Alinea - side

Alinea is not just a restaurant—it's an experience that redefines what dining can be. The sleek, modern decor sets the stage for an evening of culinary theater. Chef Grant Achatz and his team craft each course into an art piece, with surprises like the edible helium balloon and the mesmerizing tabletop dessert presentation. The wine pairings are perfectly chosen to complement the complex flavors of each dish. The service is impeccable, attentive without being intrusive. It's pricey, but for a special occasion, it's worth every penny. Dining at Alinea is like taking a journey into the future of cuisine, and it's something every food enthusiast should experience at least once.

I asked ChatGpt to write this review because my words don’t suffice… I then edited and reposted it so it’s sincere ?Chicago’s culinary gemstone, this restaurant is a seductive delight for the senses. The ambiance is intimate, with dim lighting and plush seating creating a romantic atmosphere. The service is attentive and discreet, adding to the overall sense of luxury. Perfect for a special date night or a celebration, this restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience that embodies the essence of Chicago's culinary world.

This restaurant lives up to all expectations. The service was fantastic from when we booked our reservation to the end of dinner. They are proficient at making sure you enjoy the experience and make adjustments to accommodate dietary restrictions. The wine service is a great complement to the fantastic food that I will continue to think about for months.

I travelled to Chicago with my partner specifically to eat at Alinea, after reading the great reviews and watching the documentary on chef Achatz. While the service was excellent and the ambiance was refined and elegant, I have to say we were quite disappointed by the food. The presentation of each course is unique and creative, emphasizing the experience of eating at Alinea, but the flavors were not what we expected for a 3-star restaurant. In most courses some of the flavors were overwhelming and completely obscured the other ingredients, for example, the chicken breast with amaretto sauce or the caramelized chicken. Some of the courses were frankly not appetizing. Additionally, the food was often too salty or too sweet. The signature dessert was well presented but again not particularly unique in terms of flavor and extremely sweet. Overall, I would not recommend going to this restaurant especially given the extremely high price tag.

Absolutely amazing experience. They really put on a show. All the food was absolutely incredible.