Le Colonial
ZipPicks Awards
Best Vietnamese in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best Pho in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Master Critic Review
Le Colonial
8.7
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Since 1996, Le Colonial has served refined French-Vietnamese cooking in an elegant Gold Coast row house overlooking Oak Street. Guests pair shaking beef, oxtail pho, and chicken curry with attentive service in a palm-filled, white-tablecloth dining room used for date nights, client dinners, and special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bo Luc Lac (shaking beef), Pho Bo with oxtail broth, Chicken curry (Cari Ga)
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: A long-running Gold Coast institution marrying white-tablecloth service with polished French-Vietnamese classics and a transportive 1920s colonial-style room.
Who should go: Couples and groups seeking upscale Vietnamese in a polished setting.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for peak energy and terrace views.
What to order: Bo Luc Lac shaking beef, oxtail pho bo, chicken curry.
Insider tip: Reserve the terrace or upstairs lounge for a quieter, more intimate experience away from the main dining room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Evening valet is typically available along Oak Street; street parking is limited and meters can be difficult during peak hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and dresses fit the room, upscale jeans are acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak hours but conversation is still manageable at most two-tops.
Weekend wait: Often fully booked; without a reservation expect a 45–75 minute wait or bar seating only.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait with reservations rarely required.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several small plates, salads, and entrées can be prepared vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 dishes may be adapted, but sauces and curries often contain dairy or fish products.
Gluten-free options: Yes — staff can guide substitutions and many rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-friendly, though there is no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the refined, palm-filled dining room and attentive service create a polished, romantic setting that works especially well for thoughtful, conversation-forward dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly — the bar and lounge may have limited space for walk-ins, but prime weekend evenings typically require advance reservations for dining-room seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — older kids and teens are fine during earlier seatings, but the atmosphere skews adult and special-occasion rather than casual family dining.
Best For
Better for: Upscale Vietnamese with polished service, elegant ambience, and consistency for client dinners, anniversaries, and milestone occasions.
Skip if: You’re seeking casual Vietnamese street-food pricing, very large portions, or a strictly vegan-leaning menu.