EL ideas

Unforgettable meal for the wrong reasons. 2/9 courses we thought were good on this December night in 2023. Past those two there was not much to be excited about. The second course smelled and tasted like cat food. I'm not embellishing that fact. Many in the dining room had a hard time getting through the dish. The course was scallop on top of chopped beef tongue with a gravy gelatin. There was no coming back from that dish so early into the meal. Even after a very nice smoked scallop dish that followed. Their signature fries and milkshake hits that nostalgic flavor memory. Overall the meal was bad. A lot of the components on the dishes didn't go well together. We wouldn't return.

This was a unique Michelin restaurant. Parking can be limited if you decide to drive. When you walk in, it’s not luxurious or sumptuous looking, this makes you feel like you’re at a friend’s house. You’re just hanging out, letting your friends cook for you. They took my coat and hanged it up for me. Seating is limited. Food was very creative, innovative, and tasty. The menu changes so it’ll never be the same as the past year’s except for the shake and fries course. That one will always stay on. Dress code is casual/dressy but at least make yourself look presentable. Definitely do better than a t shirt. The staff was very friendly and service was great.

Came here for me and my partner’s anniversary and had a really wonderful time. We were able to sit in the kitchen area, which was particularly fun being close to the action and within our own little nook of the space. The food was phenomenal across the board and the staff was lovely. What’s unique here is that they encourage a sort of “dinner party” vibe and to explore the space. Very fun! Try and find the humorous surprises/“Easter eggs” throughout the space. Overall a wonderful experience.

FANTASTIC RESTAURANT & EXPERIENCE! It is important to note that this is very unlike a typical Michelin Star experience in that the restaurant, its locations, and interior vibe has much more of a familial and intimate feel vs. most fine dining restaurants that are much more sterile and impersonal comparatively. Thus, we found this unique atmosphere to be very refreshing and welcomed. That being said, my wife and I having experienced several Michelin Star restaurants both stateside and in Europe, EL ideas is easily one of our top favorites that easily rival 3-star Michelin Star restaurants in our book! The staff was very accommodating and eager to please with dietary restrictions, dining preferences, and even with providing my wife and I a kitchen-side table in celebration of our wedding anniversary and her birthday. The quality of the food was excellent. Very good combinations of flavors, textures, temperatures, acidity, etc. It was clear that the head chef had painstakingly taken the time to experiment and test out various combinations to master the final versions of the dishes present on their tasting menu. Even the presentation was well-thought out and creative in the logistics of consumption (with one dish actually lacking any utensils and was required to be consumed with your mouth straight to the plate). Very thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the highly thought-out experience for the customer. Thinking back, I honestly don’t think that there was a single dish that we did not like or only found to be mediocre. This is quite rare for a tasting menu since most will have at least 1 dish that doesn’t quite hit the mark. With respect to service, dishes for all guests were created and presented simultaneously so that all guests could experience each course together. This further lent to the very intimate and hospitable environment. Overall, EL ideas was worth every penny and we absolutely plan on returning the next time we are in Chicago!

It was a spectacular experience dining in EL ideas. The chef welcomed everyone like his friends. He encouraged us to walk around, take pictures, talk to the staff and chat with other customers. The food was amazing, blending with different cultures. My favorite was the octopus, it was a very bold Japanese fusion, smoothly combining spicy and sweetness. It’s not a typical fancy Michelin restaurant, but an inviting, warm, small place that gathers foodies and explorers.

Two couples celebrating an anniversary. First, the reservation process, once you made it past the individual diner input, was easy. Relaxed and very friendly. Questions answered very quickly through email. We understood the individual diner questions and it was very helpful as we had one person who did not eat any seafood. The chefs were wonderful accommodating that for every course. The food was interesting and unique exactly what we wanted...an experience. All while still being familiar. Particular highlights were the chicken dumpling and the sausage that was part of the "Greek" entre. The only dish that none of us enjoyed (and sent finish) was the scallop. 3 of us love scallops and there was something about the shaving and the flavors that just weren't our thing. With so many incentive course, there were plenty of other options to enjoy. Parking close can be challenging; we made sure to arrive early. BYOB and we had multiple bottles to enjoy with what was served. It's an experience. Once, wouldn't do it again. For our purposes to celebrate 40 years in a unique for a couple who has everything it worked out perfectly. As an aside...theusic next door at the outdoor bar...was excellent.