PERILLA fare
401 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
(312) 243-3344
Recent Reviews
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Felt over priced for what I got and the order of the service was bad. Appetizers came after main courses the table was over crowded with dishes and the flavors where not as good as others I've had.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Thank you so much for making my fiancé's bday special. We really appreciated your handwritten bday wishes from your staff and ice- cream/champagne. Delicious food and friendly staff.
Had a wonderful dinner! The tasting menu was really fab and learned that the owner's mom home makes the kimchi - it was extremely tasty. Can't recommend this place enough if you're looking for higher-end KBBQ!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is outstanding. Out waitress stayed with us the whole time and was extremely attentive to everything we needed. The food is some of the best Korean bbq I've ever had and the dessert was delicious. My kids were asking me to go back there the very next day. Incredible experience and amazing food.
July 25, 2025
I have never left a review before, but I feel strongly inclined to make an exception and share my experience. The meal was immaculate from start to finish, the space and staff were warm and welcoming, and the deft service made me feel like a pampered prince. They have the juiciest and tastiest Korean meat in town, and I certainly couldn't beat this meat in my own kitchen. The server, Eunsoo, was exceedingly professional; she gingerly handled my tender meat with the utmost care while firmly standing on business. Her service was so thorough that I had completely forgotten that I was there to eat. In fact, I would go as far as to say that Eunsoo is the most knowledgeable, amiable, talented, confident, humorous, charismatic, considerate, humble, patient, generous, graceful, elegant, stylish, flawless, and genetically-blessed server in the whole world, and anyone who thinks otherwise is likely a knuckle-dragging troglodyte. Also, they have really nice hand soap.
This is an unbiased review submitted by an unaffiliated individual.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Contemporary setting. Very good quality food and service from the staff. That is rare nowadays. Definitely worth the hour long drive.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Perilla is one of those rare restaurants that manages to feel both incredibly personal and effortlessly cool. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the warm energy of the space — not just from the modern, art-forward interior (more on that later), but from the people.
The hostesses and waitstaff were genuinely outstanding — accommodating, intuitive, and impressively well-versed in the menu. Their guidance throughout the meal made a huge difference and set the tone for what turned out to be an exceptional evening.
I’ll admit, I was a little bummed to miss out on getting a seat at Nokori - their handroll bar — clearly a hot ticket, and for good reason. (Pro tip: make your reservation early!) Nevertheless, the menu at Perilla quickly turned that regret into excitement.
One of the highlights was the beet tartare, served with perilla leaves for wrapping. This dish was both visually stunning and texturally complex — earthy, lightly seasoned beets with the egg yolk jam and crunch of crumbled pistachios, all wrapped in the herbaceous, slightly minty bite of perilla. It was thoughtful, refined, and deeply satisfying — the kind of dish that redefines what plant-forward can be.
The blistered shishito peppers were another standout — charred to perfection, with that elusive mix of smokiness and umami, and anchored by the salty crunch of crispy anchovies and toasted almonds that gave each bite a delicious depth. It’s a small plate that punches well above its weight.
And then, the soondubu — a rich, comforting bowl of silken tofu with shortrib, mushrooms and soft egg, swimming in a spicy, savory broth that was both grounding and bold. It felt traditional in its soul, but elevated in execution. A dish that warms you from the inside out and makes you feel at home without ever having it before.
Adding to the sensory experience is the captivating artwork of David Heo, which lines the space with bold colors, layered narratives, and a modern cultural lens that mirrors the food itself. His work gives Perilla an unmistakable character — contemporary, expressive, and unmistakably Korean-American.
Perilla isn’t just about great food — it’s about intention, atmosphere, and care in every detail. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, you’ll feel like you’re in the hands of a team that truly loves what they do. I’ll definitely be back — and next time, I’m nabbing that seat at Nokori.
Shoutout to my bartender and server that sent over an unexpected sip of prosecco to go with my neat mezcal pour ... salud!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
The host and server were friendly but service was so so as server kept forgetting to bring us certain things and even if they didn’t forget it will take forever to bring something very simple. The meat quality was decent but also pricey for what you’re getting. The flavor itself was mediocre. Not sure if I’d return myself but if others want to go maybe.
We had a fantastic meal yesterday, and each time I’ve been to Perilla it’s been a great time. The food is fun to share, the environment is cool, and the cocktails we ordered were balanced and tasty.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Perilla is terrific! Delicious and interesting food, classy space, attentive service, friendly staff... much respect. Grateful for the experience that we have here every time.
Restaurantji Recommends
Innovating experience with a korean barbecue Great food and very helpful and concerned waitresses Just a little bit noisy
As per expectations. The reception person is really fun and very good conversation. I will recommend this restaurant.
This was our second visit to Perilla.We ordered the yum yum chicken wings (Twice)! ,& from the grill pork belly and Short rib .The kids loved it & since I was a vegetarian I got Beef fried rice with Beef on the side which my kids happily ate! The matcha dessert was delish! We were short on time as we had other commitments else we wud have ordered the other dessert as well.The service was fantastic,our server explained us everything very well. Friendly & Suave .Memorable evening Indeed .
Perilla is absolutely the best expression of Korean bbq in the US, with elegance, modernity and a bit of whimsy that doesn't show itself in LA or NY. A hidden Korean-Chicagoan gem.
We had an excellent time at PERILLA fare. My husband and I celebrated our Wedding Anniversary for dinner. The staff was very attentive and made us feel like our experience was very unique and individualized for us.
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