Alinea

Honestly for the price and the michelin stars that it has, this experience fell totally flat. 1st: it's way overpriced. This is Chicago but it charges for dinner at the same rate as the best 3 star michelin restaurants in NYC and Paris. However, the food quality and service definitely isn't there. 2nd: the environment is very average/not good. When I first opened the door into the restaurant, it smelled like I walked into an Indian restaurant bc the cumin/curry smell was so strong. The food didn't have those spices in it, so not sure where that came from. The seating space was non-memorable and there was no windows. 3rd: the food was visually appealing and the use of ingredients was interesting but the taste was WAY too salty. I had to mention this multiple times to the servers because so many dishes we extremely salty. There was literally no entree dish that was memorable. The only saving grace and the ONLY reason I gave this place a 3 star instead of 2 is because of the desserts, which were indeed tasty. That's literally it. Without this, I would give it a 2 star. 4th: the servers were ok. One was really well mannered but another had a scraggly beard and wasn't polished at all although he thought he was. In summary: not worth your money, but feel free to try it just to say you went if you have money to burn.

Pretentious and mean. Servers made us feel unwelcome as did entire staff. No trace of hospitality here. Food was equally hard handed and lacking nuance. Go next door to Boka for a better experience at 1/4 of the cost.

Where do I even begin to describe my ultimate dining experience at Alinea? From the moment we stepped through the doors of this iconic three-star Michelin restaurant, it was clear that we were in for something truly extraordinary. Booking our reservation a month and a half in advance, we eagerly anticipated the arrival of our friends from Miami to join us for this special occasion. To make the evening even more memorable, I reached out to the Alinea group and asked if we could meet the culinary genius himself, Chef Grant Achatz, and have our menus signed. While there were no guarantees, we were overjoyed to find ourselves seated with a direct view into the kitchen, where Chef Achatz was tirelessly working his magic. Despite our star-struck awe, he graciously took a photo with me, signed our menus, and even autographed copies of the Alinea cookbook and Aviary Cocktail book that I purchased while we were there! From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed and our coats were taken care of. Then, we were led to the ultimate dining experience: a table set up just for us in the kitchen, where we could witness the culinary performance unfold before our eyes. Adding a wine package only enhanced the experience, with our knowledgeable and entertaining host, Kellen, and sommelier, Branson, guiding us through each course. Every dish we encountered was a masterpiece of creativity and execution. The presentation, the flavors, and the way we were meant to enjoy each dish were all meticulously planned. Each course was a journey in itself, with the ambiance changing seamlessly from one dish to the next. I would review each course we savored which were too many to recount, but that would ruin it for anyone thinking of experiencing Alinea because you must try this for yourself at least once in your lifetime! And the menus change as new items get introduced so why review each and every dish. There were so many courses that left you in awe and so I'm thankful we got the menu to remember what we ate! One standout moment was the French onion soup, where we felt like dancing as the soup was prepared right at our table on a communal-style copper fire stove, accompanied by the perfect soundtrack of 'Fire' by the Ohio Players. But the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the Paint Dessert, a mesmerizing performance by Chef Grant Achatz himself, along with another talented chef. It was a breathtaking finale to an unforgettable evening that will forever be etched in our memories. The experience was worth every penny! Yes we spent a lot but we left Alinea feeling not only satisfied but also deeply fulfilled, and our hearts and bellies full of gratitude. Thank you, Alinea, for exceeding our every expectation and making our evening so special. Thank you for making a special reservation afterwards to your speakeasy, The Office. What a nice touch that Alinea provided us complimentary transportation to The Office. They even offered to comp the valet fees but we didn't use the valet. Words cannot express how much we enjoyed every moment, and we can't wait to return for another remarkable culinary adventure.

10/10 no notes. There is a reason Alinea is consistently rated the top restaurant, but what really seals the deal for me is the combination of impeccable service in a comfortable atmosphere. The staff are attentive to your every need and provide the most relaxing environment that truly made us not want to leave. Out of fear of giving away too much, I am only posting a few photos. This experience is more than any dinner, it’s something everyone should try. Dietary restrictions: Perfectly accommodated our no seafood, no red meat requests prior to and upon our arrival.

This was hands down the best meal of my life. Full stop. Everything was spectacular. The service, the atmosphere, the food, the wine pairings…. Everything. Do yourself a favor and splurge at least once on this exquisite experience.

Alinea has been a bucket list restaurant for my husband and we were able to visit while on town from Delaware. The experience was mind-blowing. Food was amazing. It was everything we expected and more.

We are from Kansas City and are extremely huge foodies. We have been trying to dine at Alinea since COVID first started. We are huge fans of Grant and the Alinea Group. They create and maintain excellent food and a dramatic experience. Finally, in April, we were able to visit Alinea for our anniversary. It did not disappoint! From the moment you walk into Alinea, you arr greated and taken care of like your family. The restaurant and the staff are not stuffy nor snobby, which is likely hard to do because of the level of food you're enjoying. The food is like a full culinary experience. Think of it like a movie. Thr staff is trained to truly understand every single element. They take the time to explain the dish, the region it's from, and even help you walk through how the chef intended it to be eaten. The experience blew our minds! If you can have the time, the money (it's not cheap), and an open mind, you will NOT REGRET dining at Alinea. Vegetarian options: You can request anything ahead of time and they will accommodate. Dietary restrictions: You can request anything ahead of time and they will accommodate. Parking: Street parking is limited, and the building has no sign, so you likely could miss it. Kid-friendliness: Ahhh, no, I would say not. Unless your children are amazing. Wheelchair accessibility: Stairs everywhere are so likely not easy to do.

I may be a little late on my post but WOW what an incredible experience. From the moment you set foot into the restaurant, it becomes a different world. My group and I reserved the large room by the kitchen. We enjoyed the synchrony and organized chaos of the staff as they prepared meals. Food, visual, texture…on point! Will be back again