Smyth
177 N Ada St #101, Chicago
(773) 913-3773
Recent Reviews
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It was a dream come true for me to eat here. Each dish is a work of art. It is like being in a movie!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Smyth’s offers excellent service and ambiance, but the creativity in the menu largely missed the mark. The trout, quail, and lamb were all undercooked to the point of being inedible, while the crab dish was let down by poor texture and a mismatched okra pairing. A so-called lobster dish arrived without any lobster, and all three desserts leaned heavily on savory elements, most notably a maitake mushroom bittersweet chocolate tart that failed to enhance the flavors. Out of twelve courses, only the caviar and avocado dishes truly impressed—an unacceptable ratio for a tasting menu at this level. Overall, a disappointing experience despite the strong setting and staff
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
At the time I went it was one of the best meals I had from a 3. I visited Alinea during the same trip and I thought Smyth beat them out on food, Alinea beat them out on flair and putting on a show.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I thoroughly enjoyed my restaurant experience here! The service from the waiters were excellent and ambience were nice. The food was crafted expertly and although there were a couple of dishes I didn’t vibe with I still enjoyed experiencing them. Each wine paired nicely with the courses and were the perfect pour. Everything just flowed naturally the entire evening. There were more dishes than what I’m posting but go try for yourself! I’m glad I was able to try this spot out in Chicago!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The pita's bread my favorite companion of every plate!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rolled into Smyth in West Loop for dinner at 6:30 pm. Opted for the classic tasting menu (~12 courses) with the mid‑tier wine pairing. Highlights: a truffle‑doughnut bite, Dungeness crab & foie dish, and some wild seasonal veg ferments. Flavors were bold and creative, vibe casual-chic with an open kitchen. Service was friendly even with the complex setup. Pricey but worth the splurge.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Service and atmosphere were great, wine pairing was awesome. Food was as quality as a top 1 star to us. Also the dessert course(s??) were shockingly weak. For probably $1700 with tax and tip for two people, I'd much rather eat at two different one star places in the city, or go to Oriole and pocket a few hundred extra.
Nice meal, but not great value.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Top eats, cozy nook!
I’ll start with the positives; the ambience, service, and staff were excellent. We enjoyed every interaction and conversation. Also, you can see how hard everyone on staff works to ensure an amazing dining experience.
That said, maybe we had unrealistic expectations given Smyth earned a third star. Our first time at Smyth, a few years back, was special and spectacular but, this time, the food just wasn’t as delicious or memorable.
Despite that, the entire experience was special and memorable largely due to the exceptional staff and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Not a 3 star experience. Food was fine, but nothing memorable or standout. Quite small portions even for a tasting menu and few dishes were simply not pleasant. Service was good and atmosphere basic. I’ve had many better experiences at lower rated restaurants. I don’t get the hype.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Best meal I've had in the US, Cara, Alissa, Dustin, Elliott, Mona, Wendy, Jordan, Ethan and Chef John and his unbelievable team of chefs truly blew us away, do not leave Chicago without eating here for a truly special one of a kind experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a wonderful evening at Smyth this summer. The menu was refreshingly creative, with several dishes capturing the essence of the season—especially those featuring floral notes. Our favorite was the lobster box, which was easily one of the most flavorful dishes we’ve ever had. The service was exceptional, and the beautifully presented courses complemented the vibrant flavors perfectly. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love the food. Very refreshing and matches the summer season well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I hosted an executive dinner at Smyth, and the entire experience was nothing short of phenomenal. From the moment we arrived, everything was smooth and intentional. The two servers and the sommelier who took care of us were incredible. They were warm, attentive, and deeply knowledgeable. They struck the perfect balance between polished and approachable, and our guests felt genuinely welcomed and cared for throughout the evening.
One moment that truly stood out was when I realized I had forgotten the conversation cards we planned to use during the dinner. Without missing a beat, the two servers helped me find materials within the hotel so I could quickly put together replacements. That level of thoughtfulness and support went above and beyond. I don’t think many restaurants would have stepped in like that.
The 11-course tasting menu was extraordinary. Every dish was executed with precision and creativity. Early in the evening, one of the passed hors d’oeuvres was a Dungeness Crab Donut. It was the second bite we had, and I’ll be honest, I was a little apprehensive at first. But after one bite, I was completely blown away. It was unlike anything I’ve ever tasted—rich, balanced, and unbelievably delicious.
And the Lone Mountain Wagyu? Absolutely unforgettable. Perfectly prepared, full of deep flavour, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. It was a true highlight of the evening.
Smyth deserves every one of its three Michelin stars and then some. Our guests couldn’t stop talking about the food, the service, and the overall experience. If you’re looking for a truly special evening, Smyth delivers on every level.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dropped about $1,200 for two on the Chef’s Menu plus the mid-tier wine pairing. The food? Wildly inventive—think truffle tostadas, uni with passionfruit, and a chocolate-kombu tart that somehow worked. Not every dish was a slam dunk, but the creativity was off the charts. Service was solid, though not quite what you'd expect at this price point. The space is cozy and unpretentious, which I appreciated. Overall, a memorable experience, but next time, I might opt for the standard tasting menu.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
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