Alinea image

Alinea

Restaurant Fine dining restaurant New us american restaurant

Chef Grant Achatz draws foodies with New American tasting menus featuring highly creative plates. People often mention experience, Alinea, dishes, dining, service, restaurant, wine, worth, table, Michelin,


Address

1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Website

www.alinearestaurant.com

Contact

(312) 867-0110

Price rating

$$$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (2.4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Monday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Tuesday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Wednesday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Thursday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Friday: 5 to 10 PM
  • Saturday: 5 to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: experience (62) Alinea (33) dishes (20) dining (19) service (18) restaurant (18) wine (17) worth (16) table (16) Michelin (16)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Max F. 2 years ago on Google
    Not worth the hype. Come in and be amazed by the service and details that are not missed here. Gold leaf.. truffles and wine pairings are awesome however you will be hungry when you leave because everything is a sample. Lmao we literally went straight to another restaurant after because we was starving. This place is cute at best and a fun experience but I would never recommend it for the price you could fly almost anywhere on earth and eat great.
    46 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ngoc D. 1 year ago on Google
    It's an EXPERIENCE. When you're there, you have to remember you're paying for the experience in addition to the food.The food by itself is not worth price. The food and experience are subjective depending on who you ask. My experience was good. There were courses that were amazing to eat and unlike anything else I've had - those were mostly the seafood dishes. Chef Grant has an amazing palette for seafood, other cuisines not as much. The other dishes were high quality but not top tier as if you were to get them from a high quality restaurant of that cuisine. The experience made it fun though, as you were eating it in new ways than before. The price was steep, and it's a once in a very long time experience to pay. I might come back in 5-10 years if I did. The 6 person kitchen table has a clear glass wall where you can see the staff and sometimes Chef Grant, and I would highly recommend that. If the price was lowered, I would consider giving this a 5 rating.
    46 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Madeleine E. 2 years ago on Google
    We sat at the glassed in kitchen table. It was a wonderful view of the action in the kitchen and many of the kitchen staff engaged with us. Definitely more exciting than the dining room. Also, we were loud. So it was nice to be away from others as to not disturb them. The meal is unlike any other you will have in Chicago. Amazing and exciting and delicious. The service is wonderful; you are taken care of so well. A couple of my guests got the wine pairing too. It was very interesting and worth it. Use the valet; it’s also super worth it.
    28 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carmela V. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing experience and incredible food. The most flavorful dishes were the Thai, Japanese, and Mexican inspired dishes. The French and American dishes were salty, bland, and overly creamy. Dessert was the best part and incorporated many flavors and textures at once. I recommend getting the wine pairing as well, even if you're not a big fan of wine it is still worth it. The service was also perfect. We felt like we could focus on eating without worrying about or asking for anything. The table was cleaned between courses, new silverware brought out and water glasses were constantly full. The staff were friendly, attentive and made great conversation. The kitchen was able to accommodate our dietary restrictions (vegetarian and no red meat/pork). Overall, this is one of the best of all the Michelin star restaurants we've been to. We were so happy with our experience and look forward to coming back in a week!
    27 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yehia A. 4 months ago on Google • 197 reviews
    What can I say. This place delivered and then some. Yes, the food was extremely tasty and well presented, but what makes Alinea so special is the experience. One of the meals was in the kitchen and when we went back to our table the ambience had changed. The table deco and music had changed. The servers were super attentive and friendly, and the dessert presentation was quite the spectacle. Eating here will cost a pretty penny for sure, but it's a great experience when in Chicago. Happy to return.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sean M. 1 month ago on Google • 266 reviews New
    Definitely the most inventive dinner I’ve ever experienced. The food was excellent and everyone was full even before we finished all the courses. The wine pairing was also otherworldly- I was really happy to try some wines I’d never heard of before and they were expertly paired. I highly recommend booking and enjoying this experience. Anyone who is rating this anything other than 4 or 5 stars must simply enjoy just hating life in general- so ignore them.

  • 2/5 Lea A. 2 years ago on Google
    This will be my first ever 2 star review. I feel like the negative comments are on point and I hope that Alinea group will consider to reinvent Alina and make it the unique place people are dreaming about. We flew from Toronto to Chicago for 24 hours just to dine at Alina as we were able to get a table last minute and decided we cannot say no. Service was good, even tho I would expect more from a 3 Michelin star restaurant, like cleaning the table before the next dish is coming. Some of the food techniques were cool, but there were no WOW factor at all. Very regular flat flavours, nothing you never tasted before. I’ve e been at many restaurants in my life, I love food, I love tasting new flavour and trying new things. But Alinea was just a huge huge disappointment
    22 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Nate 1 month ago on Google • 196 reviews New
    Over rated. Over priced. I love fine dining and fancy restaurants, but in my opinion Alinea is more of a spectacle than a fancy night out. While the Wine Director and servers seem knowledgeable (despite their surprisingly young age), most of the evening is theatrics with unnecessary presentations or tasks with food for each course. For example, there is a dish you must eat in one bite or else the liquid will spill everywhere. I don’t want an “explosion” in my mouth, I prefer a meal without having to do something special to ingest it. Their deconstructed ice cream and balloon however is their saving grace. Interesting presentation and tastes great. Virtually no ambiance here. It’s too bright, no music, and then when they played music, it was top 40 songs but classical. Dining tables feel like a butcher’s metal table or doctor’s examining table - sterile with no character. The walk in area needs a revamp - barely any space to stand or sit. If I could speak to my past self, I would have highly advised him to save the $3,000 for 4 people. Trust me, you’re not really missing out but if you need to find out on your own, go for it. Also - I bought the cocktail book and it’s massive. I was expecting a smaller easier book to manage for drinks, not a textbook.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Adrianna T. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely not worth the hype and certainly not the price. The food was either over salted or over cooked. Crazy to me that this kind of quality would pass at a Michelin starred restaurant let alone a three star. The courses did not tie together at all and it seemed really gimmicky. My husband and I didn’t finish a single course and even had to spit some of it out because it was so bad. The saving grace here was the service staff.
    17 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Melissa P. 1 year ago on Google
    I had high expectations as we saw Chef Grant on a cooking show. We flew to Chicago for the weekend just to visit this restaurant. The food was very good though not all my style. There were only a few dishes that I really savored. I expected amazing! Some details were amiss considering they’re a 3 star Michelin restaurant. The staff was very nice but seemed like they needed more. It was a fun experience, but I don’t think it’s worth the price tag. Michelin restaurants in the US seems to cost a lot more without much justification. It was very good, just not an all around WOW.
    15 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eldarbek “Eldar” K. 3 months ago on Google • 116 reviews New
    Alinea, a culinary masterpiece deserving of its 3 Michelin stars, offers an enchanting dining experience that transcends traditional notions of food. The restaurant seamlessly combines gastronomy with theater, creating a sensory journey where scented vapors, playful tricks, and tableside delights elevate meals into an unforgettable olfactory experience. Each dish is a symphony of flavors, expertly orchestrated to delight the palate and engage all the senses. Alinea stands not just as a restaurant but as a testament to the artistry and innovation that can be achieved in the world of fine dining.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Ishita C. 6 months ago on Google
    Underwhelming tasteless food! Everything was either too salty or too bitter! I’m so surprised how this restaurant has 3 michelin stars. This place is for people without any taste buds. They also didn’t seem to care whether you liked the food or not. They were just eager to move on to the next course. The frozen gazpacho was terrible and all the fake flower decorations were so tacky and gaudy!! All the meat was gamey and had no flavor.. please cook your food! Never coming back here! Please save your money, try Indian, Chinese or Mexican food if you like flavorful food more than some theatrics! Such a shame!!
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jenna C. 2 years ago on Google
    My goodness, where do I even begin! Alinea exceeded expectations. Talk about dinner and a show. It was my first time there and we went to celebrate my promotion. The food was so creative, inventive, and out of this world. It was such a unique culinary experience, tasting flavors I’ve never experienced before. We got the wine pairing as well which really enhanced the experience. The staff was also phenomenal and so much fun! I was on the edge of my seat for the explanation of each course and why it was put together. We were all having so much fun that I kept asking my brother “so when can we come back?” 😂 The entire experience was so much fun! I understand why this is one of the best restaurants in the world. It reminds me a lot of my experience At Ossiano in Dubai but definitely a distinct experience.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justin de L. 5 months ago on Google • 40 reviews
    Alinea was an experience like I’ve never had before and days later while writing this review I am still blown away. Our party ate in The Gallery (16 courses) and you will not leave hungry—coming from someone who eats a lot. I’ve noticed some complaints about the wine pours too and I would have to disagree. They were pretty generous pours for a tasting—keyword: it’s a *tasting*. At the end of the meal it was probably around 5 glasses of wine if you add it all up. Anyone considering Alinea knows the price point is high. I was hesitant about spending so much money but I can safely say that it is worth it. I would do it again for a very special occasion simply because the experience was so special. I think the shorter course meal will have you leaving hungry so I can see why some were not happy with the wine pours and the portions. If you can afford it I would recommend The Gallery. Service: Nobody in our party knew what to expect. With it being fine dining and 3 Michelin stars we expected very formal service and it was very much the opposite. Everyone from the hostess to the people in the kitchen were warm and friendly and are clearly very good at what they do. They anticipate your needs and do everything in such a genuine way. Many of them would hold conversations with our party past the usual pleasantries which made the experience even better. Food: I’m surprised to read some reviewers found the food bland. It was anything but that. There were flavors and textures that were confusing in a good way. Some dishes were familiar with a new twist and others were brand new to me, but what makes them stand out is the execution which was flawless for every course. Nothing was too rich or overpowering. Some dishes had me laughing in disbelief by how good it was. Atmosphere: As I mentioned, the service here is as good as it gets. They really make you feel comfortable throughout your time in the restaurant. The decor and dining room was nice. Nothing gaudy or over-the-top. Alinea adjusts the atmosphere throughout the meal with change in lighting, aromas, sounds, etc. Again tapping into all of your senses during the experience. Everyone in our party agreed that at times it was difficult to hear the servers while they were introducing the dish and explaining how to eat it. I just think it was a lack of projecting their voice but it didn’t take away from the experience at all.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pimporn B. 4 months ago on Google • 40 reviews
    We were at Alinea was to celebrate my twin daughters’ birthday. We had the 14 course meal with wine paring. The wine was paired nicely with the food. When we were making the reservation the requirements was that we have to come in pairs so we had to reserved for 4 people hoping that we could all make it. My husband couldn’t come so we had 4 portions food for 3 people. The food was very well presented. Thoughtful in many details and taste great! Not all the dishes were to our liking but we enjoyed most of them. The service was excellent. Everyone was nice and friendly. We had such a good time. Although it was a lot of money for one meal, we say it is worth it!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda K. 4 months ago on Google • 28 reviews
    My boyfriend took me to Alinea on my birthday. There was no more reservations for the gallery on that date, so we picked the salon. Alinea has been my #1 on my food bucketlist for over 10 years, so this was such a special gift that I’ll cherish. Of course the food was amazing and the atmosphere was beautiful, but the service and presentation is what truly makes Alinea worthwhile. It is top notch service. The waiter presented every dish so elegantly and the story behind them was intriguing. The presentation may be over the top at times, but it keeps you fully engaged and when you taste the food, you understand what makes Alinea, Alinea. The entire staff were all very nice. From the host, waiter, sommelier, and food runners - no one was snotty or pretentious. They were all very friendly and easy to converse with - complimenting on our outfits and other topics unrelated to the food. It was such a pleasant surprise and not what we expected from a place like this. They made us feel very comfortable and special on my birthday. I’d definitely come again for the gallery next time.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sayak D. 7 months ago on Google
    Alinea in Chicago is an absolute culinary masterpiece! From the moment I stepped in, I knew I was in for an extraordinary dining experience. The restaurant's ambiance and service were impeccable, setting the stage for what was to come. The innovative and artistic presentation of each dish left me in awe. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the attention to detail in every course was evident. The way they incorporated unexpected ingredients into the dishes was mind-blowing and delightful. The staff was knowledgeable and passionate, enhancing the overall experience with their explanations and stories behind each creation. Alinea's tasting menu was an adventure for the senses, taking me on a gastronomic journey that I'll cherish forever. It's not just a meal; it's a work of art that captivates both the palate and the soul. Though it may be a splurge, the unforgettable memories and the sheer pleasure of dining at Alinea make it worth every penny. If you're a food enthusiast seeking an extraordinary culinary experience, Alinea is a must-visit destination that deserves nothing less than 5 stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Josh 1 year ago on Google
    Was lucky enough to snag a seat at the chef’s table. Quite an experience to have the energy of the kitchen as the backdrop to an epic meal. They sure keep you on your toes. Food was amazing, as were the wine pairings. I’m eager to try the sister restaurants.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mia S. 1 year ago on Google
    MUST VISIT!! THE HYPE IS REAL I decided to go for my birthday, and I would do it again! We were greeted by a lovely host and led through the main dining where children were laughing. It was a lighthearted environment. I booked the Salon experience, and it did not disappoint. The service was terrific. However, they did not put you on a pedestal which I like. We cracked some jokes with the servers, and the environment was nothing like I’ve ever experienced at any other Michelin restaurant (gone to six thus far). While the presentation may not be the prettiest, the backstory behind each dish is a full-circle story. The food was terrific and innovative through an experience that involved more than just taste. Dessert was AMAZING!!!!! It’s an experience. This is a must-visit in Chicago!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katya S. 2 months ago on Google • 25 reviews New
    I have been dying to go to Alinea for over 12 years now and finally had the pleasure to dine there last night on 1/15. The service was spectacular and so was the experience. The dishes were unique, beautiful, and stimulating. Definitely all of the senses were part of the dinner. I will definitely be coming back soon and not waiting another 12 years to go again. It was an honor to be able to finally go.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steve B. 2 years ago on Google
    Outstanding “At Home” option, did the smoked ribeye, seasonal veg trio, and dessert for 2. Perfect instructions provided, fun methods of cooking and presentation easy enough for a novice and great way to learn. Courses were amazing, trying to describe the flavors and textures just wouldn’t do it justice.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Warawood M. 5 months ago on Google • 31 reviews
    This was my first Michelin Three star restaurant and it was an extraordinary night! I felt so special since I stepped in. The food was very creative, beautiful and flavorful. I’ve been to Michelin star restaurant before and I could tell how different between one star and three stars. The flavor not totally like “this is it!” But art, creativity and story they’re telling. I wouldn’t say the price is reasonable but worth it for once in the life time!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Christina L. 1 year ago on Google
    Perhaps Michelin needs to revisit this one again. My spouse and I have always wanted to visit Alinea for as long as I can remember. We got the gallery course with wine pairing. We sat on the first floor with a table that was right next to the stairs and front door. People were constantly passing by and opening and closing the door to the dining room. It was extremely distracting, even the staff was chatting loudly going in and out the front door. The disturbance took away from our dining experience. The food was mediocre at best. Flavors weren’t well balanced, some of the protein was over cooked (such as the squid), and some of the seasoning was way too overpowering. Like the other negative reviews have stated, there were dishes that were either way too salty, bland, or smokey to the point where I just didn’t care to take more than 2 bites. There was plenty of creativity put into the dishes, but the execution just didn’t hit the mark. At the end of the day it really should be about the taste not the theatrics or presentation of the food. I wonder if the kitchen even cared to taste what they’re putting out. The ambience was a bit dated. It felt like they were trying so hard to put on a tacky show filled with smoke and strobe lights they completely forgot about the most important part…the food. At the end of the day, I’m glad we crossed this off our bucket list. There were a couple dishes that were outstanding such as the arctic char, king crab, and the dessert. Although, I don’t think those very few highlights were enough to justify the majority of poor tasting food and amount we paid for the experience. We’re disappointed that this turned out to be a stale money grab celebrity restaurant. We were pretty bummed when we left because we were so looking forward to this experience. There’s a saying that goes “don’t ever meet your hero’s”. Alinea has proven that saying to be true. If you’re on the fence about this one, I’d just stay home.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 L S. 1 year ago on Google
    I’m not sure I can say anything that hasn’t been said already but this was one of the best dining experiences of my life. The staff was excellent and really made the experience wonderful. It was a birthday dinner I will never forget, and being able to do the kitchen table experience was a dream. All of the chefs are incredibly talented and the food is truly a work of art. The hot potato will be something I dream about and the desert performance was awe inspiring. Thank you guys for such a wonderful evening.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tams 2 months ago on Google • 12 reviews New
    This review is late, we went June of 2023, but the experience was SUBLIME!!!! Service was like a well orchestrated ballet, FLAWLESS. The atmosphere was warm, intimate incredibly inviting. The food was EXQUISITE, fun, surprising, innovative and just plain beautiful. We laughed, we clapped our hands in delight, we giggled. If you ever wonder what sets a Michelin 3 from EVERYONE else, take a night to visit Alinea, it will NOT disappoint! As a side note, we love the confidence of a restaurant so renowned, there’s no sign on the door. Big energy in that!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Charles “Chuck” C. 2 years ago on Google
    I’ve just started to scratch the surface of fine dining and to me Alinea brought something to the table, literally and figuratively, that no one else has; an experience. So let’s get the obvious things out of the way. The food is delicious and the service was superb. If I’m being honest the flavors aren’t the best I’ve ever had for fine dining, but it would still be in the conversation. Now for the experience. The dishes are very creative with with their flavors and presentation. Having hidden dishes within other dishes, preparing the meal in front of you, having food look like something obvious and then taste entirely different are just a few examples of the fun/ tricky that goes on. All of this adds up throughout the dinner and left me with a very positive impression. In the future I would come back here, but I think I would do the Gallery or Kitchen Table meal instead. The Salon was great, but I feel like it might be worth it more to go up a notch.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 nilusha t. 5 months ago on Google
    A dream come true. Rosabelle was our fantastic server. The food and the wine pairing was perfectly balanced. Left feeling satisfied and just thrilled. Best dining experience of my life. If anyone has the chance to experience it.. please do. It's pricy but worth it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jainif M. 2 years ago on Google
    This place was very good as expected. It’s a 3 star Michelin place for a reason. I’ve had another 3 star French place named Le Bernardin in NY and thought the Alinea experience was significantly less noteworthy vs that but it was still great nonetheless! The food was pretty good with great flavors and the dessert was very unique. Highly recommend to anyone trying to dip into exquisite cuisine just don’t expect each course to come out with a full show like Chef’s Table might imply
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kai S. 2 years ago on Google
    Book one month in advance on the 15th of every month to snag your reservation! Great experience with the very professional staff who asked us about dietary restrictions ahead of time and explained every course to us throughout the night. The reopening menu tasted great, and our table felt full after course 6. Would recommend!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Goh C. 2 years ago on Google
    If you are looking for best services and presentations if foods, Alinea is the one you should go. No complaints at all, fully satisfaction about their services, creations and presentations. When it comes to tastes, to me it's too much of the seasonings. I believed the chefs have put a lot of time and efforts on every dishes served, but some of the combination of seasonings are over utilized. The chefs seems like want to create a new special taste of food, so mixed of taste on the dish was prepared. The very last dessert served, is so disappointed, nothing special, just some nitrogen chocolate ice cream with some blue berries, blue berry marshmallows and some cream or syrups, they called the presentation, the paint. The missing star didn't give, is the tastes of the foods, don't really accept it. Overall it's still a great experience to have.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Michael Ochoa I. 2 years ago on Google
    Underwhelmed. I couldn’t comprehend most of the dishes. The flavors were too intense. I wouldn’t order a single dish again if I could. The presentation was amazing and the service was perfect. Definitely check it out. It was a unique experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jenny B. 5 months ago on Google
    What an amazing experience we had Saturday night. The staff, the food, the presentation. The sommelier was so friendly and nice. There were so many highlights of the night… but I think meeting Chef Grant was the icing on the cake!! I would recommend this place to anyone who enjoys fine dining.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Shawn G. 7 months ago on Google
    The overall atmosphere and storytelling for the evening was absolutely magical and very well constructed. There was a beautiful jungle/flower display with glass accoutrements in the beginning, adjusting to an open plan more intimate setting with each course alteration. I have never been so interested and happy in that type of environment. BIG however: the food for the price point was honestly severely lacking, everything relatively decent but I honestly thought most of it was relatively commonplace flavors except for a few unique dishes. I honestly think they could step their flavors up. The candy balloon was cute and tasty, but a meteor rock version of a banana split? Cool but it wasn’t the best flavor. This place is much more about atmosphere than the food.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eric H. 1 year ago on Google
    There are plenty of detailed reviews explaining the whole experience at Alinea, so I won't try and replicate those. I went in hoping to be blown away, and my expectations of being blown away, were blown away. The detail in every dish, every direction, and every moment of the experience was perfectly crafted to create a dining experience unlike anything I had ever imagined. The flavors, textures, smells, and presentation were all outstanding. The servers were very friendly and guided us through the journey with extreme attention while not being overbearing and keeping the pacing between courses perfect - not too rushed, but never bored and waiting. The servers were also a perfect balance of extremely professional and detailed, while also being down to earth and non-pretentious, which is difficult to do in such an esteemed place and with such a wide array of clientele. While the price may seem absurd at face value for any meal, having now been, I can highly recommend it as worth every penny and look forward to coming back in the future.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Linda K. C. 4 months ago on Google
    First Michelin 3-star restaurant experience, over a celebratory weekend in Chicago. Staff excellent, food creative, ambiance perfect. Except for the filo layered biscuits with foie gras, none of the 6 courses blew us away, but the food and the wine pairings were perfectly balanced. Price somewhat reasonable, but we are validated that equally lovely and less expensive eats are in our own hometown SF Bay Area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ilayda B. 2 years ago on Google
    It was definitely an experience but is it worth the hype? You will decide. I loved the plates better than what is on them. Steak and the onion right was the most surprising dish because I was not expecting something so ordinary.

  • 5/5 Alex R. 11 months ago on Google
    I can’t even put in words how mind boggling this experience was. Me and my girlfriend dined at Alinea (gallery) to celebrate our anniversary and it was truly one of the most incredible things I’ve ever gotten to be a part of. Each dish was something special, taking us back to a certain place. The food brought on a lot of great conversation and it was amazing to see the different ways we both could relate to it. This was all accompanied by some of the best wine I’ve had in my life. Staff was top notch and they make sure you have an unforgettable night. Seriously, this is a must visit. I’m so blessed to have gotten the opportunity to dine here.

  • 5/5 Daniel C. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome experience. It’s definitely a treat! Food, service, atmosphere was all fantastic. It’s a culinary journey to be taken and remembered!

  • 4/5 Jason X. 1 year ago on Google
    Most fun dining experience I've had! Superb service. If you're on a tight budget, I'd rather spend it on multiple other Michelin star meals instead of just one here, but if you're not, you already know that Alinea is a must-try

  • 5/5 Luis Rey H. 4 months ago on Google
    Visited back in May 29th for our anniversary. Still have this dinner on my mind and wanted to leave a review. I love the presentation of the food. A very unique tasting experience. the atmosphere was relaxing. It made me extremely happy to see they returned the Balloon. I would definitely go again.

  • 5/5 Nicole S. 2 years ago on Google
    We have been dreaming about dining at Alinea ever since we watched the chef's table episode about Chef Grant Achatz 6 years ago. We finally got a reservation and made it with high expectations to Chicago - our high expectations were exceeded! So impressed by how much thought went into not just the preparation but also the presentation of every single dish. We were amazed by each piece of art and no single detail was missed. It was truly dream experience to dine at Alinea.

  • 5/5 Jason 1 year ago on Google
    Alinea is a must have experience at least once in your lifetime. By far the most magical and immersive food experience there is. Completely blown away by the creativity and taste. Still thinking about this meal weeks later.

  • 5/5 Will L. 5 months ago on Google
    Alinea had been on my to-visit along with French Laundry. The food was amazing, the experience was a full sensory engagement - smell, sight, and taste. The dessert was treat and brought back memories of my childhood finger painting.

  • 5/5 Phillip C. 1 year ago on Google
    Sat in the kitchen table with a party of 6. Experience was amazing. Service as top notch. Front of house staff were very real an not too stuffy. Food was great and very unique but felt it was missing something I can't identify. Would go back if I could order certain portions. Not sure it was worth the price and presentations feltslightly over done. Would rate 4.5 if I could.

  • 4/5 G M. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful presentations. Each course is described as a different region. My fav dish was the first course which was a custard that was accompanied by onion gelatin, bread foam, and caviar. The last course is the deconstructed ice cream sundae as seen on TV. Loved when they smash the ice cream. There is also a helium balloon. Be careful not to breathe too much in, small sips should be suggested. Great night out, you will walk out of there entertained, with a happy tummy and stuffed. I do have to say some of the courses were salty and over acidic for my taste. But everyone else enjoyed it.

  • 5/5 Marlon L. 1 year ago on Google
    The most AMAZING culinary experience we have ever had. The food, the service, and the atmosphere were spot-on. The staff was great and friendly, they explained everything well and if you had questions they took the time to answer. Truly a 3 Michelin star restaurant and experience. I can't wait to return to Chicago and try this place again.

  • 5/5 Eleanor 3 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    The food was very good and creative, full of surprises, and the service was very attentive and thoughtful, they introduce the ingredients of each meal, how to eat it to feel the best flavor,and let us know the details of each bottle of wine. Also finally the dessert part was amazing and beautiful, like a painting, and of course delicious! I had a very important and memorable dinner in my life here, my boyfriend proposed to me! !He said he appreciated the staff's help. I'm glad he chose this place as a turning point in our lives. We were visiting Chicago and if we travel this city again in the future, we will definitely go back to this restaurant again to try different thing for different seasons, highly recommended!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍


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Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Valet parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Free parking garage
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

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