In Father of the Bride, Steve Martin spends the whole movie hunting for a reason to dislike Bryan MacKenzie and never finds a good one. I had the same problem at Montarra. I came looking for the nitpick and struggled to find it. I drove six hours from St. Louis for a business dinner here. It's a strip mall (a nice one, but a strip mall), and they've planned around it: heavy drapes block the sun and turn the room into a proper dinner club. We sat under a blue Chihuly-style glass chandelier, beautiful until a companion who loves babies said it looked like a giant egg under attack by sperm. I eye-roll most mushroom dishes, and I'd reorder the crab and artichoke stuffed mushrooms without skipping a beat. The bacon-wrapped dates were even better. Serve me twenty in a bowl and call it my entrée. The lamb lollipops (a name that screams sticky sugar glaze, which these skipped) were excellent too, edged out by the other two. I'm a steak purist, so the night's special, piled with goat cheese, tomato, and onion strings like a parade float, had me worried. The kitchen cooked it to a flavorful medium rare, and the toppings played with the steak, like a pianist and vocalist in harmony. The sticky toffee pudding à la mode went down easy. The cheesecake was light and creamy, a relief after too many that eat like a sugary brick of mortar. My one gripe: the graham crust ran thick for me. Service was great without being remarkable, which suits a business dinner. They showed up when we needed them and stayed out of the conversation. 4.8 out of 5. If you don't like Montarra, you're Steve Martin, fighting a good match for no reason. The only thing pedestrian about the food was the bread rolls, there, there's my picking nit. read more

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We went to Montarra last minute yesterday for dinner and we were able to grab a table. This was our first time and the food was wonderful. I was a bit underdressed since this was an unprepared dinner. The ambiance is a nicer steak house. I would say most wore business casual at least. The prices were fair for the portion we got. I really liked their bacon wrapped scallops as well as the crème brûlée. I would for sure recommend for nicer meals. read more

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We just had one of the very best meals we've ever had. The food was amazing and the service was over the top impressive! Update : we decided to come back again the next night because it was such a great dining experience (we are in town for a horse show weekend). read more

Montarra - Baked French Onion Soup. - New American Near Me - Algonquin, Illinois

Montarra is the kind of restaurant that doesn't just serve a meal, it creates a moment. If you're looking for an elevated, upscale experience without heading into Chicago, Schaumburg, Oak Brook, or Naperville, this is the place. Period. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance with dim, intimate lighting and a clean, modern presentation. It feels polished without being stiff, refined but still welcoming. Most importantly, it delivers where it counts, on the plate. We started with the lamb lollipops, cooked precisely to temperature and finished with crushed pistachios, pomegranate, and a rich demi-glace. Each bite delivered depth, brightness, and texture. The Dungeness crab croquettes were equally impressive, crispy on the outside with a delicate, herbaceous interior. Rich, but never heavy. The French onion soup is an experience in itself, served in a hollowed onion. Bold, deeply savory, and incredibly comforting. Service elevated the night even further. Our server, Karra, asked if we'd sharing and had the kitchen split our entrées into individual portions, a thoughtful touch. The steak arrived perfectly cooked, and exactly as ordered. We finished with the English sticky toffee pudding, warm, gooey, and unapologetically decadent. Montarra doesn't chase trends. It executes upscale dining with precision, care, and genuine hospitality. That is exactly why it stands out, and why I'll keep coming back. Go experience it for yourself. read more

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Montarra is definitely my top three favorite restaurants in the suburbs!! They are consistently delicious, and I haven't had one bad experience here. I've been coming here for the last 10 years. The ambiance is beautiful with a pretty Chihuly chandelier. The service is consistently great. They do get busy on the weekends, so highly recommend making reservations. Their menu changes depending on fresh ingredients. The arancinis are so delicious; I've tried various variations and they are all wonderful. The lobster tail is reasonably priced and cooked perfectly. The desserts are also freshly made and not overly sweet. read more

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The food is above par, steaks that are cooked perfectly and a favorite is the Spicy Tuna Tartare. Service is outstanding although this particular time I visited no one checked on me after a few bites so I had to flag down a busboy for pepper. The only detractor in an otherwise memorable meal. read more

The bouillabaisse was a disappointment in that it was sparse with seafood. The scallops were mushy, the salmon in such small pieces I was not sure what it was, the bread sitting in the gravy seemed to be the filler. It was lukewarm at best. The sticky pudding was the star! Very noisy inside but it was a Saturday and with the tables so close together that could not be helped. I was waiting for a few months to order that entree and was fairly disappointed. read more

Saturday 4:00pm opening. Reservations definitely needed and a must. Sara our waitress amazing and attentive (deserving a big raise!) Lived in the area over 20 years and never have gone there. What a big loss for us!!!! Romantic! Great wine & drinks. Food in the menu was superior from appetizers to desserts! read more

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The place is very cool. Hard to believe it's in a strip mall. It's pricey but the food and menu are very good. Love to sit at the bar. The Bartender Ben is the best! Friendly. We are going to start going there more often. read more

Amazing yet again for a birthday evening. 10/10 recommend the specials. Crab Rangoon salmon is a delicate balance of flavors and textures. Creamy crust is evened out by the salty bite of the pork fried rice. Tortilla soup was rich, creamy and bursting with each bite. Make sure to add in any special occasions, as the staff is so thoughtful and adds in a celebratory note at the top of the menu! read more

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Always the best service, best drinks and the food awesome! From the moment you walk in the door, you are greeted with a smile. Ben could be one of the best bartenders I have ever seen. Always friendly, knowledgeable and seems to genuinely knows all his patrons like they were family. I can't say enough and invite you to enjoy this little gem of a restaurant! read more

Normally, we leave fine dining to the incredible Chicago experience downtown. On a whim we chose Montara because we didn't feel like driving to Chicago. Probably one of the best decisions we have ever made the food. The service in the ambience was just incredible. Simply a great experience.!!!! read more

We wanted a date night for our anniversary and so began my quest to find the right place for me and the wife. There was no budget for this dinner but the only restraint was that it had with be within a reasonable driving distance. I was looking for some fine dinning options. Immediately 1776 restaurant popped up in my head and we tried to make reservations but they were closed on this particular day, darn. This is the second time now where we tried making reservations at this place and they were closed but not to be deterred because every time we couldn't get there the backup restaurant has always been fantastic and this was no difference. We arrive at Montarra for our reservation time at 7:30 pm and I'd be lying to you when I tell you that I've driven by this restaurant at least a thousand if not 10,000 times before and it's NEVER caught my eye. I just always assumed it was just chain restaurant even through I've never heard of Montarra before. But I digress. I went on my trusty YELP app to find some more information about Montarra and right away the excellent rating and plating caught my attention. This was the spot we're going to celebrate our anniversary. Once we get in I tell the hostess that I made reservations and she replied with, "happy anniversary" and my wife was pleasantly surprised already. Was this a sign of things to come as to how outstanding the service is at this place? We will see. We get placed in a dimly lit dinning room, which sets the mood nicely. Right away as we sit down my wife mentions how cold she is. And to her credit, the table they sat us at had a draft but it wasn't too bad for me but for her she kept her jacket on. We were greeted and I went with a beer and my wife got wine. We started our meal with the bacon wrapped scallops and french onion soup and the soup of the day which was chicken with wild rice. The service was excellent, like a wise seasoned vet playing in his 15th season. He was a smooth talker and just made the night extremely relaxed and enjoyable. The bacon wrapped scallops arrived and under it was a bed of perfectly cooked Spanish with pecan maple butter. Believe me when I tell you this, the Spanish was the best thing I ate all night. It was again cooked perfectly and paired with the pecan maple butter, I could have just ate a plate of that buy itself. Oh man. I didn't even touch upon the bread rolls and butter that they serve you before the meal. That was delightful in itself but I didn't want to fill up on that! After that was their world famous french onion soup. And I'm a french onion soup snob. I like it only a certain way and that's with the cheese melted on top of it, just like how Around the Clock does it. But again, the presentation and soup itself is amazing and a must-have if you like FOS. I tried some of my wife's chicken and wild rice soup and that was delicious as well, creamy and deep with flavor. For dinner I went with the Waygu Bavette Steak over potatoes and green beans which was off their special menu. My wife went with the Lump Crab & Artichoke Stuffed Jumbo Mushrooms and Creamy Truffled Cauliflower. For me the Waygu steak was OK. I wasn't a fan of the puree they used but to each their own, it was still good. My wife enjoyed her meal as well. Overall, Montarra is a HIDDEN GEM and I'm mad at myself for not going here sooner or having any of my friends or neighbors tell me about this place. But now I will make it my duty to tell every single friend, neighbor, family member about this special place. Executive Chef, Joshua Lynn has created a downtown Chicago dining experience right here in the Algonquin area and I thank him for it. The wife and I will be back to try a bunch of other things on the menu and thank you again for making our anniversary special. read more

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I have not been to Montarra's in a really long time because it is not close to my house. I met a friend for her birthday. So glad we met at Montarra's! The bar and restaurant is decorated simple yet a cool vibe. I love the dim lighting. It feels more intimate. We sat at the bar. The bartender Ben was very friendly and made suggestions for drinks and appetizers. The dirty martini was so good. Ice cold with blue cheese olives. We had the crispy coconut shrimp with sticky rice. We also had the pork belly with cheddar grits. Both appetizers were delicious. The chef really knows how to combine food, flavors, sauces and textures. I finished with an expresso martini. So yummy! I'll be back for sure. read more

Montarra - Yummy expresso martini - New American Near Me - Algonquin, Illinois

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The bouillabaisse was not the same as I have ordered a few months ago. The rooms was too dark for me to see the food.

The best restaurant in the area. Unreal menu with great prices. This my "Daddy/daughter" date night spot. Awesome service too

One of the best restaurants in the area for a fancier dinner. Food is always prepared perfectly and sooooo delicious. Service is exceptional here- all of the waitstaff treats you like you are an elite customer. The ambiance is also phenomenal- beautifully decorated with a cozy, expensive vibe. Can't wait to come back! read more

Staff very friendly and attentive. Food was absolutely outstanding and beautiful dine in experience.

This restaurant is outstanding....as in why bother driving into the city when you can go here instead? We've been 7 or 8 times and each time is as good as the last. Every dish we have tried has been excellent. The service is great. The ambiance is lovely. This is absolutely one of our favorites. read more

We were here celebrating my husband's birthday. The food was exquisite, and the service was superb. The ambiance was is pretty and elegant. What we had: Drinks: Glass or red wine and an Old Fashioned. Dinner: I had the Scallops bucatini- the scallops were cooked to perfection and the pasta was a perfect al dente. My husband had the surf and turf with sides of brussel sprouts, mushrooms and a baked potato. Dessert: Espresso martinis with a flourless chocolate cake, it was decadent!! Our server Michelle was amazing!! read more

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We returned to Montarra many years later and we're even more impressed than on our first visit. The service was excellent, the vibes lovely, and the food delicious. I enjoyed the Ciao Bella and Apple Pie Old Fashioned- delicious! We had the stuffed mushroom, bulgogi eggroll, and foie grass appetizers and all 3 we would get again. The bread service was also delicious. For our mains my husband and I had the short rib and really enjoyed it. Finally, we ended with the sticky toffee pudding and the lemon tiramisu. Fantastic Valentine's meal- we'll be back for a special occasion again in the future! read more

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Food was excellently prepared. Our server was fresh, informative and unobtrusive. Service was excellent and not overbearing. Nice relaxed atmosphere - clean and elegant and not over the top. Wine was good, but I think the petit sirah was a bit past its prime. Apple galette for dessert was perfect. Bavette steak was perfectly done. We will return. read more

Montarra isn't content being just another upscale steakhouse -- it pushes the envelope. The kitchen shows a confident hand, delivering impeccably prepared steaks alongside dishes that take thoughtful culinary risks. More often than not, those risks pay off in a big way. Prices are unapologetically on the higher side, but the quality backs it up. Montarra feels like a place where the chef is willing to gamble a little with flavor and technique -- and for diners, that makes the experience all the more rewarding. read more

We came here to celebrate a family birthday and they were excellent for both group outings and a romantic date night! It may be nice to make a reservation as they can get quite busy on the weekends. Service was extremely friendly and accommodating. We recommend the dates appetizer! Everything they brought out was outstanding. We had two vegans in our group and they were very impressed by the chef's vegan option meal. Looking forward to returning! read more

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The ambiance of this place is absolutely incredible. The lighting is dim (which I'm always craving!) and the place feels almost like a spa. Serene color palette, curtains from the ceiling to the floor, windows are blacked out to hide outside visual noise, waterfall walls... it truly is incredible. The service is also impeccable. When making the reservation on the website, there was a spot to put in if you're celebrating something special. My husband just got a new job so I selected that option and we were so surprised by the attention that got. Upon checking in, the hostess congratulated him as did our waitress when she came to the table. The menu insert also said "congratulations on your new job" Attention to detail every step of the way. Not something most suburban restaurants are good at. I also made a note in the reservation that a booth next to the waterfall wall would be appreciated. Our reservation was for 7:15 and we showed up closer to 7, prepared to wait a little bit for our table. To our surprise, our table was already ready with the personalized menus waiting for us on the table. We felt very taken care of. We both got french onion soups and both agreed it is one of the best we've ever had. The presentation was also incredible as the soup itself came in an actual onion!!! They also provided a silver gravy boat with additional soup to pour in. The filets were amazing. I ordered medium rare and it was cooked to absolute perfection. We ordered one of their shareable sides as well... the Bacon Braised Brussel sprouts and they were to die for. I highly recommend this place if you're wanting a special dinner you're willing to splurge on. The prices are definitely up there (adding in 3 cocktails, our total came out to $194 pre-tip) but it was absolutely worth it. You definitely get what you pay for. And everything was so luxurious. The service, the ambience, the drinks, and the food... read more

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The best filet I have ever had. A little pricey but worth it. My wife had the caramelized sea scallops and they were wonderful as well. For an appetizer we had Stuffed Tempura Shrimp. Wow! Dessert was English Sticky Toffee Pudding and Bombolini. Great finish. Service was excellent. Carrie was our server. read more

This is truly a special occasion restaurant in the far northwest suburbs. Restaurant lighting is so beautiful with chihuly chandeliers and intimate seating. Service was impeccable. Food was 10/10. Easy access from I-90. Convenient parking lot. read more

Montarra - Boulabaise broth was so delicious. - New American Near Me - Algonquin, Illinois

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A must try and a new favorite for us. Upscale food and ambience but also incredibly reasonable for the quality of food served. You can tell they love what they do. read more

The food is very good love the French onion soup! Lemon drop martinis delicious and cool waterfall!! Enjoyed our dinner immensely. :)

I had the duck, which was amazing , also the double espresso martini was fantastic!!! We will definitely coming back and trying all the amazing items on the menu!!! Loved the atmosphere and the waterfall wall and decor was great. read more

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We came here pre-pandemic, and finally return for another nice dinner. The restaurant has warm and welcoming ambiance. It is good for date night, celebration and gathering. The staffs are attentive. We specified that one of us has gluten allergy, and the staff is knowledgeable to explain the option. We definitely ordered more than we need. We had the bacon wrapped dates as the starter - it was prepared well - the bacon was no overly cooked and had a good balance of savory and sweetness from the dates. For the main course, we had scallop (gluten free). There were generous of portion of the scallop and cooked just right. One criticism was that the scallops were on the salty side. The other set of main course was soup and pork belly with steamed bao. The soup (cream of cauliflower) was smooth, and not overly creamy. The pork belly had just enough acidity from the topping to balance the fattiness. We did not leave room for desserts. We will have to come back in the future. read more

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Here for the first time on a weekend for dinner with friends who are regulars here. They absolutely raved about the place and so I thought this would be worth the long drive. Fortunate that this restaurant is pretty understated from the exterior especially since it is in a strip mall, but great because there was ample parking. Upon entering, it is a very eclectic, modern decor. The place was bustling and full too, especially right after the new year. Service was very nice very patient and luckily had a sense of humor as well. The menu is modern American food, with some slight influences and fusions from Latin and Asian perspectives. The portions were moderately fair and pricing a little bit on the higher end, but expected based off of the ambience. If I am ever out here this far again, I would definitely consider coming here as it was an overall pleasant experience. read more

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Truly amazing. From the food to the atmosphere to the service, everything js top notch. You definitely get what you pay for and Montarra is worth every penny! Highly recommend! read more

Downtown Chicago experience in Algonquin for sure! Made reservations for our anniversary and when greeted they congratulated us! Felt so welcome and the waitress was so friendly!!! The food was amazing !!!! And they are so careful with me being gluten free. The place is very nice as well. We will be going back for sure! 10 out of 10!!! read more

Montarra - Pesto salmon - New American Near Me - Algonquin, Illinois

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We were celebrating a 90th birthday. The food and service were excellent. On our menu, at the top was a "Happy 90th Birthday Helen" wish, she felt so special. Thank you to Casey our server and Andria the manager creating a memorable celebration. read more

This is a hidden gem of a restaurant located in the suburbs. The ambiance is amazing. It is beautifully decorated with Chiluly light fixtures and a cool downtown vibe. The food and ingredients are top notch. My favorite salad is the Salted Beet. The combination of flavors is outstanding. Sometimes my husband and I will split the wedge. The portions are ample and the price is very reasonable. My favorite thing on the menu is the Bouillabaisse. It has shrimp, scallops, fish and mussels and the broth is so flavorful that you will definitely want to soak it us with the garlic toast. I have had many of the seafood large plates and they are always prepared to perfection. The small plates are another option and we live the Filet Crisps. You could a mm so make a meal out of the Signature Tacos which are some of the best I have had. My husband enjoys the steak or other meat dishes. For dessert we usually enjoy whatever cheesecake is available. We had the turtle caramel cheesecake and the recipe must have changed beer dud not like that one at all. We still give them 5 stars though because usually everything is anazing and delicious. The food selection is more unique than others and the combination of ingredients and effort put into all the details from the fresh greens, salad dressing, and presentation makes it a special experience. read more

Montarra - Filet Crisps Appetizer - New American Near Me - Algonquin, Illinois

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Been here multiple times and it's always freaking awesome! And such an affordable wine list! Last trip was to toast a friend about to have major surgery and once again everything was Devine! Food, service, drinks, atmosphere, fantastic! Some of the clientele were a bit pushy and rude, but the staff dealt with them quite effectively. This is a must go restaurant! read more

This is my new favorite place. The food was amazing! The only negative is it is way too close to my home which will make it hard to resist.

We went last year Valentine's Day and it was packed with people. First time here and food was good , drinks great, ambiance was terrific...only dish that needed work was the seafood one, but overall good. read more

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Excellent food, excellent service and real nice atmosphere. You wouldn't think you would get this from a restaurant in a strip mall but you absolutely do. The food is top notch. I had the braised short rib and my wife had the pasta. Both were so good. I'll be back!! read more

Montarra - Braised short rib - New American Near Me - Algonquin, Illinois