My wife and I have eaten at many good Michelin restaurants like French laundry, Per Se, Eleven Madison Park etc, but Smyth is not one of them. We found alot of the flavors to be conflicting. Alot of dishes had too much acidity and tartness to them. The dessert courses were also disappointing. They somehow tasted savory, and made me want to stop at a real dessert shop after this meal. The most offensive gesture was the 15% service charge on top of the bill. When I asked the waiter if this was the tip, he said no. The charge was for the kitchen staff and apron workers, so they can have a livable wage. Isn't it the job of the owner to pay these wages, and not the customer? We were very disappointed with our experience and sadly, won't be back.

Best tasting menu! I like how they integrated fresh local ingredients with complicated dimensions of flavors. Dining at Smyth was an aesthetic experience - I just wished they were booked out slower!

Went to Smyth for wife’s birthday. What an amazing night. The ambiance is very warm and comfortable. There are only 12 or 13 tables, very intimate setting. The kitchen is entirely open, so you have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the entire experience. The service is impeccable and it is a team approach. You interact with a number of staff and they are all warm, helpful, informative, and caring. There is nothing stuffy or forced about the service or staff. It is clearly genuine and fully customer centric. The dinner is about two and a half hours in duration. We had 13 courses or menu samples by our count. All obviously prepared with great care and attention to detail. While most were delicious, you won’t love them all the same. But an important part of our experience was opening our palette to new dishes, ingredients and flavors. Smyth did not disappoint. Memorable night.

Got sick after the 3rd dish. Must've been the mussels they served. Had to be excused and the challenge to keep everything down was behind closed doors. Had high expectations from this restaurant based off the reviews but anyone that serves venison with chocolate infused fois Gras should be banned from the food industry. Poor textures and monotone colors. Not sure why there needs to be a sweet component with every dish either. My lobster does not need raspberry infused foam on top. Service was good but food overall was lackluster at best. Goodluck.

Reserved a table the night they announced they had received their 3rd Michelin star. Went to Smyth as a party of 4 friends and due to Chicago traffic we were almost 1 hour late for our reservation, they waited on us, no questions asked. The ambiance is very warm and comfortable. The overall atmosphere is relatively casual compared to similarly upscale restaurants. They only have 12-15 tables so it is very intimate. The kitchen is completely open so you have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the experience. The dinner lasts about two and a half hours. We had 13 courses on their tasting menu: - Truffle Waffle - Maine Uni & Wasabi - Bluefin Tuna & Hibiscus - Lobster Coral Mousseline - Lobster Soup & Seaweed - Avocado & Fig Leaf - Dungeness Crab & Almond - Butternut Squash & Sikil Pak - Maine Unagi & Blade Kelp - Smoked Quail Egg - Duck Liver & Chestnut Custard - Aged Duck & Quince - Koji Cheese & Foie Gras Doughnut - Hojicha & Marquis Grapes - New Potato & Pecan Ice Cream - Corn Macaron, Pawpaw & Parlsey Kombu & Dark Chocolate Tartlet We like a stories about each course and that they tell you where the ingredients come from. Spent about $1900 for 4 people including 2 bottles of wine and 20% service charge. Memorable night for us!

Smyth is one of those rare restaurants that make you question what fine dining should be and to what bounds experimentation can be taken to. My favorite dish of the night was the foie gras. The liver’s distinctive fattiness was juxtaposed by the crunchiness of unagi and the briny acidity of a seaweed dressing. In those moments, each innovative take felt like a step towards enlightenment. Other bites roused me from that reverie, with plates that pursued novelty at the expense of taste. A puddle of walnut milk and almond butter was all that stood between my tongue and a salt bath of hot and cold caviar. The saffron honey pot arrived in an acrid, puckering vinaigrette. Its only redeeming quality was keeping the beeswax on top one analogy away from a candle. The milk chocolate ganache tasted like a clove of garlic dipped in chocolate which, I assure you, is just as appetizing as it sounds. At the end of the night, I was less sure than ever before about the limits of food and fine dining. But there was, at least, one question I had become more certain of. Was the near $400 price tag worth it, with so many misses? Probably not. Would I be willing to give them a try again if the opportunity arises? Potentially. Innovative bites might make it worth.

Came here for our anniversary dinner, and it did not disappoint. The kitchen even gave us a personally signed card which was a nice touch.

Simple yet complex seafood dishes. The restaurant features open kitchen, which you can enjoy the show by master chefs. The atmosphere is relatively casual compared to restaurants with similar distinctions. A feel dishes are directly presented by the chef directly. I was amused when a chef said, what is better than caviars? More caviars! The presentation is simple yet the taste is rich and creative. I love the caviar, mussel and oyster.Their main course is also quite impressive. 90 day dry aged steak and plum sauced eel. I also recommend the wine pairing. It works well with food. Beverage pairing is also quite interesting.

This was my first visit to a Michelin star restaurant and it was quite the experience. This restaurant actually has two stars so that was even better. It was a nice, intimate atmosphere with impeccable service. Some food items I loved while some were just ok, but that’s the beauty of this unique dining experience. Everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming. The manager Chris was awesome! I was feeling very sad, at the verge of crying and ruining my makeup and he saved the day. He brought me the best cocktails and made this experience one to remember. I’m so glad that I was blessed to have this experience❤️

The Smyth was amazing! Beautifully crafted food and pairings that just blows your mind. And the staff, oh wow! So professional, smart and actually fun! The story and detail they provided on every course and every wine pairing made the experience unbelievable. And yet this is not a pretentious place. We especially appreciate Brittany and Max who were top notch. This is one of the best restaurants in Chicago and worth every penny! This is now my go to for every special occasion and I highly recommend to anyone who appreciates finer food.

We enjoyed our dinner at Smyth. The place is beautiful and the staff is amiable. The tasting menu was 9 courses and foie gras was in 4 out of those. That was disappointing. I think there are a lot more great ingredients a chef could use to create a fine dining tasting menu.

Wow! This was such an incredible meal. I went for the full chef's tasting menu back in March and it was one of the best meals of my life. The different flavors that I tasted here were so unexpected and unique, truly unlike anything else that i've ever tasted. I love how there were so many different savory courses as well as desserts, most places only give 2 but there were 5 different desserts if you include the brioche baba (a transitional dish between savory and dessert), which was one of my favorite courses ever. There is so much creativity that goes into the dishes here, everything is plated so uniquely and Smyth is really pushing the boundaries of flavor. It's pretty hard to pick favorites but if I had to then a few of them would be, Rice Koji Porridge,Nantucket Bay Scallops, Dungeness Crab, Barbecued Ainan Tai, American wagyu ribeye, and Brioche Baba

Staff were extremely weird. Some staff look like they get trained from a bar. But this is a 2 star Michelin restaurant. The furnish looks cheap and has the food is just okay. The dish decoration is awful. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY HERE. Go to other Michelin star restaurants: Oriole and Moody Tongue has better food. Ever has beautiful interior design and professional service. This restaurant should be removed from the Michelin Guide

I was lucky enough to have my birthday dinner here, it was an absolutely gorgeous meal and lovely lovely experience. I appreciate the staff for their attentiveness and expertise. I was here by myself and they made it a very special night for myself. The open kitchen was a great touch, you feel at home here.

This place provides great service and has an awesome atmosphere for a date night (expect to spend around 2-3 hours here). Dishes are very aesthetically pleasing, flavor and texture are very diverse and creative, but also means you might not like every single course. I have been to this place twice, some dishes I like but some not so much. My overall impression and experience are positive and memorable but only a few dishes out of all stand out. If you like to explore something new or would like to be surprised, you will sure enjoy this place. On the other hand, if surprises are not for you, there are other options in the area for the similar price range.

We came here to celebrate a birthday and our anniversary and they had two cards waiting for us at the table. The service is equivalent to the nicest five star hotel- Lotte Hotel Seoul is what comes to mind. The courses are carefully presented and reflect innovation, beauty, complex flavors, fresh ingredients and precision. My husband did the wine pairing and really appreciated it. If you live in Chicago or are traveling here and love fine dining, make your reservation. You won’t regret it. Thank you chefs and staff for an incredible dinner. (Did not include the photos because they can’t capture the experience)

Very disappointing for a Michelin 3 star. Makes you question how it was ever achieved. The only protein was a tiny piece of duck breast that I needed to put on my reading glasses to see. Photo attached. Not kidding. Wine pairing was also very lack luster. Decor was 2 out of five. Not even a table cloth Food was 1 out of 5. They mask all the quality of the ingredients. Putting cream on top of sea urchins? Sacrilege. Everything is puréed so it barely recognizable. Service was ok. Seen better at local pub. I half joked to the staff I am allergic to vegetables and white wine. It is the worst out of all Michelin restaurants we’ve been to. Gimmicky and overrated.

Tasting menu did not have good vegetarian options. Several meat dishes just served as is with the meat portion missing. Others were totally inappropriate substitutions like veggie broth poured over kelp. Should honestly just say unable to accommodate vegetarians. By far the worst vegetarian experience I've had at any Michelin restaurant, let alone a 3 star! Honestly surprising given how well the Loyalist handles dietary restrictions. Otherwise several interesting dishes with exceptional service. Definitely a variety of dishes. You won't love them all but it's fun to explore your palate. Standout dishes include the cheese donut, squash, and truffle taco. Sophisticated wine pairings and knowledgable Somm.

I would not go nye, just go regular time for about 275 pp. nye was 375 and not worth the nearly alinea prices. I booked it because oriole was already booked out. Standouts were foie gras, caviar, the garlic infused chocolate (wafers?), & venison. The foie gras with seaweed was a good combo. Other: The mussel and king crab were too small portion and just okay. As a big seafood lover, i wasnt as impressed with these. Meh: was told would have menu emailed but its been days and still not receive. It shouldve been available while dining since it was difficult to hear the details of each course with the mask and to remember it all. The white thing in the beginning, maybe mussel mousse was not flavorful and felt like eating air. Also the key lime shaved ice near the end felt cheap and not what id expect to be served for fine dining.

I thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful evening with my party of 7 and was impressed at the 14-course meal at Smyth. On all dimensions Smyth delivered outstanding quality, of course for a premium price-point (making this more of a restaurant for special occasions). The following is an overview of the main reasons I enjoyed my evening at Smyth: 1. Service - shoutout to Alex for being a wonderfully attentive server. She and the staff more broadly were very accommodating to dietary requirements and always paying attention to our needs (even waiting until every guest's return before serving and presenting the dish). 2. The ambience is fantastic - from the comfortable waiting area at the reception, to the clean, individual, bathroom to the seating area all with line of sight to the open kitchen. 3. Of course, the food - all 14 courses were outstanding, my favorite were the smoked quail egg, the lobster coral custard, the blue fin tuna and the new potato and pecan ice cream. See the below pictures - well presented food and very tasty. The choice of drinks is equally diverse – I recommend the ‘juicy’ mocktail I am happy to return to this fine establishment anytime and commend the staff on a great job.

I don’t have the words to describe the amazing experience my girlfriend and I had at Smyth. The team we had the good fortune to be with last night were kind, welcoming, knowledgeable, and professional but informal when needed. They have truly earned the recent recognition for excellence. We look forward to coming back!

Congratulations on earning your third star! Our dinner was absolutely fantastic. Seafood was featured prominently and each dish was a masterpiece. With an open kitchen setting, it is always fun to watch the chefs work their magic. The vibe was unpretentious yet professional and refined. Well done and well deserved 3rd star!

Smyth is now one of only 13 Michelin Three star restaurants in the nation. Upon your confirmed reservation, Smyth emails you a questionnaire specifying food preferences and allergies. Greeted at the door, Wendy led us to our table while passing the spotless open kitchens. Smyth is modern yet warm with its understated interior that is filled with custom crafted walnut tables and chairs. Walnut utensils are surprisingly included in the creatively shaped wooden utensils that change from course to course. By the time of the 3rd course, I found myself awaiting the next creative course but also looking forward to the shape of the upcoming wooden utensil. As if almost a disappointment when replaced with stainless, however unusually shaped also. That's just the heightened awareness of what utensils are next, none the less what creative dish will be served. The staff was tight, even recognizing by the second course that there was a leftie amongst us, placing the utensils on the proper side. Views of the line cooks, staff and the Expedtitor (assuming the Trotter trained owner) is seen from all tables. Witnessing their tight rhythm, I found it unparalleled in our industry. The tastings were thoughtfully creative while keeping in mind that one guest was a Pescatarian. Each course, with the exception of desserts, was placed atop the stone charger. The description of courses was thorough. At times, various cooks would come to the table and identify their dishes upon service. Offering a fully emersive dining experience. In my opinion as a Savory over Sweet diner, the dessert courses topped all but one Savory dish. The New Potato and Pecan Ice-cream served in a custom walnut bowl was outstanding. As was The Cheeseburger shaped Corn Macaron with Paw Paw and Parsley that couldn't be beat. Chocolate Tart & Kombu didn't linger in your mouth as did the numerous Savory courses with various seaweeds. A critique would be to offer more than one palate cleanser instead of the only one served during the tasting menu. One of our three guests sampling the tasting menu chose to include the wine pairings. Wendy was knowledgeable when pouring. With only one wine dissapointing -the 2020 SRC Etna Rosso, although difficult to obtain. A joy to have experienced Smyth and their pleasant staff! I do take issue of receiving a tab for 3 guests of $1,300 (including 20% gratuity) and then to be asked to pool in extra money for the servers health benefits.

We did the most expensive tasting menu and wine pairing and it was a but disappointing. We expected at least a handful of more dishes than the regular menu since we paid a decent amount extra, but it ended up being one extra intro course and maybe one extra mini-dessert. The food was fine, but it built up quick and then there was only one main course before moving on to dessert…very abrupt. On the wine pairings, we ordered reserve but didn’t get a pairing with the last 3 courses, so definitely not worth the extra price. Place was pretty empty when we were there too, which was tough

Hands down the best restaurant in Chicago! I love the chef's nature-oriented approach to his cuisine. Love the desserts as well.

What an incredible experience. Service was attentive, engaging, and genuine. I really appreciated the way they worked together and had fun with it all. The food was stellar- the bone marrow donut was one of the best things I've ever eaten. And the wine was equally great, got to explore some really interesting wines I never would have tried. We left very very happy and look forward to coming back in the future when the budget allows.

Smyth in Chicago is an absolute gem of the culinary world! The moment you step into this elegant establishment, you are welcomed with warm hospitality and an inviting ambiance. The tasting menu at Smyth is a true celebration of creativity and craftsmanship. Each dish is a masterpiece that showcases the chef's passion for using the finest seasonal ingredients. The flavors are thoughtfully balanced, and the presentation is nothing short of art on a plate. The attention to detail in every aspect of the dining experience is commendable. From the exquisite table settings to the impeccable service, every moment at Smyth feels like a special occasion. The knowledgeable and friendly staff enhances the experience by providing insights into the dishes, ingredients, and preparation techniques. I had the pleasure of savoring dishes that were both familiar and innovative, all while being surprised by delightful culinary twists. Smyth offers an intimate and immersive dining experience that transports you to a world of gastronomic wonder. Though it may be a fine dining experience, the atmosphere is relaxed, making it perfect for celebrating milestones or simply indulging in exceptional cuisine. For a dining adventure that you'll cherish for a lifetime, Smyth is undoubtedly deserving of 5 stars. I can't wait to return for another unforgettable culinary journey! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I had an AMAZING Birthday dinner here. The wine pairings with the amazing courses of food could not be matched. The wines were so original. I had wines I had never tasted, like Orange wine, and the pairings were spot on. The atmosphere was amazing and the skill shown by chefs and staff open kitchen was a pleasure to watch. The service could not be matched. Welcoming and non-pretentious, but so knowledgeable a professional. A once-in a lifetime dining event.

I have no words, simply amazing. Every dish was delicate, creative, delicious and different. One experience to remember. Worth every penny. And I was amazed by how the staff worked together, they were so sync with each other.

Ambience is quite a bit more casual than Ever (both Michelin **). Both food and service, in comparison with Ever, are a bit less sophisticated. But it's also less expensive. I don't have any complaint about dining here. My dinner was completely enjoyable.

Greeting us at the table was a card with my wife’s name on it that had within a hand written note wishing her a happy birthday from Smyth. The waiters greeted us by name upon first approach. Both of these were very nice touches which foreshadowed a level of service, which never waned even a little, throughout the experience. And thats what this evening was, an experience. Come here excited and prepared to try new things! I believe it was 12 courses altogether of dinner and dessert. Each course is bite sized but packed with flavor. We left, not completely stuffed, but the richness of the food left us satiated.

Went there for our anniversary and had a fantastic experience. Their timing was impeccable--when we finished one plate they gave us just the right amount of time to enjoy and relax, then they brought the next one. They made a special drink for my wife and daughter. Also the best Old Fashioned I've ever had in my life! The dishes we had were unique, creative, and delicious. Very happy we chose Smyth and hope to be back soon!

The Smyth provided excellent and inventive food in a comfortable environment. The food was inventive with ingredients and flavor combinations I would not have expected. One disappointment; I felt the service was spotty. When we first sat down they provided me with sparkling water after I ordered still water and the service was similarly disjointed the rest of the meal. This was unfortunate especially based on my expectations. Still great for the special occasion and it seemed like the service was more consistent for some of the other groups.

The best food and dining experience of my life. Was it "pricey"? Not at all for the value. I'd pay 10x that and never regret a dime. Chef Shields and his team have created magic through their food and atmosphere

Good food and wonderful service. However the tasting menu lacks a little surprise and variety that I was expecting. The eel and shellfish were the standouts.