Alinea

1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States

Chicago

Open

Cuisines

Fusion / contemporary

Influencer Reviews1

Alexander The Guest

8/10/2025

View Profile

Quotes

"What we are about to see in this video is literally a bucket list restaurant. Edible balloons, dinosaurs, flames above our heads, painting with food. All this by a chef who lost his tasting. Even getting on the waiting list is a challenge."

"Because this is one of the most famous shows of this place and maybe the most unique dessert presentation ever. This is going to be the painting."

"The salad is basically a fruit salad with bright, vibrant flavors. It's nice and refreshing and wakes up our palate. The squab is just perfect. It's smoky and literally melts in your mouth. Interesting that the pastry and the squab are very warm and soft. Then comes the salad, which is exactly the opposite. Cold and crunchy. I love the contrast. This is a strong opening act."

"It is another famous dish here. The balloon. Yes, that's right. That is an edible balloon. It is filled with helium and tastes like green apples and taffy."

"If I had to sum up this restaurant with one word, it would be clever. It's playful, surprising, exciting and keeps you interested all along. And not at the expense of the flavors."

"The service was immaculate, perfect. Awesome people, real professionals. They clearly invest a lot in their staff."

"The atmosphere was great. The menu is creative and thinking outside of the box is really sensible on the dishes."

This review includes brief, attributed excerpts of copyrighted material used for the purposes of commentary, criticism, and education. Such use is permitted under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. All rights to the original works remain with their respective creators and copyright holders. Our intent is to highlight, celebrate, and help audiences discover these creators by directing attention to their original content.

Explore Related Content

Explore more in Chicago More fine dining in Chicago More fusion / contemporary spots in Chicago More places featured by Alexander The Guest

Google Reviews

0.0

(0 reviews)

Recent Reviews in Chicago

Discover more restaurant recommendations in Chicago

4.7

Elixir Lounge

Chicago

Fusion / contemporary

Alexander The Guest

"Elixir offers a private, immersive dining experience crafted by a chef with a remarkable pedigree, including time as executive chef at Alinea. The reviewer was invited to a special lunch paired with Krug Champagne, highlighting the chef's playful creativity and technical mastery. The event felt liberating and personal, with standout moments like a gourmet cheeseburger and inventive desserts, all enjoyed in an intimate, relaxed setting that broke away from the formality of fine dining."

4.6

Elske

Chicago

Fusion / contemporaryScandinavian (nordic)

$$$$

"Elske delivers a unique blend of classic and contemporary flavors, as experienced during this visit. The menu features inventive takes on familiar dishes, like agnolotti with pine nuts and lemon, and a standout lamb saddle stuffed with confit belly. Desserts, crafted by Anna, are both beautiful and deceptively simple, with highlights like sunflower seed parfait and meringue shell with raspberry sorbet. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making for a memorable dining experience."

4.6

Mr. Beef

Chicago

American (traditional)Italian

UA Eats

"The reviewer visited Mr. Beef, eager to see if its legendary Italian beef sandwich lived up to the hype. While the experience was authentic, even including some real-life drama reminiscent of 'The Bear' series, the sandwich itself was described as tender and juicy but lacking in strong flavor. The reviewer appreciated the atmosphere but felt the sandwich was only okay, not among their favorites."

4.6

Next Restaurant

Chicago

Fusion / contemporaryItalian

$$$$

James Andrews

"Next offers a Michelin-starred tasting menu experience that stands out for its ever-changing concepts. During this visit, the reviewer enjoyed a nine-course tribute to Massimo Bottura, sharing the evening with his father. The meal was described as spectacular, leaving a lasting impression. The unique approach of reinventing the menu multiple times a year makes each visit to Next a new adventure in fine dining."

4.6

Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings

Chicago

Chinese

"QXY Dumpling offers a vibrant experience in Chicago’s Chinatown, where diners can explore a wide range of dumplings and small plates. The reviewer highlights the diversity of the menu, from Wagyu beef with truffle to lamb coriander and pork and cabbage dumplings, each available steamed, fried, or boiled. The atmosphere is lively, and the food is praised for its freshness and bold flavors, making QXY Dumpling a go-to destination for dumpling lovers."

4.6

Smyth

Chicago

Fusion / contemporaryAmerican (traditional)

$$$

"Dining at Smyth is a journey through inventive flavors and textures, guided by Chef John Shields’ creative vision. The reviewer highlights the restaurant’s commitment to local, seasonal ingredients and its bold, contemporary approach to fine dining. Standout moments include the playful use of banana skins, candied seaweed, and a memorable pre-dessert palate cleanser. The meal is described as unique, meticulously crafted, and worthy of top accolades, with each course offering unexpected delights."