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PLANTA Queen Chicago
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
PLANTA Queen Chicago
8.6
PLANTA Queen brings an all-vegan, Asian-inspired menu of sushi, noodles, and share plates to a polished, high-energy River North dining room. Since opening in 2022, it’s become the go-to for plant-based date nights and group dinners where cocktails and presentation matter as much as the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bang Bang Broccoli, Torched & Pressed Nigiri, Truffle Udon
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Upscale plant-based Asian cooking with full sushi and dim sum in a dramatic room.
Who should go: Vegan and veg-curious diners planning a night out.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners or brunch for full buzz and energy.
What to order: Bang Bang Broccoli, truffle udon, torched and pressed nigiri.
Insider tip: Reserve bar or counter-adjacent seats if you want the best view of the sushi action.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site lot; limited metered street parking and nearby River North garages — rideshare is most reliable on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — sleek tops, jeans ok but most guests dress up for night-out vibes.
Noise level: Lively and energetic — conversation is possible at tables, louder near the bar and peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may open sooner for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, though brunch and peak evenings fill quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is plant-based and vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Yes — 100% vegan concept across food and desserts.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes can be made gluten-free or are marked as such, but there is not a fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s stylish, buzzy, and presentation-forward, which makes the experience feel special; choose a table away from the bar if you prefer easier conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — small parties may find seats at the bar or during early/late dining windows, but prime weekend hours usually require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — older kids and teens do fine, but the space skews adult, trendy, and loud with no kid-specific menu or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Stylish vegan date nights, plant-based sushi and share plates, and presentation-driven dining in a lively, modern room.
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-key meal, traditional non-vegan proteins, or a budget casual setting.
PLANTA Queen Chicago
8.7
PLANTA Queen brings a fully plant-based, Asian-leaning menu to a sleek River North room where dumplings, noodles, and sushi rolls are all designed without animal products. Since opening its Chicago outpost in 2022, it’s become a go-to for vegans and flexitarians who still want cocktails, a scene, and shareable plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bang Bang Broccoli, Truffle Udon Noodles, Crispy Gyoza Dumplings
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A polished, 100% vegan restaurant where Asian-inspired plates and sushi feel as composed as any mainstream River North spot.
Who should go: Plant-based diners wanting a full night out.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners for full bar and room energy.
What to order: Bang Bang Broccoli, a noodle like Truffle Udon, one sushi roll.
Insider tip: Sit near the open kitchen or sushi bar if you want more of the action without committing to bar seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot; nearby River North garages within 1–2 blocks, street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — table conversation is possible but can get louder during peak dinner hours
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; bar seating sometimes opens sooner
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, though small bumps during business lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the full menu is plant-based, so everything is vegetarian
Vegan options: Yes — the entire menu is 100% vegan
Gluten-free options: Several clearly marked gluten-free options; some items can be modified, but cross-contact is possible so ask staff if highly sensitive
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the sleek room, cocktails, and shareable plates work well for a first date, especially if you want something lively but not overwhelming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays or early evenings, but weekends fill quickly — join the waitlist or try bar or lounge seating if you arrive without a booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — families are welcome, but the vibe skews adult and social; better for older kids or early seatings rather than late night.
Best For
Better for: Plant-based diners who still want a scene — stronger cocktail program, design, and shareable plates than most vegan-only spots in the area
Skip if: You want quiet, low-key dining or traditional meat-and-seafood sushi — choose a calmer neighborhood restaurant or classic sushi bar instead