I got to be honest, I didn't actually eat at Talbott Cucina. I want to be fair and not criticize their food, since I didn't have any, but I will comment on the rest. I made a reservation on OpenTable (and even confirmed it two days before), then, when I arrived on the day and at the time of my reservation, apparently the restaurant itself is closed for remodeling, so the hotel moved all restaurant operations into a tiny (think 30 people max) room off the lobby. When I got there, I went to the hostess to check-in and she said "that's weird, we haven't been taking reservations for a while." She told me they are seating people in the lobby chairs and would bring me coffee and water. While I sat for a couple minutes, I heard the hostess tell another arrival that it would be about an hour wait due to space limitations. I decided at that time to leave since I was not going to wait an hour for my reserved time and sitting in a plush chair in a crowded lobby with coffee didn't sound like an ideal start. I do want to emphasize a couple things, though: 1) the space they used, while cramped, was cute and 2) the hostess really did the best she could with an otherwise unfavorable situation. I just don't get how OpenTable reservations haven't been closed down yet, or how they aren't being honored by Talbott Cucina, if construction has been going on for some time now. There's no way I was the first person to tell them I had a reservation...
AshleyS
Ambience was nice and cozy. Wasn't too loud and esthetically pleasing. Service was good and fairly attentive. Some folks at our table had about half of their food left that they were hoping to take home, and their plates were taken without asking whether they planned to take what they had left. It was done so quickly they didn't have a chance to make the request. Also, felt like we were being rushed out near the end even though it wasn't busy and it was still an hour before close.
PatriciaW
Initial impression was it's just a hotel bar kitchen! Boy were we wrong! Ordered off the menu delicious eggs and Mediterranean omelet with a side of salad and compote of fruit and cream with just enough cream! Tasty tea to rival any barista with steamed skim milk and honey. Perfect breakfast on a cold day! Will definitely return!
Rhonda F.
What a great secret hideaway in a boutique hotel in the Gold Coast/Magnificent Mile neighborhood. We loved everything! While on a staycation with a friend visiting from Charleston, we stayed at The Talbott Hotel. The boutique feel transferred in to the lobby level restaurant. Small, cute and bustling. Who knew??? We expected it to be quiet and empty but it was the opposite. Big windows facing Delaware Street allowed a gorgeous view of the tree lined street. Twinkle lights on the trees gave a magical atmosphere. The big comfy chairs have a lounge feel. The atmosphere was perfect. Our cocktails were crafted with an expert touch. We ordered the mezze plate and salmon. Everything was fresh and delicious. When you order the mezze plate you get to choose 3 dips. That was a nice touch to let us create our own mood with the veggies. The host was very nice and helpful. He was so pleasant as we waited for our table. Our server continued the good vibe. Overall, the staff really added to the positive experience. The atmosphere, staff and cuisine will definitely bring me back, even when I'm not staying at the hotel.
Toni B.
I LOVE this restaurant! It is part of the Talbott hotel and it fits in beautifully. I have eaten there several times (breakfast, apps/drinks, and dessert) and have yet to be disappointed. The service is wonderful, and it seems to be the same great staff every time I come to dine there. The Meze Platter is my favorite!!! My daughter loves their chocolate walnut cake, which I would have to agree is delicious. Their breakfast is awesome, and I love that you can substitute impossible sausage patty with your breakfast. They have an adorable bar area and plenty of seating in the bar and dining area. You can make reservations but we have not needed to. If you are not staying at the hotel, there is valet available! Great spot to check out even if you aren't staying at the hotel!
Our server was very friendly but really that was the highlight. Brunch was underwhelming and the coffee was cold/lukewarm at best. We were there to experience breakfast with Santa but have no plans to return.
alexg
After being treated rudely by a customer the staff apologized and made the situation better. very nice place amazing staff kids food could of been better but my brunch burger was amazing!
Tubal-Cain Nett
Loved the experience! The ambiance of the place is amazing and incredibly relaxing. Our server James was incredible and helped me navigate through the menu options.Perhaps the lamb meatball could have a little more flavor.Had the burger and the shrimp entree. Both amazing.Pear salad was outstanding.Drinks were great.Walnut chocolate cake was amazing, no holds were barred in making it. Was a great top off for a great meal.This place is very underrated.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
BRMG
Very helpful Server, possibly overworked but still attentive. We come here every year before the Chanticleer concert at 4th Pres. We'll be back! Great food, nice wine selection. Couldn't ask for more!
Bailey Crush
Literally my favorite people in the world! Every staff member at Cucina is super sweet and accommodating! Nikka and Steve rock as well as everyone else.The bar is a great atmosphere and drinks are always made to perfection. The patio is also perfect in the summer, especially for happy hour! On weekdays, they have great happy hour cocktails, which are all under 8 dollars each. One of my favorite Chicago hidden gems.
We hosted 22 of our family here for dinner. We had such a great time in the space. We were sitting at several of the the tables and were able to visit and snack at the same time. The service was great and the food was timed really well. We will be back for sure. Love the staff and the whole vibe of the space. Urban spot with classic service. Thanks!
Jacob Vande Walle
Stopped by for a quick drink on their patio. The drinks were good, the service was nice. The vibes were decent as well. Overall, not a bad stop, what would have made it better is if they had some music to set the mood, and their small plate options left a little to be
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Laura Egli
Once the server saw we had a voucher for a complimentary breakfast, he rudely walked away, said he’d be back and then avoided taking our order until I had to flat out ask another server who was kind enough to help us. We were never checked on and saw another table sit down and leave due to lack of service. Food was okay, but not great.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
Mike A
Rude waiter, food was mediocre, long waits when the restaurant wasn’t near full. Charging $5 on top of a meal for drip coffee is insane. Go somewhere down the street instead.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
Sarah Swank
I had a delicious artisan cheese board here, and a few drinks at happy hour. Lovely outdoor ambience (spare the loud noises of Chicago which can’t be blamed on the hotel).
I got to be honest, I didn't actually eat at Talbott Cucina. I want to be fair and not criticize their food, since I didn't have any, but I will comment on the rest. I made a reservation on OpenTable (and even confirmed it two days before), then, when I arrived on the day and at the time of my reservation, apparently the restaurant itself is closed for remodeling, so the hotel moved all restaurant operations into a tiny (think 30 people max) room off the lobby. When I got there, I went to the hostess to check-in and she said "that's weird, we haven't been taking reservations for a while." She told me they are seating people in the lobby chairs and would bring me coffee and water. While I sat for a couple minutes, I heard the hostess tell another arrival that it would be about an hour wait due to space limitations. I decided at that time to leave since I was not going to wait an hour for my reserved time and sitting in a plush chair in a crowded lobby with coffee didn't sound like an ideal start. I do want to emphasize a couple things, though: 1) the space they used, while cramped, was cute and 2) the hostess really did the best she could with an otherwise unfavorable situation. I just don't get how OpenTable reservations haven't been closed down yet, or how they aren't being honored by Talbott Cucina, if construction has been going on for some time now. There's no way I was the first person to tell them I had a reservation...
Ambience was nice and cozy. Wasn't too loud and esthetically pleasing. Service was good and fairly attentive. Some folks at our table had about half of their food left that they were hoping to take home, and their plates were taken without asking whether they planned to take what they had left. It was done so quickly they didn't have a chance to make the request. Also, felt like we were being rushed out near the end even though it wasn't busy and it was still an hour before close.
Initial impression was it's just a hotel bar kitchen! Boy were we wrong! Ordered off the menu delicious eggs and Mediterranean omelet with a side of salad and compote of fruit and cream with just enough cream! Tasty tea to rival any barista with steamed skim milk and honey. Perfect breakfast on a cold day! Will definitely return!
What a great secret hideaway in a boutique hotel in the Gold Coast/Magnificent Mile neighborhood. We loved everything! While on a staycation with a friend visiting from Charleston, we stayed at The Talbott Hotel. The boutique feel transferred in to the lobby level restaurant. Small, cute and bustling. Who knew??? We expected it to be quiet and empty but it was the opposite. Big windows facing Delaware Street allowed a gorgeous view of the tree lined street. Twinkle lights on the trees gave a magical atmosphere. The big comfy chairs have a lounge feel. The atmosphere was perfect. Our cocktails were crafted with an expert touch. We ordered the mezze plate and salmon. Everything was fresh and delicious. When you order the mezze plate you get to choose 3 dips. That was a nice touch to let us create our own mood with the veggies. The host was very nice and helpful. He was so pleasant as we waited for our table. Our server continued the good vibe. Overall, the staff really added to the positive experience. The atmosphere, staff and cuisine will definitely bring me back, even when I'm not staying at the hotel.
I LOVE this restaurant! It is part of the Talbott hotel and it fits in beautifully. I have eaten there several times (breakfast, apps/drinks, and dessert) and have yet to be disappointed. The service is wonderful, and it seems to be the same great staff every time I come to dine there. The Meze Platter is my favorite!!! My daughter loves their chocolate walnut cake, which I would have to agree is delicious. Their breakfast is awesome, and I love that you can substitute impossible sausage patty with your breakfast. They have an adorable bar area and plenty of seating in the bar and dining area. You can make reservations but we have not needed to. If you are not staying at the hotel, there is valet available! Great spot to check out even if you aren't staying at the hotel!
Our server was very friendly but really that was the highlight. Brunch was underwhelming and the coffee was cold/lukewarm at best. We were there to experience breakfast with Santa but have no plans to return.
After being treated rudely by a customer the staff apologized and made the situation better. very nice place amazing staff kids food could of been better but my brunch burger was amazing!
Loved the experience! The ambiance of the place is amazing and incredibly relaxing. Our server James was incredible and helped me navigate through the menu options.Perhaps the lamb meatball could have a little more flavor.Had the burger and the shrimp entree. Both amazing.Pear salad was outstanding.Drinks were great.Walnut chocolate cake was amazing, no holds were barred in making it. Was a great top off for a great meal.This place is very underrated.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very helpful Server, possibly overworked but still attentive. We come here every year before the Chanticleer concert at 4th Pres. We'll be back! Great food, nice wine selection. Couldn't ask for more!
Literally my favorite people in the world! Every staff member at Cucina is super sweet and accommodating! Nikka and Steve rock as well as everyone else.The bar is a great atmosphere and drinks are always made to perfection. The patio is also perfect in the summer, especially for happy hour! On weekdays, they have great happy hour cocktails, which are all under 8 dollars each. One of my favorite Chicago hidden gems.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
We hosted 22 of our family here for dinner. We had such a great time in the space. We were sitting at several of the the tables and were able to visit and snack at the same time. The service was great and the food was timed really well. We will be back for sure. Love the staff and the whole vibe of the space. Urban spot with classic service. Thanks!
Stopped by for a quick drink on their patio. The drinks were good, the service was nice. The vibes were decent as well. Overall, not a bad stop, what would have made it better is if they had some music to set the mood, and their small plate options left a little to be
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Once the server saw we had a voucher for a complimentary breakfast, he rudely walked away, said he’d be back and then avoided taking our order until I had to flat out ask another server who was kind enough to help us. We were never checked on and saw another table sit down and leave due to lack of service. Food was okay, but not great.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
Rude waiter, food was mediocre, long waits when the restaurant wasn’t near full. Charging $5 on top of a meal for drip coffee is insane. Go somewhere down the street instead.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
I had a delicious artisan cheese board here, and a few drinks at happy hour. Lovely outdoor ambience (spare the loud noises of Chicago which can’t be blamed on the hotel).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5