Les Nomades

CLOSED
$$$$ •

About Les Nomades

Les Nomades provides a refined French gastronomic experience with traditional dishes, attentive service, and a lovely atmosphere. Guests often highlight the fish dishes and crème brûlée as favorites. The restaurant is known for its jacket requirement, creating a more formal setting for food lovers. The service is flawless, with knowledgeable and friendly staff ensuring a very enjoyable meal. The food at Les Nomades is described as a "culinary curtsy," featuring dishes like the soft-shell crab, scallop and lobster salad, and the loup de mer (sea bass), all expertly prepared. Many guests feel that time seems to stand still here, with a sophisticated ambiance that makes diners feel special from start to finish. Despite many years of operation, it still feels fresh and remains one of the best restaurants in Chicago, even after the original chef's retirement. Visitors often mention the Champagne upon arrival and the finishing Grand Marnier soufflé as highlights. The complex flavors of dishes like the caviar surprise, paired with great wines, delight guests, with meals plated with tender care, such as the perfectly sliced peach in salads. Recent reviews praise the excellent service and food, describing the melding of flavors as being like being swaddled in cashmere and noting the elegance of the room, which feels like visiting royalty. The staff consistently exceeds expectations, making every visit a memorable experience. Some reviews mention that the waitstaff can sometimes be hurried, with awkward motions and a lack of detailed dish descriptions, but overall, Les Nomades remains a "très special, très old, très worth it" place where visitors are encouraged to enjoy the refined ambiance and a classic French dining experience.