Esmé

Chicago, US

An idiosyncratic fine diner in Lincoln Park, headed up by rising-star chef Jenner Tomaska and wife Katrina Bravo. Esmé’s modus operandi is to blur the lines between gastronomy and art. The crisp, pared-back dining room sets the scene, feeling like a gallery space itself – neat tables with mid-century chairs, parquet flooring, sculptures and contemporary art on the wall, excellent lighting. But it’s more than that, eating here is an immersive experience that sees dishes plated on tableware created for the restaurant by local artists to harmonise with the food: sculpted slate, a ceramic balloon or porcelain ‘school-lunch tray’ perhaps. It starts will small bites standing at a tall table, before you take to your seat for a 16-course degustation that showcases clever flavour combinations and precision technique, complemented by a soundtrack curated around the menu’s concept. In essence, Esmé manages to add fun and whimsy to the experience without missing a beat when it comes to the quality. You can dip a toe at the bar with top-notch cocktails and snacks like oysters, tartare or ‘Flamin’ Hot Cheeto’ – cheddar and pepper bites, while season tickets allow regulars to meet with the artists themselves across the next three menus.

Key Information

• Tasting menu from $185
• Dinner: Wed – Sun
• Visit Esmé's Website

Location

2200 N Clark St, Mid-North District, Chicago, Illinois , IL 60614