staff were very accommodating and friendly. Noise level was a bit loud for conversation, but we had a wonderful time. Highly recommend.

Overpriced? Probably. Did it matter? No. Focus here is on the food - everything was simply splendid. From the amuse-bouche to the home-made Madeline’s the food was phenomenal with service by Evan to match. Group had the halibut, duck, venison, and special shout out for the tatin.

I went to a wonderful private wine tasting this afternoon at Brindille and the food and service was excellent. The atmosphere was lovely and there was no loud music that allowed for pleasant conversation. We had several courses and the wines paired nicely with the food. Bravo to everyone that worked so hard for this tasting event!

Oh wow! Another 5-star restaurants on my list. Corn soup is sticky (in a good way) with strong aroma, duck is just phenomenal (order it please), and not to mention foie gras burger—simply enjoyable with many notes. Service is good, price is ok if you skip alcohol, and the portion is good. Look forward to coming back again.