I've only wanted to visit for the past 8 years and finally went as I returned to Chicago post pandemic! It didn't disappoint! We enjoyed the special kitchen table private room. The whole event was incredible, including music, showmanship, visual entertainment, delectable innovative food, and a couple drinks built into the menu as a surprise. They were immaculate with their attention to details. They moved like a well-oiled machine. I felt like alice in wonderland enjoying a truly spectacular dinner! It's clearly a step above every other Michelin restaurant I've been to. Even the pacing and the amount of food was perfect. Our entire table left stuffed. They also helped us get in immediately after to the Aviary for drinks to extend our revelry. I'll probably try to return in a few years if I'm back in Chicago again. Bravo!

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

How do you even write about the icon that is Alinea?? It's pure fun and whimsy and the most unique dining experience of my life. My goal is to try 50 new Chicago restaurants in 2025! Restaurant: 21/50 Month tried: April Favorite dish: Truffle Explosion, Smoked Fish, Prawn Excavation Tamale & Empanada We decided to finally make the leap and reserve Alinea for our 1 year wedding anniversary. The food was not only outstanding, but fun and surprising at every turn. We spent an hour guessing why there was butter hanging as centerpiece, only for it to be squash for the cheese course...naturally! We excavated a fossilized prawn as part of a course. The hot stones that we could see cooking our soup were dug out a course later to reveal a tamale. The Paint dessert and the balloon absolutely lived up to the hype. Alinea was amazingly accommodating of my food preferences and it did not detract from my experience at all. Instead of steak, they served me a mushroom cooked the exact same way and it was amazing. And if there were any other major substitutes, I honestly didn't even notice. Service was amazing, as expected, and I loved that the servers were all actually casual and funny, instead of the prim & proper service you'd expect from a high-end restaurant like this. It really added to the vibes of fun and lightheartedness in the best way. I'm still giving 5 stars, but there were some negatives I wanted to call out. Everyone told us that if you get the wine pairing, you'll be trashed because it's so much wine for so little food. That is not true AT ALL. It was not even one wine per every two courses. Fantastic wines, just not as much as everyone said. Also, we were really disappointed that people at the next experience up were seated near us. We got to see everyone around us get up and see the kitchen; but not us. We spent time wondering about courses on other tables, only to find out that we weren't getting them because they were the next tier. I am totally happy with what we paid for, but I would highly recommend not seating different experiences together - we left disappointed about things we know we didn't get to experience, instead of being none the wiser and only knowing what we were meant to know. I will never know what was in the red glass dome that everyone else had, and that thought shades my experience every time I think of it :( It's just so so weird to me that they do this and open even the possibility of someone being disappointed. So obviously minor things, but for this price point it's worth calling out so that the restaurant hopefully can take note for the next guest. Truly though the food and experience are unmatched. Alinea is the gold standard of experiential dining for a good reason. Oh and Grant Achatz featured my video at Alinea in one of his Instagram posts, so I am basically famous now!!!

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

Unforgettable dining experience - it's like theater for your senses: inventive presentation, multi-course tasting menus, and playful surprises. Service was top-tier and attentive. The food is boldly creative and often beautiful.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

Each individual representative of Alinea is highly in tune and quickly reads the room while maintaining a composure of the highest professionalism, positive attitude, and openness to small requests (I asked to sit next to my wife rather than accross). The wine representative was especially a joy with his fun yet deep explanation of each wine. The food is exceptional with no holds barred from care of the finest detail visually and taste. The kitchen is something out of those movies and series of what a 3 Michelin star restaurant should be and you'd hope for. Being in the industry myself (and my wife) we were simply in awe. For first timers to such a highly ranked restaurant, we both didn't want it to end but we were completely stuffed! Was there something a miss? Sure, but it only because of my own issue. Im hearing impaired so sometimes I couldn't quite hear what was said. No biggie! Loved every minute!

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

There was no way that I was coming back to Chicago without coming to Alinea, which is Chicago's original Michelin three-star restaurant. Note that when you reserve on Tock, you pick between the Salon, the Gallery, and the Kitchen Table. The Salon has its own menu, and the Gallery and Kitchen Table have their own menus. The only difference is that the Kitchen Table is, as you can imagine, is a table right next to the kitchen and it sits up to six people, whereas the Gallery only sits up to four people. Since we had 10 people coming, we split up between the Gallery and Kitchen Table. I thought the food here was very good, although not the best I've had at a Michelin three-star restaurant (you can thank my experiences in Paris for that). But it is quintessential Chicago for sure! There were no misses in any of the 16 courses that we had. Standouts for me were the Socarrat Bitter Orange (a extremely elevated paella), the Chicago-style hot dog (a gelled hot dog essence with all the regular condiments of a Chicago-style hot dog), the Fossillized Tamale Bone (an absolutely great seafood tamale), Fear Factor (essentially, tempura lobster), Squab (name says its all), and Wagyu (an amazing Australia wagyu short rib that was my favorite dish of the menu). What was just as impressive was the show that came along with a lot of these dishes, which made this meal feel very Chicago. Service here was great. Not the best service I've had at a Michelin three-star restaurant, but it was great. The one thing that I noted is that even though it is a Michelin three-star restaurant, they are not stuck up at all and make you feel super comfortable. Sets a great mood for the entire dinner! Ambience is nice. Obviously, given the fact we were isolated at the Kitchen Table, we basically had a private area to ourselves. They did adjust the lighting several times during the dinner to match the mood, which was a nice touch. Alinea was definitely a great experience that I was glad to try at least once. When taking into account the combination of the food and the show, I had a great experience here!

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

This was one of the funnest experiences! There were so many magical moments throughout the night -- finding out that something you thought was decoration the whole night is actually part of the meal, the edible balloons, and the "art" dessert. Alinea really takes molecular gastronomy to the next level. I don't think it was the tastiest food I've had in my life but it definitely was the most creative. I was blown away by the thought and effort put into each course. The team at Alinea really is seamless and has the service down. We got to walk through the kitchen too which was so cool to see so many talented chefs at work. The dining room is beautiful, dark, and moody. If you have the chance to go, I would definitely recommend Alinea!

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

Stopped by here for a friend's birthday celebration and the overall experience was average (compared to my other experiences with similarly rated fine dining)! But, it was short of what I would expect from a 3 Michelin star restaurant Food: The food here was very creative with some falling short of the mark while others went beyond. My entire party really enjoyed the "Charred" dish (charred arctic char) that they served us in the 4th course. It was charred perfectly on the side with the skin and the remaining surface area had a beautiful caramelized texture that paired well with the taste of the actual meat. Another one that I personally found really enjoyable was the "Squab" which had a great balance of sweet and savory. The squab was quite salty but the wax strawberry helped cut the savoriness. Perhaps the most unique dish was the "Chicago hot dog" which, despite the name, did not look like a traditional hot dog. Despite appearances, it did taste more or less like a chicago hot dog but a bit too salty for my personal taste. The "Wagyu" course was way too salty for my personal liking. With every bite, I had to pair it with water. Similarly, the "Explosion" was also too salty except since you're supposed to eat it in one bite there was no way to balance out the dish with a bit of water. The dishes served here leaned mostly towards the salty and savory side but personally I prefer a balance of savory and sweet. Wine: While we didn't do the wine pairing, we worked with our sommelier to select bottles from the (vast) options. We started with a sparkling white and ended with a medium bodied wine to pair with the mains. At the end, to celebrate my friend's birthday, we were treated to a cocktail that tasted like a liquid cake mixed with champagne! It was for sure a very unique spin on the traditional cake celebration but I did find it was way too sweet for my tasting. Service: The team that took care of us during our dining experience were polite but missed the mark for my expectations. Courses would begin regardless of if everyone in the party was at the table. One person in our party missed 2 course introductions because they had left for the bathroom. A small nit was also that the staff here never picked up on those in the party who were left handed which meant the arrangement was "flipped" for those who were left handed. The staff also mistakenly mixed up glassware and would hand the wrong (used) glass to members of my party. This was especially the case when we were all moved to one side of the table for the "Painting" and they gave me someone else's drink and one person was left with no drink at all Overall, the experience wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either granted that this is a 3 michelin star restaurant. The service was definitely lacking but the creativity and uniqueness of the dishes made up for that

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

Since I'm about to leave Chicago and start my first new grad job, we figured it was finally time to book Alinea. I went in hoping for something unforgettable... but honestly, the whole thing felt cold, forced, and kind of exhausting. From the moment we walked in, the vibe was... weird. The receptionist greeted us very somberly and walked us in without much warmth. The whole thing felt more like an initiation ritual than a fine dining experience. Throughout the night, the staff hovered and watched us closely, which I get on some level, but it came across more uncomfortable than attentive. At one point, we got reprimanded for taking a photo with a digital camera -- pointing at a blank wall. No guests in the frame. It felt unnecessarily strict and set the tone for the rest of the evening. Caviar This was the first moment where I started thinking, oh no, this is going to be one of those nights. The server rushed over and whispered, "Hold out your left palm." We did, and they placed a tiny caviar-shaped plate with actual caviar on it. Then... we just set it down on the table and ate it normally with a spoon. The whole "ritual" felt unnecessary, and the caviar itself was way too salty. Hot Dog Jelly This was probably the highlight of the night. A jelly that tasted like a Chicago-style hot dog, with a little history behind it -- actually clever and tasty. Grapes + Branch Paste Honestly, I barely remember this one. We were told to cut open a branch to release a cream that would pair with grapes, but there was barely any cream and no flavor to speak of. Pretty forgettable. Salmon Char Really solid -- perfectly cooked, balanced, smoky. This was one of the few dishes where the flavors actually matched the hype. Hot & Cold Potato Apparently one of Alinea's "signature" dishes. Conceptually cool, but it tasted fine and nothing more. For all the buildup, it didn't leave an impression. Fossil Dish This one was a letdown from all the build up. There's a mysterious fire burning next to you for several minutes, so you're waiting with anticipation. Then you "excavate" a prawn fossil from edible dirt with little tools. Sounds fun, right? The reality: salty, underwhelming, and confusing. The bone marrow just tasted like umami cream, and the whole Patagonia backstory felt disconnected. At the end, they put out the fire to reveal a tamale, which turned out dry and bland. Kitchen Visit This was a cool little break to see the Kitchen. They had us stick our finger into a smoky tube, which was intriguing... until we realized the food inside was just a tempura. Still, free gin, so no complaints there. Egg Paste "Explosion" They hyped this up as being "explosive." What exploded was the salt -- not the flavor. Flower + Strawberry Side Dish Very pretty, kinda unmemorable. Don't even remember the main dish. The "strawberry" wasn't actually a strawberry, more like a Hi-Chew candy with mint. Cool idea, but taste-wise, not something I'd remember. Wagyu + Allergy Mix-Up This one was interesting.. I noted that I'm allergic to pine nuts, and the server told me I couldn't have the sesame crunch on my dish because "sesame is a pine nut." I was confused and asked for clarification, and he acted like I was stupid for questioning him. A second server later confirmed that sesame is not a pine nut (obviously) and that my dish contained sesame, not pine nuts. Just sloppy. And the wagyu itself? Disappointing. Dry, not particularly tender, way too salty, and nothing close to the melt-in-your-mouth experience I expected from a Michelin 3*. Dessert Finale This was the grand ending -- the chef smashed ice cream onto the table in front of us. Very dramatic... until some of it splattered onto the couch I was sitting on. When I asked a server to clean it up, he just laughed and said, "Haha, he gets a little overzealous sometimes." Um... okay? The dessert itself was way too sweet and didn't taste great. The helium balloon was fun to play with for a minute, but it deflated almost immediately. Kind of the perfect metaphor for the whole night. I get that Alinea is supposed to be experimental and theatrical, but for me, most of it felt forced. Too much emphasis on "interactivity" and not enough on just making the food taste good. Throughout the night, I was downing water to flush out all the salty food. I wouldn't even say the taste is Michelin 1* quality. The salmon char and hot dog jelly were genuinely great, but everything else ranged from forgettable to flat-out unpleasant. On top of that, the vibe was cold, the rules felt unnecessary, and the service was hit-or-miss -- sometimes attentive, sometimes snobby, sometimes outright incorrect. For the price, I expected to be wowed. Instead, I left frustrated, hungry, and wishing I'd booked somewhere else.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

Easily the worst dinner of the year and given the price maybe the worst ever. The chef was not there, usually not a good a sign. The opening at the gallerie was pathetic, all show no added value and food forgettable. Back in Le salon not a single dish to remember. The best dish was the hot dog, not because hot dogs are so great but because technically to create a full authentic hot dog taste out of a minuscule square of jelly is a master piece. All dishes are technically brilliant but food is about taste and none of them were outstanding and most of them tasted not good. The wine pairing (the middle option) a good Krug champagne (but take something more interesting please : Bouchard, Agrapart, Courtin, Beaufort, Ulysse, … to name a few) and good trempanillo, the rest totally forgettable ( the wine list is very traditional but with fair pricing). Service correct and efficient but missing warmth and genuine interest. The restaurant goes through the motions, technically brilliant, correct service but no longer has a soul and misses passion. Maybe a very harsh review but when we visited a long time ago this was one of the best experiences ever and this was a total disappointment. Chef should reinvent himself and go back to creating tasty dishes and forget the wizardy.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

From the minute you walk in the magic begins. Every single thing about the service was spectacular. No one missed a beat and made the experience unforgettable. The restaurant is stunning, be sure to take it all in. The food was so creative and every bite was mind blowing. The Chicago hot dog had me giggling like a kid. The truffle explosion was also a highlight, actually too many to mention. I will never forget my 25th anniversary. Thanks Alinea!

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

Every course had a surprise and the creativity at Alinea blew me away. It was a feast for all the senses not just taste. Thank you Alinea for an evening that will be a core memory for years to come.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

Must try considering this is a 3 star Michelin restaurant.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

Where to begin!! I’ve been fortunate to have collected nearly 30 Michelin Stars! However, Alinea is like no other restaurant I’ve experienced!! From the food to the ‘show’ to emotional outbursts! (Laughing after eating the ‘hot dog’, my wife giggling after the ballon! The exquisite experience of the ‘paint’ dessert!) yes I said ‘hot dog’ at a 3star!! Grant and his team put the guest first and foremost they want to make you feel like nothing ever before and boy do they deliver! There is no wonder why Chicago’s other 3star and two 2star restaurants are Grant’s disciples!! The servers are witty, funny, attentive, what a phenomenal experience!! I wish everyone can experience this magical restaurant at least once! Thank you to all. Thank you Alinea!

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

There are roughly 151 restaurants worldwide which are rated three stars by Guide Michelin as per 7/2025. The number can easily fluctuate annually. I believe, 14 restaurants in the US were awarded this year (2025) three Guide Michelin stars. Alinea has maintained three Michelin stars for 14 consecutive years since the first Chicago Michelin Guide was published in 2011. It was awarded three stars in the first Chicago guide and has retained them ever since. There is no need to say more.... Besides: Thank you very much Chef Grant Achatz and his fantastic team for a phenomenal, memorable, fun evening!

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

I have never called a meal “perfect” before. This was. The experience lives up to its price tag. Truly innovative cuisine. It’s clear how much thought went into each spectacular course from the presentation to the service even extending to the plates and cutlery. Flawless service and pacing. Truly remarkable. To describe the courses would give away part of the drama (and there’s plenty, not in a bad way at all). There is some turnover in the menu so by the time you experience Alinea you may see something different. But I guarantee you will not leave disappointed.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

After waiting several months for our reservation, we were truly excited and it exceeded all of our expectations. The entire dinner was much more than service of food. It was entertainment. It was experience. It was ambience, and it was educational. The food was exceptional. The service was exceptional. The wine pairing was exceptional.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

I spent my birthday at Ailnea and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I enjoyed every course of food as well as the wine pairing.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

As far as dinner theater goes, it was quite the experience. The display was unique and interesting. The ingredients were high quality and the preparation and presentation impressive. BUT the food was not very good. Perhaps my pallet is to blame, but I’ve really enjoyed restaurants of this caliper before. Not a single dish was outstanding. A few items were good, a few were fine, and a few were pretty bad. Worst of all the servers were so rude. They don’t let you have a menu (fine), but half of them mumble or rush through the description then act put-out when asked to repeat the name of an ingredient. They do not go off script nor invite questions. The wine pairings were excellent, but it was overall a waste of good money and the evening.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

Currently taking a well-deserved victory lap from coast-to-coast Alinea’s 20th Anniversary is also being celebrated back home, the ever-changing Next transporting diners back to Lincoln Park circa 2005 while 1723 North Halsted Street continues to explore “a new train of thought.” Now under the direction of Chef Douglas Alley, another young talent blossoming under the daily guidance of Grant Achatz, guests who’ve not visited Alinea since the renovation will find service still amongst the best in the world while theatrics have been amplified. Still Chicago’s toughest reservation, both The Gallery and Salon fully booked within minutes of Tock opening, guests downstairs begin at a communal table complete with fire, suspended items and a four-part plate spanning the palate paired to Champagne. Next offered a tour of the kitchen, a new Sommelier directing guests attention to an all-Soccarat Paella matched to Sherry-Apple Cider, guests return to a fully transformed dining room where two and four-tops sit beneath suspended items to be revealed later. Forever innovating with service pieces from Crucial Detail, a bowl textured like Caviar delivering Osetra prior to a flip-cup of crispy Skin Arctic Char and Roe in smoked Gel beneath, course five sees diners “excavate” a Shrimp alongside a Bone with Marrow, Tamale and Empanada baked into the plate. A festive affair not afraid to look back while pushing forward, both “Hot Potato” and “Black Truffle Explosion” as delicious as they were twenty years prior, Wagyu receives tableside garnish from aromatic starch before the line overhead is cut revealing Squash preserved in Pork Fat utilized in the Cheese course. Not about to slow down, sweets starting with a Pear grown in glass made into Italian Ice, “Paint” has evolved into a parade of lights, smoke and music with aromas and theatrics eventually yielding one of Fine Dining’s most iconic Desserts. Last visited in 2011, Mike Bagale’s edible Balloon not arriving until a year later, celebrations at Alinea see guests toast with a liquid “Birthday Cake” topped off by Rose Champagne for an experience that still deserves every single one of its numerous accolades.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

Truly a phenomenal dining experience at this Michelin restaurant. We had reservations in the Gallery which was fairly loud but great for a meal with friends. Dinner was interactive, fun, and lively. Service was excellent. From start to finish, the start of each course left you in anticipation of what was to come. Each dish was beautifully and uniquely presented but the food was short of amazing. Food was delicious but not mind blowing. Presentation definitely overtook the tastiness of the meal. My favorite part of the meal was the presentation of the Paint Dessert. This was such an exceptional experience and I enjoyed my time here but for the price point, I doubt I will be back on my dime. The food was tasty but didn't blow me away. I did leave here full but not overly stuffed. Overall, I would definitely recommend this place for an unforgettable dining experience. P.S. Reservations can be made on the 15th of the month, approximately 2 months in advance and are released at 11:00 AM Central Time.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

The food was phenomenal. The service, impressive. Very memorable.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

Have been wanting to go for years. Finally saved up and went with my wife. I hope I have the fortune of going again. No complaints from the service to the food to the decor. It was all perfect. Somehow lived up to the hype.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

I think about the tasting menu experience still! As I have told others if you can dine with Alinea or try the Gallery tasting menu, DO IT without hesitation! The dining experience is a memory that will last a lifetime. Traveling back to Chicago with the sole intent of tasting what new experiments have been concocted in their kitchen is on my list of things to do. Everything created by the extremely talented people who work there is beyond the words thoughtful. It is daring and scientifically balanced, not to mention being aesthetically stunning, and truly engages your sensory memory.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

If I could review the staff, their personal touches or personality I would give this 1 million stars. In 14 courses only four were breath taking, the rest were basic or indulgent to a flaw. At three different points when I made a face in response to what I was eating different staff members seemed to be empathizing with my experience rather than championing it on. The details of how to make a great service are alive and well but the menu seemed a little sad at times or not graduated to the three stars it claims to have. All in all I got a box on my Chicago bingo card but don't know if I could would recommend to someone else.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

There's no signs or lettering outside and just a black door, so we were a bit confused until someone standing outside opened the door for us. Service was exceptional throughout - can't remember another restaurant where the hosts and servers were more attentive. We were seated in the gallery with a few other parties - together at the same table initially, then reseated into our individual parties for the rest of the meal. The overall presentation and experience was spectacular - even breathtaking at some points. This is exactly what I wanted when I booked Alinea and i was very happy with this aspect. Unfortunately, the flavor and food aspect was not as consistent. I would say I extremely liked 1/3 of the dishes, thought 1/3 of the dishes were ok, and did not like 1/3 of the dishes or thought it was doing "too much". Really liked: - King crab bite: I loved the sweetness of the corn bread contrasted with the spicy ness and saltiness of the tabasco, as well as the freshness and sweetness of the king crab itself. - Explosion: Loved the saltiness of the parmesan and the truffle flavor, reminded me of a more sophisticated soup dumpling - Egg yolk side salad (from auberdines): Loved the contrast of the egg yolk creme with the flavor of the greens and whatever else was on the bite - Honey mango: My favorite savory course of the night: The lobster cracker reminded me of a better shrimp chip and i loved the slightly sweet mango sauce paired with the pork belly, lobster, and whatever else was in the bowl. Really enjoyed the uni and mango ice cream too. - Bubblegum: Thought this dish was fun to eat and i really enjoyed the flavors, wish the boba was a bit more bouncy and chewy though - Paint: Fun to watch, fun to eat, this was a whole show. Wish the flavors were more fruity instead of tea/herbally but i still loved the various textures and flavors together - Balloon: what else can be said - it's a candy balloon filled with helium. you suck in the helium, talk funny for a bit, and then eat the rest of the balloon. Did not like: Osetra: I liked the presentation of it but to be honest i just didn't enjoy the flavors with the caviar Blancmange: The flavors were just ok together but i did not particularly enjoy this Eucalyptus: Not a huge fan of olives and this dish was almost 100% olive flavors Root beer float with black truffle: strangely enough, black truffle and root beer kind of work together. only kind of - after a few bites it felt a bit weird again. Overall i loved the service, the presentation, and the atmosphere. I didn't like a lot of the flavors that were presented, and while i don't expect to like all the dishes, i feel like they were doing a bit too much for some of the dishes when simplicity would have been better. I did have a lot of fun here, and i'm glad i came

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

Alinea does it all! The perfect place to celebrate, if you live in Chicago, it is a must!

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

Is a Tripadvisor review really proper for a 3 * Michelin rated restaurant? I don't know, but without a doubt this was the best meal experience we've ever had. Service was outstanding, the food was phenomenal, and the staff was more than welcoming. We went as a family of 6 and had a worry that maybe the experience would be intimidating, but every person we interacted with was friendly, accommodating and welcoming. Truly at no point did we feel out of place (mixed race, mixed ages and mixed idea of dressing for dinner). Each course was explained and full of surprises on what it was, how to enjoy it and unique tastes/textures. We came unsure of what to expect and we left with smiles on our faces having had an experience of a lifetime.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

What can I say about this place that hasn't been said before? Incredible dining experience. Everything paired and was a full sense dining experience. The room table, the presentation the plates are fun and magical tax and tip and gratuity alone was about 300 for two meals and one pairing. I know people eat here all the time, but this is my once in a lifetime.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

We dined in the salon and it was very pretty. Our servers were very kind, on point and helpful. The food was unusual and mostly delicious. Our favorite was the Explosion, hot potato and Osetra. We enjoyed most all the courses with the Blancmange being our least favorite. I honestly found the Blancmange strange, and the presentation odd. The dessert was very good and the balloon was delightful. After our meal we got to take a look at the kitchen and it is quite amazing how many workers seem to function inside such a tiny kitchen. Nice dining experience for our family. This was our least favorite michelin so far.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

The service was top-notch. However, most of the food ranged from, 'meh,' to inedible. There's a palette cleanser that included olive brine and chewy orange. It was horrendous. They served a corn liquor cocktail that was nauseating. There were some bright spots. The Hot potato and the honey mango were fantastic but two out of 14 IS bad. They went through the trouble of lighting a fire on the table to warm a stuffed carrot for it to be cold. The entire meal was ornate with no pay off. I've been to some of the best restaurants in the world. This doesn't deserve to be in that. echelon. This dessert was a big show for a cucumber sandwich, freeze-dried 'sweet' with no distinctive flavors and a candied balloon. Take away the show and you're left with elements available at a mid-grade all-inclusive Caribbean resort.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

Overall -- a really fun experience! I was pleasantly surprised with how many traditional flavors the tasting included as well as more exotic things. I think it was a really good mix in that we got to experience new flavors but also familiar flavors with a creative twist. The service was excellent. The portions were also a good size. We were concerned that we'd still be hungry afterward but left very full.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

I was truly so fortunate to come to this restaurant, if the word restaurant Dan even describe the experience had at Alinea. Went with some business friends and it was amazing! Lots of tiny little courses are served and by the end it’s very filling and I could barely finish (oh but I did). Some of my favorite things I had there although I believe it’s different for everyone but I’m unsure: A yummy soup with a little cheese truffle crouton, a truffle ravioli with with a jous inside ( so it’s like the soup is inside the noodle instead of outside!!), an apple flavored candy balloon that has helium inside so everyone at the table (even the serious people) have high pitch little voices, and a delicious deconstructed banana split dessert. Everything was presented in a fun way and there’s no room for boredom even though it’s a long experience, I was just so excited and didn’t get on my phone. Additionally I must say the staff was very nice and they were joking the whole time which was good because I bet lots of people were nervous to be at such a fancy restaurant. Amazing flavors and creativity in everything you put in your mouth. And the ingredients are amazing! Some flavors in some meals that may be controversial. Expensive. I’m never gonna forget going here it was incredible. I rode home in the Uber still in shock of the experience and thinking about it, it was so amazing. The photos I linked are the photos of a strip of chicken with amazing light almost sweet flavor in the sauce, and the soup and croutons I mentioned. 🤤

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

This past week we had the true privilege of having dinner (6 of us in our party) at Alinea. IMHO it really does live up to all of the well-deserved hype and superlatives. Each course was innovative and delicious, with an amazing mix of flavors, textures, and presentation. The service and staff were not only exceptional, but fun and engaging, particularly our lead server Anna. Quite possibly the best single meal I've ever had. Bravo!!

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

We came for an anniversary. We had a memorable time as this was on a wish list for many years. The meals were delicious. Service was good, but we felt that the waiters were not as enthusiastic as we had hoped for.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

I have wanted to dine at Alinea ever since it opened, and the stars lined up at last. After dining at a number of Michelin 3 star establishments over the years in both Europe and the US, I am delighted to report Alinea measures up in all respects. The food, service, and presentation were wonderful. The staff demonstrated a sense of humor at times without being intrusive, which added to the experience. The wine pairings were superb.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

The main door holds no sign with its name. In fact there is no red Michelin star sign either to aware the client he is entering one of the best restaurants in the world. The Gallery serves the complete menu, with a timeline of three hours. The rooms are spacious and the tables remain well separated. The couches are very comfortable. The Gallery menu consists of thirteen courses with an excellent presentation and even better taste. Innovative and creative (one of the dishes is served in the kitchen). Fantastic. The service deserves a mention appart: in my case, Hart and Rocco were the most helpful with their advices and explanations. As a little detail, it was late and I wanted to take a taxi, but they provided me with a car to bring me back to the hotel for free. In summary, no wonder why its name is always at the top of the lists of the bests diners worldwide.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

It's hard to live up to the expectations when they are so high, but this place did it. The food, wine pairings and service were exceptional. I would not hesitate to go back.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

Has been on the bucket list to sit at the chef's table and experience Grant and the Alinea crew. Not only did it live up to expectations; it exceeded them. Every single person in that restaurant understands how excited most of us are to be there and they take true pride in showing top notch hospitality. The food was absolutely incredible and the show heightened every possible sense. We weren't sure about bringing our kids but it was my 40th bday and we decided to see how they would do. On the way home, they asked when we were going again. We cannot thank the team enough for making this experience truly unforgettable and thank you Grant for taking a quick moment to pose with us. If you haven't experience Alinea, you are missing out.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

One of the best restaurant experiences. It is more than just having a meal. The food is innovative and tasted great. Fabulous!

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

From the moment we stepped into Alinea, it was clear we were in for an extraordinary culinary experience. The service was impeccable; attentive staff catered to our every need, guiding us through the evening with grace and professionalism. The food at Alinea was nothing short of incredible. Each dish was a masterpiece of presentation, with intricate designs and vibrant colors that made them too beautiful to eat. Yet, it was the unique flavors that truly stole the show. Every bite was a symphony of taste, expertly crafted to sing with joy on the palate. The chefs at Alinea have an exceptional talent for balancing complex flavors, creating dishes that are both innovative and delicious. What truly set the evening apart was the dessert, a spectacular finale crafted right at our table. Watching the chefs assemble the ingredients with such precision and artistry added an extra layer of excitement to our dining experience. It was not just a dessert; it was a performance that captivated all our senses. In summary, Alinea offered an unparalleled dining experience. The combination of amazing service, incredible food, and a mesmerizing tableside dessert performance left an indelible mark on us. Alinea is more than a restaurant; it's a culinary journey that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking flavors and experiences that go beyond the ordinary.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

One of a kind restaurant. The meal was delicious from beginning to end. The artistry of the plates is unmatched. Very good food.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

Alinea is one of the best restaurants. The food is creative. It is like art. The wines and cocktails are great too. Everything was tasty.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Tripadvisor Reviews

My only criticism is that for the price, we did leave a bit hungry as we found the portions and the courses to be limited. The service was spectacular and they made us feel so well attended to. The ambiance is ornate and beautiful. The highlight of the meal for us was the salmon, mole and dessert table. Recommend trying this restaurant at least once or coming back for their menu which rotates depending on the season.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

As regular patrons of Alinea, we have been consistently enchanted by the extraordinary culinary experiences that this Chicago landmark offers. Alinea isn't just a restaurant; it's an avant-garde performance, a journey of the senses that transcends the ordinary definitions of dining. Chef Grant Achatz is a maestro, orchestrating a menu where each course plays its part in a grander scheme, with flavors, textures, and presentations so innovative, they challenge your perceptions and delight your palate in equal measure. The attention to detail is impeccable, with every ingredient singing in harmony, and the plating is nothing short of art. The service at Alinea matches the unparalleled quality of the cuisine, with a knowledgeable and passionate team that guides you through each act of the tasting menu with poise and expertise. The ambiance is modern, yet intimate, providing the perfect backdrop to a culinary composition that is ever-evolving. Returning to Alinea is like revisiting a favorite masterpiece, knowing you will always discover something new and exciting. It's not merely a meal; it's a celebration of culinary innovation at its peak. For those who seek an unrivaled dining adventure in Chicago, Alinea is the zenith, a beacon of inspiration and gustatory delight.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

We were greeted with great service from start to finish. The first course of French onion soup was served with a fire show which was amazing. Overall we really enjoyed everything and our add on white truffle dish. There was totally more than enough food because when we got to the last 2 courses I was already full. The dessert performance was awesome and tasted a lot better eating from the table. The levels of flavors in each dish gave character to each dish. I would say this is totally worth the try and would recommend getting a beverage pairing as well.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

I also think no one dining here reads reviews or cares lol. I'm a huge foodie and anytime I travel to others states or countries I look for the best spots to eat. I live in nyc and have been to Chicago multiple times and have been on a waiting list for this restaurant each time. This time I finally got a reservation but in the "saloon", not really sure what that meant. Still was so excited to eat here and heard all about it and the chef and what an amazing experience. I may not be very wealthy and I saved up to take my friend who lives in Chicago here for her birthday. The moment we walked in we noticed the carpet on the floor and it gave us such an old school steakhouse vibe(not what we were looking for or expecting) then we were seated in a small room with a table of 8 or 10 ppl and next to an elderly single man dining alone who was talking to himself and also me and my friend. We were laughing it off and trying to ignore him, but between him and the large table it was extremely difficult to hear what the staff was instructing us to do and how to eat the servings. We also told our waiter it was my friends birthday and he brought over glasses of rosè. We said thank you and assumed it was a nice gesture or comped bc I've been to plenty restaurants that do that. We ordered a special dish they had that night and one drink each. We paid extra on the bill for that and they updated my emailed receipt. Later that day I was charged 200$ for a bottle of rosè I did not order. I also have to add I own a wine and liquor store and knew how cheap that bottle was. When I emailed they just reimbursed half of the extra charge and didn't apologize or treat me like a person. It was an extremely disappointing experience. The waiter also said they don't change their menu a lot and the dessert is always the same and the star of the show. Most of their dishes are accompanied by fancy and outlandish bowls or plates to try to make the food taste better. One dish was an actual cracker and cheese that was almost inedible to me and my friend. Last time I was in Chicago I ate at Ever, and I was blown away. The tables are very far apart and the staff gave me a personal and amazing experience. The plates were plain and it was really about the food. There was no carpet and it was sleek and clean and a beautiful dining experience. There was no hidden charges or rudeness. Highly recommend ever over this place when looking to fine dine in Chicago. Sorry not sorry.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

The introduction to the dining experience began with a dimly lit communal table that was set ablaze as the first courses were being presented. We were pleasantly surprised throughout the evening. It was a literal performance of different dishes, presentations, and even music. The portions were nothing but generous. To be honest, there were some dishes that didn't hit the mark. Borderline inedible, from a taste standpoint. I get that it's difficult to come up with such a broadly creative menu that appeals to all palettes but some of the courses were too far reaching. Even for me and I consider myself an adventurous eater. Overall, this was a great first time experience at Alinea. Would we come back? Probably not. But we will definitely recommend it to others.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

In the 13 years since my last visit, the restaurant has been made over and I have "matured." Despite some real wow moments, ultimately I was disappointed this time around. I think the focus has veered too far from deliciousness to experimental. Many of the courses were visually and experientially stunning but just not that tasty. Of course, as is expected, I was given a menu of what I ate and drank that evening. When I got home and reviewed it, it was the wrong menu - an inexcusable gaffe. I contacted the restaurant and they promised to get me the correct one but it had been a month and I don't have it yet.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

So if you're a foodie--this place is top tier in fine dining in Chicago! You haven't seen anything until dining here. I e been a couple of times and am always wowed. Mind blowing presentations and umteen courses! Small plates but there are so many and soooo ridiculously full of flavor you'll be stuffed. My favorite was meeting Grantz and the edible balloons for desserts paired with wonderful music and atmosphere. Expect to shell out at least $500+ and there is quite a waitlist so RSVP. I believe you have to book like 2 months in advance and booking is limited.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews

By far the, worst Michelin star restaurant I've ever been to let alone three star. The staff were obnoxious. Half of the dishes were mediocre. One I spat out. Nothing was perfect.

Read More in Alinea Chicago Yelp Reviews