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the Albert
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
the Albert
8.4
Located inside Hotel EMC2, the Albert is a design-forward restaurant where globally inflected New American plates, a strong cocktail list, and an open kitchen bring a more ambitious option to Streeterville hotel dining. Menus lean into seasonal vegetables, precise seafood dishes, and richly sauced mains rather than oversized portions. It’s used for dates, low-key celebrations, and pre-theater dinners that still feel creative.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charred Octopus, Tempura Maitake Mushrooms, Olive Oil Cake
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: An art-and-science themed dining room serving inventive, seasonal American plates.
Who should go: Diners who like hotel polish with more creative cooking.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for easier reservations and steadier kitchen rhythm.
What to order: Charred octopus, a seasonal vegetable starter, then pressed chicken or fish.
Insider tip: Sit near the open kitchen or bar rail if you enjoy watching the brigade work the line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet available at EMC2 (paid; rates vary by event/night). Street parking is scarce; most guests use nearby garages within a 1–2 block walk.
Dress code: Smart casual — polished jeans and jackets are common; guests tend to lean slightly dressy in the evening.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at most tables, with a livelier bar and open-kitchen buzz.
Weekend wait: Typically manageable with a reservation; without one, expect 30–60 minutes depending on conventions and hotel traffic.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, especially outside peak business dining hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — seasonal vegetable starters and a few mains are typically vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — may have 1–2 modifiable dishes; confirm with your server.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request; staff is accustomed to accommodating restrictions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the design-forward room, attentive service, and moderate noise level make it a strong fit for a first date where you can talk without shouting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and a few tables may be available early or late, but prime weekend hours and hotel event nights book up quickly. A reservation is recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? More suited to adults and business diners than young children. Older teens are fine, but there are no kid-specific menus or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Creative, seasonal American cooking in a stylish hotel setting with stronger cocktails and design than most neighboring hotel restaurants.
Skip if: You want very large portions, a casual budget dinner, or a loud, high-energy scene — nearby gastropubs and steakhouses may suit those better.
the Albert
8.2
Inside Hotel EMC2, the Albert channels a book-lined, science-inspired dining room into Calabrian-leaning Italian plates and cocktails. It’s stylish enough for dates and business dinners but relaxed enough for hotel guests grabbing seasonal pasta or pizza before heading toward the Mag Mile.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Duck Sicilian Pizza, Garganelli with Asparagus and Tomato, Tiramisu Bowl
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A design-forward hotel restaurant where Italian-leaning plates and cocktails play against a library-style backdrop.
Who should go: Travelers and locals wanting a chic but not stuffy Italian-ish night.
When to visit: Prime evening slots when the bar and dining room both hum.
What to order: Smoked Duck Sicilian Pizza, Garganelli with Asparagus and Tomato, Tiramisu Bowl.
Insider tip: Ask to sit near the bookshelves or bar if you want the room’s best energy without too much noise.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel EMC2 offers on-site valet (rates vary by time of day; typically higher during dinner service). Street parking in Streeterville is limited and metered; most guests use nearby garages within a 1–2 block walk.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine if paired with a polished top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is comfortable at most two-tops, but bar-adjacent tables can feel lively during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended; without one, expect 30–60 minutes depending on hotel and convention traffic.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, though business lunch rush can briefly fill key time slots.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — pastas, salads, and a rotating mix of vegetable-forward starters are usually available.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified; best to ask your server for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request; confirm pasta and pizza modifications with the kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the stylish, book-lined room feels intimate without being formal, and the menu is approachable enough to keep the focus on conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and a few tables may be available early evening or later in the night, but peak weekend times usually require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Lightly — well-behaved older kids and teens are fine during earlier seatings, but the atmosphere leans adult and isn’t designed around children’s menus or high-chair needs.
Best For
Better for: Design-forward ambiance, polished cocktails, and Italian-leaning plates in a setting that works for dates and business dinners alike.
Skip if: You want a loud, scene-driven hotspot or a deeply traditional, rustic Italian menu — there are better fits elsewhere for those priorities.
the Albert
8.2
Inside Hotel EMC2, The Albert builds science-inspired tasting menus around seasonal Italian-influenced plates, often running limited-time multi-course chef’s menus alongside its all-day offerings. It’s a Streeterville option when you want a composed progression and serious cooking without leaving the neighborhood or committing to the city’s most expensive fine dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s Tasting Menu Progression, Tagliatelle with Seasonal Ragu, Chocolate Soufflé Cake
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A hotel restaurant that treats its chef’s tasting menus as rotating, art-and-science-driven experiments.
Who should go: Curious diners wanting inventive multi-course dinners near Streeterville hotels.
When to visit: Later weekend seatings when the room fills and tasting menus shine.
What to order: Opt into the Chef’s Tasting, highlighting seasonal pasta and a chocolate dessert finish.
Insider tip: Call ahead to confirm whether a dedicated chef’s tasting is running; when it is, ask to sit where you can see the open kitchen for more theater.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel EMC2 offers paid valet parking (pricing varies by date and event traffic); nearby garage parking is generally available but street parking is limited in the area, especially evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — diners tend to lean slightly dressy due to the hotel setting, but polished jeans and a nice top are acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate — you can hold a conversation at most tables, though the room can get livelier during peak weekend dinners.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may face waits of 30–60 minutes depending on hotel occupancy and events.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, especially outside peak conference hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the kitchen can accommodate vegetarian diners and tasting menus often feature at least a few meat-free courses; confirm when booking.
Vegan options: Limited — vegan requests may be accommodated with advance notice, but there is not a dedicated vegan tasting menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free adjustments are generally available on select courses; alert the team ahead of time so substitutions can be planned.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the atmosphere is polished but not intimidating, and the tasting-menu format gives the meal a sense of occasion without the formality or cost of the city’s highest-end fine dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are most successful on weekdays or earlier seatings, but for tasting menus or weekend evenings, booking ahead is the safer move.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally better for adults — well-behaved older kids or teens may do fine, but the multi-course format and quieter dining room are not ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: A thoughtfully composed tasting experience in Streeterville without committing to ultra-luxury pricing or long-format fine dining across town.
Skip if: You want a highly immersive, hours-long tasting with extensive wine pairings, or prefer a casual à la carte meal over structured, progressive courses.