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There is no doubt in my mind that the ingredients could not be fresher or higher quality if they'd tried. At the same time, it felt as though the dishes were missing a crucial component: love. Smyth's stats are maxed out on creativity - with virtually all ingredients being transformed into something new, unique, and interesting. The Maine Lobster, for example, did not resemble lobster as I know it, but was an adaptation I could not prepare myself or even imagine. In terms of taste, I would give a 7/10, maybe an 8/10 if I'm in a good mood. None of the dishes were bad, but there were no standouts. No cases where I found myself saying "I want another one of *that*!" and instead was saying "Thank you, next!" Technically, the dishes were executed with perfection, hitting all the right notes. Like with a musical symphony, though, simply hitting the right notes at the right time isn't enough... love, passion, raw emotion, or lack thereof, all come through. The kitchen is the perfect symbol. I didn't expect Carmy to be there yelling at the top of his lungs, and I understand the call and response being needed for the kitchen to function well. It is noted, though, that the call and response sounded almost robotic. Talking about the service, it was good, but borderline overbearing. One could not go to the restroom without someone also rushing to open the door for you. Are we the First Family? Needing the Secret Service to open all doors for us? Everyone was very welcoming, polite, hospitable, and all smiles. Staff knowledge of the dishes and wine were also top notch. However, the well refined smiles felt corporate, like something you would find in an expensive boutique versus a small business run by a very passionate tailor who pours his life into his work. About the ambiance... I was expecting a vibe like in Pretty Woman: "Shrimp fork, salad fork, dinner fork..." Instead, it felt like an upscale place that charges $27 for a cheeseburger, rather than a fine dining restaurant literally of the highest caliber. Speaking of forks: while I appreciate their collection of dinnerware, some of it felt ill-suited for getting all of the sauce in the dishes. A piece of bread would be fantastic, but I would only be a *little* surprised if Julian Slowik came by and said "these people aren't worthy of bread!" Wanting to complete the experience, we went for the standard wine pairings. The service staff did a great job explaining the wines and what makes them special. While I typically drink whiskey, it was a unique experience to be able to compare and contrast! Being someone who buys wines that are priced low and have pretty labels, I enjoyed trying bottles that retail ~$50, if I had to guess. Nothing mind-blowing, and I can only recommend if you're a wine aficionado to any degree, even a small one. A few small notes: when we mentioned the oshibori (wet napkins) being cold wasn't great on a cooler day, the next ones were provided warm, appreciate that! There was no extra charge for mineral water or coffee (though the pour-over wasn't fantastic, nor was it particularly hot). The value: The total cost for three, was about $2,600. Knowing what goes into everything, I can't call it a rip-off. Running a restaurant of this caliber is not a money-printing business. At the same time, when we left, we were no longer hungry, but could still eat. That, combined with nothing being "the greatest thing I ever ate" only strengthens the gut punch. Final verdict: We had a very special occasion, and needed a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Smyth delivered on said experience, but it did so in a funky way. The insane cost was visible in what was on and around the table, but didn't translate to our faces while working our way through the menu.
Smyth in the Near West Side was a big letdown. For a 3 Michelin star restaurant, I went in with really high expectations and it just did not deliver. Out of the entire tasting menu, only about 3-4 dishes stood out as good, and even those were not particularly memorable. Nothing had that wow factor you expect at this level. At first, hearing the kitchen call out dishes and the team responding felt interesting, like you were getting a behind the scenes experience. But after a while it became repetitive and honestly a bit annoying, especially when you are trying to focus on the meal and conversation. The biggest issue is the price. Unlike many places booked through Tock, service is not included. It created confusion and made an already expensive meal feel even more overpriced. For what you get, it just is not worth it.
We made reservations two months ahead for a Friday night dinner. We arrived about 15 minutes before our reservation time and had a wait a few minutes before getting seated. The show pretty much started as soon as we sat down. The service was great throughout the night, but did feel a little rushed in between a few dishes. Overall they definitely do pay attention to detail. They make sure they clear ok opposite sides to make sure they're not reaching across your drinking hand. All the dishes were beautifully presented and most importantly tasted delicious. The most memorable being their Avocado & Cucumber and their Lamb entree. The lamb was so tender and very delicious and the avocado & cucumber was very unexpected. It had a hint of heat that balanced perfectly with freshness of the avocado and cucumber. Their Caviar was also really phenomenal. If I were to pick one dish this was a disappointment, I'd pick their Maine Lobster Dish. I've been to Maine and the whole northeast region, and I just didn't taste Maine in this dish. Overall we left very satisfied with our dinner and glad we finally tried our Smyth. Not sure if I'd return anytime soon thought. Just like Alinea, it's always great to try these places at least once, but a second visit is not in my future plans at the moment.
Having only gone to a few Michelin star experiences in my life, Oriole being the other, I'd say Smyth puts more of an emphasis on the culinary experience, taste, and how the flavor profiles of each dish is presented rather than the show, which is my preference. The menu rotates upwards of 14 times, I was told by my server based on the 14+ seasons of Japan. The menu currently, features a lot of inspiration from Japan and Asian fusion type culinary styles. I appreciated the exceptional service, attention to detail, thought that goes into how every dish is engineered. Eating at Smyth didn't get me "full" in the traditional sense where you feel bloated and stuffed but because every dish is precisely packed with flavor to the point where my taste buds would go into overdrive it was a bit overwhelming for me, especially as the menu made its way to the entrees and dessert portion. It is a once in a lifetime experience eating here at Smyth. Get ready to whip out your check books though, this is as expensive as it gets. After tax and tip, the regular tasting menu with one drink each, the bill came out to about $900/person.
This wasn't just dinner. This was a father and son memory that left an indelible impression. This was intention, patience, and serious craft, without the attitude. Two bites still live rent-free in my head. The quail bite A single, perfect portion, crisp on the outside, juicy and tender inside. The seasoning was dialed in just enough to let the bird speak for itself. Earthy, savory, and deeply comforting in a very refined way. It looked simple. It wasn't. This was technique hiding in plain sight, the kind that only comes from restraint and confidence. The tomato course Cool, bright, and quietly stunning. It tasted like peak summer distilled into something elegant and clean. Sweetness, acidity, and freshness all in balance. One of those dishes where you stop trying to analyze it and just let it do its thing. Light on the palate, heavy on memory. Beyond the food, the team deserves real credit. Warm, calm, and completely locked in. No scripts. No ego. Just people who clearly care about what they're putting in front of you and why it matters. Smyth doesn't try to impress you. It earns it, bite by bite
Smyth has been top on my list which means expectations were high. They did not disappoint. We were greeted by name as we walked in, just as you would if someone came to your house for dinner. After some brief pleasantries, the food experience began. Every course was incredible with standouts being the Dungeness crab tart, Eel Donut, Caviar and Pumpkin Seed, Rainbow Trout, and Venison Royale. Desert was spectacular as well with the Kombucha Tart stealing the show. We also did the Smyth wine pairing. It was a perfect choice to complement the food experience. Several of the wine choices were just ok as a stand alone but when paired with the food came to life. That was fun and added to the night. Not cheap by any means but an experience you won't forget! Service, ambiance, and experience delivered along the spectacular journey.
No doubt about it, this is a top 5 restaurant in America. When it comes to service, ambience, and obviously the FOOD, it beats out many others and is absolutely worth the money and whatever obstacle you'd have to face to get here (trust me, I've had my MANY obstacles just to get here). The area is warmly lit and welcoming. It feels like a dinner spot to cozy up in contrast to the Chicago winters (albeit, it was a historically warm week during Valentine's Day). The service was exceptionally accommodating and absent of snootiness. Although it was an experience away from pretentiousness, I would still consider to dress to impress to respect the night you will have. As for the food, it is clearly what sets it apart from other renowned restaurants. Whatever they intended to be crispy was delicately pleasant to bite through. Whatever was intended to be a mind-bender of what you wouldn't expect of an ingredient definitely got you thinking. Whatever protein that was the focus shined through in a way that wasn't too much of a overwhelmingly oily or umami bomb that would render other ingredients as less than secondary (AKA dishes were mostly balanced and not something that feels like an unenjoyable punch to the kisser). The seafood dish was amazing, but I would still say that I could've skipped some of the dessert (some were better than others), but I suppose the pastry chefs need to experiment in some way. I still enjoyed how literal they could take some ideas. By the end, I was VERY full. It's a pricey meal, so I am happy they understand how disappointing it would be to not be stuffed by the end. Ending off with a fun instant film picture was a little cherry on top. I would say that the take-home toffee was not as amazing as some take-home gifts from other Michelin-starred restaurants, the toffee itself was not too tough and had a good, lasting flavor that made you still remember the night you just had whenever you decided to eat it.
All exceptional to mind blowing dishes save one. I can see how it got voted the best restaurant in North America. Would be hard for me to say any one restaurant is the best but it's easy to understand why Smyth got the honor.
Walking into Smyth feels like walking into somebody's kitchen. You are greeted right away and the ambiance and decor remind that of somebody's old loft. Smyth is not a cheap dinner but you are getting 5 star dining experience and service. The chef decides the menu for you and it is about a 2.5 hour experience. The menu rotates and does change throughout the year. Overall the food was delicious and the ingredients are crafted and taken from all over the country. This is a truly great experience and highly recommend going for a special occasion. Plan ahead reservations open up a month ahead of time and they do fill up fast
Immaculate service! Truly an educational experience--with rare ingredients I'd never tried before (kelp!). The chefs menu is extensive and I won't recall all the dishes. The caviar with beef cream was a stand out--that cream was divine! Also the lobster and uni dish to be dipped in a walnut oil and peanut mixture was superb! From the deserts my favorite was the chocolate and cake which is a deceptive light uplifting 'non cake' . The rack of lamb and accompanying bread--sooo yummy. This is a special time treat that's sooo worth it!
I thoroughly enjoyed my restaurant experience here! The service from the waiters were excellent and ambience were nice. The food was crafted expertly and although there were a couple of dishes I didn't vibe with I still enjoyed experiencing them. Each wine paired nicely with the courses and were the perfect pour. Everything just flowed naturally the entire evening. There were more dishes than what I'm posting but go try for yourself! I'm glad I was able to try this spot out in Chicago!
OVERPRICED. One dish was mind blowing, most were merely good & maybe two were just ok. I'll mention price a lot because it matters. This is by far the most expensive restaurant I've been to thus far however one bite was solely & honestly worth the price of admission. I've only had one other out of body experience which was truly tear jerk worthy but this was my second time. Dear God the lamb I've had here will honestly NEVER be topped. I hope any patron visiting here indulges in that dish alone
My husband and I booked this reservation in December because it was our Christmas gift to one another. It is located in the Fulton market area so the parking garage was about a 3 minute walk to the restaurant so it was very convenient. Upon arrival they took our coats and seated us right away. We were greeted at our table quickly as well with a very friendly waiter that asked where we were from. Since this is a 3 start Michelin restaurant, people come from all over so we are very lucky to have it in our city! The restaurant was tastefully decorated with a very homey, dim, fireplace in a cold night vibe. The kitchen was open and all of the chefs were working in their stations. It was calm and well organized. I got the wine pairing with my food and my husband ordered the old fashioned (which was made with their own ingredients) and it was awesome. He also had another drink that was also very good. Every detail was on point with the plating, the utensil choice, and the unique blend of flavors and ingredients. We had some of the best and unusual tasting food dishes that we would have never thought would work together. One of the desserts was a Carmel truffle custard thing and I don't know how it worked, but it was great! The staff was very knowledgeable about every dish and where everything was sourced. Their sommelier was also very knowledgeable which is something you would expect from a high end restaurant like this. It was an amazing experience for anyone that lives in the Chicago area and anyone visiting that loves artfully crafted cuisine! The dishes were so beautiful that sometimes I didn't want to eat them! They definitely deserve the 3 start status!
4 years ago
4 years ago
Now my 3rd time dining here and I swear every time I come back it feels that somehow they get better, even when it feels like there is no room to grow. The food is spectacular, respectful, thoughtful and often beautiful. They have a clearly envisioned menu in which seasonal, fresh produce is front and center and masterfully manipulated but often presented with such focus that it even appears simple at times (but underneath this veil of misdirection there is an intensity of flavor and thoughtful cuisson). I am beyond thrilled of my dinners here. The food = fantastic, the service = impeccable, the beverage pairings = perfection. I think this last meal may have been my favorite of any meal I've had anywhere -- keep it up Smyth, I really feel you deserve that 3rd étoile! read more
I have never met a restaurant more deserving of their TWO Michelin stars. The dishes are imaginative while staying good looking. I love an open kitchen, especially when everyone on staff is so darn nice. My friend and I were LIVING for their descriptions of each course. Most importantly though, I didn't have a single bite that wasn't incredibly, mind-blowingly delicious. Every course left me wanting more and in every dish, the ingredients melded together with perfection. Every element tasted great on its own and even better when all eaten together. When I dined at Smyth our courses were: * "The Farm" Carrot Aguachile - Apparently carrots are in season and I was down with this dish. The carrots were sliced ever so thinly * Trout, Juniper & Kelp - This little fishy melted in my mouth. And the broth it was in, holy goodness. * Beet Mignon - Such a creative dish to have beets look, feel and even taste similarly to a filet mignon. Beets are on the rise in terms of popularity at restaurants, and I'm onboard! Plus the side of truffle added a nice diversity to the root. * 120 Day Aged Ribeye With Brioche Doughnut With Marmite Butter - This was some of the best steak I've ever had grace my mouth. I'm not big on red meats but I'm pretty sure I could eat this dish daily for the rest of my life. I was so in love with the steak, the warm & super soft brioche donut, plus everything that went along with it! * Egg Yolk & Salted Licorice With Frozen Yogurt Meringue - Another win for creativity with this one. They aged an egg yolk but kept in nice & runny, had licorice and salt surrounding the little yolk. Then placed it in the middle of frozen yogurt to recreate the egg look. This dish was topped on a dash of berries to add a bit of pizzazz. Such a fun dessert! * Milk Chocolate, Black Raspberry Preserves & Shiitake Mushrooms - Obsessed. I love chocolate and mushrooms but was surprised that in this dessert, I also loved the fruit. Just the right amount of berries flavor. This is another one I could eat every day for the rest of my life. All in all, Smyth has made me a huge fan. I'm into it. Highly recommended and I'll most def be back. read more
3 years ago
Enjoyed my visit to Smyth, but not worthy of 5 stars. I really appreciate Smyth because they allowed me as a single diner (I emailed the restaurant to ask as Tock only allows you to book 2+), but the service was awkward. Upon arrival they informed me I could sit and wait for the rest of my party, to which I informed them that it was just me. They still had me sit and wait. After some discussion they sat me. The sommelier was one of the most awkward I have ever interacted with and he tried to over explain the wine pairing to me when all I asked was the amount of wine total in the pairing. I ended up opting for a glass of champagne. After about 4-5 courses another single diner was sat across the dining room. One of the servers suggested "if I was open to it" that we could sit together. I tried to politely decline letting them know I was already 5 courses in and I am sure the other (male diner) would not appreciate being rushed through the first 5 courses. Why would they even suggest that?! So bizarre and I have never had that experience before. The final thing I didn't enjoy was the 20% service charge that I wish was called out upon booking. This is a fee, not gratuity and there is an additional expectation for a tip. I did appreciate the interaction with the chefs explaining their dishes. The salmon was the best I have ever had and the kombucha root beer float was very innovative. Food was great, but feel flat on the experience. read more
3 years ago
Disappointing on multiple levels; do not recommend. Top three critiques: the food started to taste the same (akin to blended seafood in salt), took four "courses" and an ask to receive the martini I ordered, and a spelling error, which is "fine" if you're not a three star Michelin restaurant. read more
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Chris G.
Thank you for the feedback. We appreciate any and all of it!
3 years ago
3 years ago
5 years ago
7 years ago
Smyth had high expectations of me and my husband. One of the last Michelin star restaurants left in the city to try, we settled with the Smyth menu and standard wine pairing. The experience it itself was mostly a disappointment, and we left confused and still kind of hungry. There were some good points, though: I really enjoyed the wines themselves. The unique chenin blanc dessert wine was my favorite. The aji dish was FAB. Fermented turnip and light pickled tuna. So perfectly balanced! The egg yolk, salted licorice and frozen yogurt dessert was also very interesting and delicious. And that about ends the high notes. Overall, service was strange, slightly cold and robotic. Maybe it was just the few who served us? Servings were *SO* small. One tablespoon of Uni. Two canelles of squash. Three bites of tuna. Oh, you're now 1/3 done with your meal. I found it extremely strange that there were 0 additional bites other than the listed menu. There was no amuse, there was no intermezzo/palette cleanser. No bread left me sad and carbless, which was especially needed with 6-7 glasses of wine served in two hours. One of the courses, the lamb, tasted pretty good but was god awful to look at. I feel like we got a bad cut here, because I saw other plates with normally sliced lamb. Another course was 100% under cooked (the lobster) which left it stringy, and one bite was acrid and fishy, unfortunately. Overall, mostly disappointing when you're expecting two Michelin star cuisine and paying over $600. I would highly recommend Oriole, Blackbird or Kikko in the same 'hood with a much more pleasant, well rounded experience where you won't leave hungry and you get what you pay for. read more
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Chris G.
Hi Hannah,…
3 years ago
4 years ago
Every dish was a unique experience with sophisticated flavors that may not be for everyone. The homey, down to earth vibes really separate Smyth from what one would expect from a 2 star Michelin restaurant. It was a pleasant surprise for everyone in my group! read more
4 years ago
Smyth was a unique and fantastic multi course tasting menu. We did the chefs table experience. Ambiance: There is an open concept kitchen so you can watch the chefs prepare the different courses and listen to them communicate. There is also an open fire in the back of the kitchen. Overall, while definitely upscale, the space and atmosphere is somewhat casual. The dining experience is not private, but this is not a bad thing. Because we had the chefs table, we had a front row table to the kitchen and were able to observe everything happening in the kitchen all evening. Service: the service here was awesome. I don't think we ever even got to the bottom of our water glasses. Since we did the chefs table, a different chef came to our table to explain each course which was a nice touch. There was adequate time between courses but we never felt like we were waiting too long. Nothing but good to say about the service. Food: Fantastic, unique, decadent, and exquisite. We had tons of different courses. Each of them were very different with unique flavor profiles. This was definitely seafood focused, but if you have an allergy or aversion to seafood, I think they would be able to accommodate. I will attach pictures of courses here but I don't want to get into too many details as I think the element of surprise was also awesome here. I will say, however, at the end I was full but by no means overstuffed so I wouldn't come here expecting to leave overfull. We did not get a menu so you don't know what is coming next, similar to other restaurants in this category. They said they would email a copy of the menu but I did not receive it. I also asked for a mailed copy but never got it. I think for the level of service and price, this is the one thing that could be improved and really was a bit disappointing. Price: this was definitely an expensive meal. It was about $850 for two at the chefs table without a wine pairing. I think it was worth it in the end. As has been mentioned in previous reviews, there is a 20% service charge. In other restaurants that apply this, this is implied as the gratuity. I am unsure what this goes towards at Smyth and it was not really explained. Once again, I would highly recommend Smyth and to definitely try and get the Chefs table if you can. read more
7 years ago
I cannot say anything less than amazing for the food and the staff. From the moment my fiancee and I walked in the staff pampered us. Everyone that we had any interaction with was very friendly and courteous. The different front house staff that came to our table we're very affable. I made reservations for two for an early Christmas present for my fiancee and a birthday present to myself. Two birds kind of deal. We arrived a little early and, understandably, our table was not ready. Luckily, though the lounge/waiting area was very comfortable with leather chairs and couch. The leather armchair made me want to drink cognac, and read some leather-bound literature. The wait was not long as the hostess directed us to a "birthday" table. Which was dope. Very dope, indeed. The table was right by the kitchen and it made feel like I was in an episode of Hell's Kitchen, less yelling. Also it made me feel especially fancy. What also made it fancy was that on the table was a signed card from the staff greeting me for my birthday. They really went above and beyond. Being a lowly peasant by day I opted for the 8 course dinner, which was a mistake. Definitely go for the twelve. It would be too much to go over each course so I will only highlight our favorites. The panty droppers. The carrot aguachille was delightful. The chili water reminded of something I've had before, but I just cannot remember what. Second item that stood out is the new potatoes, rosehip & white asparagus. Them potatoes got me feeling basic. Last is the milk chocolate, black raspberry & shitake mushroom desert is, to out it simply, dope. To say every other course was forgettable is wrong though, but those stood out for me. To summarize this essay, I will definitely be coming back for that twelve course. That was the biggest regret of an, otherwise, great dinner. read more
This was our fine dining experience during our current trip to Chicago, celebrating our 15 year anniversary. The restaurant is in a relatively quiet neighborhood. Inside the dining room is spacious, with probably around 12 tables, all with views of the open kitchen. The ambience is definitely one of comfortable coziness. We opted for the 5 course menu (we have an eight year old), no wine pairing. Below are the courses and my impression. First course: Salted raspberry and watermelon radish with seaweed and oyster. The saltiness of the oyster went well with the sweetness of the sauce to make a tasty bite. I thought it was good even though I don't really like oysters. Second course: Gulf shrimp with fermented asparagus in malted cream. The shrimp was perfectly cooked, and eaten together with the cream and asparagus made a very tasty bite. The cream sauce has a taste of caramel which my son appreciated. Third course: The farm potato with yeast, spring onion and trout roe. Basically a cooked potato with a mild sauce and roe. The roe added saltiness to the otherwise bland potato, not a really flavorful bite. Besides my eight year old, wife and I really didn't like this course. It was a substitute for a lobster course (according to the website menu) and was underwhelming. Fourth course: Beef ribeye with sprouted wheat and sorrel, served with brioche donut with aged beef au jus. This was by far my favorite dish. The beef was tender and flavorful, and dipped into the au jus which took three days to age, made it even tastier. The donut was a bit greasy and I didn't think it belonged with this dish, even dipped into the jus as suggested didn't really make it that special. Fifth course: milk chocolate with raspberry preserves, shiitake and kelp, egg yolk soaked in salted licorice with frozen yogurt meringue. The chocolate was served before the meringue, and it was not your usually bite of chocolate as it tastes sweet and salty at the same time. Good but not really special. The egg yolk meringue was unlike any dessert I've had, and all ingredients eaten together was very tasty. The only drawback was that the licorice was a bit too sticky and stuck to my teeth (wife had same complaint; she was also not a fan of the yolk). Overall it was definitely a memorable dining experience, with at least three dishes providing memorable tasty bites, especially the perfectly cooked ribeye. Service was attentive without being intrusive, and the ambience definite added to the fine dining experience. read more
Business owner information
Kayla L.
We're delighted to get an inside look into your experience, Jim!…
5 years ago
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. read more
Came here to celebrate 6 months of marriage. The tasting menu was a wonderful splurge! Service was very attentive and we had a nice leisurely meal with wine pairings. As a nice touch they sent us home with a copy of our menu and tea bags and honey from the Smyth farm. read more
7 years ago
Phenomenal food, amazing service, and a delicious tasting menu. Came here to celebrate a special event and it knocked our socks off. It's a Michelin 2 star and lives up to the name. Dress code is come as you are and some people were super fancy and we saw a few tables in very very casual attire- which was nice and down to earth. Our server was amazing from recommendations to descriptions and techniques of the dishes. Every dish was intricately designed and made our tastebuds stand on edge. Everything we tried during the vegetarian tasting menu was soo fresh and fun. The chocolate bars just blew my mind and so did the cantaloupe dessert. You get the quality you pay for and i highly recommend trying this restaurant. read more
My husband and I came here for our anniversary and we had a great dinner. The environment is comfortable, modern, yet rustic. We thoroughly enjoyed all of our courses of the Smyth menu. My only criticism is that the aged lamb I was served was unexpectedly chewy. We weren't overly full at the end, which is fine by me since I normally struggle towards the end of tasting menus. I highly recommend this place! read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
like Smyth's decoration and also quality of the food. Person who like a little sour not heavy style will enjoy for sure. The caviar and lobster quantity and quality worth 5 star read more
7 years ago
As one of my last stops in chicago, Smyth did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the whole experience from start to finish. The dining room is very open and pleasant in a very comfortable and relaxing environment. We had ordered the ommaha menu and it was an excellent journey. Really enjoyed starting with Maine uni with egg yolk and yuzu. Each aji dish was creative but the aji lions stood out to me. Crab dishes were all fairly well done and the bee's wax shell was creative. As a whole, smyth is worth the visit and can deserves its place as one of the top restaurants in the city read more
The place: Beautiful, eclectic ambiance - the fancy farmhouse vibe permeates the air. We inquired about switching to a different tasting menu, bc it turned out we were celebrating more than we initially had planned on celebrating, but they weren't able to accommodate a last minute change - totally reasonably, so we stuck with the Smyth Classic menu. Service was great - everyone knew so much about the wines in particular, and our glasses never ran on empty. The taste: I still think about the first bite - an oyster, deliberately dressed with a bit of sweet and a bit of tart, presented on a bowl of ice. By the time we got to the rib eye, I was getting pretty full, but everything in between - the salmon - melt off the fork - the brioche and au jus - warm, flaky, savory goodness - it was all delicious. The wine pairing complimented each dish, but again, was a bit too much for the volume capacity of my stomach; my date had no problems, so chances are you won't either. My face: Cheeks a little flushed, since I drank as much as I could, and a sweet smile, crushing hard on my date for the evening. The classic menu was $95 each, so we paid $254 up front, and I think another $250 for the wine pairings. $500 for a celebration for the two of us. Not something I'd do every night, but I'd go back to Smyth the next time I have something to celebrate, without a doubt. read more
3 years ago
We came in early July for dinner, and we were able to have a summery tasting menu and wine pairing. We were greeted with a glass of celebratory champagne from a producer my husband and i actually visited when we were in France, so it set the evening off to a wonderful start. The staff is super knowledgeable and friendly, the ambience is retro/nautical/upscale scandi, and the music is all the best music from the 60s-70s and it SLAPS. The dishes we had were really inventive even for a Michelin restaurant: soup that sits in Californian sea grapes and gets stronger the longer it "seeps", a potato dessert that tasted like nothing we'd had before (and was in a custom dish that almost looked like a potato skin), and the freshest tasting peas we've had all season just to name a few. Will also say that the wine pairing is really well done and do not regret getting it! Would definitely come back to try their new menu items as the seasons change. read more
3 years ago
7 years ago
Smyth: 5 course tasting has 1. Uni glazed in egg yolk 2. Kohlrabi 3. Caramelized halibut 4. Aged ribeye 5. Brioche doughnut with marmite butter 6. Milk chocolate 7. Egg yolk soaked in salted licorice with frozen yogurt meringue ----------------------------- Best halibut I have ever had and best 2019 dessert! read more
Smyth is an absolute gastronomic temple, where all your senses will be delighted. Even before your foodie skills start working you will already feel at home, with an extremely chic dining room, with an homely vibe, accompanied by an highly professional and elegant, but still very friendly and very personal, service. Then the food starts coming and the wines start flowing and it will be an unforgettable experience, with rides through the ocean, the vegetable garden, and the land. It is difficult to highlight one or two of the many wonderful dishes in the tasting menu, part of it will be your personal preference kicking in, but it is all so overall flawless that I don't think any of them will underwhelm you. Some of my personal favorites - the barely cooked lobster tail with toasted almond and strawberry, the kaluga caviar gently warmed in buckwheat butter, almond milk and newly pressed walnut oil & the Maine unagi grilled with mussel xo & rhubarb "ham" - this last one was so good and touched close to my heart, as the flavors brought me childhood memories of grilled fresh sardines over sourdough bread in the June popular festivals of Portugal. Need to reinforce the quality of the wine pairing, with all the wines served with incredibly detailed and interesting explanations about each winery, the grape, and the region. A final note that we were celebrating my wife's birthday and everyone acknowledged this in such a wonderful way, including a birthday card on our table when we arrived, signed by everyone. Something tells me that third Michelin star is, as it should be, on its way. If you're in the Chicago area, although the options are extensive, I highly recommend you making a reservation to Smyth and having one of the best times of your life. read more
Went to smyth for their spring menu. Was there last summer and was blown away by their dishes. This time not as much w the flavors. This was their 'game' menu and both wife and I felt the flavor fell a little flat for us. The presentation was still amazing and worthy of their 2 Michelin stars but the taste was a bit off and lacking. They had only been open briefly since the last closure and wonder if they are still getting back into their rhythm. The presentation is always amazing and worthy of their stars. Still enjoy this restaurant tremendously and hope to be back in future but was hoping for a different tasting menu for sure! read more
One of our good friends got us a meal here for a wedding present because they know how much we love food and without a doubt this was the one present we both loved exactly the same amount which was SO MUCH! one of our favorite tasting menus we have had in Chicago. It is a must! We had about 20ish courses and each one just as amazing as the last if not better, I was stuffed 2/3rds of the way though but I could not stop eating. I kept saying it's just one more bite. The drink pairings were also perfectly picked in regards to the course, if you are coming here to celebrate an special occasion definitely recommend getting the pairings it just adds a little more to your special night out! read more
4 years ago
Was looking to splurge a bit and surprise my boyfriend shortly after Chicago restaurants reopened in July. Wonderful tasting menu, one of the best in the city. Well deserved 2 Michelin stars! Service and timing of each course and the sommelier was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the wines. Wine pairing was not required but I highly recommend it. Left full but not too stuffed. Decor was in the traditional west loop style and rustic loft feel. Can't wait to go back soon. read more
3 years ago
KenScale: 8.75/10 I've always been deeply impressed with Chicago's culinary spirit and ingenuity whenever I visit the city. In terms of boundary-pushing fine-dining restaurants, I do believe that the Windy City is almost if not already on par with New York City. Whenever I have an opportunity to visit Chicago again, I always search for the next most exciting places where I can see and taste something I have not in NYC. When I heard of my parents' visit to Chicago in early November, I was torn among a few critically acclaimed places for a special family dinner. My wife Jun and I have not been to the iconic Alinea or Next yet so my first inclination was to try either. Then other newcomers like Smyth and The Loyalist and Oriole also grabbed my attention. After much deliberation, I decided on Smyth and booked a tasting menu experience for four at $155 per person on Tock website, as I believed the restaurant offered a fresh take on Chicago's New American cuisine in a fairly casual setting (compared to the rather austere vibe that Alinea gave me based on reading anecdotes about the dining experience there). While Jun and I will certainly visit Alinea and other exciting restaurants in Chicago next time we visit, I was very pleased that I chose the right restaurant this time, especially with my father who was constantly raving about the wonderful experience he had at Smyth. The team behind Smyth (the more casual basement restaurant The Loyalist is in the same building, hence the name "Smyth and The Loyalist"), a husband and wife duo of John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, is no newcomer to Chicago's fine dining scene, having worked at the restaurant of acclaimed Chicagoan chef the late Carlie Trotter before moving to rural Virginia. Their comeback to the Windy City is certainly one of the best things that happened to this city, with an understated yet elegant tasting menu experience that doesn't immediately jump out at you with any Instagram-worthy plating or fancy technique but makes you smile the more you think about what you just ate, starting with a capital oyster from Washington State seasoned with dulse, turnip and preserved berries (I don't quite recall I had an oyster this fresh in a while) and the maitake mushrooms cooked with burnt birch and wintergreen that were simply stunning in the way the smoky taste gets to your taste bud with wonderful effect. The balance of flavor and texture in the next couple of dishes, lightly steamed halibut with fermented green tea and glazed squash with quince, young pumpkin seed and wild rice, was also quite memorable, and showed that the kitchen cares deeply about how to combine different ingredients in a way that make them work in harmony in one another instead of one particular element dominating a diner's palate. Sometimes, the kitchen came up with a playful trick, like a bowl of chanterelle mushrooms that the server noted was inspired to replicate a pasta experience. I, for one, slightly preferred more straightforward dishes at Smyth, like the beef tongue dish that came as the last savory course. The meat was cooked more or less to perfection despite using a part of beef that is not often used for a main course, making me wonderful why restaurants do not use tongues more often. The dessert dishes at Smyth that we had were no less impressive, especially with the way the kitchen boldly combines seemingly incompatible ingredients and flavors. I had never had a milk chocolate with shiitake mushroom and kelp flavor in it, but that's what came to us before and the complexity of flavor from this novel invention was quite wonderful. Similarly, if I had known that roasted kombu can be used to make an ice cream as good as the one I had at Smyth (adding fermented grains and black apple to give a bit more flourish to the ice cream was also a brilliant idea), I probably would've walked around ice cream shops in New York City asking if they have ice creams with kombu flavor. The finishing touch of egg yolk soaked in salted licorice inside a bowl of frozen yogurt meringue, to give a salty and sweet combination of flavor, was again masterful. As noted above, Smyth only takes reservations with prepared tickets on Tock, which would therefore require some advance planning. I was very fond of the dining space of the restaurant, with a warm and unpretentious vibe that was perfect for our family dinner. Another aspect that impressed my father was service. When he accidentally broke a wine glass while pouring the remainder of wine from the bottle (by the way, the wine list at Smyth also looks to be quite well-thought out), he was attended to immediately by a server nearby looking to make sure he didn't hurt his hand. Of course, a restaurant staff would naturally do that anywhere, but the sincere demeanor of the staff was what won my father over on this place. Smyth is an outstanding restaurant, period, and I hope this place thrives in the Windy City for a long time. read more
8 years ago
Probably my favorite experience at a 2-Michelin-starred restaurant. It was so nice and cozy, and coming in I was delighted by the smell of the brioche doughnuts to come. Spiced Pear Beverage: 1 star. Clearly none of their people have tasted this. It was so overspiced that I could actually taste the gritty grinds of the spices themselves. I don't like drinking sand. Not a great way to start. Oyster With Dulse, Currant & Daikon: 4 stars. The oysters weren't briny at all--this may be my favorite oyster dish ever. Very smooth and pleasing texture. It tasted very "green" but was a great few bites. Butternut Squash With Blue Cheese Oil, Sunflower Seed Miso, Black Walnuts Gogi Beurre Blanc: 5 stars. The surprise winner of the dish was the umami-laden squash seeds at the bottom of the dish, which elicited a tiny out-loud moan. "The Farm" Potato With Roasted Yeast, Guinea Hen Black Truffle Bouillon, Trout Roe: 4 stars. Wonderful combination of tastes and textures overall, but the trout roe felt a slight bit out of place besides adding saltiness to the broth at the bottom. Aged Ribeye With Sprouted Wheat, Fall Greens & Pickled Plum, White Truffle: 3.5 stars. The smokiness in the nori mustard sauce was not my favorite thing in the world, and this truffle was not as potent as other white ones I've had. Brioche Doughnut With Aged Beef Au Jus: 5+ stars. ERMYGERD. Hands-down the best thing I've eaten in Chicago. Warm, flaky, savory, and so beefy. Maybe in the top 5 things I've put in my mouth. Milk Chocolate, Raspberry Preserves, Shiitake & Kelp: 5 stars. This is a candy bar I wish was carried in stores. Chocolatey, fruity, salty, and a tad bit of umami comes together perfectly. Egg Yolk Soaked In Salted Licorice With Frozen Yogurt Meringue, Blueberry: 4.5 stars. They managed to do the difficult task of making licorice enjoyable. A wonderful balance of flavors and textures. The pacing was perfect and I was plenty full at the end. Something to note, though: you will pay more at the restaurant than just the prepaid ticket you got online. I purchased $38 worth of "extras" but paid $58 at the restaurant in addition to my $120 prepaid ticket. read more
7 years ago
We got the Omaha fix menu which has maybe 15-18 courses, each of them was small. We were not that full after eating, but definitely good portion. Unfortunate I won't come back again. Too herbal for me. I think having some flowers and herbs in food are great but having it in every single dish is too much. Also some of the flowers or herbs taste nothing or bad. I am not a huge herb person and I hate fennel...I've never had a meal with that many dishes having such strong fennel taste...And there was even a fennel drink in my farm pairing....I wish I didn't have to waste that much food and $$ but eating that much fennel is torturing. I should have told chef I don't like fennel, but who would know there are that many dishes that are super herbal... for that I think I can only give three stars... Environment: Modern, cozy open kitchen dining room. They have about 12 tables for two and two three larger tables. Get one of the two corner tables if you can, which is more private. Overall it is nice environment l. Food: The first couple small bites are very refresh. The prawn with rose pedal is epic, followed by a couple sashimi, also very good. Then there are a few weird taste herbal dishes which I don't like...just too much herb and flower that didn't add any flavor. The meat courses are lamb and squab. Again , pretty good except for those decorative tasteless flowers...Presentation wise, they were all very pretty. Drink: Reserve Wine pairing was decent, they had a glass of sake for the Fish and shellfish, which is very special. The farm pairing has a bunch of juice, it was horrible, tons of fennel, not tasty herb. Unless you are huge fan of herb, don't order it. Price: 220 for Omaha plus wine and farm pairing. Overall pretty good price considering it was a lot of food. read more
5 years ago
We finally went in for sit down dinner. The food was amazing! The service was tentative as well. We'd definitely come back for a different menu. One of the best Michelin starred restaurants in Chicago. read more
More info about Smyth
177 N Ada St
Chicago, IL 60607
Near West Side, West Loop
Directions
(773) 913-3773
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https://www.smythchicago.com
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Ask the Community - Smyth
What is the difference between the smyth menu and the chef's menu?
Usually 5-6 courses. Basically, the Chef’s Menu is everything that the kitchen can produce.
Do you have a pre fix menu?
Yes, we do! Our Smyth menu is $325 and our Chef’s Menu is $425
Do you have pregnancy menu? My husband and I wanted to celebrate our 2 year anniversary here but I am pregnant and can't eat raw food.
Thank you for asking! We can definitely accommodate you. We handle such requests frequently and are able to navigate everyone’s particular proclivities. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Is there a chef's table experience with pairings for each course to enjoy here?
Yes
Do they have vegetarian options?
Hi Ashley, We do but it depends on the time of year and the menu in question. As of now, the Classic…
What is your preference in regard to children? My wife and well behaved 2 year old daughter will be visiting Chicago in April and we wanted to go to a nice dinner however we did not wish to offend ownership/management.
Wade, Thank you for asking. Quite considerate of you. We have had all ages of children dine with…
Valet parking available?
We have been working through an unforeseen challenge with the city and don’t currently have valet. There is street parking generally available on Ada as well as Randolph or Elske restaurant on the corner of Ada and Randolph has valet to offer.
What is their corkage fee?
Our corkage fee is $35 per bottle. We ask that you limit it to one 750ml bottle per couple. Thank you for asking!
What's the standard attire? I see "casual attire" so I'm guessing no jacket. But I'm also assuming it's not Applebee's level of "casual". Thanks!
Dear Zach, We have a "come-as-you-are" policy. That being said, many guests that come to dine with…
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Smyth - newamerican - Updated September 2026
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