Truly a phenomenal dining experience at this Michelin restaurant. We had reservations in the Gallery which was fairly loud but great for a meal with friends. Dinner was interactive, fun, and lively. Service was excellent. From start to finish, the start of each course left you in anticipation of what was to come. Each dish was beautifully and uniquely presented but the food was short of amazing. Food was delicious but not mind blowing. Presentation definitely overtook the tastiness of the meal. My favorite part of the meal was the presentation of the Paint Dessert. This was such an exceptional experience and I enjoyed my time here but for the price point, I doubt I will be back on my dime. The food was tasty but didn't blow me away. I did leave here full but not overly stuffed. Overall, I would definitely recommend this place for an unforgettable dining experience. P.S. Reservations can be made on the 15th of the month, approximately 2 months in advance and are released at 11:00 AM Central Time.

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The food was phenomenal. The service, impressive. Very memorable.

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Have been wanting to go for years. Finally saved up and went with my wife. I hope I have the fortune of going again. No complaints from the service to the food to the decor. It was all perfect. Somehow lived up to the hype.

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If I could review the staff, their personal touches or personality I would give this 1 million stars. In 14 courses only four were breath taking, the rest were basic or indulgent to a flaw. At three different points when I made a face in response to what I was eating different staff members seemed to be empathizing with my experience rather than championing it on. The details of how to make a great service are alive and well but the menu seemed a little sad at times or not graduated to the three stars it claims to have. All in all I got a box on my Chicago bingo card but don't know if I could would recommend to someone else.

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I think about the tasting menu experience still! As I have told others if you can dine with Alinea or try the Gallery tasting menu, DO IT without hesitation! The dining experience is a memory that will last a lifetime. Traveling back to Chicago with the sole intent of tasting what new experiments have been concocted in their kitchen is on my list of things to do. Everything created by the extremely talented people who work there is beyond the words thoughtful. It is daring and scientifically balanced, not to mention being aesthetically stunning, and truly engages your sensory memory.

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There's no signs or lettering outside and just a black door, so we were a bit confused until someone standing outside opened the door for us. Service was exceptional throughout - can't remember another restaurant where the hosts and servers were more attentive. We were seated in the gallery with a few other parties - together at the same table initially, then reseated into our individual parties for the rest of the meal. The overall presentation and experience was spectacular - even breathtaking at some points. This is exactly what I wanted when I booked Alinea and i was very happy with this aspect. Unfortunately, the flavor and food aspect was not as consistent. I would say I extremely liked 1/3 of the dishes, thought 1/3 of the dishes were ok, and did not like 1/3 of the dishes or thought it was doing "too much". Really liked: - King crab bite: I loved the sweetness of the corn bread contrasted with the spicy ness and saltiness of the tabasco, as well as the freshness and sweetness of the king crab itself. - Explosion: Loved the saltiness of the parmesan and the truffle flavor, reminded me of a more sophisticated soup dumpling - Egg yolk side salad (from auberdines): Loved the contrast of the egg yolk creme with the flavor of the greens and whatever else was on the bite - Honey mango: My favorite savory course of the night: The lobster cracker reminded me of a better shrimp chip and i loved the slightly sweet mango sauce paired with the pork belly, lobster, and whatever else was in the bowl. Really enjoyed the uni and mango ice cream too. - Bubblegum: Thought this dish was fun to eat and i really enjoyed the flavors, wish the boba was a bit more bouncy and chewy though - Paint: Fun to watch, fun to eat, this was a whole show. Wish the flavors were more fruity instead of tea/herbally but i still loved the various textures and flavors together - Balloon: what else can be said - it's a candy balloon filled with helium. you suck in the helium, talk funny for a bit, and then eat the rest of the balloon. Did not like: Osetra: I liked the presentation of it but to be honest i just didn't enjoy the flavors with the caviar Blancmange: The flavors were just ok together but i did not particularly enjoy this Eucalyptus: Not a huge fan of olives and this dish was almost 100% olive flavors Root beer float with black truffle: strangely enough, black truffle and root beer kind of work together. only kind of - after a few bites it felt a bit weird again. Overall i loved the service, the presentation, and the atmosphere. I didn't like a lot of the flavors that were presented, and while i don't expect to like all the dishes, i feel like they were doing a bit too much for some of the dishes when simplicity would have been better. I did have a lot of fun here, and i'm glad i came

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Alinea does it all! The perfect place to celebrate, if you live in Chicago, it is a must!

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Is a Tripadvisor review really proper for a 3 * Michelin rated restaurant? I don't know, but without a doubt this was the best meal experience we've ever had. Service was outstanding, the food was phenomenal, and the staff was more than welcoming. We went as a family of 6 and had a worry that maybe the experience would be intimidating, but every person we interacted with was friendly, accommodating and welcoming. Truly at no point did we feel out of place (mixed race, mixed ages and mixed idea of dressing for dinner). Each course was explained and full of surprises on what it was, how to enjoy it and unique tastes/textures. We came unsure of what to expect and we left with smiles on our faces having had an experience of a lifetime.

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What can I say about this place that hasn't been said before? Incredible dining experience. Everything paired and was a full sense dining experience. The room table, the presentation the plates are fun and magical tax and tip and gratuity alone was about 300 for two meals and one pairing. I know people eat here all the time, but this is my once in a lifetime.

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We dined in the salon and it was very pretty. Our servers were very kind, on point and helpful. The food was unusual and mostly delicious. Our favorite was the Explosion, hot potato and Osetra. We enjoyed most all the courses with the Blancmange being our least favorite. I honestly found the Blancmange strange, and the presentation odd. The dessert was very good and the balloon was delightful. After our meal we got to take a look at the kitchen and it is quite amazing how many workers seem to function inside such a tiny kitchen. Nice dining experience for our family. This was our least favorite michelin so far.

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The service was top-notch. However, most of the food ranged from, 'meh,' to inedible. There's a palette cleanser that included olive brine and chewy orange. It was horrendous. They served a corn liquor cocktail that was nauseating. There were some bright spots. The Hot potato and the honey mango were fantastic but two out of 14 IS bad. They went through the trouble of lighting a fire on the table to warm a stuffed carrot for it to be cold. The entire meal was ornate with no pay off. I've been to some of the best restaurants in the world. This doesn't deserve to be in that. echelon. This dessert was a big show for a cucumber sandwich, freeze-dried 'sweet' with no distinctive flavors and a candied balloon. Take away the show and you're left with elements available at a mid-grade all-inclusive Caribbean resort.

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Overall -- a really fun experience! I was pleasantly surprised with how many traditional flavors the tasting included as well as more exotic things. I think it was a really good mix in that we got to experience new flavors but also familiar flavors with a creative twist. The service was excellent. The portions were also a good size. We were concerned that we'd still be hungry afterward but left very full.

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I was truly so fortunate to come to this restaurant, if the word restaurant Dan even describe the experience had at Alinea. Went with some business friends and it was amazing! Lots of tiny little courses are served and by the end it’s very filling and I could barely finish (oh but I did). Some of my favorite things I had there although I believe it’s different for everyone but I’m unsure: A yummy soup with a little cheese truffle crouton, a truffle ravioli with with a jous inside ( so it’s like the soup is inside the noodle instead of outside!!), an apple flavored candy balloon that has helium inside so everyone at the table (even the serious people) have high pitch little voices, and a delicious deconstructed banana split dessert. Everything was presented in a fun way and there’s no room for boredom even though it’s a long experience, I was just so excited and didn’t get on my phone. Additionally I must say the staff was very nice and they were joking the whole time which was good because I bet lots of people were nervous to be at such a fancy restaurant. Amazing flavors and creativity in everything you put in your mouth. And the ingredients are amazing! Some flavors in some meals that may be controversial. Expensive. I’m never gonna forget going here it was incredible. I rode home in the Uber still in shock of the experience and thinking about it, it was so amazing. The photos I linked are the photos of a strip of chicken with amazing light almost sweet flavor in the sauce, and the soup and croutons I mentioned. 🤤

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This past week we had the true privilege of having dinner (6 of us in our party) at Alinea. IMHO it really does live up to all of the well-deserved hype and superlatives. Each course was innovative and delicious, with an amazing mix of flavors, textures, and presentation. The service and staff were not only exceptional, but fun and engaging, particularly our lead server Anna. Quite possibly the best single meal I've ever had. Bravo!!

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We came for an anniversary. We had a memorable time as this was on a wish list for many years. The meals were delicious. Service was good, but we felt that the waiters were not as enthusiastic as we had hoped for.

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I have wanted to dine at Alinea ever since it opened, and the stars lined up at last. After dining at a number of Michelin 3 star establishments over the years in both Europe and the US, I am delighted to report Alinea measures up in all respects. The food, service, and presentation were wonderful. The staff demonstrated a sense of humor at times without being intrusive, which added to the experience. The wine pairings were superb.

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The main door holds no sign with its name. In fact there is no red Michelin star sign either to aware the client he is entering one of the best restaurants in the world. The Gallery serves the complete menu, with a timeline of three hours. The rooms are spacious and the tables remain well separated. The couches are very comfortable. The Gallery menu consists of thirteen courses with an excellent presentation and even better taste. Innovative and creative (one of the dishes is served in the kitchen). Fantastic. The service deserves a mention appart: in my case, Hart and Rocco were the most helpful with their advices and explanations. As a little detail, it was late and I wanted to take a taxi, but they provided me with a car to bring me back to the hotel for free. In summary, no wonder why its name is always at the top of the lists of the bests diners worldwide.

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It's hard to live up to the expectations when they are so high, but this place did it. The food, wine pairings and service were exceptional. I would not hesitate to go back.

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Has been on the bucket list to sit at the chef's table and experience Grant and the Alinea crew. Not only did it live up to expectations; it exceeded them. Every single person in that restaurant understands how excited most of us are to be there and they take true pride in showing top notch hospitality. The food was absolutely incredible and the show heightened every possible sense. We weren't sure about bringing our kids but it was my 40th bday and we decided to see how they would do. On the way home, they asked when we were going again. We cannot thank the team enough for making this experience truly unforgettable and thank you Grant for taking a quick moment to pose with us. If you haven't experience Alinea, you are missing out.

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One of the best restaurant experiences. It is more than just having a meal. The food is innovative and tasted great. Fabulous!

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From the moment we stepped into Alinea, it was clear we were in for an extraordinary culinary experience. The service was impeccable; attentive staff catered to our every need, guiding us through the evening with grace and professionalism. The food at Alinea was nothing short of incredible. Each dish was a masterpiece of presentation, with intricate designs and vibrant colors that made them too beautiful to eat. Yet, it was the unique flavors that truly stole the show. Every bite was a symphony of taste, expertly crafted to sing with joy on the palate. The chefs at Alinea have an exceptional talent for balancing complex flavors, creating dishes that are both innovative and delicious. What truly set the evening apart was the dessert, a spectacular finale crafted right at our table. Watching the chefs assemble the ingredients with such precision and artistry added an extra layer of excitement to our dining experience. It was not just a dessert; it was a performance that captivated all our senses. In summary, Alinea offered an unparalleled dining experience. The combination of amazing service, incredible food, and a mesmerizing tableside dessert performance left an indelible mark on us. Alinea is more than a restaurant; it's a culinary journey that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking flavors and experiences that go beyond the ordinary.

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One of a kind restaurant. The meal was delicious from beginning to end. The artistry of the plates is unmatched. Very good food.

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Alinea is one of the best restaurants. The food is creative. It is like art. The wines and cocktails are great too. Everything was tasty.

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My only criticism is that for the price, we did leave a bit hungry as we found the portions and the courses to be limited. The service was spectacular and they made us feel so well attended to. The ambiance is ornate and beautiful. The highlight of the meal for us was the salmon, mole and dessert table. Recommend trying this restaurant at least once or coming back for their menu which rotates depending on the season.

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As regular patrons of Alinea, we have been consistently enchanted by the extraordinary culinary experiences that this Chicago landmark offers. Alinea isn't just a restaurant; it's an avant-garde performance, a journey of the senses that transcends the ordinary definitions of dining. Chef Grant Achatz is a maestro, orchestrating a menu where each course plays its part in a grander scheme, with flavors, textures, and presentations so innovative, they challenge your perceptions and delight your palate in equal measure. The attention to detail is impeccable, with every ingredient singing in harmony, and the plating is nothing short of art. The service at Alinea matches the unparalleled quality of the cuisine, with a knowledgeable and passionate team that guides you through each act of the tasting menu with poise and expertise. The ambiance is modern, yet intimate, providing the perfect backdrop to a culinary composition that is ever-evolving. Returning to Alinea is like revisiting a favorite masterpiece, knowing you will always discover something new and exciting. It's not merely a meal; it's a celebration of culinary innovation at its peak. For those who seek an unrivaled dining adventure in Chicago, Alinea is the zenith, a beacon of inspiration and gustatory delight.

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We were greeted with great service from start to finish. The first course of French onion soup was served with a fire show which was amazing. Overall we really enjoyed everything and our add on white truffle dish. There was totally more than enough food because when we got to the last 2 courses I was already full. The dessert performance was awesome and tasted a lot better eating from the table. The levels of flavors in each dish gave character to each dish. I would say this is totally worth the try and would recommend getting a beverage pairing as well.

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I also think no one dining here reads reviews or cares lol. I'm a huge foodie and anytime I travel to others states or countries I look for the best spots to eat. I live in nyc and have been to Chicago multiple times and have been on a waiting list for this restaurant each time. This time I finally got a reservation but in the "saloon", not really sure what that meant. Still was so excited to eat here and heard all about it and the chef and what an amazing experience. I may not be very wealthy and I saved up to take my friend who lives in Chicago here for her birthday. The moment we walked in we noticed the carpet on the floor and it gave us such an old school steakhouse vibe(not what we were looking for or expecting) then we were seated in a small room with a table of 8 or 10 ppl and next to an elderly single man dining alone who was talking to himself and also me and my friend. We were laughing it off and trying to ignore him, but between him and the large table it was extremely difficult to hear what the staff was instructing us to do and how to eat the servings. We also told our waiter it was my friends birthday and he brought over glasses of rosè. We said thank you and assumed it was a nice gesture or comped bc I've been to plenty restaurants that do that. We ordered a special dish they had that night and one drink each. We paid extra on the bill for that and they updated my emailed receipt. Later that day I was charged 200$ for a bottle of rosè I did not order. I also have to add I own a wine and liquor store and knew how cheap that bottle was. When I emailed they just reimbursed half of the extra charge and didn't apologize or treat me like a person. It was an extremely disappointing experience. The waiter also said they don't change their menu a lot and the dessert is always the same and the star of the show. Most of their dishes are accompanied by fancy and outlandish bowls or plates to try to make the food taste better. One dish was an actual cracker and cheese that was almost inedible to me and my friend. Last time I was in Chicago I ate at Ever, and I was blown away. The tables are very far apart and the staff gave me a personal and amazing experience. The plates were plain and it was really about the food. There was no carpet and it was sleek and clean and a beautiful dining experience. There was no hidden charges or rudeness. Highly recommend ever over this place when looking to fine dine in Chicago. Sorry not sorry.

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The introduction to the dining experience began with a dimly lit communal table that was set ablaze as the first courses were being presented. We were pleasantly surprised throughout the evening. It was a literal performance of different dishes, presentations, and even music. The portions were nothing but generous. To be honest, there were some dishes that didn't hit the mark. Borderline inedible, from a taste standpoint. I get that it's difficult to come up with such a broadly creative menu that appeals to all palettes but some of the courses were too far reaching. Even for me and I consider myself an adventurous eater. Overall, this was a great first time experience at Alinea. Would we come back? Probably not. But we will definitely recommend it to others.

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In the 13 years since my last visit, the restaurant has been made over and I have "matured." Despite some real wow moments, ultimately I was disappointed this time around. I think the focus has veered too far from deliciousness to experimental. Many of the courses were visually and experientially stunning but just not that tasty. Of course, as is expected, I was given a menu of what I ate and drank that evening. When I got home and reviewed it, it was the wrong menu - an inexcusable gaffe. I contacted the restaurant and they promised to get me the correct one but it had been a month and I don't have it yet.

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So if you're a foodie--this place is top tier in fine dining in Chicago! You haven't seen anything until dining here. I e been a couple of times and am always wowed. Mind blowing presentations and umteen courses! Small plates but there are so many and soooo ridiculously full of flavor you'll be stuffed. My favorite was meeting Grantz and the edible balloons for desserts paired with wonderful music and atmosphere. Expect to shell out at least $500+ and there is quite a waitlist so RSVP. I believe you have to book like 2 months in advance and booking is limited.

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By far the, worst Michelin star restaurant I've ever been to let alone three star. The staff were obnoxious. Half of the dishes were mediocre. One I spat out. Nothing was perfect.

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I was so excited for my first 3 star Michelin Restaurant experience! We reserved seats in the Saloon and were put on the waitlist for the gallery but no luck. I've been globe trotting and dining at various Michelin Star restaurants, but this would be my first 3 star restaurant and Alinea is just so well known i was ready to get my mouth tantalized by Chef Grant Achatz! I mean read up on him. He apparently can't taste because he was diagnosed with tongue cancer. Crazy right? Any way I'm sad to report the food was fun but I was not impressed with the menu items. I got the wine pairing and the fish and chips came with a Guinness. I hate beer! The best part was the interactive art piece of dessert and the helium filled taffy balloons. I would give the service, presentation, and the techniques 5 stars but the food took a backseat to all of this.

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An incredible experience from start to finish. Fun and adventurous, the food was delicious, approachable and thoughtfully presented. Touring the kitchen was memorable and the staff were knowledgeable and engaging.

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