Behind the nondescript storefront on Division Street in Wicker Park, a team is working tirelessly to deliver Chef Stephen's finest dining experience, curated by the 925 Hospitality Group. If you've been to Apolonia, the interior design will look strikingly similar, with simple Scandinavian millwork underscoring the intimate, classy atmosphere. We were impressed with their craft, presentation, service, and flavor profile. From the January 2026 tasting menu, my favorites were the Arroz Caldo, Wild Hokkaido Scallop, and Slowly Cooked Beef Breast. I could eat five orders of the Arroz Caldo if I could. It was served in a crab shell with fresh queen crab meat atop a delicate, savory, and citrus-forward broth. The culinary team should definitely keep that dish on the menu. With careful placement of utensils, chefs explaining the significance and meticulous preparation behind each dish, and refined yet bold seasoning, Valhalla is an exceptional dining option for those seeking a peaceful evening with one of Chicago's finest hospitality groups. read more

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9.5/10 -0.5 star because the explanations were sometimes just a little too quiet and I couldn't hear every description clearly. Came here for my birthday and the overall experience was amazing! Girlfriend and I got the Winter 2026 tasting menu + the spirit free drink pairing and it was sooo good. I think there were 7-8 drinks that all went so well with every dish. Portions were as generous as people claim as both of us left stuffed and we had hardly eaten that day. Favorites were the beef breast and the scallop but truly there were no misses. It was all counter seating so it felt very intimate and you could see the chefs prepping+plating the food which was fun. Overall would highly recommend and we are already planning our return visit :) read more

This is by far one of the best fine dining experiences I have had. Fair pricing and excellent portions! I was full towards the end. Staff was very friendly and service was fast. Loved their attention to detail. A very romantic, quiet and cozy environment to enjoy the meal! Their drinks were very flavorful. I especially loved their old fashioned. Right amount of sweetness and smokiness. My favorite from the tasting menu was: Mussels - the curry was rich and savory. Mussels cooked so well that the flavor of the mussel shined and had no fishiness or rubberiness. Very tender. Chowder - Oyster cooked to perfection. It was the perfect firmness and the chowder complimented the taste so well. The crab dish was amazing. Loved the richness and texture of it. Valhalla truly pays very close attention to everything. From the plating to the overall food presentation and taste. Absolutely amazing. Each plate had its story and made all the experience more enjoyable. They really did make me feel like I was going on a food journey. Highly recommend as a date night or if you love food! read more

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In a big departure from my usual meal, I took almost no photos. The experience was so wonderful we just wanted to stay focused on the dinner. Service was exceptional and friendly, but not intrusive. I really loved the pace which was easier to do as it's all counter service. The cocktails we started with were amazing and we enjoyed a bottle of wine as well. The food was really special and each dish stood on its own. My favorite was the oyster during the surf course. The space was elegant and comfortable although my husband didn't love the chairs. We wish we had more time to enjoy the lounge and another cocktail afterwards, but had run out of time. I expect a Michelin star will be coming soon. read more

Valhalla - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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TLDR: absolutely loved our experience at Valhalla. With very few misses, you won't be disappointed by venturing out to dine here! SETTING: we are visiting from NYC and love fine dining. I have read a LOT of glowing reviews about Valhalla on reddit and couldn't wait to try it out. We had a reservation for Sunday night at 8pm (after dining at Oriole the night before and Indienne the night before that). Yes it was a gluttonous stack up but when in Chicago!! The restaurant has a very minimalistic design with a long 12 seat counter and an open kitchen with no other tables. Very cozy ambiance and perfect for date night or dining with a small group. FOOD: the flavors evoked here are out of this world. There are some stand out dishes (like the white curry noodles, the French onion latte, the crustacean course served in the most incredible sauce of broken down fish, beef breast, etc). These stand out because they are unique, PACKED with flavor, and just impeccably put together. It's the kind of place that makes your eyes roll back in your head as you savor each taste and think "this is the only taste I want in my mouth forever". There are very few misses but only a few - we didn't love the crab rice dish, which seemed to be missing something as it was a bit blander compared to the others, as well as the cheese course that came between the entree and dessert which seemed quite out of place and didn't pack a punch like the rest. I love that the chef leans into his half filipino / Asian roots - it really shines through in his curries, his sauces and his careful cooking of beef breast in a sauce that my mouth waters even now thinking about. SERVICE: the service was very hospitable and kind. However as some other reviews mention, I will note I didn't particularly love the serving style (with someone explaining the dish and placing it on a counter, and someone coming from behind to then take the dish and place it in front of you). It's a very minor comment though and didn't affect our experience. VERDICT: we actually want to come back, and will next time we are in Chicago. Truly loved the uniqueness and flavors created by the chef and the team here. If you're looking for an awesome fine dining experience with a palatable price tag that is very much worth the creativity and explosion of flavors, Valhalla is your place!!! read more

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Food here is exceptional! Lots of Asian-inspired influences. My favorites included the beef breast, steak tartare bite and the lobster tsukune. Service was honestly the best. Such good vibes and a laid back but professional atmosphere. Huge thanks to Willard, Vision, Isaac, Martin and Valentina. read more

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The food was excellent, the service amazing, and the vibe was super chill. We had a great night. read more

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I celebrated my birthday at Valhalla and it was a wonderful experience. I ordered the Spring 2025 menu with the spirit free pairing. The drew a lot of inspiration from Asian cuisine and have a primary focus on seafood -- which I enjoyed immensely. Among the courses, I love the queen crab the most (I think it's their signature dish), but everything else are equally delightful. The open kitchen setting allows for a lot of interaction with the staff members, and I get to observe them preparing food and ask questions. They are very friendly and helpful. The only (positive) complaint is that I am too full by the time I finish all the courses, but it's on me because I didn't ask for a reduction thinking I could finish it. So it's also great value too. read more

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Let me start by saying it pains me to write this review. We wanted to be blown away by Valhalla but something about it just didn't land with us. The interior and service seem to be designed to be meditative, quiet and to let the food be the sole statement of the experience. For us, it came across as cold and a bit awkward, if not a tad pretentious. Let me break this down for clarity: Food - 5/5 - Nothing disappointing. We found the flavors to be interesting as you would expect from a fine dining establishment. Was it Michelin star good? No. But who cares - it's art and we go in looking for what the chef is trying to say with the food. It wasn't earth shattering but it was very good. Ambiance - 2/5. Didn't get it. The seating at the bar is very strange. You have servers putting plates on the top of the bar, then arms reaching in from behind you to set it down in front of you...like they surround you. But if the point (and maybe I missed it) is to be meditative, this felt abrupt and forced to me. It's very clean and quiet...very quiet. We like to interact, ask questions, learn and the servers seemed unjustifiably rushed. There were only a few other people in the whole place besides us and after asking a question to the server who was rushing off, causing him to drop a dish, then coming back over looking exacerbated with me for asking another question, I said, "okay, I'm going to stop asking questions" to which he responded, "Thank you". From then on, I was just ready to get out of there. Not my vibe. I guess when I'm paying like 30 bucks per course I kind of want to know what I'm getting and what inspired it. Service - 4/5 - Very attentive. The biggest highlight was the non-alcoholic beverage pairing. Whoever was working as the bartender was a pro! She was fun too and seemed to want to interact. We had a couple brief encounters talking about flavors and glassware. She was also the one who noticed that one of the plates about to be served to me wasn't perfect and immediately set it back up so they could fix it. Loved that. I respect their approach and understand others may love this place...just wasn't for us and that's okay. 3.5/5 stars. read more

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Stopped in by Valhalla on a Sunday evening as a part of business trip to Chicago. Valhalla is a quaint space on West Division, and they've done amazing things with the space to create a very refined atmosphere. Immediately, service at Valhalla was near flawless. Every member of the staff was more than happy to share what they were working on (open kitchen) and presentation of courses / pairings along with serving them was effortless. A minor hiccup was that near the end of the meal, part of the tea I'd ordered was split towards another patron without any consultation. The last portion felt in sharp contrast with the rest of the experience. I opted for the singular menu with the Valhalla beverage pairing. Most of the courses hit the right notes, but some (like the crab course) fell flat due to being underseasoned. Consistency here is definitely something Valhalla can (and likely will) improve on -- my dinner companions crab dish was seasoned perfectly and was much better. If I'd go again, I'd definitely opt for the Anything but Wine pairing. Retrospectively, my favorite part about Valhalla was the course the meal took. Each set of patrons is on their own schedule from the moment they sit down, and though I often find myself waiting for courses at other dining experiences, I never felt that here. Overall I'd highly recommend Valhalla, especially as they continue to clean up their service and consistency over the coming months. It's almost a no-brainer that this place will be earning some stars. read more

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Excellent tasting menu. Food was strong throughout and the desserts were delicious and plentiful. This place will surely get a star. Service was very attentive as well and the chef is cool. Will surely be back. read more

Had one of the most incredible dining experiences at Valhalla. If you're into thoughtful tasting menus that are both inventive and deeply satisfying, this is the place. We started with the French Onion Latte--yes, you read that right. Frothy cheddar and a warm hit of alliums in a cup? Sounds wild, but it totally works. It was like sipping the essence of a perfect onion soup. From there, it just kept getting better: The Banana Leaf Baked Sablefish was so tender and flavorful, with a bold kashmiri gravy that had just the right heat. Lobster Tsukune came with smoked pimenton butter and grilled lemon--smoky, buttery, citrusy perfection. I could've eaten a full bowl of the Arroz Caldo--creamy rice, chunks of queen crab, and that bright calamansi zing. Comfort food, elevated. I loved the playful surprises too: The Black Beet 'Bibimbap' was a beautiful, earthy dish with seven distinct flavors and textures. And dessert? The Marbled Pavlova with lychee, hibiscus, and black sesame was both art and indulgence, followed by a seasonal selection of Lynea Chocolates that wrapped up the night perfectly. Every dish was a story. Every bite a surprise. The service was smooth and welcoming without being stiff. And watching the kitchen from the chef's counter was a show in itself. If you're looking for a tasting menu that dares to be different--but still hits all the right notes--Valhalla should be at the top of your list. read more

This was the most amazing dining experience I've ever had. My fiancée took me here for my birthday. They really make the experience memorable with quality service and amazing food. The white curry noodles were amazing. The chocolates were great. The celebratory cake is an amazing add on option for special occasions. There is more than enough food and I was trying to really pace myself. The chef was so friendly and everyone wished me a happy birthday. A very special experience that feels intimate and like the prep is part of the show. read more

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One of the best tasting menu experiences I've had in Chicago. The vibe- the music/decor to the creative dishes- thoughts behind every ingredient and the flow of service. WOW. Never have to lift a finger except when it was time to indulge. My party did the Everything but Wine pairing and also the Beverage pairing and it was so worth it. The variety of cocktails, wine, beer curated with each dish truly elevates the whole experience! The cocktails were exceptional! There was not one dish we didn't enjoy. The whole team was so attentive and exceptional. read more

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I personally liked the food over the dessert here but maybe I should've told them that we didn't like dark chocolate. Dessert doesn't have a set list so it's a mystery what you're going to get and some of them weren't the best. For example, I'm just not a cheese on pie type of person. Also wished they had wet wipes for dessert because it can get messy and sticky. The pacing was slow at times and not evenly spaced so sometimes you're going to be sitting there for a while before you get your next dish. Dinner ended up being a little over 3 hours long so if you can't sit still for that long, I wouldn't recommend it. The octopus was the best I've ever had. The first surf dish was very sour though. Steak was good but the fried tempura next to it was just fine. For the price, I'd probably recommend a few other places first. We sat at the chef's table and I enjoyed watching them cook. There was supposed to be a DJ at Time Out market but guess he never showed. read more

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If you're looking for a great special occasion meal, and you're not afraid of bold flavors, this is the spot. Every single course is a banger. They take inspiration from cuisines from many parts of the world, and they don't shy away from spices. We also added the "anything but the wine" and spirit free beverage tastings, which were also both great. read more

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Outstanding and highly recommended. Had the tasting menu and premier wine pairing with fantastic service. Asian inspired but extremely varied and unexpected. Should quickly rise to the top of the Chicago list. read more

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Honestly blown away at every aspect of the meal. The anything but wine pairing was 100% the move.

This is such a wonderful tasting menu experience, with impeccable service and creative, innovative dishes. The restaurant is super small, but sitting at the kitchen counter allows you to watch as they prepare your food. The 12+ course tasting menu was divine, and every dish was thoroughly explained and described to us. I won't describe every dish, because 1. the menu changes and 2. I don't want to spoil the magic, but some standouts were a beef breast dish with an exquisite harmony of flavors and the tenderest meat, a duck and beef fat taco with ridiculously good flavor, as well as a breakfast for dessert with a nostalgic, comforting cinnamon roll and innovative latte beverage. It's clear they're hoping for a michelin star, and I wouldn't be surprised if they get one in the years coming. It's an up and coming, fine dining masterpiece, and while there were some dishes that were less mind blowing than others, ALL were delicious and I left feeling curious and artistically fulfilled. Definitely a must visit!!! read more

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Amazing food! Highly recommend!!!! Do not recommend wine pairing menu - this was the first wine pairing that me and my boyfriend left dead sober..... they charge a hefty price or 119$ and pour less than a sips worth of wine. Better off to just get a glass of wine, don't waste the money on this. Otherwise amazing read more

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My friend and I had dinner here Saturday night. While the food was great, the AC was broken on a 90 degree day. No one told us before we got there despite multiple touch points to confirm our reservation, and no one said anything to us as we were getting seated. Over the course of the evening, it got hotter and hotter to the point where we were sweating and very uncomfortable. Other diners were given the option to take a rain check, and I wish we would've been extended the same. I wrote an email to management this evening to provide some feedback that in the future they should perhaps consider the comfort of their guests and was met with a very Chat GPT-esque dismissive response. 8/10 food, 0/10 service, definitely won't be back. read more

We were recommended to try this spot by our good friend Zenil, and it did NOT disappoint. This is truly a Michelin experience for half the cost. My partner and I did the chef's menu, it blew us away. We are not heavy drinkers, so we decided to share the drink pairing which worked out perfectly for us. The service is what truly blew us away. The staff was extremely kind and patient. Highly recommend sitting at the bar to watch the chefs work their magic. The pastry chef had some kick-ass desserts. The fact all of this is in the center of a food market is crazy in the best way. They had a DJ playing some good tunes to make the vibe immaculate. I hope to come back here someday. read more

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12/10 experience!!! incredible service food and atmosphere! had a blast trying all the dishes and experiencing the story they told along the way we did the tasting menu with the chefs wine pairing! read more

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Wow just wow. A real dining experience with a real tasting menu. No floof. Nothing bad to say

We came here for a special occasion and it did not disappoint! It is definitely under the radar and it deserves popularity that comes with its exceptional food and service. We had the tasting menu which was superb but what was super cool was the dessert infinity which means they keep bringing you desserts until you tap out. Everything was delicious and we were so bummed to tap out after only 3 desserts! It was a ton of food so we were definitely full going into desserts. All the courses were great so I cannot even pick a favorite. Ambiance was interesting since it is on the second floor of a food hall and we opted to sit facing the food hall side. It was cool to watch what other people were eating down below but next time I'll probably opt to sit at the counter facing the food because once the sun set, the giant food hall digital billboard was so bright for my eyes! read more

A really big letdown. The space is located inside timeout marketplace, so it can be pretty loud during busy times. The tasting menu was honestly a bit of a mess. Several items were extremely bland, while others were unexpectedly spicy. Compared to similarly priced tasting menus in the city, this was much worse. The gimmick/selling-point of the restaurant is infinite desserts. What they don't tell you is that most of the desserts are some combination of bland, boring, or cheap. The concept is cool for making tiktoks, but not too great to actually experience. The service was good and attentive. Overall, unless you're trying to make content out of the infinite desserts, valhalla is not worth it. It was too focused on gimmicks, from the layout of the menu to the infinite desserts, instead of on providing good food. read more

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Came in for dessert three weeks ago; my wife and I have supported S.K.Y. and Apolonia, so when we learned that the chef de cuisine and pastry chef from those previous restaurants had moved over to Valhalla, we had to stop by and check out the space. We tried a half-dozen dishes, including the savory pastries and the Golden Affogato; between the incredible assortment of flavor profiles and the sexy space upstairs at Time Out Market, all I can say is that if you can swing the budget (and this is certainly an expensive night out), add Valhalla to the list. I'm shocked at how easy it is to get a table right now but I know that's going to change once the weather warms up. Give this place a look! read more

I'm surprised more people aren't talking about Valhalla! We're big fans of S.K.Y. and Apolonia, so we booked the chef's counter to try this new concept. The tasting menu was fantastic! My favorites were probably the marinated wild tuna with sea ash (I'd never tasted anything like it!), the 48 hour beetroot (savory, jammy beet served with sweet golden beets, chèvre, pistachios, wasabi and more), the savory pastry basket (a savory roll that looks like a cinnamon roll but with truffle instead!), the fried mussel (part of the hot & cold shellfish), and the wagyu (served like carne asada) with this super tasty polenta elote. Also, the cocktails were GREAT (tried the pink cloud and the Sakura old fashioned.) Save room for the infinite desserts...if you can. read more

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Amazing! My friend and I wanted to try the tasting menu at this new restaurant located on the second floor of the trendy and hot Time Out Market. The service, from beginning to end, was top notch. The 11-course menu was tasty from beginning to end. Here are a few of my faves: the kushi oyster was a fabulous start. The light and airy buttermilk batter made the oyster taste like a complete delicacy but then, the brine hits you with that one perfect bite, deliciousness! My weakness, the pastry basket. There were 3, a parmesan puff, truffle biscuit and a corn madeleine. Oh, savory madeleine, why do I love you so? This came with a side of chili paste of some sort? I probably could have eaten a dozen on the pastries, no wait, Maybe two dozen and a tub of the chili goodness. Another favorite was the crispy lubina (seabass). The crispiness of the fish was ultimate, and the lime sauce was a nice, bright surprise to the dish. This was served with pieces of razor clams and delish fregola sarda pasta. Can I just say that this dish looked stunning on the sexy plate? It would definitely win 'best dressed!' Arroz caldo always reminds me of snuggling in front of the tv with my onesies on, inhaling and slowly eating a bowl of the fragrant bowl of, well, rice soup. This version with crab made me want to do the same scenario, except it was an elevated version so I would probably wear my stilettos and drink it with a glass of champagne. By the time the lamb was served, I was getting full but that didn't stop me from enjoying the perfectly cooked chop. I alternately used both sauces, but preferred the gingery sauce over the tomato butter. And finally, the dessert! Pineapple over pineapple over pineapple! The pineapple rum sauce over the pineapple ice cream and the pineapple croutons, I was in tropical heaven in this windy city! There are more surprises, I can't wait to come back! read more

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Phenomenal...imagine that a Michelin star is imminent, so make your reservation while you can! The restaurant is small, but welcoming, and provides up close access to chefs at the top of their game. We went with the "everything but wine" pairing given the pedigree of the bar program. It did not disappoint! Every course delivered far above our expectations without a single miss! read more

First and foremost, the Arroz Caldo is one of the best things we've ever eaten, completely unforgettable. The Surf and Turf trios were also very memorable. Service was extremely attentive and the entire staff was very knowledgeable. Drink pairings were thoughtful and inventive. The dessert courses were a perfect way to end the meal. Chef Stephen checked in on everyone personally, which is always appreciated. This is what truly creative fine dining should be. read more

Valhalla - Arroz caldo - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Had the winter tasting menu with wine pairings and it was incredible. I loved every course. The service was flawless with knowledgeable staff. It's a well curated atmosphere and I'm excited to see how their new location turns out! read more

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We had our first dining experience at the new Valhalla location in Wicker Park. It was amazing! The food and service were exceptional! Chef Gillanders tasting menu was fun, exciting and delicious! We did the "anything but wine" alcohol pairing in addition to the 12+ course meal which we really enjoyed. The bar tender was great and chose a selection of different cocktails, sake and cider to pair with our courses. Some of the highlights included the Surf course which had 3 separate items, the mushroom kebab which was phenomenal, the scotch lamb 5.0 which may have been my favorite dish overall, and the whole lemon dessert which I would go back just to eat that! Chef Gillanders was a great host and took the time to stop by each guest to see how their meal was going and chat. I enjoyed the 14 seat, counter/open kitchen design which allowed you to watch as the chefs meticulously crafted each dish. We will definitely be going back! One of the best meals I've ever had. read more

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Food and service were incredibly great. Being able to watch these chefs cook our food right in front of us was a treat. Chef Tatum comes out and asks what your favorite dessert flavors are and boom you have the best tasting dessert right in front of you moments after. 10/10 will definitely be coming back to try the tasting menu. read more

Valhalla - Incredible - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

One of the best and most fun meals I've ever had. The tasting menu was amazing. And y'all, dinner was FUN. So many restaurants of this caliber can feel stuffy. Not Valhalla. We started with this special-- a boozy cherry coated in a thin layer of dark chocolate and stuffed with foie gras. It was mind blowing. And somehow, the meal just got better from there. The dishes were colorful, innovative, brilliant, and had this sense of whimsy to them. Whether it was courses that were presented as finger food, or surprises with texture or flavor, I found myself giggling at points during the meal because the food was just so fun and the colors so brilliant and the flavors so delicious and unique. Service was great. They had a birthday card for my boyfriend and had printed out a new, customized menu for him (he's allergic to shrimp). It was lovely and such a sweet touch. I can't wait to go back!! read more

Valhalla - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

To be honest this is a 4.5 stars, but will round up b/c I loved the food that much! We visited the first month it opened Oct 2022. Chef Gillanders was in the house making sure food was en pointe and it was all soooo good. Quite seafood forward which is welcomed. Ended with a standout katsu fried lamb chop. Lots of discussion from other reviews about the food -- all amazing flavor bombs with sweet/salty/umami/acidic in all the right ways. The reason for 1/2 star less is the ambiance. I realize they envisioned the timeout space as part of the ambiance, but it was just very loud and the bar seating made for plating and service to be at times cumbersome. Couldn't really hear what we were being served, which did take away from the experience some. This is a star, must go there NOW! read more

Absolutely wonderful experience! What makes this fine dining restaurant different is it's located on the 2nd floor of a food hall and so NOT pretentious. You can come as you are and get high quality fantastic food! I had the tasting menu and each bite was better than the next. I can't wait to go back! read more

Valhalla - Some of the bites from my courses! - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

What an experience!! I never did a tasting menu like this but it was interesting. The food was good but some things were missing a little flavor for me. Also, the time between dishes was pretty long so I wouldn't recommend that place if your starving, have a little snack before;) Since it is inside the market, it's pretty loud but fun, not the kind of vibe you'd expect for such a restaurant. Service was wonderful and I truly loved how everything was served and presented. The only down fall was the limited drink options. read more

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What a fantastic restaurant - amazing food paired with impeccable service in an intimate setting. Sometimes modern, avant-garde restaurants can be interesting without being satisfying. Valhalla's chef took care to present food that was not only complex, thoughtful, and innovative but also flavorful and just darn tasty. I enjoyed every single dish, which I did not expect when making the reservation, since I'm not normally a fan of trout or steak tartare. My entire party also appreciated the warm, flawless service throughout the meal. We enjoyed hearing the stories of origin for many of the dishes. You could taste the love and thoughtfulness that went into their creation. If you are fortunate enough to snag a reservation at Valhalla, get ready for a really enjoyable adventure. read more

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Great tasting menu experience last night. A little deceiving but no complaints - Scandinavian restaurant name, Asian influenced cuisine. Glad we opted for Anything But Wine Pairings, way better than a traditional WP. Infinity dessert course was a different theme/option compared to other establishments, loved it!! This place deserves a Michelin * We booked via Tock, minor issue re: Taxes being charged twice (at the time of booking in May and at dining last night). I've contacted the restaurant directly on this matter. read more