I first heard about Petite Edith on either Eater or Infatuation. It caught my eye because: its River North location was within walking distance of our hotel near Water Tower, it was French (a fave cuisine), and it's helmed by Michelin-starred chef (for Restaurant Esme) Jenner Tomaska and partner Katrina Bravo. Plus the online menu had Lobster Vol au Vent as an entree, which caught my eye. It turns out the menu changes about 4 times a year and the current menu was different, but still very enjoyable. Petite Edith is on the ground level of a tall residential building (part of a large mixed-use development) and has windows facing the street as well as a landscaped area at the rear, where they have an outdoor patio. The space is quite lovely and fairly large. There's a huge U-shaped bar that's very popular (there's a Happy Hour menu), then the dining room, with a private dining area curtained off. The menu is divided into several parts: Fruits de Mer , Avant le Plat, le Pain, and plats de mer & de terre, plus some specials of the day. Here's what we ordered: Fruits de Mer: oysters, which came topped with chives and an interesting savory granita instead of a mignonette. Avant le Plat: these were starters/sides. "Franklin" frites. Crispy fries with an aioli dip Seared foie gras. Deliciously decadent, with a brioche disc and corn. Grilled cauliflower. A daily special. Nicely charred with a perky persillade sauce (raw garlic, parsley) le Pain: bread. Our server recommended the Pain au Fromage, a baguette topped with 3 cheeses (Gruyere, raclette and cheddar, if I recall correctly), sumac and pomegranate seeds. So delish and rich! Plats: one from the land, one from the sea. Cassoulet. A confit duck leg (thigh and drumstick), pork shoulder and cannelloni beans. Rib-stickingly good. Turbot en Brioche. Fish with a buttery brioche crust and a beurre blanc sauce with mussels. Also delish. We were too full for desserts, but the menu had traditional French options like Floating Island and Apple Tart Tatin. Overall a fab meal in a very pretty space. We would later try another one of Chef Tomaska's restaurants, The Alston steakhouse, which was even closer to our hotel. When I return, hopefully the Lobster Vol au Vent will be on the menu. read more

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Attended the pour off event on Sunday 7/26. The vibe was excellent! What a fun event! Live music with the windows open to the street was so great to enjoy on a Sunday. The pour off was a fun little competition for two bartenders to compete for the win of best cocktail. Such a cool concept and friendly competition! Here's what I didn't like: The passed food - there was literally just 3 things served: 1) was prosciutto on cantaloupe, 2) chilled prawns and 3) deviled eggs stuffed with salmon I liked the eggs but how many eggs can you snack on? Would have liked to have the opportunity to order from their menu. That would have totally driven business sales if they had appetizers that we could have purchased too. I didn't like how inconsistent the drink pours were. We literally got half a cup per cocktail and noticed some people had full cups. I'm not sure why they were so small but for $15 per ticket per drink this was not cool. See photo of my drink and 2 friend's drinks after they were first served. That was wild. The new manager there was great, she came around and mingled and checked on everyone. The head manager or owner was excellent as well! He was working so hard! I would come back for food although when the menu finally opened up at the end of the event at 3, the menu was very unappealing. Feedback would be to let us buy more foods. Make a more consistent pour. Better advertisement! This was a great idea. The vibe was so chill. I would return! read more

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Amazing cocktail program in a chic setting! Didn't try the food but the bar area is beautiful. Staff was accommodating and had solid recommendations! Pro Tip: Martini with the side car is a great presentation! read more

Petite Edith - Drinks - French Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Sophisticated yet laid back! Service is very good. Small menu with attention to detail. Mussels and trout are very good. read more

Petite Edith - Mussels - French Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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An amazing birthday dinner with my sisters last night at Petit Edith. The space was lovely, the service knowledgeable and friendly and every dish was delicious. Highly recommend! read more

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What remarkable place hidden on N. wells. The food is adventurous with a French twist and seafood forward. The wines are interesting and we tried a couple by the glass. We particularly liked the Domaine Taillandier. We started with a half dozen of Chesapeake oysters which were perfectly shucked. The Pain au Fromage is a must which is a baguette stuffed with cheese, sumac, and pomegranates. The pomegranates cut thru the richness of the cheese. This is almost its own meal. The ocean trout was smoked and in a delicious sauce. The Turbot en Brioche was also a star! We saved room for dessert and shared the chocolate Granache with salt and olive oil. The service is outstanding and helpful particularly our server Cpooh. The menu draws us back to try other treats! read more

Petite Edith - Pain au Fromage - French Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Expectations were high coming in given its connection to Esme. Those expectations were exceeded in terms of food, service, and vibe. The caviar bites look beautiful and tasted amazing. You are doing things right when the caviar is the worst part of the dish! Insane how crispy the outside was while the inside was moist and soft. Sauce it sat on was the perfect pairing. Honestly, I could do without the caviar though since it was lost in the bite. The star is the fritter! The pain au fromage is like the final evolution of cheesy bread. Flavorful bread with a strong hitting blend of cheese and pops of sweetness. Burger (happy hour exclusive I believe) was satisfying with every bite and the fries/aioli was an instant classic. Service was excellent from start to finish as they were mindful of changing plates, removing items, and checking in throughout. I know these are basics but the execution made you feel like you were at Esme. Can't wait to come back during summer when the garage style doors open up and welcome the city into the light/artsy interior. Def will be back!! read more

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Overall, I had a good experience at Petite Edith. The vibe is good and I like that the tables aren't right on top of each other. I thought our waiter was friendly. I liked the large wine selection, and I was impressed by the selection of orange wines. I rarely see selections of orange wine as big (not that it was huge but it was more than one bottle). The food was pretty good but I think it was pricey. The pain au fromage and the hand peeled rose shrimp were my favorite two bites of the night. I thought the combination of the sauces that went with the shrimp were a delicious combo. For an entree, we split the skate wing and the lobster vol au vent. I thought both were good but neither blew my away. The skate was slightly too salty for my taste. read more

Petite Edith - pain au fromage and shrimp - French Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We had a reservation for 6 on Saturday night. Service was wonderful. The interior was sleek. The food was fresh and creative. My favorite dishes were the oysters, moulard duck breast, fresh catch crudo, leek tart and skate wing. read more

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Petite Edith might be the most exciting new French restaurant in Chicago since Obelix. Edith certainly makes a good impression as you enter, with the giant, gorgeous horseshoe bar and two story ceiling height. The exposed ductwork does lessen the elegance a soupçon but its still an airy vibe. The menu is quite seafood heavy, and I was prepared to order some fruit de mer going in, but it was my Friday good fortune that Pig Trotters were the special of the night! A slight exaggeration, it was just one trotter, but it's a biggie. Stuffed with foie gras, resting on a heaping pile of Joel Roubochon pomme puree, bathing in a delicious complex sauce, it is a sight to behold. It is rich, savory, and a must order whenever it is available. In other culinary matters, we started with the chilled shrimp, and I had the duck consomme with tortellini while Kelly had the clafoutis. Kelly's main was the lobster Vol a Vent. It was all superb. Desserts were similarly astounding - we split a chocolate mousse and a whimsical cake accompanied by a dreamy float. Cocktails are excellent and will please my Noble Bourbon Boozers. The LaGrange, a Manhattan riff with a bit of Apple Brandy, was well balanced and garnished with some apple slices. The Chicago Cocktail reads like a gag, what with a foie gras element, but it is serious business and very elegant. The wine list is adventurous and pricey, but value is there to be had. If you like your wines funky the Montbourgeau Jura is a must order, and if you like your wines elegant the Cornu & Fils white Burgundy is available by the glass. Service is excellent, and no visit here is complete without a trip to the restroom. There are 5 or so individual private rooms flanking one row of sinks. The rooms are gorgeously appointed with woodland wallpaper - watch out for the cheshire cats' eyes. read more

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The space was initially hard to find but we found it! The food was great. The turbot was the best dish. It's a little pricey given the portion size but worth trying. Service was good. Our waiter was a bit too chatty but you may like that. Had a group dinner and everyone enjoyed it. Fancy feeling. read more

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All around a tasty meal. Some misses but mostly good things to say about this restaurant. Will definitely come back and sit at the bar. Highlights: -the pain au fromage was rich, decadent, and a bite I'll remember for some time -the périgourdine sauce on the corn and agnolotti was SO good. That taste specifically is what I crave and love about French food. I wish I had more agnolotti (only had 2 bites of it), but it ate on the more al dente side. 15 more seconds would have made it the most perfect bite. -the bar area and bathroom are beautiful, that said the rest of the dining area feels more like an all day cafe. -great wine list Meh: -the duck was good but ate quick salty. The skin was cooked crispy and the duck was cooked perfectly, but the sauce and vegetables were very salty -hard pass on the squash brochette. There was maybe 4 small slivers of jamon iberico, the squash was cold (maybe that was the intent of it, but we both thought it'd be roasted) and very difficult to bite. Frankly I was quite upset about this dish and maybe the reason for the 4 stars instead of 5. -though I personally thought the crème caramel dessert was incredible, I could see people wanting a crunch factor as apart of the dish since the texture is more like a flan Our server was chill and pleasant. At first it took some time to get settled, but once he came by the first time we felt very well taken care of. I will definitely be coming back and sitting at the gorgeous bar! read more

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The food was amazing; our wait person ( Emily) was informative & delightful. All the servers were knowledgeable & attentive without being intrusive. The mussels & sauce were better than any other we'd had elsewhere. Also the turbot was prepared beautifully & delicious as was the duck confit! The dessert was less memorable, but I would definitely recommend & return!!! read more

Came here for brunch. Expectations were high and were disappointed. The food was all good but it was very small plates for a brunch menu. And for what it was the food didn't wow me. The place is beautiful and would be interested in trying the dinner but wouldn't come back for brunch. We had to eat when we came home. We were still hungry after leaving. read more

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If you're looking for the ultimate elevated "girl dinner" in Chicago, Petite Edith in River North is the move. The vibe here is perfectly sophisticated--think Parisian chic meets effortless city nights. We started with their signature dirty martini, which is ice-cold and incredibly smooth, but the real star is the caviar-stuffed olives; they add that perfect hit of salt and luxury to every sip. For the main event, we kept it classic with the Edith Salad--it's light, crisp, and beautifully dressed--paired, of course, with a side of their golden, salty frites. It's that ideal balance of refined and indulgent that just feels like the perfect mid-week escape. If you haven't been to this corner of River North yet, consider this your sign. Bye for now... Girl Dinner $22 Frites Edith Salad Dirty Martini Caviar Olives read more

Came in seeking a Martini I had heard great things about. At first there was a misunderstanding because the first one was like a reinterpretation or something and it had Mezcal in it. I'm not fan of mezcal. After a clarification received a traditional Vesper Martini. It was cold+ refreshing+ excellent. Was sitting at a bar. It was an unseasonably warm day in March windows were open. I was sitting at the bar. Wasn't too hungry but another guy ordered a burger from a secret menu and it looked amazing. So I had myself a burger too. This is the best cheeseburger I've had in Chicago. They put gardinera on it. Some kind of special cheese. Racelette and another one. Some kind of French curry as well. The meat was the right amount of rare. It was juicy, tender, well seasoned. Came with fries. Ordered a Last Word before leaving. read more

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Every detail of this experience felt intentional, thoughtful, and genuinely special. I started with the caviar on a confit potato fritter -- my first time ever trying caviar -- and it completely exceeded any expectations I had. The crisp, golden crunch of the fritter paired effortlessly with the richness of the caviar, creating a bite that felt indulgent yet perfectly balanced. The pain au fromage followed, delivering bold, layered, and almost explosive flavors that continued to build on the experience. For the main course, the bone-in ribeye was cooked to absolute perfection: tender, deeply flavorful, and expertly seasoned. The wine selection complemented the meal beautifully throughout. Beyond the food, the staff was warm, attentive, and made the entire evening feel seamless, and the space itself is stunning -- elegant, inviting, and thoughtfully designed. An exceptional meal from start to finish, and one I'm already looking forward to returning read more

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Great meal! My husband and I split the skate wing and the duck. This place did not disappoint. Absolutely delicious, and make sure you get bread to soak up all the yummy sauces. Emily was our server and a super cool gal. We will be back. read more

Petite Edith - Skate wing is absolute heaven - French Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Really good food and pretty interior. A bit loud however. Would recommend fining here for sure! read more

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I had an incredible dinner tonight here. Our server, John, was one of the best servers I've had in a while. He was funny, personable, and really made our time quite special. Food--the most important part--surpassed my expectations as well. I truly loved everything we ordered. The cheese bread with pomegranates was incredible--a must order. Our mains--the turbot in brioche and veal cheeks--were delicious. Don't skip the rhubarb tart for dessert! This was the true star, although the chocolate ganache and creme caramel were great. I can't wait to be back to try more from the menu! The ambiance is also great--the dining room is bright, airy and spacious. No crammed tables where you can hear others' conversations. read more

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I absolutely loved the warm atmosphere and the terrific service The food was the best I had in a long time. The Melon skewers and the muscle skewers were delicious. The Shrimp appetizer had the perfect balance of spice to it. We had the fish and chips (yummy). My favorite was the lobster dish(sorry I don't remember the name). We had the flan for dessert (super tasty). I will definitely be back. read more

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The restaurant is beautiful and our server was knowledgeable & really nice - she had the perfect balance of attentiveness & giving us space! The food was delicious- the caviar appetizer was amazing, the skate fish flavor was unbelievable and the peach dessert was very innovative & yummy! read more

We came here for my husband's birthday dinner. The ambiance and decor are very pretty. The menu is quite limited especially if you have dietary restrictions. They also can't seem to accommodate anything. For example we asked for the burger and they said the burger is only for people who sit at the bar. Fine but we're two feet away from the bar and it's my husband's birthday. You can't bring a burger over? My mom ordered a coffee and asked for her cream to be warm and they couldn't do that. Again if you are charging as much as this restaurant is charging, I would hope that you can accommodate warm milk for a $10 coffee, not even a latte or cappuccino. The prices they charge: $30 for a vodka martini (this is Chicago), for a tiny chocolate dessert that they didn't even put a candle in was over $20. The main dishes were tasty and interesting and our server did his best to be kind with the limitations but it felt like it was trying to be New York in Chicago. read more

Just expecting a nice chill birthday dinner but got a spectacular meal. Cocktails were all really incredible, and all the seafood was incredible. Great service too! read more

Our server Lauren was outstanding! Both professional and well versed in all aspects of PE - with a background in wine. This definitely elevated our experience. We started with a French 75, and the Mixologist made one of the best I have had. Lauren's suggestions for walking/eating through the menu were spot on! We will be back!! Oh and do save room for the after meal wine/ Amaro offerings! read more

Really pretty restaurant. Light colors and high ceilings make the dining area feel really spacious. The service is personal and the staff knows the food and wine list really well. The food is great, and the specials are really good read more

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TLDR - 10/10 must go. A great change from you classic French restaurant Went to La Petite Edith tonight and had an outstanding experience from start to finish. The staff and service were impeccable--knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely helpful in guiding us through the menu. They really knew what they were talking about, from recommending the right number of courses to steering us toward standout dishes. The food itself was top-notch. Everything we tried was excellent, but a few dishes really stood out. The skate wing was beyond words, the caviar and potatoes is a can't-miss, and the rose shrimp is something I'll genuinely be thinking about for a long time. The blanquette de veau (veal cheeks) was rich, tender, and beautifully executed. Cocktails were just as impressive--whether you're in the mood for something light and refreshing or a perfectly done classic like an Old Fashioned, they've got you covered. Great champagne selection as well. We finished with the rhubarb tart, which couldn't have been a more perfect ending to the meal. Overall, a fantastic experience with food and service to match. Definitely a spot worth going back to. read more

Petite Edith - Skate Wing - French Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Food and decors and ambience were all outstanding. A little more expensive than most restaurants in the area but I felt the experience was wonderful and will definitely come back. Had the cheese bread as a start (not to be missed!). But other highlights included the petite Edith salad, muscles, and the turbot fish and the desserts are a must like the Swiss roll! Coming back soon! read more

Great spot for dinner with open air flow and an amazing patio. All of the food was spectacular as well! Lovely staff! Will certainly be back

Last night I was thrilled to try Petite Edith, a new bistro concept by Chef Jenner Tomaska. I'd like to know who designed Petite Edith, because the decor embodies understated elegance that is luxurious without calling attention to itself. It's where contemporary design meets cozy hospitality. It's the kind of place where you instantly feel at ease, and where the space itself feels like part of the meal. The room opens under soaring ceilings lined with sculptural, wave-like acoustic panels. Suspended beneath them, fabric pendants lend the room a dreamy, almost oceanic calm. Their soft geometric luminosity evokes the quiet grace of jellyfish--a subtle nod to the natural world that keeps the space feeling alive. Paired with the rose-clay-colored acoustic forms undulating across the ceiling, the effect is immersive and textural--the kind of detail that makes the restaurant not just beautifully designed but beautifully felt. The exposed industrial ceiling adds a contemporary contrast that highlights the space's stylish balance between refinement and urban character. Throughout the restaurant, seating is arranged with intention: dark wooden tables anchor the room, surrounded by graceful, curved-back chairs and plush banquettes upholstered in muted coral. Candles flicker on every table, giving the dining floor a soft glow of warmth. The energy is vibrant yet unhurried; the space hums pleasantly with conversation, never feeling crowded thanks to generous walkways, high ceilings, and smart spacing. A mural depicting birds serenely perched among delicate branches, wrapped in a soft blue halo of light, adds a touch of whimsy and artistry. At the heart of the room, an elegant marble-topped bar curves organically, anchored by a ribbon-like ceiling installation that adds quiet elegance overhead. Behind the bar, warm brass accents and lush greenery create a focal point that draws the eye without overpowering the space. It's a bar that makes you want to linger over sparkling wine or craft cocktails. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer expansive views of the surrounding cityscape. At night, reflections of twinkling trees and the glow from nearby buildings blend beautifully with the restaurant's interior light, blurring the line between indoors and out. My only critique is that while poetic vagueness works on a degustation menu--where surprise is part of the experience--an à la carte menu needs to be more explicit so you can order what you actually want. I'd seen a photo on social media of a stunning butterflied whole fish and assumed it was the trout, so I ordered the trout, only to discover it was an entirely different dish. What I'd mistaken for a whole pan-fried trout was actually the butterflied seabream, served as their reimagined "Fish and 'Chips"--a crisp, elegant presentation with onion butter, citrus, and smoked potatoes, which made the naming conventions feel a bit at odds with the idea that form should follow function. That said, the trout I accidentally ordered was extraordinary--perfectly cooked and, like everything we tried, thoroughly enjoyable. A simple clarification on the menu--such as "Fish and 'Chips' reimagined: butterflied whole seabream with onion butter, citrus, and smoked potatoes"--would prevent the confusion without diminishing the charm. Staffed by seasoned industry veterans--from the hosts to the bartenders, servers, and bar backs--Petite Edith achieved the rare feat of offering genuinely warm, seamless service within a day of opening. Petite Edith shares a similar milieu with Oliver's and Creepies, and while I'm fond of all three, Petite Edith is the one I'll return to soonest and most. Petite Edith 868 N Wells St, Chicago read more

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OMG! I called this restaurant so many times that I cannot count!!! They never pick up the phone. Two phone calls and three emails later and nothing! Unacceptable!!! Very poor customer service!!! I was planning on spending my birthday here and had some questions regarding the menu. I did as the prompt suggested and left a message. Zain replied with the restaurant is currently busy with customers and he will get back with me. Well that never happened! Could you imagine dining at this restaurant after all their poor attention to a simple request. Unfortunately I will not be dining with them for my birthday or ever!!! I cannot recommend them! Run like your the last two monkeys boarding Noah's ark and it's starting to rain!! read more

I recently dined at Petite Edith in Chicago, and while there are definitely some highlights, the overall experience didn't justify the price. On the positive side, the space is beautiful--intimate, stylish, and clearly designed with a lot of care. The drinks and wine selection were also excellent, which set a strong tone at the start of the evening. Unfortunately, things fell apart when it came to service and overall value. We were required to place our entire order upfront, which made the experience feel rushed and inflexible. More frustratingly, our entrees were delivered without anyone checking on our wine. We ended up sitting for about 15 minutes with no wine while our food got cold, which really took away from the meal. I dine out frequently across Chicago and this ended up being one of the most expensive tabs I've had in quite some time. Given the service missteps and lack of attentiveness, it simply didn't feel worth the cost. read more

This new restaurant was in a very high ceiling modern space and faced a small park. The food and service was excellent Menu was heavy on sea food which was wonderfully prepared. I had a roast chicken that was beautifully done. Noise levels were tolerable and easy to have conversation. Each of the four of us really enjoyed the meal and considered it superb. read more

Gorgeous interior, lovely bar. Knowledgable and unpretentious staff. We had caviar bites, veal tenderloin skewers (delish), Edith salad, leek tart, tile fish special, and turbot (delish x 2). Lauren was our server - fab. Thank you for a wonderful evening. Will be back for a smash burger at the bar! read more

The service here is impeccable. Attention to minute details shows throughout. The food is delicious and not what you're getting elsewhere. If you're on a low sodium diet, let them know ahead of time. Everything is well and fully seasoned. Overall, I feel like some people with taste finally said, let's do a restaurant right. read more

I'm straining to recall when I've been more disappointed in a restaurant. Having witnessed the arrival of a number of great new restaurants and coffee shops on the 800 block of N Wells, when my wife and I saw Petite Edith's signage go up last winter, we were immediately excited. So it was only natural that on my wife's b-day in mid-June we'd secure a table. The space and feel were great upon walking in. However, the good vibe soon plummeted quickly. Our waiter (young woman whose insistent habit on addressing me as "sir" fell somewhere between respectful and mocking irony) suggested several dishes - and every one of them was such a straight up loser that I later wondered if she was punking us. In reverse order of digestibility, the worst was the Leek Tart (which our waiter represented as one of her favorites), which I honestly believe was fished out of the dumpster in the alley. Nearly equally as bad was the "grilled" calamari (quotes intended becuase there was little evidence of grilling - on the contrary, it arrived on a skewer on the underdone (squishy) side, swimming in a mysterious white sauce that was completely incongruous seafood. A bit more palatable was the roasted half chicken, which I'll deem "good" but could have done without the heavily smoked chicken sausage creatively embedded into the bird's natural form, but was at least edible. I do NOT intend this to be mean-spirited; i honestly want this place to survive - just with different cuisine. The ambience is great, the bar looks intriguing and fun. But the food just plain sucks. PLEASE PLEASE - someone take control and change the menu asap!! read more

My husband and I had stopped in for a cocktail when they first opened and ordered the leek tart. The bartender was attentive and made us two cocktails that were well balanced and enjoyable. The tart was very good with a lovely flakey pastry crust. Tonight we went back for dinner. The Edith cocktail (their take on a vesper) was smokey and balanced with caviar olives! The presentation was special. We ordered the Pain au fromage it was delicious and we loved the balance of savory and sweet. We also had the Edith salad, the squash and then the monk fish and the lobster Vol au Vent. The fries were magnificent (fried in duck fat.) Fries are great but I could say wonderful things about every bite! There wasn't a miss! Our server, Jake, was knowledgable and provided us with recommendations. He paced the meal out perfectly and was friendly and efficient. We are restaurant people and appreciate good food but also hospitality. We experienced both this evening. We have a close friend who is a chef and we are excited to bring him here to dine! Well done! Thank you for a lovely evening! read more

Petite Edith - Edith Cocktail - French Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Wow, this is one creative kitchen! Three cheers to Petit Edith for its inspired, unique, innovative, and flavor rich cuisine. My husband and I enjoyed a beautiful anniversary dinner there last night. If you're looking for a "thinking outside the box" culinary adventure, they've got you covered. Delicious food, terrific drinks, comfortable, airy atmosphere, and top notch service. Our waiter Tim was the best. read more

The food was excellent and waitstaff were really friendly and attentive. It definitely adds a top restaurant to River North. I heard the idea was to be more casual and a place people can go regularly. If that's the goal, it missed the mark from that sense. That's my only critique. read more

Tried thier kinda "happiest heal" deal. Its a waygu burger, fries and a martini for $25. Its off menu, something you have to ask for. Apparently served m-f. Not worth it. Burger is made with giradineria, which is an Italian pickled relish, huge bun. Burger would have been better without it, however, even without the pickled relish, it was too greasy and bun was not great. Shoe string fries were way over salted. Overall just not a good meal. read more