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Bayan Ko
Master Critic Review
Bayan Ko
8.6
An intimate Ravenswood dining room built around a reservation-only tasting menu that blends Filipino and Cuban flavors with modern technique. The experience is paced for a full sit-down night, with savory-sour balance and polished proteins doing the heavy lifting course to course.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arroz Caldo, Lechon Asado, Duck Croqueta
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A Michelin-recognized Filipino-Cuban tasting menu in a small Ravenswood room.
Who should go: Tasting-menu fans and special-occasion diners
When to visit: Midweek dinner for the calmest pacing
What to order: Arroz Caldo, Lechon Asado, Duck Croqueta
Insider tip: Book ahead and plan for a full-length sit—this is not a quick dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered and free street parking on Damen and nearby side streets; generally manageable on weeknights but tighter on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine if polished, but most diners dress up a bit.
Noise level: Low to moderate—intimate room where you can easily hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Reservation-only; walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner service only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—with advance notice, the kitchen can accommodate a vegetarian tasting menu.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with advance notice, but expect fewer courses and less menu flexibility.
Gluten-free options: Yes—with advance notice; several courses can be adapted, but full accommodation should be discussed when booking.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re both committed to a longer, quieter evening—this is intimate and conversation-friendly but high-commitment in time and price.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. This is a reservation-only tasting menu, and most seats are spoken for in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? No—this is best for adults and special occasions rather than children.
Best For
Better for: A focused, intimate tasting-menu experience with distinctive Filipino-Cuban flavors and thoughtful pacing.
Skip if: You want à la carte flexibility, a faster meal, or a more casual, budget-friendly night out.