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Apolonia
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Apolonia
8.6
Apolonia is chef Stephen Gillanders' contemporary Mediterranean dining room at the edge of McCormick Place, blending Northern Mediterranean flavors with a European-leaning small-plates menu and a focused wine list. Guests come for dishes like black truffle puff bread, branzino, and pastas, plus a Bib Gourmand–recognized experience that works for both conventions and date nights. The minimalist, high-ceilinged room can run loud, but it feels like one of the South Loop's most polished Mediterranean options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Truffle Puff Bread, Mediterranean Branzino, Fiorentini al Sugo
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Bib Gourmand Mediterranean restaurant balancing ambitious small plates with convention-friendly polish.
Who should go: Couples and groups seeking polished Mediterranean near McCormick Place.
When to visit: Weekend evenings before or after events at McCormick Place.
What to order: Black Truffle Puff Bread, Mediterranean Branzino, Fiorentini al Sugo pasta.
Insider tip: Book the chef’s tasting menu to sample greatest hits without over-ordering a la carte.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Motor Row, especially during conventions; most guests use nearby paid garages along Cermak/Indiana. Valet availability may vary by event schedule.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine if styled neatly; many diners lean dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours — conversation is possible but the high-ceilinged room can echo when full.
Weekend wait: Typically 30–60 minutes without a reservation; longer on major convention or event nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, except during large conference traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several small plates and pastas can be ordered vegetarian or are naturally meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be adapted, but options are better with advance notice to the server.
Gluten-free options: Good accommodation — staff can guide gluten-free choices and adjust select dishes, but cross-contact is possible in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished room, shareable plates, and strong wine list make it a good first-date pick, though the space can be lively rather than intimate during peak hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are easiest early or late in the evening or on non-event nights; on convention weekends, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally suitable for older kids or teens, but it skews adult — no dedicated kids’ menu and the atmosphere is designed more for date nights and business dining.
Best For
Better for: Polished, chef-driven Mediterranean plates near McCormick Place with a Bib Gourmand pedigree — stronger for date nights and convention dinners than casual neighborhood meals.
Skip if: You want a quiet dining room, budget-focused portions, or a menu with extensive vegan or family-focused options — consider alternatives in those cases.
Apolonia
8.6
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Bordering McCormick Place in the South Loop, Apolonia serves Northern Mediterranean cooking in a sleek, high-ceilinged room framed by a serious wine list and a small pastry program. It’s used for pre- and post-event dinners, anniversaries, and chef’s tasting menus when guests want something polished but not stiff within 60616.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle bread, Branzino with salsa verde, Pistachio ice cream dessert
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Bib Gourmand Mediterranean cooking with a signature truffle bread and a refined, design-forward room near McCormick Place.
Who should go: Couples or small groups seeking polished, wine-friendly dinners.
When to visit: Evenings before or after conventions, shows, or United Center events.
What to order: Truffle bread, a shared pasta, and a whole fish or roasted chicken.
Insider tip: Ask about the chef’s tasting menu for a paced, special-occasion experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Motor Row can be limited during events; nearby paid garages around McCormick Place are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and nice denim are common, but formalwear isn’t required.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak hours, but conversation at a small table is generally manageable.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may face long waits or bar seating only during conventions and show nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically not applicable — the restaurant primarily operates as a dinner destination.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — appetizers, pastas, and seasonal vegetable dishes usually provide a few solid options.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be adjusted, but fully vegan mains may be scarce; ask your server for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request, but availability varies by season and preparation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished dining room, strong wine program, and thoughtful pacing make it a great choice for a relaxed but elevated first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — bar or limited walk-in seating may be available early or late, but on event and convention nights you should assume reservations are necessary.
Is it kid-friendly? It skews more adult and special-occasion oriented; older kids or teens are fine, but there are no kid-specific amenities or play-space elements.
Best For
Better for: Refined Mediterranean cooking with a signature bread program, polished service, and a design-forward dining room that works especially well for celebrations and pre- or post-event dinners.
Skip if: You want a casual, budget-leaning meal, very quiet dining, or a menu with extensive vegan or kid-focused options.
Apolonia
8.7
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Apolonia is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant from chef Stephen Gillanders where wood-fired breads, handmade pastas, and seafood are built around seasonal Midwestern produce and farmer partners. The bright, minimalist dining room near Cermak and Michigan doubles as a pre-concert stop and a neighborhood fine-dining option, with a Bib Gourmand nod and a chef’s tasting menu that leans heavily on current farm products. It reads as South Loop’s most polished expression of farm-driven cooking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Truffle Puff Bread, Fiorentini al Sugo, Grilled Mediterranean Branzino
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Seasonally driven Mediterranean cooking with a wood-fired oven and Bib Gourmand recognition.
Who should go: Diners seeking Mediterranean-leaning, seasonal tasting menus near McCormick Place.
When to visit: Weekend dinners before or after events at McCormick Place.
What to order: Black Truffle Puff Bread, Fiorentini al Sugo, grilled branzino.
Insider tip: If available, book the chef’s tasting menu for a tight tour of seasonal favorites without over-ordering à la carte.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking on surrounding blocks; most guests use nearby paid garages around McCormick Place and Motor Row
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished or date-night dressy
Noise level: Moderate buzz — conversation is comfortable at two-tops, livelier during peak pre-event hours
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended; walk-ins may wait 30–60 minutes during event nights
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait (hours may be limited depending on service schedule)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several vegetable-forward small plates and pastas can be made vegetarian
Vegan options: Limited — a few veg-leaning dishes may be adaptable; confirm with the kitchen
Gluten-free options: Many dishes can be modified gluten-free; wood-fired breads and some pastas cannot be adapted
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the bright dining room, polished service, and shareable breads and small plates make it a strong first-date pick that feels special without being stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — early evening and non-event nights are your best shot. On convention or concert nights, availability is limited and the bar may be the only walk-in option.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults and older teens — the menu skews chef-driven and the room reads date-night; there are no kid-specific amenities or children’s menu.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal, farm-driven Mediterranean dishes with a polished but approachable tasting menu near McCormick Place, plus standout breads from the wood-fired oven
Skip if: You want ultra-casual dining, large group noise-proof seating, or a menu built around heavy portions and predictable classics
Apolonia
8.3
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Birthday & Celebration Central
Chef Stephen Gillanders’ South Loop restaurant pairs wood-fired European–Mediterranean cooking with an optional multi-course chef’s tasting menu that builds around dishes like black truffle puff bread and rich pastas. Since opening in 2020 near McCormick Place, it’s become a polished neighborhood choice for date-night dinners that can scale up into tasting-style experiences.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Truffle Puff Bread, Fiorentini al Sugo, Grilled Prawns with corn relish and hibiscus romesco
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: South Loop Mediterranean spot offering optional chef’s tasting menu.
Who should go: Neighbors wanting stylish Mediterranean dinners and tasting-style experiences.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners or later weeknights for calmer pacing.
What to order: Chef’s tasting menu, Black Truffle Puff Bread, Fiorentini al Sugo.
Insider tip: Sit near the open kitchen to watch the wood-fired line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the South Loop; most guests use nearby paid garages around McCormick Place or the adjacent residential blocks when available.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine if paired with something dressy; many diners lean polished for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate — lively dining room but you can usually hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: Often fully booked — walk-ins may face 45–75 minutes or may need to join a waitlist.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is limited/not the primary focus — when open, waits are uncommon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastas and small plates can be made vegetarian; tasting menu can usually be adjusted with advance notice.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be modified, but fully vegan tasting experiences are not standard and should be requested ahead.
Gluten-free options: Some accommodations — staff can guide substitutions and mark safe items, but the kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — polished service, warm lighting, and a composed tasting menu option make it a strong first-date or anniversary setting without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — weeknights are your best chance; on weekends, reservations are strongly recommended and walk-ins are typically waitlist-only.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the room and menu skew adult, special-occasion, and tasting-forward; older teens may be fine, but it’s not geared toward young children or toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Refined Mediterranean-leaning cooking with a chef-driven tasting option in a neighborhood setting — ideal for dates, celebrations, and groups who want elevated food without a formal white-tablecloth atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a casual, budget-focused meal, very quiet dining, or highly flexible menus for strict vegan or gluten-free needs — other South Loop spots may suit those priorities better.
Apolonia
8.7
Chef Stephen Gillanders’ South Loop restaurant leans into contemporary Mediterranean cooking, with a five-course Chef’s Tasting Menu built from dishes like black truffle puff bread, seafood pastas, and dry-aged fish for two. The room feels polished but not stiff, pulling in both convention-goers and locals for Bib Gourmand-level cooking that works as well for dates as for small celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Truffle Puff Bread, Shellfish & Saffron Mafaldine, "The Pistachio" dessert
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A Bib Gourmand-recognized Mediterranean dining room offering a flexible Chef’s Tasting Menu just off McCormick Place.
Who should go: Guests wanting chef-driven Mediterranean near the convention center.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners and pre-event evenings for smoother pacing.
What to order: Black Truffle Puff Bread, Shellfish & Saffron Mafaldine, Chef’s Tasting Menu with dessert.
Insider tip: If you’re doing the tasting menu, arrive a bit early for a cocktail at the bar and be sure to request the truffle puff bread if it’s not already included.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the South Loop, and availability tightens during McCormick Place events — most guests use nearby paid garages or hotel decks within a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine if styled neatly; most diners lean slightly dressy for dates and business dinners.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation at the table is comfortable, though the room can feel livelier during peak convention evenings.
Weekend wait: Typically book ahead; walk-ins may face a 30–60 minute wait or be seated at the bar depending on event traffic.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait when open for daytime service, though pace can vary with convention schedules.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward and pasta dishes can be built into a tasting progression; confirm with the server for substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited — some courses may be adapted with advance notice, but fully vegan tasting menus are not guaranteed.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request; advise the team early so the tasting menu can be adjusted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished room, attentive pacing, and shareable tasting format make it a strong choice for a more elevated first or second date where conversation still feels comfortable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and a small number of tables are occasionally available for walk-ins, but reservations are strongly recommended on weekends and during major convention weeks.
Is it kid-friendly? It skews adult-oriented and is best for teens or older kids comfortable with longer tasting-menu pacing; there are no dedicated children’s menus or play amenities.
Best For
Better for: Refined Mediterranean-leaning cooking with a flexible Chef’s Tasting Menu, polished service, and a setting that works equally well for dates, business dinners, and small celebrations near McCormick Place.
Skip if: You want a casual, fast meal, a fully vegan experience, or a loud, high-energy group environment — or you’re visiting during a major convention and prefer to avoid event-week crowds and pricing nearby.
Apolonia
8.8
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Girls Night Out Approved
Birthday & Celebration Central
Chef Stephen Gillanders’ Apolonia is a Michelin-recognized, northern Mediterranean restaurant near McCormick Place with a dedicated private dining room. Groups book it for black truffle puff bread, handmade pastas, and coastal-leaning mains before conventions, concerts, or upscale celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Truffle Puff Bread, Fiorentini al Sugo with smoked tomato and pork sausage, Dry-aged fish for two
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A Bib Gourmand Mediterranean dining room with a true enclosed private space steps from McCormick Place.
Who should go: Teams and families wanting polished Mediterranean near the convention center.
When to visit: Weeknights and pre-convention evenings for smoother pacing.
What to order: Black Truffle Puff Bread, Fiorentini al Sugo, dry-aged fish for two.
Insider tip: For private events, build the menu around shared puff bread and a couple of large-format mains to keep service smooth across the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the immediate area is limited, especially during McCormick Place events. Most guests use nearby paid garages and convention-center parking; pricing can fluctuate on event nights. Valet availability may vary by schedule — call ahead if you need it.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and dresses fit in, but polished jeans and nice tops are acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is comfortable at most tables; the private dining room is noticeably quieter.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may face 30–60+ minutes or be waitlisted on major convention or concert nights.
Weekday lunch: Primarily a dinner-focused restaurant; lunch availability varies by schedule and private events, and typically does not require a wait when offered.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastas and vegetable-forward plates can be prepared vegetarian; staff is accustomed to accommodating requests.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified, but menus lean dairy- and egg-forward; best to call ahead for larger vegan parties.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many dishes can be adjusted (including select mains and salads); gluten-free modifications are common, but cross-contamination cannot be fully guaranteed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished Mediterranean menu, attentive service, and refined room work well for a relaxed but elevated first date, especially if you want something impressive without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are occasionally seated early or late evening, but availability drops sharply on convention and concert nights. If you’re flexible, ask about bar or lounge seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for adults and older teens — the room skews upscale and paced; high chairs and kid-specific amenities are limited, though well-behaved children are welcome for family celebrations or private-room events.
Best For
Better for: Refined Mediterranean cooking near McCormick Place with a true enclosed private dining room, polished service, and share-friendly large-format dishes suited to business dinners and celebrations.
Skip if: You want a casual, budget-first meal, highly vegan-focused menus, or a loud, high-energy group spot — alternatives nearby may be better fits in those cases.