My friend and I stopped into Arla and were lucky enough to snag seats at the bar. The atmosphere is really nice and made for a great spot to grab a few bites and catch up. We ordered a handful of appetizers to share, and overall everything was pretty good. It was nice being able to try several different things from the menu rather than committing to just one entrée. The one area that could have been better was the service. We would have appreciated a little more explanation of the dishes as they were served, especially since we were trying several items, as well as more frequent check-ins throughout our meal. Nothing that ruined the experience, but a little more attentiveness would have elevated it. Overall, a nice atmosphere, good food, and definitely a place worth checking out. I'd come back and try more of the menu. read more

See all

Arla has a beautiful ambiance with great city views. The hosts and servers were attentive, and our food arrived fairly quickly. We started with the spicy feta and garlic scallion pita. The scallion pita was a standout, but I found it strange that the dip didn't include any pita and had to be ordered separately. And one order wasn't nearly enough for the amount of dip, so you realistically need at least two, possibly three additional pita orders. Our server repeatedly offered to bring us more from the start, so it seems like a known issue. It felt like an unnecessarily inconvenient way to structure the appetizer. You have to stop eating, flag down your server, place another order, and wait for more pita to arrive. I'd rather they build the cost into the price of the dip and include enough pita from the start. The chicken shawarma dumplings were delicious and easily the highlight of the meal. Unfortunately, the miso cod was overcooked, and I could barely taste the miso sauce, which made the entrée disappointing. Overall, Arla was okay, dining in is probably a one-and-done for me. I'd be more interested in getting the shawarma and drinks at the bar next time. read more

See all

The place is amazing and upscale right in Gold Coast. They are located upstairs of Cartier and the service is good. We got their sushi which was amazing and definitely will be back for more. One thing is our water did not get filled when it was empty took about 20 min before our waiter realized but overall the food was good read more

See all

Having a event dinner here was an experience! Customer service was on star level. They were very accommodating and very kind. We have our own private dining room and the food was delicious. Not only is the restaurant beautiful and have so many intimate spaces, but their private rooms are just as gorgeous as the next. It's hard to choose between the space/venue, customer service and the food because they were all top-tier. It is a bit expensive because it is a five-star restaurant but you do get what you pay for. read more

See all

Arla was a bit of a mixed experience for us. We tried the tuna crudo, red pepper feta, dumplings, pita bread, shrimp skewer, wagyu, and cheesecake. The pita bread was probably the best thing on the menu; seriously, it was to die for. The red pepper feta was enjoyable, and I really liked the twist on the dumplings. I think I'd actually prefer them as a soup next time, if that's an option. The shrimp skewer had a great presentation, but unfortunately it didn't taste nearly as good as it looked. The wagyu was also a little disappointing considering it's wagyu; it came out fairly dry. The ambiance was nice and the drinks were decent. It was a bit loud, but still easy enough to have a conversation. One small annoyance was the tables--they don't seem ideal for cold drinks because condensation kept building up and the staff had to continuously wipe them down. Bathrooms were clean, which is always a plus. read more

See all

Viagra Triangle gotta new bag! It's really beautiful with a large bar. The menu is a mix of Mediterranean and Japanese. There are NO vegetables y'all unless you get a salad. But ok it was still good. Went on Monday. Reservation was for 5pm right when they opened. By the time I sat down, the entire restaurant was packed! So you know you're in for a treat. Loved the Japanese hummus. The billowy pita bread was delicious that was served with it. We had the Oak Street Maki sushi rolls. Excellent! The skirt steak had flavor but it wasn't my thing with the pine nuts on it. The wild mushroom were really really good!! For cocktails we had the Mitsu . Get this drink and thank me later please. I followed up with a cute Helios spritz. They were out of the Granata spritz which I found really weird. But ok. Will be back for more cocktails because they have this martini service where you get 5ounces of vodka and your martini. Stopppp. Fun vibe. Very sexy spot. Very busy. On the 6th floor in the same building as Cartier! read more

See all

The reason I'm giving them 3 stars The restaurant is beautiful! Amazing ambiance especially if you can snag a table outside! We were very fortunate to have a table outside for my birthday. Started with cocktails- kaigan (think old fashion) 7/10 & I ordered a "skinny spicy marg" 6/10 was lacking spice. The pita is 10/10 ! Served hot, very soft and light! The dip trio at $40 is incredible! But be prepared to order extra pita and pay extra for each piece. We tried the spicy feta, Japanese hummus and baba ghanoush. All of these dips are incredible but a little too salty and oily. I'd ask for wayyy less oil next time. We tried two sushi rolls. The spicy shrimp tempura maki & the tzatziki salmon maki. Both were disappointing & lacking flavor. I think my sushi I get at Whole Foods has more flavor and it's just a spicy tuna roll. Dumplings - 10/10 Japanese rice rice pot - 8/10 (overly salty ) The chicken skewers 2/10 were extremely fatty. Seemed like terrible quality meat. So awful I sent mine back. Served with a decent amount of tzatziki (win) but no pita? Prawn skewer- 1/10 rubbery and bathed in wayyyy too much butter. I wish we would have tried the filet but when there are no potato options on the menu I couldn't make sense of it. Fire roasted cauliflower steak - 7/10 Beautiful presentation, amazing flavors, loved the pickled onions and lime crust! Sadly mine was a little on the charred/ burnt side. They brought out the only dessert they had left that night for my birthday. Some type of mandarin orange sponge cake. This was very moist! Really good! 8/10! I still would have preferred something chocolate but they don't have anything chocolate on the menu. Sad to have wasted my birthday dinner here honestly but was so excited for the vibes and rooftop aspect. The food was all wayyy too salty, we all left dying of thirst and I felt sick from all the oil & butter on everything. Our server Bryce was very sweet and accommodating! As well as the manager who was happy to swap out the chicken skewer for me for the prawn. I'd say skip Arla for dinner, come for drinks & maybe pita/dips. read more

See all

The ambiance of the restaurant was lively and inviting, with unique décor and beautiful earthy, warm tones that created a welcoming atmosphere. The service was exceptional. Our server, Raj, was attentive, engaging, and made the entire experience fun. The pacing of the meal was perfect, with each course arriving at just the right time. The menu offers a creative fusion of two cultures that feels both unique and familiar. Every dish was beautifully executed. Highlights: Miso cod--it was incredibly tender, and the caramelized glaze was absolutely delicious. Chicken yakitori Prawn- the scallion butter sauce** (woww) amazing you may want to save it and ask for additional pita bread and dip it Salmon tzatziki roll The full spread is a must-order, allowing you to sample all three dips served with fresh, warm pita bread. You could really taste the roasted garlic confit and the charred scallions, which added incredible depth of flavor. I also loved the martini service. Having the cocktail shaken tableside made it feel like a special experience. Overall, we had a fantastic evening. Between the thoughtfully designed space, outstanding food, and excellent service, it was an experience I would gladly recommend and look forward to enjoying again. read more

See all

Definitely will be coming back! Came for a birthday dinner and had a great time. Our server, Jack, was amazing. Great service, perfect recommendations. The kitchen and bar were a little slow but this place was BUSY. It does also get super loud, so minus one star there. We tried the Japanese Hummus and it was incredible. Such an interesting mesh of flavors that just worked! Definitely recommend trying this. The wagyu skewer was also amazing and I would get it again. The shawarma dumplings were also good and worth trying, I am just not a huge fan of shawarma in general. We also got the yellowtail crudo and one of the sushi rolls. The yellowtail had some sort of curry sauce on top that we did not love. Although good, not something I would order again. The roll was a little underwhelming and forgettable. For dessert, the basque cheesecake is a MUST TRY. So good, perfect balance in sweetness and richness. 10/10. We also got the tahini tart (can't remember the name) and we were not fans of it. Just a little bit of a weird aftertaste. All in all, really good experience and cool fusion of flavors. Will be back once the hype dies down so that it isn't so loud/busy. read more

See all

I finally scored a reservation at Arla, River North's hottest new rooftop destination, and you need to save this spot immediately! We started with their iconic tableside Martini Service, gin of course, before diving into the Mediterranean-Japanese fusion menu. First up was the tzatziki salmon maki with cucumber. I've never had maki like this, and loved it. Then followed the flaky Crab Spanakopita stuffed with sweet red crab and feta. The Shawarma Spice Dumplings swimming in rich chicken jus and chili crunch were devine. To wrap up, we indulged in the fire-grilled hearth skewers, featuring tender Octopus over gigante bean purée and juicy Wagyu with wasabi labneh along with the pomegranate chicken skewer. Between the incredible bites and stunning skyline views, Arla completely lives up to the hype--be sure to add this to your dining list! read more

Arla - Rooftop martini cart - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I brought a friend in to celebrate her birthday. It was perfect. The host staff on the first floor and in the restaurant were all very pleasant. The star was DARMA! She was an incredible server who added such personality to our visit. She went out of her way to make sure my friend felt special for her birthday. The cuisine is delicious. Everything we tried offered beautiful plating and layers of flavors. The room is gorgeous. As the sun went down and the lights came up, the atmosphere was warm and stylish. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. read more

See all

Everything we ordered was spectacular. The cod, branzino, maki rolls, hot scallion pita bread, hummus, Mediterranean salad, wine. It's a no fail place. I can't wait to return. Spectacular service and they have an outdoor patio for dining. read more

Arla - Branzino - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It was so beautiful once we walked in! The drinks were good and I ordered the non alcoholic one. The service was great Asia was amazing! The maki was so good!! One of the best sushi and the dumplings were filled with so much flavors. This place is a Japanese Mediterranean fusion which is so perfect. We also got their crudo which was really good. The mushroom rice hot pot was so good! Loved how all the flavors come together. It was especially a little loud here and the music you can't hear it well but overall would definitely return. Giving 4/5 because I was seeing this guy going around to fill people water cup but mine was so empty and it wasn't filled for almost 20 minutes until we had to ask our server. I know it may be dark but nobody glass of water should be empty. read more

See all

The middle eastern/Japanese concept it certainly unique but I think it only pays off for some dishes. The pita and dips aren't anything special and could be skipped imo. Highlights are anything with fresh fish (sushi and crudo were excellent) and the dumplings were unlike anything I've had so worth trying. Kebob section also looked and smelled great--we tried the octopus but the chicken passed by and looked excellent. It was a little pricey all in all so I'm not rushing back but a good spot to try for a new Chicago hot spot. read more

Arla - Pita (not the best and $4/per) and spicy whipped feta - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I used to live in Chicago and was back visiting for the weekend from Tampa. I had read all the buzz about Arla, especially the rooftop and the beautiful space. I only had one night in downtown Chicago, chose to spend it here, and I was definitely not disappointed. Arla is located in the old Barneys building, and the experience starts before you even get upstairs. The lobby is absolutely beautiful, and of course we had to stop for a picture before heading up to the sixth floor. The minute the elevator doors opened, you could feel the energy. The room was buzzing. This is exactly what I miss about Chicago: incredible spaces, fantastic food, great views, and a crowd that makes you feel like you're actually out for the night. We were lucky enough to have a rooftop table, and the view was spectacular. It honestly felt like we were sitting at a floating table suspended between the high rises. As the evening got darker and the city lights came on, it just kept getting better. And the food absolutely lived up to the setting. Everything we ordered was dynamite. We shared the Mediterranean Salad, Japanese Caesar, Spicy Shrimp Tempura Maki, Oak Street Maki, Tzatziki Salmon Maki, Chicken Yakitori and Wagyu skewers, and finished with the Basque Cheesecake. There wasn't a miss in the bunch. Dinner was a chance to catch up with old friends, but we definitely weren't ready for the night to end. After dinner, we moved over to the very lively bar in the center of the restaurant and stayed there for the rest of the night. Arla really is the total package. Pre dinner drinks, an amazing dinner, incredible views, great hospitality, a gorgeous setting, and plenty of energy for post dinner fun. If you want fantastic food, this is the place. If you want a fun night out, this is the place. And if you want some pretty amazing pictures for your Instagram, this is DEFINITELY the place. One piece of advice: have a coffee or some caffeine before you arrive because you're going to want to stay late. Arla has the kind of energy that makes you forget you had any intention of going home early. Chicago, I miss you. Arla was the perfect reminder of why. read more

See all

After a long day of shopping, we decided to stop by Arla, one of the most hyped restaurants we'd been hearing about. We came for lunch and were seated immediately. First impressions were great. The restaurant has a beautiful vibe and the service was excellent throughout. One tip: if you're coming for the views, make sure you choose the dining area when booking. The lounge doesn't really have a view. We started with the dips and pita platter and tried the Japanese hummus, black garlic baba ganoush, and spicy whipped feta. The dips were decent and had good flavor, but the pita was SO chewy. My jaw was genuinely tired after a while! I even asked our server if it was supposed to be that way, and apparently it is, but it was just way too chewy for me. Next we had the chicken yakitori, which was again decent, but nothing particularly memorable. This was where the experience started falling short for me. At a restaurant at this price point, especially one with such an upscale atmosphere, you expect the quality and execution of the food to match the setting and pricing. Unfortunately, most of what we tried just didn't. The Japanese dumplings, however, were the standout. They actually met the expectations we had coming in. They were really flavorful with a great burst of flavor in every bite. We thoroughly enjoyed those. Overall, Arla definitely delivers when it comes to ambiance and service, but the food didn't justify the price for us. When you're paying a premium, the food needs to be just as impressive as the restaurant itself. I think they need to improve the food selection and execution before I could say it's worth the hype or the price. read more

See all

Got a few appetizers and the dirty martini service everything was great! our server was super friendly and provided great recommendations and the interior is sooo beautifully done it's moody but well lit and provided a great experience for my birthday read more

Arla - dirty martini - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I really wanted to love this place and was so excited. We walked in on a Sunday evening hoping to sit at the bar, but it was packed so we got lounge seats close to the outdoor portion. Service was quick and great. My glass of red wine was excellent with the meal. The ambiance was beautiful as expected. However, the food really lacked. The tzatziki was tasty, but the one slice of pita did not allow us to have more of the dip. The shrimp tempura maki was delicious and the best dish we had. The miso cod was overcooked and inedible unfortunately. Definitely not worth the price. The Japanese ceasar - we asked for no mandarins - was mostly cheese. We also ordered a glass of rosé that was not drinkable as it was too sweet. It was nice of the staff to come out with a scoop of brown butter ice cream for my birthday, which was tasty. I'd like to come back for drinks and trying more of the menu, but unfortunately the food we had was just not up to par with other restaurants in the area. read more

See all

Really good vibes the rooftop was beautiful drinks especially the mezcal drink was so delicious!! The patrons were beautiful too! Only downside was the service which was very very slow read more

See all

I came to Arla for a birthday celebration last week and had a really wonderful time. To start, the place was gorgeous and we had outside seating overlooking the city and lake. Our waiters were friendly and attentive. We shared both the classic and Japanese hummus, garlic and scallion pita, yellowtail crudo, Oak Street maki, shawarma spice dumplings, Japanese rice pot, charred filet mignon, and whole branzino. I thoroughly enjoyed each dish but my favorites were the maki and branzino. Everything was cooked perfectly and the fusion of Mediterranean and Japanese was very unique. For dessert, we had the matcha ice cream and Japanese basque cheesecake, both of which were delicious. I'm genuinely impressed with Arla because I think it's rare to have both amazing food and vibes in a restaurant, but Arla definitely delivered. read more

See all

We got the mushroom skewers, the Japanese hummus, the veggie maki rolls, cauliflower steak, the miso cod, and basque cheesecake. Order Jordan cab wine. The mushroom skewers and Japanese hummus were our favorite. They had great spices to them. The cauliflower steak, miso cod and basque cheesecake were just okay. The wine we liked but didn't like that they chilled the red wine. Overall I'd come back for the vibe. The food itself didn't blow me away, but wasn't bad. I'd come back for drinks and the dips. read more

See all

Our server was nice and the food was really good. I loved the shawarma dumplings and oak street maki. Will definitely go back for the food. The front desk staff need some training though. We had bar lounge seating. I specifically picked it while booking and she said she will seat us in the dining room because there is a wait for the lounge. I told her my reservation is for the lounge and I don't mind if it's a short wait. She completely discouraged us and said it could take up to one or two hours? Again, I mentioned but I have a reservation, how can it take that long? It was like talking to a wall because she just wouldn't stand by our reservation. She was adamant that the dining room was our only option and she wasn't polite. I'm not sure what's going on and if they only want certain type of people to be seen in the bar lounge? The dining room was empty and cut off and had a really different vibe than what we wanted. It was like being put in a corner to eat. read more

Chelsea was phenomenal and very personable, and Myles was great! The ambiance is loud inside but that's what the Chicago vibe is normally thought out to be, plus Greek vibes typically entail a higher energy. The pita is to die for and the whipped feta was excellent. Highly recommend the Octopus skewer, as it is one of the most tender ones I've had. Can't go wrong with the maki sushi roll as well. read more

Arla - Regular and Scallion pita. Whipped feta - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

We ate dinner Saturday night at 5 pm and everything was fantastic! Food came out quick and perfectly spaced out. Everything was great and well worth it IMO. We also had the cod that I didn't snap a picture of but it was delicious. I had the Sakura and espresso martini and my boyfriend had a dirty martini and we were both impressed. The prawn was also buttery and delicious. The miso cod was perfect texture and the dipping sauce added to an already amazing dish. I would've preferred a Japanese dumpling vs the shawarma, but it was still very good! We ended an outstanding meal with the cheesecake, and while I was on the fence ordering it, I'm so glad I did! The brown butter whipped cream was phenomenal. I'm not a huge cheesecake fan but we were impressed. Would love to try more next time around. read more

See all

Obviously its new and there is a ton of hype. you will see ppl you know, ppl who want to be seen and ppl who just want to go somewhere new. the place is visually stunning. They did a great job on creating vibes. There are some standouts on the menu like the hummus platter. everything else is passable- just Ok. you are here for the vibes and the newness of it all--- the food isn't really the draw. we had the smoked olives and pickles, octopus ,Japanese ceasar , chicken dumplings and cod. None of those were standouts. the food is merely an afterthought. get ready to spend some money on your outfit, food and drinks read more

I went here 2 weeks ago and had a mediocre meal. The fish was beyond salty. The bread was the best part but a trio of small dips was $40.00. I went back last night with a group of 6 for a work event to give the place another shot. Our waitress was mediocre at best. She seemed very very annoyed to even be waiting on us. We ordered a lot. Spent a lot. Beautiful place but don't waste your time or money. Not worth it. read more

Had such a great experience at Arla! The atmosphere, food, and service were all amazing. Lizette was our bartender and was so attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. She gave us great recommendations, and her cocktails were absolutely delicious! The Japanese hummus was also AMAZING, definitely something I would recommend trying. Overall, such a wonderful experience and I'll definitely be coming back! read more

Arla was absolutely gorgeous! The interior design was exquisite, and I loved the views from the restaurant. Definitely a darker, more sultry vibe with most people dressed up in suits and dresses. The white miso hummus was everyone's favorite dish. The pitas were also extremely fluffy and flavorful. We weren't a huge fan of the sushi, but the chicken skewer was a fan favorite. The other skewers were decent but nothing compared to the deliciousness of the chicken. Disappointed by the shawarma wontons as they were a bit on the tougher side, but I would recommend the clay pot mushroom rice. We got three of the desserts, but the only one that stood out was the basque cheesecake as it was extremely creamy without being too sweet. The presentation of the food was beautiful, but I expected more from such an up and coming restaurant. Service was both quick and friendly, and we enjoyed our overall experience! read more

Everything was great from start to finish ‼ Good: Excellent Service: Outstanding! Staff was spot on From managers to servers to bus staff. Ambiance: Chic and friendly. I can't wait to return!! read more

Gorgeous ambiance and restaurant. Beautiful rooftop views and a perfect patio to cocktail from. Fresh, delicious and well thought out dishes. Great service in the bar, and a thoughtful waiter who made our whole dinner effortless. read more

Arla's decor and setting is stunning. The rooftop overlook of the city and lake is really beautiful. Service was great and attentive. We ordered and sampled quite a few menu items. There was such a fun selection to mix and match. Several types of humus , salads, dumplings, steaks and my favorite was the Cod. Cheesecake was a perfect ending to a great experience. Arla was packed with people which made it really fun! read more

We were excited to get a reservation here. My daughter can see it from her apartment and was looking forward to it. Overall, the drinks were delicious, the food was great but maybe a little heavy on the dill. Our issue was that we felt very rushed and we weren't able to relax. Our server asked if we were ready right when we sat down and we said we needed to look at the menu. When she came back, we ordered drinks and she asked what we were getting for dinner. We said we hadn't looked at the dinner yet (it had only been like 5 minutes). Then when she brought the drinks, we asked to start with a few items and she said we had to order everything we were going to have for the entire night all at once. I've never heard of this before, but I'm this case, we needed more time to decide EVERYTHING we were going to have the whole night. She stood there while we continued to look, hovering. So, we ordered. Even though we ordered EVERYTHING at once, it came out piece by piece, which was ok. Our server didn't check if everything was ok once food arrived, so we had to flag someone down for soy sauce for our sushi. However, People kept coming over trying to take our plates even though we still had food on them. The waitress took my daughter's martini that wasn't even finished and walked away so quickly we couldn't stop her. Again, so many people can't by to try to take plates we were still working on. So, it was a nice environment and the food was good, but I don't think we will go back based on the service. read more

This place is LOUD -- you literally cannot hear the person sitting across from you. It was pretty ridiculous. The food was solid, though, and I'll be back. Service was fine -- not especially polished, but not enough to keep me away either. If you're expecting something similar to Fred's (the previous restaurant), you'll be disappointed. This is a place where people go to be "seen," not the old Fred's-type crowd. read more

Arla has work to do. We dined there last night and it is a very pretty place. That said, dinner service was poor. I ordered a $22 glass of Pinot and it came to me ice cold. The same thing happened when I ordered a glass of Cabernet. For those prices, you should know the temp red wines should be served at. Our waiter indicated plates were meant to be shared. We ordered an array of plates. The salads and sushi came out within 10 min ( all at once). After that, it took another 50 min for the rest of our food to show up. Other tables seemed to be waiting as well. No acknowledgment or apology from staff. The food was pretty good, but not good enough to justify the price or a return visit. I'll be interested in other reviews read more

Be prepared! It's VERY loud!!! I could not hear the server nor my friend's conversations. Then we waited 25 minutes for our drinks. Followed by ordering 5 starter dishes. 3 were Mediterranean and 2 were sushi. They were ALL brought out 5 minutes after ordering. No pacing. No separation of plates. We did not enjoy this. The food was delicious but the volume and the pacing of plates should be addressed. I would not go back because of these issues. read more

I didn't know Mediterranean and Japanese food needed to be fused, but now I do. Everyone at our table had a different favorite dish, but the wagyu skewers and the salmon entree were crowd pleasers for sure. Best hummus and pitas I've ever had. Beyond the plate, the service was outstanding. My son dropped his napkin and someone replaced it almost before he could even bend down to pick it up. Top it off with a phenomenal view of the Gold Coast and the lake! read more

We ate at Arla's our first time this past Monday the 17th. We were early and decided to sit at the Bar and eat rather than wait for the Main Dining Room. Georgi was our server/bartender and was fantastic, very attentive and knowledgeable. The food was better than expected except for the Octopus that was chewy but everything else over the top. If I have any negative is that I am a Gin drinker and could not get Tanqueray which was a downer. Highly recommend this restaurant and will return. read more

Standing in line twice to get in was unpleasant and chaotic. Having only 1 drink menu for 4 people to share needs fixing. Service was not great, only visiting a couple of times and recommended strictly the most $$$ things on the menu. Martini was shaken twice and thus served warm. Music was too loud for conversation. The food was good, but service needs to be worked on. Hope they can improve upon these items as the space is beautiful. read more

Appetizers were highlight. Main course dishes disappointing and pricey. Service good.Would go back for charred octopus, smoked olives and hummus read more

per Lana below yes service needs to step up--- great staff and just being open still ok need a middle manager etc to scan and see who needs what at the bar and how to clear off plates at bar- My plate took 40 mins because bartenders /staff frantic and busy I see some staff standing for long periods of time watching everyone - how about them or someone assigned to the bar area to provide proper timely great service salmon super dry and had to send back staff not authorized to do so? they had to get approval ? more delays and less attention at bar I'm sure will get more in tune but start now.... read more