Our Reviews
Review from Rick R
I was searching for a nice French restaurant and searched Yelp for one and stumbled across this restaurant that Yelpers seemed to like. I read the review from Mankow, a Yelper I follow and decided on Marchesa.
How do they say it in French? This place was (superb) SooooooPairb! Elegant and comfortable surroundings without it being too stuffy. Service also superb! Thank you Jeffrey (our server) for making our experience a good one! We started with Jeffrey's recommendation of the steak tartar, a clear winner of a starter. Also tried something different and equally delicious: a caviar parfait--A delectable mix of smoked salmon roe and creamy deliciousness served with toast points
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Entrees all were classically French and hey, we saved the expense of flying to Paris!
The Coquilles St. Jacques (sea scallops), Duck, lamb chops, and Branzino (although not entirely French) but prepared oh so a la Francaise were all magnifique!
What a find! I hate to say this without ruining this place but dare I say it? Yes, probably the best French restaurant in town!
Review from Swati B.
This place is outstanding. From the moment we walked in to the moment we left the service was spectacular. The dining room was a bit full soon as we got there, we did not mind going to the champagne cave downstairs where it was quieter and cozy. Niki the bartender was fabulous to speak to and the hostess just set us up at a private table downstairs for dinner.
Everything we ate was delicious I highly recommend the beet salad and my friend had the lobster bisque and said it was amazing. Being vegetarian the only option entree for me was a pasta dish which was really delicious it was light yet decadent at the same time and it was evident that it was house-made pasta. My friend had the steak and raved about it as well. The dessert we had was a chocolate moose in a pot... Omg. heaven on Earth I really enjoyed my time eating here and I want to come back another time to enjoy the wine list and the champagne cave again. I really enjoyed my service I highly recommend this place for a special occasion or anytime you want fine dining because that is exactly what this place is!
Review from L.C
Went back for a second, much-anticipated visit to Marchesa. Could it possibly be as good as I remembered? Would it please my hard-to-impress food and wine snob friend from Napa? The answers: yes and yes. Minds blown, palates pleased. We started at the bar with chilled glasses of Antinori white wine and surveyed the sexy but surprisingly quiet Saturday night scene. The velvet chairs, the flamboyant floral arrangement, the lip-shaped banquettes, the art and lighting, and muffled conversations punctuated by laughter and clinking glasses. We were seduced by the ambience. The food made good on the promise. We started with the caviar parfait, a decadent goblet layered with salmon, minced egg and topped with caviar, with toast points on the side. We paired this perfection with a glass of Taittinger Champagne. Our only complaint was that the tiny spoons couldn't dish up the ingredients fast enough: we resorted to using our salad forks. The main courses: filet mignon medium rare, hot, tender and buttery for my friend. And for me scallops on a bed of purple Peruvian mashed potatoes. They were indescribably sweet, with a tender texture and a delicate crust of something cheesy. We were running out of oohs and ahhs when chef Mark Sabee stopped by the table: he must have seen the pleasure on our faces, because he comped our after dinner drinks. We had the 20 Year Port, and my friend insisted on the cheese plate which was no simple matter: Saint Angel, Basque and Manchego cheeses arrived with raisins, fruit compote and toast. The bottom line: we had eaten at other places with much more celebrated reputations and had not had this level of food, wine and service anywhere at any price. May Marchesa live long and prosper.
This is the sexiest new restaurant in Chicago and I cannot wait to go back. The minute you set foot in the elegant main room you feel you are in good hands, surrounded by art and welcomed warmly by staff. The seating is plush, the lighting flatters, and the menu is flawless. Our table ordered the Marchesa salad, foie gras, filet mignon, lamb chops and I wanted a light supper so I had an appetizer, smoked salmon with toast points. Perfection! Also on the menu: steak frites, branzino and orrechiette pasta. Something for everyone as well as an inventive cocktail and wine list. Thank you Jason and Catherine for a delightful dining experience and best wishes for a long and prosperous run.
Review from Racheal S.
Marchesa may very well be one of my new favorite restaurants in Chicago! When I heard about Marchesa opening, I was super excited to try it. About a month after opening, I finally was able to take the time to see what the hype was about, and I was not disappointed.
The space is elegant and beautiful. On the street, look for lush purple curtains that will invite you into the restaurant - there is not a large sign to indicate the restaurant's placement on the street. When you walk in, the space is beautifully and luxuriously decorated. The host offered to take our coats, which was a major plus for the cold winter evening. We were seated along the wall, and were not seated directly next to another group.
As for food, we started with the Shrimp Jovan. The garlic butter sauce was to die for and it is served with sour dough bread to dip in the extra butter sauce. For my entree, I ordered the Risotto di Zucca Violina. This was one of the best dishes I have had in a long time - absolutely delicious! I couldn't even finish the large portion, despite loving every bite.
The basement is a wine cellar and bar. It is a small, quaint place to go for a before-dinner drink (or after-dinner if you want to keep the night going!). I only walked through the cellar after my dinner, but I very much look forward to returning here and starting the evening in the cellar.
Review from Chris, Chicago Concierge
I wanted to express my gratitude for creating an absolutely magnificent dining experience for my high-end clients last evening from AON.
They so appreciated the beauty of their surroundings and the fine wine selection that was made for them.
They, in addition, shared just how sensational the cuisine was presented and tasted.
Above all, they mentioned how brilliantly their selections were served. Jeffrey was extremely observant in that the focus of their visit was to hold an intimate discussion.
The service was not rushed or the least bit intrusive which is so often the case, but rather, seemed as if the entire experience was tailored to their needs.
Lastly, I not only want to express my gratitude, but I also wish to convey that we now have extreme confidence in recommending your venue our guests.
It means so very much in our business when the ownership not only appreciates the luxury level, but also honors the esteemed concierge profession.
Sincere thanks and best wishes and congratulations on your continued success!