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Valhalla
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Valhalla
8.6
Valhalla runs a modern American tasting menu with a strong chef’s counter feel, turning seasonal Midwestern ingredients into playful, technique-driven plates. The experience leans more energetic than hushed, with a progression that might move from seafood to rich meat courses and polished desserts. It’s a natural pick for diners who like ambitious food without stiff formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab arroz caldo–inspired course, Scotch egg–inspired lamb dish, Seasonal composed dessert from the tasting progression
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: High-energy chef-driven tasting menu with creative, globally influenced plates.
Who should go: Diners who want ambitious food in a lively, modern room.
When to visit: Later weekend seatings for the most buzz and energy.
What to order: Full tasting, crab arroz caldo course, lamb scotch-egg riff.
Insider tip: Ask to sit near the action if you enjoy watching the kitchen plate courses.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Wicker Park can be limited during peak hours; allow extra time or consider rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — fashion-forward but not formal. Jeans are fine if styled up.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can hold a conversation, but the room has energy.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-in availability is rare during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — this is primarily a dinner experience.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Usually possible with advance notice; call ahead so the kitchen can adapt the tasting flow.
Vegan options: Very limited — this is not the best choice for strict vegan dining.
Gluten-free options: Often accommodated with substitutions if discussed in advance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s upscale and exciting without being stiff, making it great for an impressive but relaxed first date if you both enjoy tasting menus.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends. Your best shot is early weekday seatings or checking for last-minute cancellations.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — the multi-course tasting format and length make it better suited for adults and special-occasion dining.
Best For
Better for: Guests who want ambitious tasting-menu cooking in a buzzy, social environment rather than a hushed fine-dining room.
Skip if: You prefer quiet white-tablecloth formality, highly traditional cuisine, or have strict vegan dining needs.
Valhalla
8.5
Valhalla is a chef’s-counter tasting menu where a small number of seats look directly into an open kitchen turning out Nordic-leaning, seafood-forward plates. Dishes like crab arroz caldo and a scotch egg-inspired lamb course make it a destination within Wicker Park’s dining scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab arroz caldo, Scotch egg-style lamb course, Seasonal seafood tasting-course centerpiece
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A focused chef’s counter where a small team plates an inventive tasting menu built around seafood and rich, layered sauces.
Who should go: Tasting-menu fans seeking an intimate modern counter.
When to visit: Prime weekend seatings for full kitchen energy.
What to order: Tasting menu, crab arroz caldo, scotch egg-style lamb.
Insider tip: Sit as close to the center of the counter as possible to watch plating up close.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Wicker Park can be limited during peak times; allow extra time or use nearby paid garages.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and elevated outfits fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate — you can hold a conversation but expect lively energy from the open kitchen.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-in availability is unlikely.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — this is primarily a dinner-focused tasting menu experience.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Often possible with advance notice; best to confirm when booking.
Vegan options: Very limited — the menu is seafood-forward and not designed vegan-first.
Gluten-free options: Typically accommodated with advance notice, though cross-contact is possible in a small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — if your date enjoys tasting menus and interactive chef experiences. Sitting at the counter creates a shared-focus vibe that feels special but still relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. Plan ahead — the seating is limited and counter spots book out in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The multi-course format and intimate counter setup are better suited to adults.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous diners who want an up-close view of modern Nordic-leaning cooking without the formality of a traditional white-tablecloth restaurant.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte ordering, extremely quiet dining rooms, or have strict dietary restrictions that require frequent substitutions.