0 Followers
Smyth
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Smyth
9.2
Smyth is a three-Michelin-star tasting menu restaurant in the West Loop where John Shields and Karen Urie Shields build seasonally driven courses around Midwestern farms. The intimate dining room and highly choreographed service make it one of Chicago’s most serious destination dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dungeness crab with kani miso and foie gras, Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with kelp marmite, Frozen tomato mousse dessert course
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 9.3
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Three-Michelin-star tasting menu built around Midwestern farm relationships.
Who should go: Serious diners chasing Chicago’s most ambitious tasting menus.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for the full extended experience.
What to order: Chef’s full tasting menu, beverage pairing, dessert progression.
Insider tip: Book well ahead and note dietary needs early—the kitchen tailors courses thoughtfully.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the West Loop is limited; rideshare or nearby paid garages are most reliable.
Dress code: Elevated smart casual to formal; jackets and dresses feel appropriate but not required.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate — easy to carry on conversation throughout the meal.
Weekend wait: Reservations are required and typically book weeks to months in advance.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — tasting menus are served at dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Accommodated with advance notice — the menu can be tailored thoughtfully.
Vegan options: Possible with advance communication, though more limited than vegetarian adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Commonly accommodated with substitutions; notify the team ahead of time.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — if you’re looking for a once-in-a-while, intimate fine-dining experience where the multi-course meal becomes the evening’s focus.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No — reservations are essential and should be booked well in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children; the experience is long, quiet, and prix-fixe. Best suited for adults or teens who enjoy fine dining.
Best For
Better for: Deeply seasonal, expressive tasting menus with warm, highly personalized service at the very top tier of Chicago dining.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte ordering, casual atmospheres, or shorter meals without structured courses.
Smyth
9.0
In a loftlike space on Ada Street, Smyth builds an ever-evolving tasting menu around Midwestern farms and meticulous technique. Courses move from raw to grilled to sweets with quiet confidence, making it one of Chicago’s most ambitious fine-dining rooms.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ king crab with rice koji, Toasted corn and black truffle, Maine uni with fresh wasabi
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9.3
Consistency: 9.4
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Three-Michelin-star tasting menu marrying Midwestern produce and avant-garde technique.
Who should go: Serious diners chasing destination-level tasting menus and pairings.
When to visit: Lingering weeknight dinners for maximum kitchen focus and calm.
What to order: Seasonal tasting menu, beverage pairing, any supplemental caviar course.
Insider tip: Book counter seats for more interaction with chefs and plating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Fulton Market can be limited; paid garages and valet options are available nearby.
Dress code: Elegant smart casual to cocktail attire — jackets or dresses feel appropriate but not mandatory.
Noise level: Low to moderate — intimate conversation is easy at most tables.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential — typically booked weeks to months in advance.
Weekday lunch: Lunch is not typically offered; tasting menus run during dinner service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the kitchen can accommodate with advance notice, though menus are not fully vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Very limited — vegan tasting adaptations may not always be available.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten sensitivities are handled thoughtfully with prior notification.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — if the first date is meant to be a memorable, multi-course dining experience. The quiet atmosphere and attentive pacing make it ideal for meaningful conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely — reservations are typically required and book out far in advance. Join the waitlist or plan ahead for best availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — the long tasting format is best suited for adults and older teens comfortable with extended fine-dining experiences.
Best For
Better for: Highly curated tasting menus with deep farm-to-table sourcing, flawless service cadence, and a serene, immersive atmosphere.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte dining, casual settings, shorter meals, or simpler comfort-food experiences.
Smyth
9.0
Chicago’s only three-Michelin-star dining room turns seasonal Midwestern products into an intricate tasting menu built for milestone dinners. The serene West Loop space feels intimate but serious, with service calibrated for anniversaries, once-a-year splurges, and long, lingering meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal tasting menu progression, Milk & Honey dessert course, Wagyu beef course
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 9.4
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Three-Michelin-star tasting menu built around meticulous Midwestern seasonality.
Who should go: Serious diners marking major celebrations and anniversaries.
When to visit: Prime weekend seatings for full-length tasting and energy.
What to order: Full tasting menu, beverage pairing, signature dessert course.
Insider tip: Book counter or window-adjacent seats early for the most immersive experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the West Loop is limited; plan on rideshare or nearby paid garages.
Dress code: Elevated smart casual to elegant – jackets and dresses are common, sneakers are rare.
Noise level: Low to moderate – quiet enough for intimate conversation throughout the meal.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins are generally not accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Lunch is not typically offered.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – the kitchen can accommodate with advance notice.
Vegan options: Very limited – requests must be arranged ahead of time.
Gluten-free options: Yes – the tasting menu can be adapted with prior notice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a very formal, multi-course experience. It’s ideal for milestone moments rather than casual getting-to-know-you dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No – reservations are required and often book out well in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The experience is lengthy and structured, best suited for adults and older teens accustomed to fine dining.
Best For
Better for: Ultra-refined tasting menus with deeply seasonal cooking and polished service in an intimate setting.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte dining, shorter meals, casual energy, or are seeking a budget-friendly option.
Smyth
9.0
Smyth offers an extended tasting menu built around seasonal Midwestern products in an intimate, open-kitchen room. It’s used for milestone evenings where guests are willing to trade predictability and price for an elaborate, highly choreographed experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Tasting Menu Progression, Foie Gras Preparation, Egg Yolk Meringue Dessert
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9.5
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Three-Michelin-star tasting menu that turns Midwestern ingredients into intricate courses.
Who should go: Serious diners marking major anniversaries or milestones.
When to visit: Prime weekend seatings for the full-length menu experience.
What to order: Full tasting menu, beverage pairing, highlighted dessert courses.
Insider tip: Book bar or counter seats if you want a closer view of the kitchen choreography.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the West Loop can be limited during dinner hours; rideshare or nearby paid garages are common choices.
Dress code: Dressy smart casual to upscale — jackets and elegant attire fit the room, though formalwear isn’t required.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate — conversation is comfortable and intimate most of the evening.
Weekend wait: Reservations are typically required well in advance; walk-ins are unlikely to be seated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — this is primarily a dinner destination.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Accommodations are typically available with advance notice — notify the restaurant when booking.
Vegan options: More limited but possible with prior coordination; expectations should be set in advance.
Gluten-free options: Gluten sensitivities are usually accommodated with notice, given the tasting-menu setting.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re looking for a refined, immersive dining experience and don’t mind a multi-hour tasting menu — it’s more intimate than casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. This is a reservation-driven restaurant and most evenings book out in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children — the experience is quiet, extended, and centered around a tasting menu suited to adults.
Best For
Better for: Milestone celebrations, world-class service, and highly creative tasting menus built around Midwestern seasonality.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte ordering, short meals, casual atmospheres, or budget-friendly dining.
Smyth
9.2
Smyth is John and Karen Urie Shields’ three-Michelin-star tasting room, opened in 2016 and built around ultra-seasonal Midwestern products and a dedicated farm. Courses move from kelp tarts and sea urchin to intricate desserts with a level of intention that makes it a destination for serious diners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kelp tart with English pea butter and trout roe, Foie gras doughnut with Dungeness crab and egg yolk fudge, Maine uni & wasabi with passion fruit and habanada peppers
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 9.5
Consistency: 9.6
Food Quality: 9.7
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Three-star Midwestern tasting menu marrying farm-driven ingredients with avant-garde technique.
Who should go: Tasting-menu devotees marking once-a-year milestone dinners.
When to visit: Prime weekend seatings for full-length tasting and service theater.
What to order: Seasonal kelp tart, Dungeness crab doughnut, lobster or uni courses.
Insider tip: Book the counter to watch the kitchen cadence up close.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the West Loop is limited; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Elegant smart casual to dressy; jackets and cocktail attire feel appropriate.
Noise level: Low to moderate — conversation is easy across the table.
Weekend wait: Reservations are typically required weeks to months in advance.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-focused tasting menu experience.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Accommodated with advance notice — the kitchen can tailor the tasting menu.
Vegan options: Possible only with prior coordination and limited availability due to the menu style.
Gluten-free options: Commonly accommodated — notify the restaurant in advance for menu adjustments.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you both enjoy fine dining and long tasting menus. It’s intimate and special but also formal and structured.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very unlikely. Book well in advance — last-minute availability is rare.
Is it kid-friendly? No — the multi-course, extended tasting format is best suited for adults and special-occasion dining.
Best For
Better for: Deeply curated tasting-menu dining with attentive service and a strong sense of place tied to Midwestern seasonality.
Skip if: You prefer casual dining, à la carte ordering, short meals, or spontaneous walk-ins.
Smyth
9.1
Smyth is a three-Michelin-star tasting-menu restaurant in the West Loop where John and Karen Urie Shields build multi-course experiences around produce from an exclusive 20-acre partner farm. Menus shift with the seasons, turning Midwestern ingredients into intricate, quietly precise plates served in an intimate, low-lit dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal multi-course tasting menu, Wine or beverage pairing, Farm-focused supplemental course when offered
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 9.5
Consistency: 9.4
Food Quality: 9.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Three-Michelin-star seasonal tasting menus built around a dedicated partner farm’s produce.
Who should go: Diners planning milestone, once-in-a-year tasting-menu experiences.
When to visit: Prime evening reservations when the full-length menu is offered.
What to order: Seasonal tasting menu, full beverage pairing, any farm-driven supplemental courses.
Insider tip: Book seats facing the open kitchen if you want the most immersive view of service.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the West Loop can be limited in the evenings; use rideshare or nearby paid garages for the smoothest arrival.
Dress code: Elegant, upscale attire is appropriate. Think smart-cocktail to formal; jackets are common but not required.
Noise level: Low to moderate — the room is intimate and conversation is easy without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: Reservations are required and book out weeks to months in advance.
Weekday lunch: Lunch is not typically offered; all experiences are reservation-only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Often accommodated with advance notice — the kitchen builds custom versions of the tasting menu.
Vegan options: May be possible with advance communication, but options can be limited due to the farm-driven menu style.
Gluten-free options: Commonly accommodated with prior notice; dishes can be adjusted thoughtfully.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — if you want a deeply memorable, quiet, and refined experience. It’s better suited for serious, high-commitment dates than casual first impressions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No — reservations are essential and should be made well in advance. Same-day availability is extremely rare.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The multi-course tasting format and quiet dining room are best for adults or mature teens used to fine dining.
Best For
Better for: Once-in-a-lifetime tasting menus built around hyper-seasonal Midwestern ingredients and a calm, intimate dining room.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte dining, casual environments, shorter meals, or don’t enjoy long, structured tasting menus.
Smyth
9.0
Smyth is a three-Michelin-star tasting-menu restaurant from chefs John and Karen Shields, channeling Midwestern farms into intricate seasonal courses. Diners come for long-form menus that move from playful small bites to composed seafood and squab dishes in a room that feels relaxed but relentlessly precise.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dried Corn Macaron, Brioche Doughnut with Aged Beef Au Jus, Rainbow Trout with Beurre Blanc and Trout Roe
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: High-art Midwestern tasting menus served with unusually warm, relaxed hospitality.
Who should go: Serious diners marking milestone celebrations and tasting-menu devotees.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings when the full menu and team shine.
What to order: Flagship tasting menu, beverage pairing, any squab or corn course.
Insider tip: Book counter or window seats and budget time for the full experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited in the West Loop; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy — jackets and dresses are common, but formalwear isn’t required.
Noise level: Low to moderate — you can comfortably hold a conversation throughout the meal.
Weekend wait: Reservations are required and book out weeks to months in advance.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is typically not offered; tasting menus are dinner-focused.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Accommodations are often possible with advance notice.
Vegan options: Very limited due to the tasting format — confirm in advance.
Gluten-free options: Generally accommodated when noted ahead of time, with thoughtful substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you both enjoy fine dining — the calm atmosphere and multi-course format encourage long conversation, but it’s best for a serious or special-occasion first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely — plan ahead and book as early as possible, especially for weekends and peak seasons.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — the long tasting menu and quiet dining room are better suited to adults and older teens accustomed to fine dining.
Best For
Better for: Deeply seasonal, chef-driven tasting menus with precise cooking and warm, unpretentious service at the very top end of Chicago dining.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte dining, short meals, highly casual settings, or have very restrictive diets that are hard to accommodate within a structured tasting menu.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday5pm - 9pm
Wednesday5pm - 9pm
Thursday5pm - 9pm
Friday5pm - 9pm
Saturday5pm - 9pm
SundayClosed