Esme

What an amazing experience. I love how you start in the "lounge" standing at high top tables where you can take in the art and observe the space. They bring you a welcome cocktail, which was delicious (we love an edible flower :) Meghan borah was our artist, and loved her work. The plates that were used were so cute, and I wanted them for at home! The courses were stellar, the scallop course with roses was a favorite. I will say they absolutely EXCEL in sauces. Every single sauce on the plates was the absolute best and left us wanting to LICK THE PLATES. The butternut squash with the sole (I believe?) was to die for. Everything was coursed and timed to perfection (we even ended up with wine due to a course taking longer than expected, but I didn't even notice.) I did find this interesting since we had ordered non alcoholic drinks, but, one does not turn down good wine :) I am such a dessert person, and this dessert for me was absolutely a home run. I would've eaten about ten more had that been allowed :) Even the color was beautiful :) A wonderful experience, service was stellar, and every question we asked was answered with such care and detail. i adore restaurants where servers care and deliver so much passion and intention to meals! Highly, highly recommended :)

We visited in September 2021 and were blown away by the creativity and care with each and every intentional decision from the moment we stepped into the restaurant through each dish.Starting at the standing bar area, we had our first glasses of wine and snacks, before going to our table.Normally at a fine dining establishment, the servers tell you a story about the food, the ingredients, and the pairing. At Esme, we also learned about local artists who created the serving plates, the cutlery and the art on the walls. I loved the attention to detail.Food was delicious and staff were very knowledgeable and friendly. I can't wait to come back again soon.

As always it was flawless. Not only is the food impeccable, but the service is so good. Chef Jenner always makes really interesting and creative dishes. Esme is right up there with all of the top places in Chicago, well deserving of the Michelin star status it has. All of the waitstaff is always so friendly approachable and informative. I hope you win the Beard award it would be very well deserved!

Really great meal at Esme. Started at the bar with cocktails and snacks (get the cheetos!), which were awesome. Then moved to the restaurant for dinner. Starts with a nice cocktail before you move to your seat. Artwork from the featured artist is displayed on the walls and reflected in the food presentations. Everything was intricate, pretty, and also tasted very good. The space is very calming, the food is great, definitely looking forward to trying more menus in the future.

Okay, starting with the service and the front of the house, I think the experience was not up to the Michelin stds. We went there for the prefixed 3 course menu with adhoc cocktails. The house made cheetos were an absolute disappointment, did not go with the menu at all, the texture was off, the spices were mediocre. I have no idea why its on the menu. Also, one of the tiki drinks was extremely sweet and unfortunately I had to send it back. The carrot soup was nothing but a recipe of Indian butter chicken gravy , seriously.There were certainly few good things, the foie gras dish, the initial complimentary cocktail shot and few other cocktails, dessert was good. Overall, We had a mediocre fine dinning experience which was not too bad but also not very impressive. Might not want to go back.

Food- one of the most beautiful, artfully created meals of my life. Unforgettable. The whole experience- the flavors, textures, temperatures, tactility, colors, shapes. Thought and care went into every single detail. Service- WOW. We felt so cared for! We came as part of a business dinner with a large group. The entire team took such wonderful care of us, looking after every one of us with such attention to detail. The hospitality was impeccable. Also, the restroom had free period products, gorgeous finishes, and lovely-smelling Aesop hand soap. Everything about this place feels special. Ambiance- beautiful art that apparently changes seasonally, and coordinates with the changing menu?! Gorgeous furniture and lighting. Once again the details were incredibly thoughtful.

Decided to try Esmé for restaurant week and was honestly very disappointed.The service was great. Our server was very attentive and checked in on us appropriately.The space was also very unique as it is a gallery with rotating art from different artists. Not too loud, not too quiet and very clean.The food, however, was very disappointing. The plating was impeccable and beautiful as you can see in the pictures. The portions were extremely small, but we expected this being a Michelin Star restaurant. Most of our dishes were just okay in taste. Nothing special and very forgettable. I ordered The Dover as my main dish and it was atrocious. It was not warm, had no seasoning, and had an odd flavor. I ate only a few bites and then traded with my husband since he didn't like his short rib but I thought it was edible in comparison.I do not recommend based on the menu we tried, but know they change their menu frequently. Try at your own risk. We will not be coming back.

We have been looking forward to dining at Esmé for a long time and it certainly lived up to the hype. For $59, you get a 3 course menu and it is a great opportunity to visit and see what this highly acclaimed restaurant is all about. The dishes were stunning in taste and appearance. The veloute was incredible. Full menu being offered now below; we tried everything but the risotto. COURSE ONE Flamin' Hot Cheeto: caramelized onion dip& Kale Bouquet: trip of purées, yuzu, whiskCOURSE TWOFoie Gras, Apple Gelee, Winter Squash orWinter Veloute, Oat Granola, HuckleberryCOURSE THREEGrilled Australian Wagyu Short Rib, Matsutake, Burnt Onion JusorDove Sole, Sauce Vin Juan, Prawn, Arrowleaf SpinachorCelery Root Risotto, Aged Parmesan, Black Truffle

Was asked slightly too many times to say what I liked the most about the meal, I don't need to be quizzed. Having said that, the burnt onion sauce with the pierogi is the best most original thing I've tasted in 25+ years. Will be back.

We have dined at Esme a number of times and each has been delicious, creative and fun. If your timing doesn't allow the full tasting menu, stop by the bar for the 3 course option, or for amazing cocktails and excellent snacks--including the fun, giant Cheeto.